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Checklist & Tips for Long-Haul Van Trips

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You’ve ditched status quo living and have taken on van life for the long haul – so what’s next? Whether you’re a van-life pro or a total newbie, StorQuest is bringing you a go-to guide for longer trips in your favorite rig with this handy checklist.

Colder Destination Trips

As springtime rolls around and winter trails behind us, you’ll want to map your route and plan accordingly for the gear you need to bring along with you. Are you driving through the Adirondacks or the Rockies in late spring? If so, winter safety essentials are a must-have for you and your van, including:

  • Winter Tires or Winter-Ready Tires
  • Safety Equipment: Road Flares, Towing Straps, Tire Chains, Snow Shovel & Jumper Cables
  • Insulating Window Panels & Van-Safe Space Heater
  • Extra Supplies: Batteries, Foil Blankets, Food, Water, Engine Oil, Antifreeze, Light Sources, First Aid, Fire-Starter, Firewood
  • Winter Clothing, Boots, Gloves & Blankets
  • Pet Essentials: Extra Food, Water, Clothing, Jackets, Booties, Blankets
  • Navigation Tools: Compass & Maps
  • Knives & Cookware

For extra precautions, have a GPS tracker device in your van and carry an old-school CB radio with you just in case you need it. Every traveling pro knows to always tell someone where they’re going and which route they’ll be taking. Pro tip: Have a check-in time window with someone you trust so they can expect you to call or text along your route.

Warmer Weather on the Horizon

While the blankets and snow shovels are of less importance when it comes to traveling in warmer climates, it’s still best to be prepared for anything and everything. Just as you would for any long-haul trip, you’ll want to tow along a few extra supplies, like:

  • Plenty of Extra Water
  • Safety Equipment: Road Flares, Towing Straps, Tire Chains (or Snow Chains), Traction Boards, Shovel & Jumper Cables
  • Insulating Window Panels & Small Fan to Keep Heat Out
  • Extra Supplies: Batteries, Foil Blankets, Food, Water, Engine Oil, Antifreeze, Light Sources, First Aid, Fire-Starter, Firewood
  • Pet Essentials: Extra Food, Water, Booties
  • Navigation Tools: Compass & Maps
  • Knives & Cookware

Always Map the Road

No matter where you’re headed on your next excursion, you’ll want to check out what’s going on along your way before you start driving. Map the distance from location A to location B and check for any road closures, hazards, or weather interruptions. Be sure to plan a second route in the event that you need to readjust your direction. Here are a few apps that make traveling much easier:

  • The Dyrt: Helps you find campgrounds for water fill-ups, showers & parking for the night
  • Waze: A great resource for road closure information, speed traps & plenty of other road condition updates
  • iOverlander: Helps you locate dump stations, water refill sites, campgrounds, showers & laundromats
  • Roadtrippers: This app practically plans your road trip for you
  • GasBuddy: Save gas & plan your next stop with this awesome app
  • Gaia GPS: This is an absolute for hiking or exploring, especially for retracing your steps
  • PlugShare: If you have an electric van, this app is a must-have

Your Journey Matters. So Does Your Stuff.

Cheers to a seriously awesome excursion in your van. But when the adventure ends and you’re ready to pack away your rig until the next destination is planned, count on a StorQuest Self Storage location to help. And for any gear drop-offs or pick-ups along your route, we have space for that, too.

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