If you enjoy planning regular hunting trips with your friends or family, you might want to customize your camper van for this very purpose. It can be used not only for hunting, but also for camping with your family and friends, and you’ll enjoy these “extras” regardless of where you’re headed. Following are a few tips on how to customize your camper van for hunting trips.
Think Before You Buy
If you’re going to buy a camper van for hunting trips, make sure you think carefully about what you might want. You can customize your van to your heart’s content, but the type and size you purchase will limit your options considerably. For example, if you plan to hunt with large groups of friends, you might want to purchase a camper with several beds so you can accommodate more people. Similarly, you might want a van with a large kitchen for cooking when you take long hunting trips.
Consider Entertainment
You might love to go on hunting trips – in fact, it might be the highlight of your year – but there are only so many hours in a day that can be occupied by hunting. When you’re staying overnight, you might want to customize your camper van for entertainment purposes. These days, technology has created a limitless array of options. For example, many vans can be fitted with satellite television, DVD players, entertainment centers and surround sound. This can help to pass those fretful hours between sunset and sunrise.
Create Some Shade
In the lower states especially, hunting season is not always about cool weather and snow; in fact, it can get rather warm in the midday heat. You can customize your camper van for warmer hunting trips by attaching an awning to the side of the van to create a shady relaxation spot. Lawn chairs and folding card tables can be strapped to the back of the vehicle, and you can even buy a sheet of Astroturf to lay down on top of the grass.
Add Kitchen Amenities
Some hunters like to cook over an open fire and eat from paper plates during hunting trips, while others would prefer all the comforts of home. If you fall into the latter category, customize your camper van with kitchen amenities to facilitate comfortable dining. Vehicles with a fold-down table and booths can be a space-saver, and you can purchase a full set of dishes and cutlery for the cabinets. A stove, a microwave and an oven can also be installed so you can cook whatever your culinary tastes require.
Install a Freezer
Most camper vans with kitchens are already customized with a small refrigerator, but you might want to add a large freezer as well for hunting trips. This allows you to keep your meat on ice for longer excursions into the wilderness, and lengthens the time between harvest and processing considerably. It is also a good idea to buy a set of high-quality knives from your local kitchen store, which will be handy when you get that big buck.
Don’t Forget the Coffee Pot
When you’re getting up a half-hour before sunrise (or longer), you’ll need some caffeine to keep you motivated. Every great camper van should be customized with a coffee pot – preferably one that makes several cups at a time for all of your guests.
