8 Most Overpriced Van Life Accessories

As we’ve worked out building out our Sprinter van over the last few years, we’ve been astounded by just how pricey van life accessories can be. From roof racks, to bumpers, to bike racks, all those custom products come with a crazy high price tag.

There’s an entire van life industry offering thousands of products marketed for van living. But buyer beware! Some of these products aren’t always worth it, and I see many items that shouldn’t cost half of what they do. 

These are our picks for the most overpriced van life accessories. We’ll share the average cost of each accessory and better (more affordable) alternatives for people trying to build their van on a budget! 

1. Roof Racks

Average Price: $2,000 – $4,000
Best Product: Aluminess Sprinter Roof Rack

Most people want their van fitted with a roof rack. The accessory helps store larger items (surfboards/kayaks/etc.), secure solar panels, or create a ‘roof deck’ to relax with a view. 

They’re amazing, and I wouldn’t want to do van life without one. The only downside is that they’re expensive and make stealth camping, well, less stealthy. 

We chose to buy an Aluminess Sprinter Roof Rack for our most recent van build.  We love this rack, but it cost upwards of $3,000.

Aluminess also makes roof racks for various other vehicles, including Ford Transits, Chevy Vans, Ram Promasters, and even Minivans! If you spend the money on a roof rack, you want to ensure you get something lightweight and hardy (preferably Aluminum). 

Our decision to buy a roof rack built for our Sprinter Van came down to wanting to keep it as lightweight as possible without sacrificing durability. 

However, I’m aware that $3,000 feels overpriced for ten metal bars. 

Those on a tight budget will be glad to know that I’ve seen plenty of people DIY roof racks. If you want to go this route, you can find tutorials on YouTube, but you have to be handy!

Depending on the mounts on your van, a DIY roof rack could require some welding experience and purchasing of extra materials like mount brackets, spacers, and paint for the hardware. But it’s definitely doable and can save you thousands of dollars! 

You can find more examples and DIY ideas for roof racks in most model-specific Van Life Facebook Groups.

2. Composting Toilets

Average Price: $500 – $1,000
Best Product for Van Life: Cuddy Composting Toilet

If your van doesn’t have a bathroom, you’ll probably want to buy a composting toilet for times when you’re spending a few days off-grid and don’t have access to a proper toilet. 

Otherwise, you’ll find yourself digging a hole in the woods whenever you go #2. 

But at $500 to $1,000, it’s also one of the more expensive accessories you can have in your van.

The Cuddy composting toilet is completely portable, has an agitator, and lasts ten or more days before needing to be emptied of solids. Other brands I’ve heard great things about recently are Nature’s Head and AirHead. You can read our entire comparison article on composting toilets here.

But there are much cheaper options on the market! 

You can DIY a composting toilet with a cheap toilet seat, scrap wood, and a 5-gallon bucket. Just make sure that you also makeshift a urine diverter with a funnel! There are loads of forums and videos online explaining the process.

Then, you can just use cat litter, cedar mulch, coffee grounds, peanut shells, and/or pine duff to cover #2s and keep your DIY toilet from smelling.

3. Bug Screens

Average Price: $250 – $600
Best Product: The Bug Wall
Best Cheaper Alternative: 4-way Stretch Mesh and magnets

Buying van-specific magnetic bug screens to put in the windows and doors is very expensive, but it’s one of the easiest things to DIY. 

For most vans, you can simply buy a magnetic bug screen designed for house doors!

But if that doesn’t fit, you can buy some basic 4-way stretch mesh on Amazon and cut it to size. This method won’t open/close as easily, but it will keep bugs out, and you can use some cheap magnets to hold it on the doorway. 

4. Window Covers

Average Price: $150 – $400
Best Product: VanMade Gear

Window covers are slightly more challenging to DIY, but they’re absolutely doable. I’ve even seen people make their own thermal blackout window covers using;

• Foil bubblewrap reflective insulation
• Automotive carpet
• Trim-Fix Adhesive
• Thermal suction cups.

Even though they’re on the pricey side, I love my VanMade Gear Window Covers and recommend them to everyone. Some things are worth investing in when it comes to van life. 

5. Portable Solar Generators

Average Price: $1,000 – $2,200
Best Product: Inergy Flex 1500

There are many portable solar generators on the market, but finding a budget-friendly one that’s also powerful and reliable is nearly impossible. 

The Inergy Flex 1500 is probably your best bet. It’s one of the most portable and lightweight solar generators that comes with an affordable price tag. We’ve also heard the Jackery Explorer 1500 is just as nice and charges very quickly. 

But at the end of the day, these solar generators don’t have enough power to charge more than basic items like phones, laptops, lights, and small appliances. They also run poorly in cold temperatures, which is difficult for full-time van lifers. 

6. Espresso Machine

Average Price: $150 – $800
Best Product: Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
Best Cheaper Alternative: AeroPress coffee maker

For those who can’t start the day without a good cup of coffee, having an espresso machine in the van can feel like a must-have luxury, but compact espresso machines cost upwards of $800. 

If you’re willing to spend the money and looking for something compact, reliable, and affordable, the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine is our top pick. 

However, there are so much more compact (and less expensive) coffee makers. 

If you don’t mind hand-drip coffee, then a cheap coffee maker, V60 Pour Over, Moka Pot, or an AeroPress coffee maker will be more than enough. You could also buy a travel espresso unit. Admittedly, it doesn’t taste as good as a real espresso, but it gives you the chance to make a morning latte without breaking the bank! 

7. StarLink

Average Price: $500 installation, plus $50 – $200 per month
Best Product: Starlink Roam
Best Cheaper Alternative: Visible Mobile Hotspot

Starlink has been a lifesaver for me and my partner. Since I work on my blog from our van/sailboat, it’s well worth the price. The connection is amazing, and I LOVE being able to work while boondocking in places outside of cell service range. 

But Starlink is certainly not for everybody.

The system itself costs about $500. If you want more than unlimited data, you’ll need to purchase the $150/month plan.

If you aren’t working from your van all the time, you don’t need a pricey service like Starlink. 

The best alternative for those on a budget is the Visible mobile hotspot, which we also use and you can get for as cheap as $25.

8. Heated Portable Shower

Average Price: $250 – $400
Best Product: Geyser Systems Portable Shower
Best Cheaper Alternative: Sea to Summit Solar Shower

Portable showers are great for people who don’t have a permanent shower set up in their van. The best part is you can now buy portable showers with heated water. 

This probably sounds like a dream to any van lifers who’ve gotten used to bucket showers and wet wipes as alternative means of getting clean. 

I first heard about these heated showers from Kristen of Bearfoot Theory. She uses the Geyser Systems Portable Shower (with heater) and loves its versatility and ease of use. 

But I’ve never been able to bite the bullet and purchase it! 

I still use the Sea to Summit Solar Shower, which works great. I typically heat water with my propane heater and then use it to take a warm shower. I also love how the shower packs down to the size of a deck of cards!

More Affordable Accessories Worth Your Money

While it seems like companies consistently overcharge for products and accessories marketed specifically for Van Life, we’ve also bought quite a few affordable accessories that are 100% worth our money. 

Here are some affordable accessories that many van lifers enjoy: 

1. Collapsible Tea Kettle
2. Projector + Screen
3. Helinox Compact Camping Chairs
4. Pots & Pans with Removable Handles
5. Small Hanging Trash Can

Know What You Really Need

At the end of the day, van life can be as simple or luxurious as you make it, but it’s important to weigh the value of each accessory before splurging on high-priced items. 

While some investments, like Starlink or investing in a quality roof rack, can significantly enhance your experience on the road, there are often cheaper options that can do the trick. 

It just might take a little more effort, time, and innovation on your end! 

So, be patient and mindful of where you can save money on your van build and make sacrifices where needed. Van Life has many hidden costs, and it’s far more important to have a fully funded emergency fund than a slightly warmer shower.

MORE ARTICLES TO READ:

• 11 Accessories You’ll Definitely Want for Your RV Adventure
• The Best 21 4Runner Camping Accessories
• 14 Essential Tools and Accessories for Pro-Level Off-Grid Camping