How to Pack Your Van for the Perfect Summer Road Trip

Summer is road trip season. Whether you’re planning a long haul across state lines or weekend escapes to cooler mountain temps, how you pack your van can make or break the trip. A smart setup gives you more room to relax, better access to your gear, and confidence knowing your van is ready for whatever the road throws your way. Here’s how we pack for summer at Agile Offroad—and how you can, too.

Start with the Essentials

Start with recovery. We always recommend keeping tools like Matrax traction boards mounted on the outside of the van where they’re easy to grab. Pair them with our Loveland tray, and you’ve got a sturdy, convenient platform for your gear.

Inside, one of the most overlooked essentials is floor protection. Our floor mats aren’t your average rubber liners. They’re laser-measured for Sprinter interiors, easy to clean, and built to handle the grit, sand, and mud that inevitably gets tracked in. 

Up front, keeping your cockpit dialed in is just as important as the garage. That’s where dash-mounted accessories come in. Mounting your phone, GPS, or radio on a secure, accessible bracket keeps your hands on the wheel and your attention where it belongs—on the road (or trail) ahead

And of course, no summer road trip setup is complete without a reliable water system. Hydration, cooking, dishes, showers—water is one of the few non-negotiables on the road. We’re big fans of the ROAMRIG water system, a sleek, all-in-one solution that integrates clean water storage, a powered pump, and hose access into a compact, purpose-built design.

Build Efficient Storage Inside & Out

Storage is where a good van setup becomes a great one. Inside the van, you want to keep high-use gear organized and out of the way. On the outside, the goal is to free up cabin space without sacrificing accessibility. Agile’s rear door cargo carrier and rear tire carrier let you shift heavier or bulkier gear outside the van—like tools, recovery gear, or your spare while keeping your interior clean and livable.

Heading to the coast or lake? Aluminess surfboard racks make it easy to bring your summer toys without taking up interior space.

This balance between inside and outside storage is especially important when you’re traveling for more than just a few days. You want a system that holds up to regular camp breakdowns, midday gear swaps, and pit stops.

Don’t Overlook Weight

It’s easy to underestimate how much weight you’re carrying once your van is packed for summer. Water, food, extra fuel, tools, bikes, rooftop gear—it adds up fast. That weight directly affects how your van drives, brakes, and handles in crosswinds or on rougher roads.

That’s where our RIP Kits (Ride Improvement Package) come in. Designed specifically for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, these suspension upgrades improve stability, control, and comfort under load. Whether you’re running solo or with a full crew, the RIP Kit smooths out the bumps, reduces sway, and makes long drives much more enjoyable. And when you hit dirt, you’ll feel the difference immediately.

If your summer plans include mountain passes, dirt washboards, or just long days behind the wheel, it’s one of the best upgrades you can make.

Final Thoughts

Packing your van for summer doesn’t have to be complicated. Prioritize essentials like recovery gear and water, then build out storage that’s functional and accessible. Shift heavier gear outside the van, and make sure your suspension is up to the task once it’s all loaded up.

At Agile, everything we build, and sell is tested in real-world conditions by people who actually live and travel in their vans. Whether you’re just getting started or dialing in your setup, we’ve got the gear to help you pack smarter, drive smoother, and explore farther.

Want help building your summer-ready setup?
Explore our full line of Sprinter upgrades, suspension upgrades, and road-tested gear at agileoffroad.com