When you first get your camper van, it’s tempting to buy every gadget out there. We quickly realized that less is more — but the right accessories make daily life on the road so much smoother. These are the first items we added to our Winnebago Solis 59PX camper van setup, and they’ve made all the difference.
1. Roll-Up Over-the-Sink Drying Rack
Counter space in a camper van is limited, so we looked for ways to make every inch work harder. This roll-up silicone drying rack from Walmart has been a game-changer. It sits over the sink, creating a spot for dishes, produce, or even a drying towel without taking up space you need for cooking. Since it’s made of silicone, you can set hot pots on it without it burning. When we are not using it, we roll it up and it just sits to the side. At night it adds extra countertop space next to the outlet to be able to set things like a phone or watch. It is durable, easy to store, and one of those camper van hacks that instantly makes your small kitchen feel bigger and more practical
2. Paper Towel Holder
Paper towels are a van-life essential, but without a proper spot they tend to roll around and get dirty. Mounting a paper towel holder like this one under a cabinet kept ours accessible and off the counters, which instantly made the kitchen area feel more organized. It’s a small upgrade that prevents daily frustration and makes clean-up quick. The ratchet system on this one prevents the paper towels from unwinding, but when you need them it’s still easy to pull them out. This is one of my favorite van life purchases.
3. Sink Faucet Aerator
Water is precious when you’re living in a camper van, and a simple faucet aerator can make a huge difference. It helps reduce water usage without sacrificing water pressure, so you can wash dishes and hands efficiently while stretching your water tank further. We installed this sink faucet aerator before our first long trip, and it saved us gallons over time without us even noticing a change in comfort. It’s able to swivel and you can turn it from a sprayer to solid stream. It’s a simple, but very practical item for the Solis 59PX camper van.
4. Suction Sponge Holder
No one enjoys dealing with a soggy sponge sliding around the counter. We added a suction sponge holder inside the sink, and it was one of those little things that made a surprisingly big difference. Our sponge dries between uses, the sink stays tidy, and there’s no clutter on the limited counter space. The suction is strong enough that it has held 80% of the times we drive on bumpy roads. If it does fall off, its easy enough to suction right back on.
5. Microfiber Towels
Traditional cotton towels are not very practical in a camper van because they stay damp for a long time and start to smell. We use PackTowl microfiber towels instead since they are lightweight, compact, and quick to dry. Our family keeps six in the van. Each person has a large towel with a unique design so it is easy to know which one belongs to who. We also keep a smaller towel for putting on the counter for washing dishes and another hung up for everyday drying. We plan to buy one more in a darker color to wipe up the bathroom floor after showers. They dry fast even on cloudy days, which means no more musty fabric taking up space. The PackTowl brand has become my favorite because it feels soft and natural instead of having that odd texture many microfiber towels have. These towels have truly become one of my favorite camper van essentials!
6. Silverware Divider
When drawer space is already tight, having utensils scattered everywhere is a recipe for frustration. A simple silverware divider keeps everything in its place so you can grab a spoon or fork without rummaging around. It’s one of those small organization hacks that makes your camper van kitchen feel much more functional. This simple silverware divider fits perfectly in the Solis 59PX kitchen drawer and it comes in different colors.
7. Portable Fan
Even with windows cracked open, vans can heat up fast, especially on summer nights. A portable rechargeable fan is a lifesaver, keeping air moving while you sleep and making warm evenings bearable. Ours quickly became a nightly staple, and now we never leave for a trip without it. In fact, we now have 2 which helps create a breeze throughout the fan. On the colder days, when you want to cook without opening the entire camper van door, you can crack a window and direct the fan to push the steam out the window. This portable fan has a clamp, so you can easily move it around, plus it comes with a remote, so you can control it from bed.
8. Shower Head with On/Off Switch
Showers in a van are all about water conservation, and a shower head with an on/off switch makes it so much easier. You can pause the water flow while lathering up and then quickly turn it back on to rinse. This simple feature has stretched our water tank significantly and made van showers way less stressful. It’s way better than the one that came standard on the Solis 59PX camper vans. Plus it works good enough with the current handle holder mount, so you don’t have to change that part out.
9. Compact Trash Can
Trash piles up faster than you expect in a camper van, and without a designated spot it can feel chaotic. We use a compact open trash can from Walmart that fits perfectly underneath the sink. We like having the trash out of site and away from the the main living space. It may not be glamorous, but it’s honestly one of the most-used items in our van.
10. Sink Drain Strainer
One of the easiest ways to avoid plumbing issues in your camper van is by using a simple sink drain strainer. Food scraps, coffee grounds, and even tiny bits of rice can quickly clog up your gray tank if you are not careful. We started using a sink strainer like this one on Walmart and it has saved us from countless clean-outs. This one comes in a 3-pack to ensure you get the right size. They are inexpensive, easy to clean, and fits right into the small Solis sink. We rinse it off after every meal, and it has become part of our quick dish routine. It is not glamorous, but it is absolutely one of the smartest little accessories to add on day one.
Final Thoughts
Starting your camper van journey doesn’t require a million gadgets. These eight accessories were the first things we bought, and they’ve helped us stay organized, save water, and make life on the road a whole lot easier.
👉 Once you’ve got the basics covered, you can add fun extras later — but these essentials will get you rolling.
Bonus Camper Van Accessories
Once you’ve covered the basics, there are plenty of other camper van must-haves that make life on the road even more comfortable. These are van life essentials that we’ve found worth the investment and that frequently show up in camper van checklists.
- RV Surge Protector
- RV Water Pressure Regulator
- Clothing Storage Bins
- Mattress Topper
- Outdoor Rug
- Step Stool
- Leveling Blocks
- Travel Games
👉 With these bonus items, your camper van will feel more like a tiny, functional home. Whether you’re planning short trips or full-time van life, these accessories are the difference between just getting by and truly enjoying the journey.
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