A client recently asked what to load into his new Tiffin GH1 before his first big trip, and I went to town with a shopping list.
Once I started thinking about the kitchen, bedding, snacks, and all the little things that make a van comfortable, the list grew fast. So I’m sharing it for any new van owner who wants a practical packing list for their next adventure.
This is based on what we use in our own van, including a few proven essentials I’m putting in his GH1 as a welcome-to-the-pack care package.
Start With the Kitchen
Think through a normal day of eating and drinking. How will you make coffee? What will you use to cut an apple? Where will the leftovers go?
You don’t need to bring your entire kitchen, but these basics earn their space:
- Cutting board.
- A good kitchen knife with a protective cover.
- Spatula, tongs, and a cooking spoon.
- Can opener.
- Scissors.
- A few lighters.
- Small pot and frying pan compatible with your cooktop.
- Ziploc bags in a couple of sizes.
- A few food-storage containers.
- Salt, pepper, seasonings, and olive oil.
For cooking appliances, start with what your van already has and how you like to eat. A small plug-in cooktop can be handy, but check your electrical system’s capacity before adding appliances. The same goes for a little espresso machine.
Bring Fewer Dishes
You don’t need more plates, bowls, forks, or spoons than you have mouths traveling in the van. Two people? Two of each. Do the dishes after every meal, and you’re ready for the next one.
Guests can bring their own. They’re probably camping alongside you and already have dishes in their van. You’ll save cabinet space and avoid building a collection of dirty dishes in the sink.
I also love diner-style food baskets with disposable wax-paper liners for sandwiches and snacks. Toss the liner, and cleanup is usually quick.
A few other cleanup essentials:
- Viva cloth paper towels.
- Dishwashing liquid, a sponge, and dishcloths.
- Kitchen hand towels.
- Trash bags that fit your trash can. I like scented ones.
- A Dyson vacuum with the stick attachment. This is my go-to for keeping sand, dust, and dirt under control. The stick attachment makes it easy to clean the floor without crawling around the van.
Plan Your Coffee and Water Setup
Bring the coffee setup you’ll enjoy using every morning, along with the little things it needs: coffee, filters or pods, and whatever you put in your cup.
- Coffee mugs or insulated coffee cups.
- Your preferred coffee maker.
- Coffee and any extras.
- Refillable water bottles that fit your cup holders.
Check the bottle’s base before buying. Some Stanley styles fit the Mercedes cup holders nicely, but they’re not all the same size.
Bring Bedding for the Cold Nights
Our client is joining us for the Pines to Palms rally, which means cold elevations before we get to warmer weather. I told him to bring plenty of blankets.
- Sheets that fit the bed.
- Comfortable pillows.
- Warm blankets or a suitable comforter.
- Extra pillowcases.
- A backup sheet set, if there’s room.
For clothing, pack layers: sweaters, a warm jacket, warm socks, a hat, and gloves. Slip-on shoes are also nice when you need to step outside without getting fully dressed.
Keep Toiletries Small
Travel-sized toiletries help keep a small bathroom organized. Bring what you use, but skip the giant bottles.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
- Deodorant.
- Lotion.
- Lip balm.
- Sunscreen.
- Personal medications.
- Toilet supplies appropriate for your van’s toilet.
- Dude Wipes. One of my road-trip essentials. Put them in the trash after use.
My towel pick: NOMATIC towels, the ones with “Own Less, Do More” branding. I love how lightweight and absorbent they are, and they’re easy to pack.
Don’t forget lotion and lip balm when heading toward the desert. Those are two little things I’m always glad to have.
Give Everything a Place
Big cabinets can look like endless storage until you start driving and everything shifts around.
I’m giving our client some extra organizers for his GH1’s cabinets and fridge. Smaller bins make those big spaces easier to use and help keep things accessible.
- Cabinet bins or cubby organizers.
- Fridge bins.
- Nonslip shelf liners.
- Laundry bag.
- A small doormat.
Measure before you buy, and leave a little room to figure out what works. Your storage needs will become clearer after a few nights in the van.
Make the Van Comfortable in the Evening
Soft lighting makes a difference when you’re winding down. I like LED flame lights for a warm glow without having the bright overhead lights on.
- USB charging cables for each device, plus a spare.
- A secure phone mount for driving.
- Headlamp or flashlight.
- Camp chairs.
- A small outdoor table.
- A daypack for walks and outings.
Check Your Safety and Recovery Equipment
Before buying this gear, check what’s already included with your van and what suits your vehicle and intended travel.
- Fire extinguisher.
- First-aid kit.
- Suitable jack.
- Traction boards.
- Appropriate recovery gear.
- Tire-pressure gauge.
- A way to inflate your tires.
- MORRFlate kit, if you’ll be airing down and back up.
- Axe or small hatchet, if your camping plans call for one.
- Radio for group travel.
A MORRFlate hose kit needs a compatible air source to inflate tires, so think through the complete setup. Recovery equipment also needs to match your van, and you should know how to use it before you need it.
For our Pines to Palms convoy, a GMRS radio is part of the packing list.
Don’t Forget the Food
Stock a few meals you can make easily, plus snacks you like. You don’t have to cook something elaborate every night.
- Shelf-stable snacks.
- A few easy breakfast options.
- Sandwich ingredients.
- Simple lunches.
- A couple of backup dinners.
- Sauces and condiments.
- Enough drinking water for the stretches between reliable refill stops.
Those little pantry items are easy to forget. Salt, pepper, and olive oil can make a big difference when it’s time to pull dinner together.
Before You Leave
Do a walkthrough of your van and operate the systems yourself. Make sure you’re comfortable with the heat, hot water, toilet, electrical controls, shore power, and water filling.
Confirm that you have the right hose and shore-power equipment. Download maps for areas with limited service, carry your trip details, and make a plan for your spare key.
If you can, spend a night in the van before the big trip. Make dinner, get ready for bed, and make coffee the next morning. You’ll quickly discover what you forgot.
You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the basics, bring a few things that make you comfortable, and leave room to learn what you enjoy having along.
And yes, I’d start with the Viva paper towels and Dude Wipes.
Getting your new Sprinter adventure van ready for its first trip? Come see us at Wolf Pack Overland in Woodinville, Washington. I’m always happy to talk through what’s already in your van and what you might want to bring.
GO · BUILD · LEARN · BELONG