If you’ve ever dreamed of living out your #vanlife fantasies, then this video is definitely for you. It comes our way courtesy of Thomas Ricker, who serves as the Deputy Editor at The Verge, one of the premier tech websites on the internet. Last year, he bought a van and proceeded to outfit it with everything needed to keep him, his wife, and their dog comfortable and happy on the road. Now, Ricker is sharing his insights and experience with others to help them pursue their vanlife goals, too.
As you’ll see in the clip, Ricker purchased a Mercedes Sprinter van to serve as a blank slate for building the Class B model of his dreams. Naturally, as a tech enthusiast and professional, he had a lot of insights into the gadgets that can make life on the road more enjoyable. Some of those proved to be great additions, while others not so much. But as you’ll see in the video, there are a number of great tips for helping remote workers and full-timers stay powered up, connected, and productive no matter where they wander.
Photo Credit: EcoFlow
One of the biggest hurdles that Ricker had to overcome was how to power everything in the van, including his laptop and other devices needed to do his job. For that, he leaned into the EcoFlow ecosystem, utilizing a Delta Pro 3 power station that is connected directly into a wiring cabinet with AC and USB power ports, along with 400W of solar charging on the roof. The battery can also be replenished via an alternator charger, which sends electricity to the device while driving. As a back-up, there are also a couple of smaller power stations from Bluetti that supplement the system.
Other topics of discussion include how to stay connected on the road (a mix of cellular and Starlink), creating a productive workstation, staying entertained, and more. Ricker even touches on the kitchen setup in his van, as well as how he built out the plumbing, integrated smart home features, and other conveniences that enhance the vanlife experience.
Photo Credit: Mason Trinca
If you’re working on a van build of your own, or are looking for tips to upgrade your existing setup, you’ll find lots of vanlife wisdom and knowledge here. The 13+ minute clip offers nice insights into what works and what doesn’t, with some very cool gadgets that can improve your life, even when you’re at home. Hit play, and start taking notes. There is a lot to cover here.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. An avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
