Recommended Products
One of our favorite things at Cascade Campers is the wonderful community that has come out of the vans we know and love. Our customers are adventurous, open-minded and creative. We created this list of recommended products based on ours and our customers experience with our vans to share with budding Cascade Campers enthusiasts.
#Vanlife Products
Rockymounts swing away bike rack
If you’re looking for a more substantial bike rack, this is a great option! The swing arm allows for full use of the back doors in the 180 degree position, but can also be locked into place flat against the back doors when driving. Also, it’s strong enough to hold up to two 60lb bikes.
Yakima BackSwing Hitch Rack Swing Adapter
Have a bike rack that you already love? No problem. This hitch adapter turns your current hitch rack into a swing out rack, allowing you to access the camper from the back doors without having to take the rack off. We think it’s pretty great.
SKEETER BEATER VAN WINDOW AND DOOR SCREENS
Skeeter Beater makes super lightweight magnet screens specific to the RAM ProMaster City van. They have sizes ranging from the front cab windows to the full back door opening. The mesh is small enough to keep gnats an no-see-ums out and is packs down to a small bag that is easy to throw in your van.
Cleanwaste portable toilet
While our vans are packed with the amenities of a much larger conversion, and can fit in a compact parking spot or go unnoticed as a camper in the busiest of cities, the one thing we just couldn’t fit in was a toilet. No problem, because this ultra compact toilet is not only sturdy, it’s multi-functional! Use it also as a step stool or a small table (we recommend keeping the lid closed for this function).
Green Elephant Utilitent
If we’re going to recommend a toilet, we should probably recommend a privacy tent for said toilet. This is it! It’s easy to pop up, water-resistant, allows for natural light from above in good weather and has a ton of areas to hook personal belongings, towels and even a shower up to.
BLENDJET Portable Blender
Since operating a full size blender in a van isn’t the most efficient way to travel on the go, this battery powered blender packs a punch. With the ability to crush ice and make smoothies, dips, sauces, etc., it makes meals on the road pretty awesome. Also, it charges via USB port, which is incredibly handy since our vans come equipped with two 12v ports and two USB ports.
Driak bullseye level
This might sound like a really silly recommendation, but it makes a world of difference to have this small tool when finding a place to camp at night. This eliminates the “well I thought I was on level ground until I woke up five times slowly sliding to one side of the van and slept terribly” nights we’ve all had. Definitely worth the $7 for a two pack!
Topoko collapsible kettle
This kettle collapses down (almost)flat and is non-stick so it’s easy to clean. Perfect for boiling water, it keeps all of the heat in, meaning you’re using less butane and boiling quicker than if you were using a pot. Also, this thing is pretty much indestructible.
Zefabak down blanket
Similar to a RUMPL blanket, but half the cost, this blanket is large enough for two people in the van or can be used to button up over you around the fire to keep you cozy. Made of down and super lightweight, this blanket can be tucked away anywhere. We’re big fans!
Sojoy 12v Electric Blanket
For those cold nights, having an electric heated blanket is a game changer. This particular one turns off after 45 minutes to avoid overheating, which is a feature a lot of other blankets don’t have. No need to limit what time of year you go camping because with an electric blanket, you’ll have a cozy night, no matter the temperature outside.
Van Maintenance Products
One Step No Rinse Cleaner
Used in the beer and wine making industry, this cleaner doesn’t need to be rinsed out and is a great way to keep your 5 gallon water tank clean.
Battery Tender -
The electrical system in your Cascade Camper has a constant but small draw on the house battery even with the fridge turned off. If parked outdoors this isn’t a problem as the solar panel will keep the house battery topped up. If parked in a garage or carport for more than a couple of weeks at a time it is important to keep your battery topped up with a battery maintainer like the Battery Tender brand unit to the right. A charger/maintainer like this can also be used as a poor mans “shore-power” if parked in a spot with electricity and not much sun. This charger/maintainer works with both AGM and Lithium batteries.
Autosocks
Using chains can be a royal pain in the butt. We’ve found that these Norwegian-made alternative to traditional chains work just as good and are super easy to put on. They slide over the front and sides of the tire like a sock and somehow stay put through even the slipperiest conditions.
First Alert Auto Fire Extinguisher
Having a fire extinguisher in your van is a must. While you may never use it, you’ll be thankful to have one if the occasion arose! This First Alert compact extinguisher weights just over two pounds and can be mounted horizontally or vertically, making it super easy to fit into your camper, wherever it’s convenient for you.
Screw Caps
ProMaster City cargo vans have four 8mm bolts sticking out of the inside of the vehicle with factory rubber caps covering them. One is on the passenger side of the vehicle under where we install the countertop and the other two are on the driver’s side of the van behind the couch. If the factory caps come off, these make great replacements.