🚐 Van Life Must Have Essentials for Driving Safe + Riding Comfy
This is the ultimate checklist of Van Life Must-Have Essentials, Accessories & Upgrades for driving safely and riding comfortably. It covers everything from the RV driver’s seat and dashboard to optional passenger-seat upgrades. If you’re wondering what you need for van life, this list highlights the most overlooked van essentials for driving — many of these items also work in other types of RVs.
We live and travel in two RVs: our Pleasure-Way van (built on a 2012–2013 Ford chassis) and a travel trailer that stays stationary in an RV park. Over the years and three vans later, we’ve tested, installed, and customized these essentials to fit our nomadic lifestyle — working on the road with five dogs and one cat! Every van (and RV setup) is different, so consider this a guide based on our experience.
>> 🚐 TAKE A TOUR of My RV Van and see all the items mentioned below here ⬇️
Van Life Cockpit & Dashboard Driving Essentials: All The Gear We Use While We Cruise…
When you’re living life on the road, your cockpit or driver’s area becomes more than just a space for driving — it’s your mobile command center, media station, workspace, and even a cozy nook. After spending countless miles on the road in our RV, we’ve dialed in the perfect setup that balances comfort, safety, function, and fun.
Here’s a complete list of our Van Life Driving Essentials: Cockpit & Dashboard must-haves, along with why each one earns its place.
Driving Essentials for Van Life: Cockpit & Dashboard
🚨 Safety & Driving Essentials
- ✅ Uniden (Speed Detector)
- ✅ Garmin (Navigation + Camera)
- ✅ Speedometer Projector
- ✅ Tire Pressure Monitor (with Bluetooth Transmitters for Tires) >> have upgraded version now
- ✅ Walkie Talkies (Motorola)
📱 Phone & Tech Gear
- ✅ Phone holders:
- ✅ 3 way 12 volt Adapter with Voltage monitor
- ✅ Phone charger (multi Charger)
- ✅ Inverter
- ✅ 3-way USB Multi-Charger for 12-volt
🛠️ Functional Add-Ons & Comfort Upgrades
- ✅ Steering wheel knob for driving and turning
- ✅ Steering wheel cover for driving
- ✅ Steering wheel cover for parking/storing
- ✅ Go Pedal for eco mode or improved performance
- ✅ Custom cut floor mat
- ✅ Massaging and Heated Seats (plugin 12-volt)
- ✅ Table / Desk Stands Adjustable for driver + passenger seats (great for computers when working as digital nomads or eating)
🧳 Storage, Lighting & Misc
- ✅ folding pop-up grocery cart
- ✅ Rechargeable Lantern / Flashlight
- ✅ Waterproof drop proof flashlights
🪟 Privacy, Insulation & Pet Proofing
- ✅ Dash board Cover
- ✅ Weather tech custom window covers (front windshield and side driver/passenger windows)
- ✅ Van Door Covers for Pets aka Paws and Claws!
>> SHOP all our Van Life Essentials in our RV STORE
Van Life Must Have Driving & Riding Essentials: What We Use + Why It Matters
🚨 Safety & Driving Essentials
🔘 Uniden R8 Radar Detector
One of the top-rated radar detectors on the market, the Uniden R8 helps us avoid unexpected speeding tickets while traveling through unfamiliar areas. It’s a peace-of-mind investment that keeps us alert on the road.
>> Check out the Uniden (Speed Detector) model R8 on our list!
📷 Garmin (Navigation + Camera)
While this Garmin model includes GPS navigation, we primarily use it for its rear-view camera function. It’s adjustable and reliable — especially when maneuvering a big rig into tight spaces. TBH, we use Google Maps or Waze on our phones for navigation! In the past, we have had a Rand McNally GPS Navigation System specific for Trucks / RVs.
>> Check out the Garmin M/n A5AVGB00 (Navigation + Camera) on our list!
📡 Speedometer Projector
Our RV is from Canada and uses kilometers. Since we live and drive in the U.S., this projector helps us easily monitor our speed in miles per hour (MPH), which is crucial for following local speed limits.
>> Check out the Speedometer Projector on our list!
🔧 Tire Pressure Monitor (Bluetooth)
We use a Bluetooth tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to keep tabs on each tire’s PSI. Maintaining proper tire pressure improves fuel efficiency and ensures safety — especially important in hot climates or during long drives.
>> Check out this Tire Pressure Monitor (with Bluetooth Transmitters for Tires) on our list!
📻 Walkie Talkies (Motorola)
Perfect for backing up, parking, or even when we split up while hiking or shopping, our Motorola walkie talkies give us instant communication without relying on a cell signal.
>> Check out the Walkie Talkies (Motorola) on our list!
📱 Phone & Tech Gear
📱 Non-Sliding Phone Holder
Originally used for navigation, now it’s our go-to for watching videos, taking hands-free calls, or recording content while stationary. It grips tightly and doesn’t slide around, even on bumpy roads.
>> Check out the Non-sliding phone holder we use to use for navigation on our list!
📌 Stick-On Phone Mounts (Driver + Passenger Side)
These mounts keep our phones secure and easily accessible for both the driver and passenger. Great for using apps, checking directions, or quickly grabbing content shots.
>> Check out these phone holders (stick on) we’ve added to our list!
🔌 3-Way 12V Adapter with Voltage Monitor
We use this to expand our cigarette lighter port into three outlets and monitor battery voltage. Perfect for plugging in fans, chargers, and small electronics while keeping an eye on our power usage.
>> Check out this 3 way 12 volt Adapter with Voltage monitor we ordered online!
🔋 Phone Chargers & USB Multichargers
We carry a multi-phone charging setup to keep all devices (phones, tablets, watches, etc.) powered at once. A 3-way USB charger fits perfectly into our mobile lifestyle.
>> Check out this Phone charger (multi Charger) we found.
>> Check out this 3-way USB Multicharger for 12-volt we found!
🔌 Inverter (for 120V plugs)
Rather than running our generator just to charge a laptop or run a fan, we use a compact inverter that allows us to plug in household 120V appliances using the RV battery. Super useful for staying off-grid longer.
>> Check out the Inverter (to plug in 120 volt plugs like our fan + Internet) without having to run the generator we use!
🛠️ Functional Add-Ons & Comfort Upgrades
🛞 Steering Wheel Knob
This little add-on makes tight turns and city driving easier — especially helpful in large Class B or C motorhomes.
>> Check out this Steering wheel knob for driving and turning on our favorites list.
🧤 Steering Wheel Covers (Driving + Parking)
We have two types: one for comfort while driving, and another to protect the wheel when parked in the sun. Keeps our hands comfortable and protects the RV’s interior from UV damage.
>> Check out this Steering wheel cover for driving on our list!
>> Check out our Steering wheel cover for parking/storing
🦵 Go Pedal (Eco or Performance Mode)
This pedal upgrade enhances acceleration or increases fuel efficiency depending on the mode we select — handy for hills or saving gas.
>> Check out the Go Pedal for eco mode or improved performance
🧼 Custom Cut Floor Mats
Designed specifically for our RV model, these mats keep dirt, mud, and pet hair contained. Easy to clean and maintain.
>> We order Weather tech for all of our Vehicles
💺 Massaging & Heated Seat Covers (12V Plug-in)
For long road days or cold mornings, these seat covers make a huge difference in comfort and muscle relaxation.
>> Check out these Massaging and Heated Seats (plug in 12-volt)!
🪑 Adjustable Table/Desk Stands
We have folding table stands that work perfectly in front of the driver or passenger seats, turning them into mini desks or dining tables. Great for computers and working on the road as digital nomads.
>> Check out these Table / Desk Stands Adjustable for both driver and passenger seats we found for the RV van!
🧳 Storage, Lighting & Misc
🧺 Folding Pop-Up Grocery Cart
This collapsible cart is perfect for hauling groceries or laundry from the parking lot to the RV. It folds down flat and tucks away easily.
>> Check out the folding pop-up grocery cart we found online!
🔦 Waterproof, Drop-Proof Flashlights
Reliable lighting is essential when boondocking. These flashlights are built to survive drops and rainstorms — we’ve used them in every condition imaginable.
>> Check out the Waterproof & drop-proof flashlights we found!
🏮 Rechargeable Lantern / Flashlight Combo
Doubles as both a lantern for campsite ambiance and a directional flashlight. Rechargeable via USB for eco-friendly convenience.
>> Check out the Rechargeable Lantern / Flashlight we picked up
🪟 Privacy, Insulation & Pet Proofing
🧊 WeatherTech Custom Window Covers (Windshield + Side Windows)
We use custom-fit reflective shades for insulation and privacy. They keep the RV cool during the summer and add a layer of protection in the winter.
>> Check out these Weather tech custom window covers (front windshield and side driver/passenger windows)
🖼️ Dash Board Cover
Not only does it protect the dash from cracking or fading, but it also reduces glare while driving.
>> Check out the Dash board Cover we picked up online!
🚪 Van Door Covers for Pets (Paws & Claws)
We love our pets, but we don’t love scratches on the van doors. These padded protectors are made for pets who like to look out the window or lean on the doors.
>> Get our Van Door Covers for Pets aka Paws and Claws!
>> SHOP all our Van Life Essentials in our RV STORE
Final Thoughts on Van Life Driving Essentials
Creating a comfortable, functional cockpit is a game-changer for van lifers and full-time RVers. Whether you’re driving cross-country or just moving from one RV park to another, the right driving essentials and cockpit upgrades can improve safety, reduce stress, and even add a little luxury to your time on the road.
These small changes really add up, making daily van life travel smoother and more enjoyable.
👉 Did we miss one of your must-have van life driving essentials? Share it in the comments — we’d love to hear what works for you!
Here’s a list of our other Van Life Essentials:
- 🚐 Van Life: Must-Have RV Kitchen Essentials, Accessories & Upgrades
- 🚐 Van Life Bedroom Essentials: My Must-Haves & Upgrades Made
- 🚐 Van Life: My Must-Have RV Bathroom Essentials + Upgrades
>> DOWNLOAD: RV Essentials Checklist for all of these Van Life Must-Haves and More!
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Related Reads:
- RV Driving School: Learning Lessons*
- Van Build Essentials You Won’t Regret Buying: 42 Van Life Essentials that Make Life on the Road Easier
- This is part of my Van Life Essentials series — check out the full checklist here.
