The weekender

These are some ideas for people who want to be able to hit the road on short notice. Perhaps you aren’t living out of your van full-time, but you use it for weekend trips or summer vacations. Your focus is probably going to be on having the essentials, such as a van bed, a kitchenette, and a place to store your belongings.

Flip-Up Bed.
Roost Vans has you covered with our Fu-kit bed system. This bed comes in a 1, 2, or 3-panels. If you plan on bringing gear such as a bicycle, we recommend adding on our Flip-up bed kit. This allows you to flip up your bed in either the front or rear, or both.. allowing you to access your storage more easily.

Compact Kitchen.
For a simple kitchen and dining solution, we suggest adding a Drivers-side Kitchen Cabinet or Passenger-side Kitchen Cabinet. These solutions are compact and easy to install. You can even add on a sink or stove and even a fridge, such as an isotherm drawer-style fridge.

Dining.
For dining solutions, we recommend looking into Lagun USA. They have some great options for van table systems. Their table mount can fold and be stored in a compact space.

Family van

If you’re traveling with a family, you’ll need a van that has enough space for everyone to be comfortable. This type of van conversion typically includes a sleeping area for the kids, a dining area, and some sort of bathroom system.

Bunk bed.
We recommend creating a bunk bed by adding a Strap-Up van bed above your regular van bed. This will allow you to sleep up to 5 people comfortably in your van. When you are no longer sleeping, you can raise your Stap-Up bed to the ceiling so it’s out of the way for the day.

Loo Bench.
Our Loo Bench is the perfect van toilet for families that are traveling with young kids, who sometimes can’t hold it in. In our experience, most van owners will opt for an alternative solution to dump their “unwanted cargo” whenever possible (rest stops, stores, campgrounds, a nice tree, or a secluded spot in the woods). It was with that in mind that we developed a solution for those times when the alternatives is not available (a midnight pee, toddler emergency, or moment when privacy outside the van is simply not feasible). The included Easy Go Toilet is easy to clean, chemical-free, and does not require electrical or water hookups. It is useable inside the cabinet, but can also be easily removed for cleaning, and/or use outside of the van. Quite simply, it is there when you need it, and invisible when you don’t. The cabinet itself is custom-formed to the toilet, and provides functional, and discreet storage, as well as space for toilet paper and other toiletries and cleaning supplies. The spring loaded, snug fit lid of the cabinet, in conjunction with the tight seal of the Easy Go Toilet minimizes unwanted odors until the contents can be dumped.

Outdoor shower.
Having a shower in your van is a great way to stay clean and refreshed while you’re on the road. But if you don’t have the space or budget for an indoor shower, an outdoor shower is a great option. We suggest purchasing a portable water heater and our Outdoor Shower Curtain that strings across both backdoors, launching soon on our website.

1. REDEFINING ADVENTURE WITH KIDS

One aspect my wife and I cherish about traveling with our children is the ease of having an adventure anywhere. While we were once avid backpackers exploring distant lands, the arrival of children prompted a shift in our perspective. A shorter trip to a small town with the kids became a cherished adventure, requiring less planning but delivering immense joy in discovering new, beautiful areas. Amplified by the wonder of our children

When we built our first van, we marveled at how leaving the house became a breeze. Everything was ready – clothes, food, games, diapers – making a spontaneous trip possible in under 30 minutes. Having a van as a home base meant we always had snacks, water, a safe nap spot, and a portable toilet at the ready. The decision to extend a trip became less about having the necessary stuff and more about having the time to spare.
Staying at home often feels more challenging than traveling in a well-equipped Class-B camper van. The reduced stuff, simplified chores, and slowed-down pace contribute to a more relaxed family dynamic. Unlike home, where daily tasks and projects can consume us, life on the road encourages us to savor the moment.

2. MAKING MEMORIES ALONG THE WAY

One of the beauties of van life is finding adventure in unexpected places. My kids don’t care about the destination; they relish the time with mom and dad. Some of our most cherished memories stem from impromptu stops – trailheads leading to outdoor escapades, quirky small-town museums, or stumbling upon community events. Life tends to unfold when we step out of the house.

A typical routine involves intentional routes off the beaten path keeping daily drives under 100 miles. This deliberate choice allows for relaxed stops at points of interest my wife and I have earmarked on a shared Google Map over time. These stops include trails, quaint towns, family-friendly restaurants, weird points of interest and facilities for the kids.

3. EMBRACING SIMPLICITY ON THE ROAD

Van life forces us to have less stuff, and surprisingly, it makes life easier. Practical tips include light, quality plastic cookware, nesting cups with lids, and the philosophy of ‘less is more.’ The less you pack, the less stress you bring, and the more enjoyable the journey becomes. 1 spork, 1 Plowel (plate/bowl), and one cup per person. Interesting how the kids, and we for that matter, learn to keep it clean and keep track of it. The less you have, the less you need. Now I’m not a minimalist mind you, but we’ve learned that you don’t really need much when you are on the road. We live in an INCREDIBLE country, the USA. Utilize it. Be prepared, but avoid the temptation of bringing all the stuff. A Kindle, a single large tablet for snuggling up to movies, 3 sets of clothes and layers that you will inevitably re-wear several of them. Yes, underwear can be worn inside out. Disgusting? Fine. Whatever. That’s what we do backpacking. You are living out of a van after all, with kids, not an RV. The more you pack with you, the more stress you are bringing.

The key to a successful van life with kids is setting intentions properly. We opt for smaller national parks, explore areas instead of specific spots, and leave room for downtime. Boredom becomes a catalyst for discovery, and we find wonder in the simple joy of kids playing with sticks.