No matter where you live, year-round camping is something anyone can do, and yes, you can do it in comfort. Over time, we’ve added more accessories to our Wayfarer lineup that will help make your adventures cozy when the weather turns wild.

Are we getting soft? No way. We’ve just learned that when your setup feels good, you’re more likely to use it. It’s easier to say yes to spontaneous weekend trips, family getaways (especially when little ones or grandparents are involved), and even longer adventures, because you’re not constantly worried about the forecast.

In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of making your van into a comfortable year-round basecamp, and we’ll help you figure out what gear makes the most sense for your climate and camping style.

Propex HS 2000 Heater

Propex HS2000 Heater

MaxxAir Vent Fan

Velit 2000R Air Conditioner

We Build With Comfort In Mind

Your empty van starts as one big metal box, and it’s not exactly cozy. But once it gets the Wayfarer treatment, that van becomes a well-insulated, adventure-ready rig. Every Wayfarer conversion includes smart materials and thoughtful details to help regulate interior temps and keep you comfortable no matter the season. Here’s what goes into every Wayfarer base kit:

• Wool Insulation: We pack the nooks and crannies of your van full of Havelock wool. It’s an all-natural, renewable, and sustainable material that’s as healthy as it is effective. It helps regulate temperature, absorbs moisture (without growing mold or mildew), and even improves air quality. 
• Flooring: Your floor is made of heavy duty, laminated plywood, with closed-cell foam insulation underneath that acts as a barrier between you and the cold (or heat) below.

  Pro tip: a throw rug is not only great for keeping your floors clean, but can offer an extra layer of insulation on the cold mornings.

• Partition: This insulated curtain separates the cab from the living space. In addition to offering privacy, it is great for temperature control. It helps block heat and cold coming through the large front windows and reduces the area you need to heat or cool in your van.

  Pro tip: For extra insulation up front, we recommend picking up some window covers to use year-round. Some folks like accordion-style, others like the pop-up types. Whatever you choose, they’ll keep out the heat in summer and cold in winter. 

• Rear Window Covers: We include magnetic window covers for all factory-installed rear windows in your van. They offer privacy and help block outside temps from creeping in. 
• Soft Panels: These contour to every curve of your van. They add insulation and a finished look while allowing for easy removal if you need to run wires or even for a quick wash.

Customize Your Accessories

Every van includes the essentials for comfort, but depending on your needs, camping style, and local climate, you may want to add accessories with temperature and weather in mind. You can include them during your Wayfarer conversion or add them later after you’ve had a chance to try things out.

Accessories For Cold Weather Camping

• Propex Heater: This 6,500 BTU furnace is a safe, efficient, and low-maintenance heating option that runs on clean-burning propane. It performs well at altitude, offers consistent thermostat-controlled heat, and has a timer so you can warm up your van before you crawl out of bed (or, run it all night – we won’t judge!). The system is fully vented, with no exposed elements or condensation issues, and includes a two-stage regulator and sealed propane locker for safety. Learn more.
• Oupes Mega 2 Power Station: This powerful, yet compact and simple power station will allow you to power your heater, plug in an electric blanket, and charge all of your devices. Think of the power station as the storage locker for your power. You can add power by plugging the unit in at home, adding our solar panel accessory, opting for shore power, or our eTaker Vehicle Alternator Charger. Learn more. 

Accessories for Hot Weather Camping

• Vented windows: Get a breeze flowing through your van with our vented windows. These windows cannot replace an existing factory window; it can only be installed into the bare van wall of your side or rear doors. If you do a lot of off-grid camping, we recommend two vent fans instead of AC so you can get a strong breeze going without using much power. Learn more about our rear and side window options.
• Vent Fans: This is our most popular item to add to your van. You’ll keep your van comfortable and keep the air moving with one or two vent fans installed in your ceiling. The vent fan can be wired directly to your vehicle’s battery and draws very little power, making it essential for off-grid camping. Learn more.
• A/C: This 8,000 BTU air conditioning unit is a game-changer if you camp where it’s hot and humid at night. The Velit 2000R rooftop AC is an energy-efficient 12-volt unit that runs on shore power or for a handful of hours on a battery system. This unit is rated down to 61℉, all in a compact design that won’t cramp your headspace. Learn more.
• Shore Power: If you plan to run your A/C all night, shore power is going to be necessary to keep the juice flowing. We install this outlet into the side of your van so you can take advantage of power at a campground or while parked in your friend’s driveway. Learn more.

What Do You Really Need?

Do you need every accessory? Probably not. Prioritize your needs based on your climate and camping goals, and remember you can always add accessories after-the-fact at the Wayfarer Vans HQ. Here is what we recommend based on your region:

• If you live in the South: Heat and humidity are going to be your biggest challenges. We recommend investing in air conditioning and shore power so that you can stay cool and safe. True winter camping with below freezing temperatures is going to be limited. On cool nights, we recommend using an electric blanket plugged into your power station.
• If you live in the Pacific Northwest, Rockies or Upper New England: Most hot days will be followed by cool nights, so AC is not going to be necessary most of the time. We recommend having two vent fans for maximum air flow, and the Propex heater will be your best friend for winter camping, or just taking the chill off of spring and fall mornings.
• If you live in the Midwest or Mid-Atlantic: Camping year-round is hardcore in these regions. You get the hottest of hot and humid summers, but also snowy and bone-chilling winters. We’d recommend AC for summer, a heater for the winter, and a vent fan for the days in between.

Let’s Wrap This Up

There’s no one-size-fits-all van. The right mix of accessories depends on your camping style, location, and budget. But thanks to our modular approach, you can customize your van to best fit your needs. After all, the more comfortable you are in your van, the more you’ll use it, and that’s what it’s all about.