Awnings
There are two fundamentally different products here. A retractable awning mounts permanently to the van's roof rail and rolls out to give you a 2-3 metre canopy - shade from the sun, light rain cover, somewhere to sit outside without sitting in the road. The Fiamma F45S is the default choice for T5 and T6: it fits the factory rail without drilling, rolls up tidily, and is available in several widths. From around £758, plus fitting.
An awning rail is a different thing entirely: an aluminium track bonded to the van's side that lets you attach a drive-away tent. The tent stays pitched when you drive off - useful for holding your spot and keeping gear when you head off for trips away from the campsite - and clips back in when you return. A universal T4/T5/T6 rail kit is much cheaper than a full awning, with more versatile space for families, but it's a tent, not a quick-deploy canopy.
Prices shown as a guide - they can change at any time.
The mattress topper you shouldn't skip
Conversion beds are almost universally built on 60-75mm foam boards. They're fine for a night, but a dedicated topper makes a noticeable difference by the third. For the RIB Altair 112cm bed system, the option below folds with the bed and doesn't take up extra storage space when not in use. Priced from around £118, up to £155 depending on foam depth.
Always check compatibility with your specific vehicle before buying. Van models, years, and conversion specs vary - we can't guarantee every product fits every setup. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer or your converter.
Window screens
Custom-fit window screens that clip to the van's door rubbers from inside. They black out completely, insulate better than glass, and take about 90 seconds to fit. Custom-made options like Rainbow Screens are made to the exact window shapes for different van models, at a premium price. A pre-made cab set is a cheaper starting point, though it typically only covers the windscreen and front doors - a separate rear or pop-top screen may still be needed.
Security
A visible deterrent and a way to find the van if it's taken are the two basics most people add after the conversion is done.
Levelling and campsite basics
UK sites are rarely perfectly flat. A set of levelling ramps keeps the fridge working properly and stops you rolling out of bed.
Water
A basic setup - a portable container and a 12V pump - covers a sink or shower without a fixed tank installation.
Fridges and cooking
The main choice is compressor vs thermoelectric: compressor fridges cost more and draw more power but hold temperature properly and work on a slope, which matters in a van. Thermoelectric coolers are cheaper and lighter but cool less and need to stay upright.