1. Full-Size Bicycle
A compact foldable bike might seem convenient, but sometimes you just want the freedom of a full-size ride. Full-size bikes give you smoother handling and are generally more comfortable for long rides. They’re perfect for exploring trails, city streets, or coastal paths where folding bikes fall short. The downside? They take up a ton of space in a van that’s already crowded.
Even if your van has a roof rack or hitch mount, maneuvering a full-size bike can be tricky and occasionally awkward. It’s something that would often sit outside rather than inside the van. But when the adventure calls for speed or stability, nothing beats it. It’s one of those items you just wish you could fit inside without sacrificing your living space.
2. Air Mattress for Guests
Van beds are cozy, but they rarely accommodate extra visitors. A full air mattress can make hosting friends or family possible without turning your van into a sardine can. They provide proper sleeping space for someone else without forcing you to sleep on the floor. Yet, storing an air mattress is a logistical nightmare when it’s deflated and bulky.
Even deflated, it can occupy valuable storage bins that could otherwise hold food, water, or clothing. Many vanlifers resort to inflating it outside only when needed. It’s an essential for social campers, but it’s one of those things that will never really “fit” in your mobile home. You end up treating it like a temporary guest itself.
3. Full-Length Mirror
A small pocket mirror is great for a quick check, but nothing beats a full-length mirror for outfit coordination. Van life often forces you to make wardrobe compromises, and a full mirror helps avoid fashion disasters. It’s also a surprisingly morale-boosting tool—you can see yourself fully instead of guessing. The problem is that full mirrors are rigid, fragile, and almost impossible to squeeze into a small space.
Some people get creative with mirrors mounted on doors, but even then, they tend to protrude or limit storage options. A proper full-length mirror usually has to be carried separately, maybe in a soft case or against the wall. It’s one of those items you’ll use daily but rarely store neatly. For many, the visual benefit outweighs the hassle.
4. Oversized Cooler
A standard cooler is fine for a weekend, but longer trips demand more capacity for food and drinks. Oversized coolers keep perishable groceries fresh and double as extra counter space or even a seat. They’re indispensable for vanlifers chasing long stretches without stores. The catch? They take up a shocking amount of real estate inside the van.
Even if you can wedge it in, it may block drawers or seating. Many people end up strapping it to the roof or towing it with a small wagon. The extra storage pays off for extended trips but makes daily van access more complicated. It’s a trade-off between convenience and available space.
5. Camping Chair Set
Tiny foldable chairs exist, but the more comfortable, durable camping sets never fit neatly inside. You want proper back support, cup holders, and sturdy construction, especially for prolonged outdoor hangouts. These chairs make mornings by the lake or evenings by the fire infinitely more enjoyable. Yet, storing them means losing space you could otherwise use for essential gear.
Some vanlifers leave them outside strapped to a roof rack, but that exposes them to the weather. The ideal scenario is a chair set that’s used every day but lives mostly outside the van. It’s the kind of comfort that enhances van life but refuses to be compact.
6. Full-Sized Cooler Grill
Portable grills are okay for snacks, but serious meal prep demands a full-sized grill. These grills allow you to cook for multiple people and offer consistent heat for meats, veggies, and more elaborate recipes. They’re perfect for social van life or long camping stints. Unfortunately, a grill of this size will never slip neatly under a bed or into a cabinet.
You often have to carry it outside and set it up on a foldable table. Storage bags help, but they still take up precious real estate. The payoff is a versatile cooking experience that transforms meals on the road. It’s worth the exterior storage compromise for van chefs.
7. Surfboard or Paddleboard
For water lovers, nothing beats riding the waves or paddling at sunrise. Full boards are long and rigid, making them almost impossible to store inside. Vans with roof racks or trailers are usually the only solution. Leaving them outside exposes them to sun and rain, but it’s a sacrifice most surfers and paddlers accept happily.
Inside storage is often impossible without removing other essentials. Soft boards or inflatable versions exist, but serious enthusiasts prefer rigid models. You’ll find yourself negotiating space constantly to make room for your board. Still, the payoff is priceless access to epic water adventures.
8. Oversized Hiking Gear
A single pair of trail boots and a daypack is manageable, but serious hikes need full packs, poles, tents, and sleeping bags. These items are bulky, rigid, and rarely stack neatly in a tiny van. For long trekking trips, they’re essential to carry safely. Unfortunately, storing them often means sacrificing interior comfort or climbing over gear daily.
Many vanlifers stash them outside in waterproof bags, sacrificing convenience. They’re used often but almost never fit “inside” the van properly. This makes them a perfect example of gear you love but can’t fully contain. Planning storage around hiking essentials is an ongoing puzzle.
9. Extra Water Tanks
Short trips are fine with portable jugs, but extended journeys demand more water than most vans can carry. Extra tanks provide backup for cooking, drinking, and cleaning when refilling options are scarce. They’re lifesavers in remote areas or during hot stretches. The downside is obvious: large tanks are heavy and take up enormous floor space.
Even flexible bladder tanks are awkward to tuck away. They may fit under seats but block access to other essentials. Vanlifers learn to balance water needs against available storage constantly. It’s a trade-off that often leaves tanks outside or temporarily disassembled.
10. Pet Crate
Traveling with pets adds joy but also logistical headaches. A full-size crate is essential for safety and comfort during long drives. Yet, its rigid structure makes it nearly impossible to store in a living space that’s already tiny. Many vanlifers end up keeping crates partially outside or folding them only when absolutely necessary.
Pets need the crate for security, but it rarely has a permanent spot. Collapsible options exist, but they aren’t always sturdy enough for large animals. You’ll likely move it around daily. It’s a non-negotiable comfort item that resists being compact.
11. Extra Propane Tank
Cooking, heating, and running certain appliances demand fuel, but one tank is rarely enough for long stretches. A backup propane tank ensures uninterrupted meals and warmth. These tanks are bulky and awkward, especially when stored safely. Most vans can’t accommodate an extra tank inside without sacrificing other storage areas.
They’re often carried externally or in specially designed compartments. Safety concerns prevent stacking or cramming them inside. For longer trips, missing a backup tank can ruin plans. It’s an essential you can’t comfortably store inside the van.
12. Large Folding Table
A small side table is convenient, but real meals, card games, or work setups require a full-sized folding table. These tables provide a proper surface for multiple people and multipurpose use. Yet, when folded, they’re still long and awkward to maneuver inside a van. They rarely fit under beds or behind seats neatly.
Vanlifers often carry them outside or strap them to the roof. They’re easy to set up but impossible to hide when not in use. A folding table is one of those items you appreciate only when it’s deployed. Inside storage almost never works without creative engineering.
13. Hammock Stand
Hammocks are dreamy, but not every tree or campsite is conveniently placed. A portable hammock stand solves this problem, giving you a relaxing option anywhere. Unfortunately, even collapsible stands are long and unwieldy. They almost never fit inside a van without sacrificing seating or storage.
Many vanlifers simply carry it on a roof rack or trailer. It’s a comfort item you’ll use daily but struggle to house. The hammock itself folds small, but the stand refuses to cooperate. It’s a perfect example of luxury that defies storage logic.
14. Musical Instrument
A guitar, keyboard, or drum kit brings joy and creativity to life on the road. Playing music can make long stretches more fun and social. The problem is, instruments are delicate and awkwardly shaped, making van storage tricky. They almost always end up leaning against walls or occupying floor space you could otherwise use.
Soft cases help, but they don’t eliminate the issue entirely. You have to constantly juggle access, safety, and available room. For many vanlifers, music is essential for happiness, even if it doesn’t fit neatly. It’s a tiny trade-off for the huge payoff of daily inspiration.
This post 14 Van Life Essentials That Never Fit in the Van was first published on Greenhouse Black.
