When you hit the road in a van, you think about water, power and heat first. Makes sense. But storage comes in right behind. Because without our toys, the bikes, skis, kayak and board, the trip would be a lot less fun.
The thing is, a Sprinter, a Promaster or a Transit fills up fast. Here's a look at the real storage needs in van life and what changes when your van is well organized.
The real storage needs in van life
In a van, your kitchen, bedroom, garage and often your office all fit in less than 15 m² (about 160 sq ft). If everything doesn't have its place, it turns into a mess fast. Here's what comes up the most:
- Outdoor toys: bikes, skis, snowboard, kayak, paddle board, fishing rods. They're often the reason you have a van, but they also take up the most space.
- Dirty or wet gear: boots, chains, shovel, recovery boards. You don't want that next to your bed.
- Spare tire and tools: required, heavy, and often in the wrong spot.
- Kitchen and food: stove, dishes, cooler, dry food. You use it several times a day, so it needs to be easy to reach.
- Clothes: in Canada, we go from -25 °C to +30 °C in the same year. That's a lot of clothes.
- Fuel, water and propane: better kept outside, for safety and smells.
The benefits of a well-organized van
Adding storage isn't just about looking tidy. It changes the way you travel.
- More living space. Everything you move outside (spare tire, jerry cans, dirty gear) gives you room to relax, not just to stack stuff.
- Less time wasted. When everything has its place, you're set up in 5 minutes instead of 30. More time to enjoy the spot.
- Safer. Anything that isn't tied down becomes a projectile the first time you hit the brakes.
- Better weight balance. Putting heavy gear in the right place helps handling and saves wear on your van.
- A cleaner van. Sand, mud and snow stay outside when your dirty gear has its own spot on the outside.
- Better resale. A well-organized van with good, well-installed gear is easier to sell.
Van storage FAQ
How do I get more storage space in a camper van?
Start by moving everything that can live outside: spare tire, jerry cans, dirty gear. Then use the roof and the rear doors. Keep the inside for what you use every day.
Where do I put the spare tire on a Sprinter, Promaster or Transit?
A spare tire carrier on the rear door frees up space under the van or in the garage. And the tire is a lot easier to reach when you get a flat.
Where do I store bikes, skis and a kayak in van life?
Long or heavy gear works well on the roof or the rear doors. The rest can go in the van's garage, well strapped down.
Does exterior van storage hold up in a Canadian winter?
Yes, if it's built for it. Look at the material and the finish: with all the salt and grit on our roads, that's where it makes the difference.
Do I have to drill my van to install accessories?
It depends on the accessory. When possible, it's best to use the vehicle's factory mounting points.
Where can I find van storage accessories in Canada?
Phlö Système builds van life accessories (carriers, racks, boxes) in Quebec City for the Sprinter, Promaster and Transit. You can see what we make at phlosystem.com.
Wrapping up
A well-organized van means less stress, more room to live and more time on the road with your toys. Take a look at what you really carry, and give everything its own place.
Got questions about your setup? Drop me a line, always happy to talk vans.
— Philip, Phlö Système