Life on the road,sorted.
Buying guides and reviews for hookups, leveling, towing, off-grid power and van builds: the specs, ratings and setups that keep a camper running.
Equip your rig
Start with the job, then match the gear to your RV class, trailer weight and how far off-grid you go.
Know your rig
12 volt compressor fridges vs propane absorption RV fridges compared on power source, efficiency, leveling, cooling in heat, noise and van life use.
Plan a 12V RV fridge installation around the exact cutout, airflow, mounting and electrical instructions for the refrigerator model.
Compare campervan layouts by sleeping setup, galley, storage and open floor space so you can plan around occupants, gear and daily routines.
- 04
Lithium vs AGM RV Batteries: Capacity, Weight and Cost
RV power
- 05
Manual vs. Automatic RV Leveling Systems
RV setup
- 06
RV Battery Monitor: Shunt vs Voltmeter
RV batteries
- 07
Proportional vs Time-Delay Trailer Brake Controllers
Brake controllers
- 08
RV Cassette Toilet vs Black Tank Toilet: Which Fits?
RV living
- 09
RV Generator vs Power Station: Which Fits Your Trip?
Off-grid power
RV and Camper Gear questions, answered
Which fridge is best for van life?
Most van builds use a 12 V compressor fridge, because it runs from the house battery and solar and does not need propane or level parking.
Read: 12V Compressor Fridge vs RV Absorption Fridge →How much clearance does a 12V RV fridge need?
There is no single clearance that applies to every refrigerator. Use the spacing and airflow diagrams in the exact model's installation manual; Dometic says insufficient airflow can reduce cooling and shorten service life for its NRXD models.
Read: 12V RV Fridge Installation →What is a good campervan layout for two people?
A fixed bed can suit a pair who want a ready sleeping area, while a convertible setup preserves more daytime floor space. Measure the actual van and decide how much cargo space and galley access you need.
Read: Campervan Layouts →Can I drop lithium batteries into my RV?
Often, but check your converter, solar controller and alternator charging. Many need a lithium charging profile or a DC-DC charger.
Read: Lithium vs AGM RV Batteries →Are automatic RV leveling systems worth it?
They can reduce hands-on leveling for compatible RVs, but add equipment, installation and service requirements. Compare the system with your RV model and how often you set up.
Read: Manual vs. Automatic RV Leveling Systems →What does an RV battery shunt monitor do?
It measures current through the shunt and combines readings with configured battery data to calculate values such as state of charge and time remaining.
Read: RV Battery Monitor →Straight answers for RVers and van lifers
Every recommendation checks the ratings that matter for your RV class, trailer weight or van, using the manufacturer's published specs.
Each review says who the gear suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to know before you buy. No filler, no hedging.
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product or rule changes.
The RV and camper gear index
- 01RV essentialsPower cords, water and sewer gear, leveling equipment, tire pressure and monitoring.9 pages
- 02TowingHitches, weight distribution, sway control, brake controllers and towing mirrors.4 pages
- 03Off-grid powerSolar panels, lithium batteries, inverters, portable power stations and generators.6 pages
- 04Van lifeCampervan builds, beds, 12V fridges, roof fans, heaters and storage.6 pages
