The same gear as the illustration above, part by part. Some links are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Items marked Gifted or Paid partnership came from the brand. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Meet Ron (or Ronault), our 2018 Renault Master
Our home on wheels.
“The most mechanically sound van of the bunch, and he's stayed true to that.”
- Base van
- 2018 Renault Master
- Roof
- High roof
- Colour
- White
We bought Ron, a 2018 Renault Master, at 72,000 km. Before handing over any money we had a mechanical inspection done, and he was the soundest van we looked at, with not a single issue. Apart from everyday maintenance like brakes, that's held true. We keep him well serviced and he's treated us well.
- Lovely to drive: automatic, cruise control and a speed limiter for cities.
- The right size: big enough to stand up and live in, small enough that we're not limited in where we go. We keep an eye on height restrictions, and if we reverse in we can usually fit a normal parking space, as long as there's room behind.
- Extras: came with a tow bar (never used, but it's there) and a full-size spare underneath that's as good as new.
- The only downside: we can't take him with us when our time in Australia is over.
Hot tip: buying your first van
Get a mechanical inspection before you hand over any money. It's the best money we spent.
The cab
CarPlay screen, levelling ramps, the fire extinguisher, a windscreen sunshade and a reversing camera we tested.
CarTablet Pro Max
CarPlay screen · in the cab
It's brought our van into the modern era. No more screen mounts!
How we use it
We use it all the time with Apple CarPlay for navigating, and it makes Spotify incredibly easy.
Spinifex caravan levelling ramp & chock kit
Levelling ramps
A van life essential.
Why we love it
We always use these to level the van. They've gone over two years and are still great to use, and they live under the seats in the cab.
Full-size spare tyre
Tyres · under the van
We carry a full-size spare under the van.
Good to know
We don't have a tyre repair kit yet. Seasoned travellers have recommended one to us, so it's on our list.
Jumper cables
Just in case
Although we've never needed them, we do have jumper cables, which are still sitting good as new inside their bag, just in case.
25-litre fuel jerry can
Spare fuel
We filled it for the trip up the Stuart Highway, and we never needed to use it!
Good to know
We carry an extra 25-litre fuel jerry can for the long stretches.
It's better to have it and never need it than not have it when you do.
Good to know
You can pick one up at Bunnings.
Windscreen sunshade
Heat and privacy · came with Ron
Ours is a custom job, folded and taped to fit, but it works.
How we use it
It keeps the heat out of the cab and gives us privacy when we're parked up. Ours came with Ron and wasn't made for the van.
Tried and tested
AUTO-VOX wireless reversing camera
Reversing camera
Tested in a collabGifted
A great solution to a problem we don't have, and an easy one if you do.
How we use it
We partnered with AUTO-VOX to test a wireless camera that attaches securely to your number plate, and it worked incredibly well. Ron already has a reversing camera, so for us that's enough. But if we didn't have one, this would be our pick for an easy setup.
Solar3A Plus Max: similar to what we tested
The roof
Starlink to stay online, and solar to keep the batteries topped up.
Starlink Gen 3
Internet on the road · hard-wired, roof-mounted
ReferralWe'd recommend
People warned us about how remote the Outback is. We never had to worry, because we always had signal in an emergency.
How we use it
Hard-wired and mounted on the roof, so there's no setup. We get signal wherever we go.
Referral link: we both get a reward.
2 × 120W roof solar panels
Roof solar
The one thing we'd change about Ron: more solar.
How we use it
Two 120W panels feed the REDARC and keep everything topped up.
MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe (rain cover and remote)
Roof fan
We leave it open when it rains and don't get wet, and it has a remote.
How we use it
Paired with the Sirocco II, it keeps the van cool on warm nights.
Winegard TV aerial
TV aerial · on the roof
How we use it
Ron has a Winegard TV aerial on the roof, but with our smart monitor and the power setup, we just don't need to use it.
The awning
Our outdoor living room.
Thule Omnistor 6300 + electric motor kit
Side awning · came fitted to Ron
There's nothing like a hot Australian day under the awning, enjoying the view.
How we use it
Our Thule Omnistor 6300 came already fitted to Ron, and thank goodness it did. It has the electric motor kit, so one press of a button and it's out. It's a lifesaver on hot days and makes the space we live in feel so much bigger.
The electric motor kit is sold separately, and Thule awnings need a vehicle-specific adapter.
Screw-in tent pegs (16-piece, heavy-duty ground anchors)
What we hold the awning down with
OZtrail Cape Series Bamboo Table 65cm
Awning table
One of our favourite additions to the van.
How we use it
It comes out every time the awning does. It folds so small it takes almost no space, and it's the perfect dining table for two, or a spot to play cards together.
Kings camping chairs
Camping chairs · Kings (4WD Supacentre)
They aren't anything fancy, but they work for us.
How we use it
We just use Kings camping chairs. We went for the first ones we saw when we got to Australia, and they've lasted, so we haven't replaced them.
This links to the Kings camping chairs range, not a specific model.
OZtrail Loomie Line String Lights
Fairy lights · for the awning
We'd recommend
We really recommend these fairy lights. They're the perfect addition to the awning.
Why we love them
They recharge, which is great, they store easily, they look great and they have different settings.
What's inside
Fridge, coffee, cooking, cooling and the little things.
Dometic CFX3 95DZ
Dual-zone fridge freezer
We'd recommend
Tried and tested for two years, and we'd build one into any future van.
How we use it
It's huge. A full weekly shop fits in just one half. Each side runs on its own, so you can have a fridge and a freezer, or do what we do: one fridge and one side for dry storage. We shop fresh, so we don't need a freezer, and only running one side saves power. It runs on 12V or mains, has a low power draw and protects your battery. In Ron it slides out from under the bed when we need it and takes up no space when we don't. You can see it in our van life essentials video.
Breville Bambino
Coffee machine
We'd recommend
There's nothing better than quality coffee in the middle of nowhere.
How we use it
The Bambino was an investment. We were buying so much coffee from cafés that a setup in the van became the sensible option. Now we save every time we make one, and it's just as good as the coffee shops. It takes a bit of practice, but the Bambino makes it easy. We use Aldi beans, and our go-to is a mocha. We also love making coffee for people we meet on the road.
Russell Hobbs Brita Filter Purity Glass 1.5L kettle (20760-10)
Electric kettle · what we used before the Bambino
We are English, so we always make sure we have a way to make a brew.
How we use it
We used this kettle and it was perfect, until we found the Bambino, which now does the kettle's job too. We also carry a camping gas kettle, just in case.
The gas kettle link is a popular option (Valiant FIR659 1L), not the exact one we have.
Cloover electric press coffee grinder
Coffee grinder · bought in the UK
How we use it
Bought in the UK, so we use it with an AU plug adapter. It does a great job. Next time we'd buy one locally with an Aussie plug.
Not used by us
Buying in Australia? We haven't used this one, but the De'Longhi KG200 is a popular, well-reviewed blade grinder with an Aussie plug.
See the De'Longhi KG200
Sunbeam COM3500SS compact oven (18L)
Mini oven
Nothing beats a homemade pizza in the middle of nowhere.
How we use it
Pizzas when we're off-grid, and proper meals at campsites without needing the camp kitchen.
Dune 4WD induction cooker
Induction hob
Saves our gas whenever we're plugged in.
How we use it
Our go-to when we're on mains power, so the gas lasts longer.
Lido Junior Deluxe 2-burner with grill
Gas cooker · from Bromic Plumbing & Gas
Something no van lifer should be without. It's never failed us, and it even makes toast!
How we use it
Our everyday cooker off-grid.
Kmart 1.5 Cup Mini Rice Cooker (green)
Rice cooker
We can't rate it highly enough.
How we use it
It's so easy to mix up our van meals, and we can cook rice without it spoiling in a pan.
Dishmatic
Washing-up brush · soap in the handle
Not just a van life essential. It's a life essential.
How we use it
You put the washing-up liquid in the handle and it comes out as you scrub, so you don't get your hands wet doing the pots. You'll find one, or a similar brand, on the shelves at most supermarkets.
IKEA BEKVÄM spice racks and NEREBY rail
Kitchen storage · shelves and hooks
Shelves for storage, keeping everything nice and secure.
How we use it
The little shelves in our kitchen are IKEA BEKVÄM spice racks (aspen). We use them as shelves, and they work really well. Next to them is an IKEA NEREBY rail (birch, 40 cm) with lots of hooks, so we can hang up all sorts of different things.
KickAss Portable AC 400W
Portable air-con
It's saved us a few times, especially in the Top End.
How we use it
We bought it right at the start of our trip. Air-con eats battery, so we try to only run it on mains. Let's face it, on days that hot you want to be somewhere with a pool anyway! It was a lifesaver in the NT's Top End, and it's small enough to store under our seats until we really need it.
This is the one every van lifer recommends.
Why we love it
It helps keep us cool while having a really low power draw.
Side door flynet with magnetic tape
Keeping the flies out · side door
It hasn't failed, and we can have the doors open while keeping the pesky flies out!
How we use it
Ours came with the van, but there was one problem: no way to attach it. The previous owner had given up on it. Bunnings came to the rescue with stick-on magnetic tape (Permastik 12mm), and it's worked ever since.
We don't know which net ours is. The XCBYT Van Bug Screen (universal side door, magnetic closure) is a well-rated option, not the one we have.
Diesel heater
Heating · budget Chinese diesel heater
Our Chinese diesel heater keeps us warm, and it's never let us down.
Hot tip
Change the fuel filter every now and again. You can pick them up from places like Supercheap Auto.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm
Safety
It's important for safety that we have a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.
Hot tip
Don't cook near it, they don't like steam!
A good option: the Quell Q10YK-CO Photoelectric Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm. It's a well-suited option, not necessarily the exact one in Ron.
FLEXTAIL TINY HELIO 600Z head torch
Head torch
Gifted
Turns out a head torch isn't just for camping. We use this all the time!
How we use it
It comes out far more than we ever expected. Dark trips to the campground toilets, surprise mechanical problems, or just finding something under the sink. It's super lightweight and practical, and it'll come with us everywhere we travel from now on.
BOTTLE BOTTLE insulated bottle
Water bottle
Gifted
We already had Yeti's when Bottle Bottle got in touch. Now the Yeti's live in the cupboard.
How we use it
They're bigger, the straw is really practical, and they keep our drinks cold when we need them to. They come on every long hike, so you'll spot them on our channel a lot.
LG 27" FHD IPS Smart Monitor with webOS 23 (27SR50F-W.AAU)
Our “TV”
Our cosy movie-night TV.
How we use it
It's a smart monitor with an incredibly low power draw and all the apps we need. It hasn't let us down, even with all the bumps in Ron.
Dustpan and brush and a bag for life
Little things that help
Both made the quick-fire list of extra essentials in our 12 van life must-haves video.
KAIHENG 96pcs double-sided mounting tape squares
Sticky pads
We'd recommend
After lots of bangs in the back while we're driving, sticky pads save the day.
Why we love them
We recommend them for van life. You won't believe how useful it is to have things stuck down.
We've got one, and we hope we never need it.
Good to know
Pick one up at Bunnings or any camping store.
FastAid Snake and Spider Bite Green Soft Pack First Aid Kit
Safety · snake and spider bite kit
Something you should always have alongside first aid in Australia.
Good to know
You can pick them up in Bunnings.
Home comforts
The little things that make van life feel like home.
Thetford Porta Potti 345
Portable toilet
A van-life must.
How we use it
Some campsites without their own toilets require you to have one, and it's saved us on the odd occasion. It's super easy to empty at a dump point.
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Home Essentials Kit (R18DD2HE12)
Tool kit
Every van needs a tool kit.
How we use it
It was a great starter kit, and we've added to it since. It's saved us more than once when things went wrong in the van.
Portable tyre inflator with auto-off
Tyre inflator
Peace of mind when we're a long way from a servo.
How we use it
It's our emergency tool for a slow puncture, and we also use it to keep the tyres topped up on long trips away from a servo.
Koncle compression packing cubes (grey, 11 pcs)
Packing cubes · storage
They kept us sane backpacking, and they still do in the van.
How we use it
Space is tight in a van, so these keep our clothes separated and tidy in a small space. We used them backpacking too, going in and out of our packs.
Rechargeable LED travel makeup mirror (80 LEDs, 3 light colours, 2000mAh)
Travel mirror
We honestly use it so much.
How we use it
It saves us trekking to the campsite bathrooms every time we need a mirror, and it makes the van feel more like home.
Power, water & storage
Everything that keeps the power on and the water flowing off-grid, plus what we store behind the back doors.
Ron has 240V throughout, so a movie night or a cup of tea at the push of a button is easy, even off-grid.
Safety first: We had our electrics refitted by a qualified auto electrician, and we'd recommend you do the same.
Amptron BluEdge ABS lithium batteries (2 × 200Ah)
Lithium leisure batteries
How we use it
Recommended by our electrician, and made by a local Aussie company. We keep an eye on them over Bluetooth as well as on the battery monitor in the van.
Renogy 500A Battery Monitor
Battery monitor
How we use it
Our battery monitor in the van. Along with the batteries' own Bluetooth, it's how we keep an eye on the numbers.
REDARC BCDC1240D
DC-DC charger
After a long drive, we often pull up with the batteries at 100%.
How we use it
Takes charge from our solar and from the alternator while we drive, and keeps the batteries full even with the fridge running 24/7.
Victron Phoenix Smart Inverter 12/3000 230V
Inverter
Nothing's too big an ask.
How we use it
Runs the Bambino, our mini oven and our hob with no issues.
Victron Blue Smart IP22 Charger 12/30
Mains battery charger, for campsites with power
One night in a powered site and we're back to 100%.
How we use it
Our backup for cloudy days, heavy editing days and long off-grid stints.
ALLPOWERS R1500 Lite
Portable power station
GiftedWe'd recommend
Something we never knew we needed, and now we use it all the time.
How we use it
One place to plug in all our cables, with plenty of ports. We run it while we're working on our laptops, and sometimes use it instead of turning the inverter on. It also gives us mains power outside, so we can sit under the awning with power.
Code AAL10: 10% off sitewide (AU). The same code works in the UK store too.
ALLPOWERS SE200 solar panel
Portable solar panel, part of our ALLPOWERS setup
Gifted
It lives in the cab until we need it.
How we use it
Foldable, so we store it in the front cab and forget about it, then pull it out when we're off-grid. Another way we stay off-grid longer.
Code AAL10: 10% off sitewide (AU). The same code works in the UK store too.
SEAFLO 42 Series 12V water pump
Water pump
Our old pump was so noisy we worried the neighbours would complain on campsites.
Why we love it
It was one of the first things we changed in Ron. After plenty of research we went with the SEAFLO. It's whisper-quiet, and pretty darn powerful too!
95L freshwater tank
Fresh water · underneath the van
Ron's 95L freshwater tank lives underneath the van.
Good to know
We don't drink from the tank, though it's there if we need it. We use it mainly for washing up and washing ourselves, and buy boxed water from the supermarket for drinking.
95L Caravan Water Tank with Fittings: similar to what we have, not the exact one.
Stefani inline water filter
Water filter
We always filter the water coming into the van with a simple inline filter.
Boot shower (cold water)
12V shower · in the boot
Our van's cold water only, but we chase the sun, so it's never been an issue. It's a great rinse-off after the beach.
How we use it
Our 12V water pump pushes water out to a handheld shower head on a hose, with a shut-off valve at the head. It's a super simple system, and we got it all from Amazon.
Garden Basics 12mm x 10m Drinking Water Hose
Drinking water hose
They're camping essentials!
Good to know
Our drinking water hose is from Bunnings, and it's readily available there.
240V caravan power lead (15A)
Hooking up at caravan parks
They're camping essentials!
Good to know
Our 240V cable is from Bunnings, and they're readily available there.
Ours came from Bunnings. The Karraway Caravan 15A Extension Lead 10 m at Anaconda is a good option, not our exact one.
Telescopic ladder
Roof access · lives behind the back doors
It's been essential for us.
How we use it
Every now and again we need to get up on the roof, and this makes cleaning the solar panels or the roof simple. We even helped out a stuck caravanner who'd taken part of a tree with him. He loved the ladder so much he wanted one.
Ours is very similar to the Bullet Pro 2.0m aluminium telescopic ladder, but it isn't the exact one.
The paddleboard
For getting out on the water.
BOTE WULF Aero Classic 10'4"
Inflatable paddleboard
One of the smartest gear decisions we've made for the van.
How we use it
We picked it up on sale and have paddled all over Australia. At Monkey Mia we were out on it every day, and compared with renting boards it's paid for itself time and time again.
Clothing & footwear
Boots, water shoes and our backpacks.
Paid partnership · via TRIBEWe'd recommend
Wet, muddy, it doesn't matter, and they still look good at the pub.
How we use it
They're our stylish wet-weather boots. Wet or muddy walks are no problem, and they still look good if we stop for an impromptu coffee or a beer at the pub.
Aleader water shoes
Water shoes
Paid partnershipWe'd recommend
Karijini proved it: waist-deep water, rocky gorges, happy feet.
How we use it
We wore them all the time in Karijini National Park to protect our feet while wading through waist-deep water. On the paddle board they give us grip and protect our feet from rocks.
Osprey Kyte (women's)
Backpacking pack · choose your size
They earned their stripes: four months, six countries, and everything we owned.
How we use it
They carried all our gear around SE Asia for over four months, through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore, on multiple flights, treks and car rides.
Osprey Kestrel (men's)
Backpacking pack · choose your size
They earned their stripes: four months, six countries, and everything we owned.
How we use it
They carried all our gear around SE Asia for over four months, through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore, on multiple flights, treks and car rides.
Travel apps, eSIMs & money
Apps for van life in Australia, the eSIMs we've tested, and money and travel.
Apps for van life in Australia
The apps we think everyone needs for van life in Australia.
WikiCamps
Camping app · paid, our no.1
The money it's saved us on free camping alone makes the fee worth it.
How we use it
Finding free camps, water, dump points, public toilets and day-use areas. The user reviews help so much when you're somewhere you don't know.
Camps Australia Wide
Campsite finder
Sometimes it finds spots WikiCamps doesn't.
How we use it
Similar to WikiCamps, but it turns up extra spots and more user reviews to help us choose where to stay.
PetrolSpy
Fuel prices · free
One of the best free apps out there.
How we use it
We check it every time we fill up Ron. You'd be surprised how much you save by knowing which station to head for.
Google Maps is great, but it can send you down some roads you wouldn't want to be down in a campervan.
How we use it
We use it all the time, for navigation and for reviews of where to eat. We've been recommended Waze too, but Google is what we're used to.
Optus
Our Australian mobile network
Optus has been great for us.
Why we love it
We tried a few carriers, but the price and coverage on Optus have always been great in our experience. It costs more than some but covers better, and it isn't as pricey as others with similar coverage.
Staying connected: eSIMs
We've tested two eSIMs and honestly we'd use either. Compare the costs and take your pick.
Paid partnership
How we use it
We tested it in a collab and it worked incredibly well for us.
Paid partnership
How we use it
Another collab, and it worked equally well.
Money & travel
It's how we bought Ron.
How we use it
Great for larger transfers. We've often found the rates better, but we'd still compare exchange rates first. We still use it to move money to and from the UK.
Our everyday card since day one of travelling.
How we use it
Easy to top up from our UK bank accounts, with instant exchange when we use the card.
SafetyWing
Our travel insurance
Like all insurance, we pay for the peace of mind.
Why we love it
We love the flexibility. We pay monthly, can cancel any time, and choose from different cover options to tailor it to us. It's set up for long-term travellers like us with no flight home booked.
This is what we use, not advice. Check any policy suits you before you buy.
GetYourGuide
Tours and activities
Seeing other people's reviews is invaluable for deciding who to book with.
Why we love it
We've booked loads through GetYourGuide. It's so convenient, and other people's reviews help us choose who to book with. You'll see lots of our trips in our videos, and whenever we've booked through the app, we'll link it.
We're GetYourGuide partners, so this is our partner link.
It's nice to be spontaneous.
Why we love it
We always compare flights on Skyscanner. It's a great comparison tool, and sometimes we just use it to see where the cheapest flights go. It's nice to be spontaneous, though that was a lot easier in Europe than in Australia!
Filming & editing
What we film and edit our videos with.
Sony A7C (silver)
Main camera
Paired with our Zeiss lens, it's perfect for us when vlogging.
Why we love it
We did a lot of camera research. It's one of the biggest investments you'll make in your gear. The A7C was the sweet spot between what we could afford and the features that mattered to us.
Sony ZV-1
All-in-one camera · where we started
Where we started, and still a great all-in-one.
How we use it
We filmed our early vlogs on it. If you want one camera that does it all, we'd recommend it. We moved on only because we wanted interchangeable lenses.
Sony Zeiss FE 4/16-35 OSS
Lens
We use it all the time.
How we use it
It's wide, so we don't have to hold our arms out to get everything in, and the stabilisation smooths out our footage when we're walking, which is a lot.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Vlogging camera
It filmed the AFL at the MCG, and now it comes on hikes too.
How we use it
Our main camera and lens are big and obvious, and sometimes we don't want to carry them, like in busy places. The stabilisation is so good that we now take it on some hikes too.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Wide-Angle Lens
Clip-on lens for the Pocket 3
For us, it's a no-brainer.
Why we love it
It turns an incredibly capable device into an even more capable one. For vlogging, it captures more of what's around us than the Pocket 3 can on its own.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Battery Handle
Extra battery for the Pocket 3
We'd highly recommend it. We've always needed it when filming a vlog.
GoPro HERO10 Black
Action camera
Strictly for the water.
How we use it
Our other gear can't go in the water, and this one's waterproof, so it's what we use for underwater shots.
Wireless on both cameras, with no drop in audio quality.
How we use it
Pairs with the Pocket 3 over Bluetooth, and with a camera adapter on the Sony we stay wireless there too.
Rode VideoMic Pro+
On-camera mic
For when we want to hear everything around us.
How we use it
The wireless mics focus on us, while the Rode picks up all the sound around us. It's perfect for quiet spots, filming inside the van, and capturing the atmosphere of a place.
MacBook Pro
Ashleigh's editing laptop
Ashleigh chooses Apple, Luke prefers Windows.
How we use it
Ours is an M1. The link is to the latest model.
DaVinci Resolve (free version)
Editing software
It's an incredible piece of software, and the free version is perfect for us.
Why we love it
We started on Final Cut Pro but moved over to DaVinci Resolve. It has the same features we were used to, but for free, with paid options if you need even more.
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB SSD
Storage
We've built up a lot of hard drives in the van because we hate getting rid of old content, but this one's our go-to.
INIU 100W power bank (25000mAh)
Portable battery
We use it all the time, the perfect portable battery. Our first one died after over a year, and INIU sent us a brand new one in Australia, even though we bought it in the UK. We were so impressed.
Epidemic Sound
Music for our videos
Referral
With YouTube copyright claims, it's one less thing to worry about.
Why we love it
There's an amazing choice of music for whatever mood or tone we're going for. We didn't look anywhere else, it just worked for us.
We're Epidemic Sound referrers, so this is our referral link.
The drone
For the aerial shots.
DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC)
Drone
We saw whales in a way we never could have without it.
How we use it
It gives us a view of the places we visit that no other camera can, so we can show you what we're actually seeing with our own eyes. It's never given us an issue, holds its own in the wind, and in whale season it got us some incredible shots.