Road Trip Guide

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Minivan Road Trip Equipment & Readiness Checklist#

Vehicle: Minivan (sleep inside setup)
Party: Couple
Style: Van camping, dispersed/free camping, budget travel

This checklist is unbiased — it covers everything you should have for a safe, comfortable, extended van camping road trip. Check off what you own, identify gaps.

Sleep System#

  • Bed platform or sleeping surface (flat, level when rear seats removed/folded)
  • Memory foam mattress topper or van-specific mattress (2–4 inch)
  • Sleeping bags rated to 20°F or lower (for shoulder season cold)
  • Lightweight summer sleeping bags or blankets (for hot climates)
  • Pillows (compressible travel pillows save space)
  • Fitted sheet or sleeping pad cover to keep mattress clean
  • Blackout curtains or window covers (all windows including windshield)
    • Reflectix cut-to-fit for windshield and side windows
    • Sewn curtains or magnetic window covers for rear
  • Eye masks (backup for imperfect window coverage)
  • Earplugs or white noise app for urban overnight spots

Kitchen & Food#

Cooking#

  • Portable camp stove (2-burner propane — Camp Chef or Coleman recommended)
  • Spare propane canisters (1 lb and/or 16 oz, stock up at Walmart)
  • Lighter + backup waterproof matches
  • Cast iron skillet or lightweight camping cookset
  • Pot with lid (1.5–2 qt minimum)
  • Spatula, tongs, ladle
  • Cutting board (flexible roll-up saves space)
  • Chef's knife + sheath
  • Can opener
  • Oven mitts / pot holders
  • Collapsible colander/strainer

Eating#

  • Plates (2) — lightweight enamel or titanium
  • Bowls (2)
  • Mugs (2) — insulated
  • Utensil set (fork, spoon, knife per person)
  • Reusable straws
  • Dish soap (small bottle)
  • Dish scrubber / sponge
  • Quick-dry dish towel (2)
  • Collapsible wash basin for dishes

Food Storage & Cold#

  • Cooler — hard-sided or electric 12V cooler/fridge
    • Recommended: Iceco or BougeRV 12V electric fridge (~$200–400) — saves ice costs over time
    • Budget option: Yeti or RTIC 45qt hard cooler with block ice
  • Reusable grocery bags (4–6)
  • Food storage containers with tight lids (bear-aware habit)
  • Ziplock bags (various sizes)
  • Trash bags (30 gal, keep a dedicated van trash bag)
  • Paper towels
  • Aluminum foil
  • Pantry staples: instant oats, rice, pasta, canned beans, olive oil, salt/pepper, hot sauce, coffee/tea, protein bars, trail mix, dried fruit, nuts

Water#

  • Water storage: 5–7 gallon collapsible jug (2 recommended — one for drinking, one for dishes/washing)
  • Water filter: Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree for filling from streams/springs
  • Water purification tablets (backup)
  • Insulated water bottles (1 per person, 32 oz minimum)
  • Hydration pack/reservoir for hiking days

Power System#

  • Portable power station — Goal Zero Yeti 500X or Jackery 500 minimum; 1000Wh recommended for couple
  • Solar panel — 100W foldable panel minimum; 200W if budget allows
  • 12V car charger cord for power station (charges while driving)
  • USB-A and USB-C charging cables (multiple, organized)
  • Power strip (small, for campground hookup nights)
  • 12V to AC inverter (if not using power station — for laptop, camera charging)
  • Headlamps (1 per person) — Black Diamond Spot recommended
  • Backup AAA/AA batteries for headlamps
  • Lantern — LED, USB-rechargeable (BioLite or Black Diamond Moji)
  • String lights for ambiance inside van (12V or USB-powered)

Hygiene & Sanitation#

Showering#

  • Planet Fitness Black Card membership (~$25/mo) — primary shower solution
  • Pilot/Flying J One+ Card (free) — backup shower option at truck stops
  • Solar camp shower bag (5-gallon) — for remote stretches without facilities
  • Quick-dry microfiber towels (2 per person)
  • Shower flip flops / sandals
  • Toiletry bag: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, razors, lip balm, sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Dry shampoo (between shower days)
  • Baby wipes / body wipes (wet wipes protocol for no-shower nights)

Toilet#

  • Portable camping toilet — Cleanwaste Go Anywhere or similar
    • Or: Luggable Loo bucket toilet with waste bags
  • WAG bags (waste containment bags) — required in some wilderness areas
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper (stored in waterproof bag)
  • Trowel (cat hole digging — Leave No Trace for backcountry)
  • Privacy pop-up shelter or privacy curtain rigged inside van

General#

  • Laundry: laundromats (budget $10–15/week). Bring laundry bag, detergent pods
  • Portable clothesline or paracord + clothespins
  • Hand soap (small bottle)
  • Nail clippers, tweezers, small mirror
  • Feminine hygiene products as needed

First Aid & Safety#

  • Comprehensive first aid kit: bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, blister treatment, moleskin
  • Ace bandage / compression wrap
  • SAM splint
  • Tweezers (tick and splinter removal)
  • Irrigation syringe (wound cleaning)
  • Prescription medications (full supply + extra)
  • OTC medications: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antihistamine (Benadryl), antidiarrheal, antacid, allergy meds, cold medicine, melatonin
  • EpiPen if applicable
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ (large supply — buy in bulk)
  • Aloe vera gel (sunburn)
  • Bug spray: DEET-based + permethrin spray for clothing/gear
  • Snake bite protocol knowledge (no cut-and-suck; get to hospital)
  • Emergency whistle
  • Signal mirror
  • Space/emergency blanket (2)
  • Fire extinguisher (mounted inside van — critical)
  • Carbon monoxide detector (battery-powered — critical for enclosed sleeping)
  • Smoke detector

Navigation & Connectivity#

  • Phone mount (windshield or dash) — secure, not obstructing view
  • Offline maps downloaded: Google Maps (offline), Maps.me, Gaia GPS (best for backcountry/BLM)
  • iOverlander app — free camping spots, offline cached
  • FreeRoam app — BLM land map
  • The Dyrt Pro — campground database
  • Aloft / B4UFLY — drone airspace (always check before flying)
  • Recreation.gov account for campground reservations
  • Backup battery pack / power bank (20,000 mAh minimum for phones)
  • Mobile hotspot — carrier plan or dedicated hotspot device
    • Recommended: T-Mobile or Verizon with unlimited hotspot (Verizon has better rural coverage)
  • WeBoost Drive Reach signal booster — highly recommended for remote areas (~$500 but worth it)
  • Paper road atlas — USA (Rand McNally) — backup for dead zones
  • Paper atlas for Canada if doing Phase 6
  • Compass (standalone)

Van Security & Stealth#

  • Window covers installed (blackout — see Sleep System)
  • Door locks checked and working
  • Steering wheel lock (The Club) — deterrent
  • Safe or lockbox bolted to vehicle — for passports, cash, hard drives
  • Decoy items removed from visible areas when parked overnight
  • Discretion: avoid van-life stickers, roof racks, or obvious camping indicators in urban overnight spots
  • Emergency exit plan: know how to exit from rear if front is blocked
  • Backup key stored separately from primary

Vehicle & Mechanical#

  • Full vehicle inspection before each phase:
    • Oil change (fresh)
    • Tire pressure (including spare)
    • Tire tread depth
    • Brake inspection
    • Fluid levels: coolant, brake, power steering, washer
    • Air filter
    • Battery health test
    • Belts and hoses visual inspection
  • Spare tire — full-size spare preferred over donut
  • Tire plug/patch kit
  • 12V air compressor (portable — for tire inflation on trail)
  • Jumper cables or jump starter pack (NOCO Boost recommended)
  • Basic tool kit: screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, socket set, zip ties, duct tape, electrical tape, WD-40
  • Tow strap / recovery strap (if venturing on dirt roads)
  • Traction boards (MAXTRAX or budget equivalent — for sand/mud/snow)
  • Shovel (collapsible) — for snow and mud recovery, also for cat holes
  • Extra engine oil (1 qt matching spec)
  • Extra coolant
  • Windshield washer fluid (extra gallon)
  • Fix-a-Flat or tire sealant (backup)
  • Road flares or LED emergency triangles
  • Reflective vest
  • AAA membership — Premier level recommended for 200-mile towing coverage (~$120/yr)
  • Vehicle manual
  • Insurance cards + registration — physical copies in glove box
  • Roadside assistance info posted visibly in van

Clothing (Per Person — Pack for All Seasons)#

Layering System#

  • Base layer (thermal/moisture-wicking) × 2 sets
  • Mid layer: fleece jacket or down sweater
  • Outer shell: waterproof/windproof rain jacket
  • Heavy insulated jacket (for winter/high altitude)
  • T-shirts × 5–7
  • Long-sleeve shirts × 3
  • Hiking pants × 2
  • Casual/comfortable pants × 2
  • Shorts × 3
  • Underwear × 7–10 (merino wool highly recommended — odor resistant)
  • Socks × 7–10 (wool hiking socks)
  • Warm hat (beanie)
  • Sun hat / wide-brim hat
  • Gloves (liner + insulated outer)
  • Neck gaiter / balaclava

Footwear#

  • Trail running shoes or hiking shoes (daily use)
  • Waterproof hiking boots (for wet/snowy terrain)
  • Sandals / flip flops (camp + shower)
  • Ski boots (if not renting at resort)

Outdoor & Recreation Gear#

Hiking#

  • Daypack (20–30L per person)
  • Trekking poles (collapsible)
  • Bear spray (required in some national parks, grizzly country)
  • Bear canister or bear hang system (for food in backcountry)
  • Gaiters (for muddy/snowy trails)
  • Blister treatment / moleskin

Camping#

  • Camp chairs (2) — lightweight folding
  • Folding camp table (small, for cooking outside van)
  • Tarp or sun shade (for outside van cover/rain fly)
  • Paracord (50 ft)
  • Carabiners (4–6 utility)
  • Tent (backup — not primary but useful for sites where sleeping in van is unwanted or hot weather)

Recreation#

  • Golf clubs (if bringing own — consider minimal travel set)
  • Golf shoes / spikeless shoes
  • GolfNow app for tee time bookings
  • Ski/snowboard gear OR plan to rent at resorts (rental is often easier for van travel)
  • Swimsuit × 2 per person (hot springs, lakes, beach)
  • Wetsuit (optional — for cold Pacific coast ocean swimming)
  • Snorkel set (optional — Florida Keys, etc.)
  • Fishing license (purchase state-by-state — iSportsman or state app)
  • Fishing gear (rod, tackle box, license holder)
  • Binoculars (8×42 recommended — bird watching, wildlife, scenery)

Photography & Drone Kit#

Camera#

  • Camera body (DSLR or mirrorless)
  • Wide angle lens (essential for landscapes — 16–35mm range)
  • Standard zoom lens (24–70mm or similar)
  • Telephoto lens (for wildlife — 100–400mm)
  • Spare batteries (2+ per camera body)
  • Battery charger + car charger adapter
  • Memory cards (64GB+, 4+ cards minimum)
  • Camera bag / backpack (weatherproof)
  • Tripod — travel-sized carbon fiber recommended
  • GorillaPod (flexible tripod for tight spots)
  • Polarizing filter (CPL) — for water, sky, glare reduction
  • ND filter set — for waterfalls, long exposure
  • Sensor cleaning kit
  • Laptop + photo editing software (Lightroom, Capture One)
  • External hard drives × 2 (backup your shots daily — one stays in van, one mailed home periodically)

Drone (DJI Mavic 2)#

  • DJI Mavic 2 body
  • Spare batteries (3+ recommended — each ~27 min flight time)
  • Battery charging hub
  • Remote controller
  • Spare propellers (2 sets)
  • ND filter set for drone
  • Carrying case (hard-shell)
  • FAA registration certificate — printed and carried with drone
  • B4UFLY / Aloft app — check airspace before every flight
  • Knowledge of Part 107 rules OR recreational flyer rules
  • Transport Canada RPAS certificate (for Canadian phases)

Documents & Admin#

  • Driver's license(s)
  • Vehicle registration
  • Vehicle insurance card
  • Passport (required for Canada)
  • America the Beautiful Pass — sticker on windshield
  • Parks Canada Discovery Pass (for Phase 6)
  • Health insurance cards
  • Emergency contact card (physical copy in van)
  • Trip journal / notebook
  • Pen × 3
  • Budget tracking spreadsheet (Google Sheets, offline capable)
  • Bank cards — notify bank of travel states to prevent fraud flags
  • Cash ($200–300 emergency)
  • AAA card
  • Planet Fitness membership card (or digital)
  • Pilot/Flying J One+ card

Van Organization#

  • Cargo net or bungee system for securing gear while driving
  • Storage bins/drawers under bed platform (labeled)
  • Hanging organizer for small items (shoes, snacks, toiletries)
  • Roof cargo bag or rack (for skis, bulky gear) — if van has roof rails
  • Cable management for power cords
  • Hooks (Command hooks) inside van for jackets, towels, bags
  • Small broom or brush for sweeping out dirt/sand/pine needles
  • Small dustpan

Pre-Departure Checklist (Before Each Phase)#

  • Vehicle inspection completed
  • Oil change if within 2,000 miles of interval
  • Tires inflated to spec (including spare)
  • All fluids topped off
  • Offline maps downloaded for upcoming states
  • Campsite reservations made where required (Recreation.gov)
  • Harvest Hosts stays identified for next leg
  • America the Beautiful Pass valid and affixed
  • Drone FAA registration current
  • Camera batteries charged
  • Power station charged (100%)
  • Phone charged
  • Cooler stocked with ice and food for first 3 days
  • Water containers filled
  • Trash taken out
  • Cash on hand ($100–200 minimum)
  • Emergency contacts notified of route and expected check-in schedule
  • Download any state-specific apps (fishing license, state park reservations)
  • Weather forecast reviewed for first week of leg
  • B4UFLY checked for any TFRs in planned areas

Phase-Specific Additions#

Winter / Ski Phases#

  • Snow chains or snow cables (check van clearance)
  • Ice scraper + snow brush
  • Shovel (in cab-accessible location)
  • Hand warmers (20+ packs)
  • Boot dryer (12V or USB)
  • Moisture-wicking thermals (extra set)
  • Anti-fog spray for goggles/windshield

Desert / Southwest Phases#

  • Extra 5 gallons of water (beyond normal supply) — desert emergency water
  • Emergency shade tarp — attach outside van on shade side
  • Snake gaiters (optional but wise in AZ/NM backcountry)
  • Cooling towel
  • Electrolyte packets (Liquid IV, LMNT, or similar — pack heavily)
  • Fan: 12V USB clip fan inside van for hot nights
  • Park early, leave early — move camps before noon in summer desert heat

Pacific Coast Phases#

  • Tide tables app (Tides Near Me) — for beach camping and drone timing
  • Rain gear doubled up — Pacific Northwest is wet
  • Waterproof bags/dry bags for gear

Canada Phases#

  • Passport valid (6+ months remaining)
  • Nexus card (optional but speeds border crossing significantly — apply in advance)
  • Transport Canada RPAS Basic Certificate completed
  • Canadian cash (CAD) or Visa/Mastercard (widely accepted)
  • Vehicle insurance proof (Canadian border may ask)
  • Know customs declaration rules (food, firearms, etc.)
  • Parks Canada Discovery Pass purchased
  • Download offline maps for Canada (Google Maps offline, Maps.me)
  • Verify cell plan includes Canada data (T-Mobile includes it; verify your carrier)