North West Propshafts
The timing, naturally, was excellent: a propshaft fault appeared just before a Scotland trip. North West Propshafts had the van repaired the same afternoon, with the full replacement costing £900 plus VAT.
Product
Choosing the right gear can make a significant difference to life on the road. Whether you’re fitting out a van for the first time, looking to upgrade a particular setup or searching for something specific to solve a problem you keep encountering, understanding what’s actually worth the money is valuable.
The products covered here span a wide range – from electrical systems and solar panels to camping cookware, storage solutions, comfort accessories and travel essentials. Where possible, everything reviewed has been tested in real conditions on actual van trips, not just unboxed and described from a catalogue.
Vanlife gear has improved significantly in recent years. The range of purpose-built products for campervans and motorhomes has expanded, and it’s now easier than ever to find quality kit that solves real problems. That said, some products are better than others, and the reviews here aim to give an honest assessment of what’s worth buying and what isn’t.
Whether you’re building a budget conversion or refining a well-equipped van, the product posts on this site aim to save you time and money by pointing you towards what genuinely works.
Crocs Baya
After several months of regular use, the Baya still holds up well for everyday wear, with comfort and easy cleaning standing out. Fit, price and styling are the main trade-offs.
Lixada Hydration Bladder
This 2-litre bladder fitted neatly into the Lixada Cycling Rucksack and stayed leak-free during cycling and hiking. The review covers filling, drinking and cleaning in everyday use.
Trek Marlin 7
I bought my Trek Marlin 7 from Evans Cycles in 2017. At the time, it struck a sensible balance between price and capability, giving me a bike that could handle proper off-road riding without pushing into a much more expensive category. That balance was a large part of its appeal. It was approachable enough if … Read more
Wahoo Fitness ELEMNT Bolt
Clear ride data, simple setup and useful navigation make the ELEMNT Bolt easy to live with, but there are a few trade-offs if training features matter to you.