top of page

Tips, Tricks and Adventures
trekvana blog

Search


Campervan Conversions Available at Trekvana
If you already own a van and would like to have it transformed into a beautiful, practical camper, we offer full custom conversions for VW Transporters, Ford Customs and similar medium sized vans. We specialise in U Lounge and similar layouts, gas-free cooking, adventure-ready designs that are built for Irish travel, weekend escapes and long-distance touring. Every conversion is completed in our workshop in East Galway, using high quality materials, modern electrical systems
Dec 5, 2025


How to Protect Your Campervan Water System During Freezing Weather
Ireland doesn’t get extreme winters very often, but when temperatures suddenly drop, a campervan water system can be vulnerable to freezing. Even one cold night can cause pipes to crack, pumps to fail, or tanks to split if the water inside freezes and expands. The good news is that with a few simple steps, you can protect your campervan and avoid costly repairs. Here’s how to manage your water system when snow or ice is on the way. 1. Drain the Fresh Water Tank If your van is
Nov 21, 2025


A Guide to Viewing, Inspecting, and Buying a Campervan with Confidence
Buying the right van (or campervan) is the most important step in your camper journey. A solid, reliable van will save you time, money, and headaches during your build and for years to come.
In this section, we’ll cover what to inspect when viewing a van in person, what questions to ask, and how to spot common issues before you commit.
Nov 9, 2025


U Lounge vs RIB Bed vs Rock & Roll Bed: Choosing the Best Layout for Your VW Transporter Camper
The three most common setups are the RIB bed, Rock & Roll bed, and the U-Lounge layout - and while all have their place, and as long as you don't need seatbelts in the back, the U Lounge is the clear winner.
Nov 7, 2025


Ditch the Gas: Why a Gasless Campervan is Your Safest Bet
The biggest benefit of a gasless campervan is simple: safety. Gas systems can be tricky. There's always a risk of a leak, and a flame in a small, enclosed space can be a worry for many travellers, especially families. Induction hobs work differently. They don't use a flame at all. Instead, they use an electromagnetic field to heat up the cookware directly. This means there are no dangerous fumes, no open flame, and no need to worry about a carbon monoxide (although you should
Aug 17, 2025


Cabbunks: How to add cab beds to your VW Transporter Campervan
Planning unforgettable road trips with your kids? The Cabbunk system is one of the best family-friendly additions you can make to a VW Transporter campervan. Designed specifically for children, it offers a fun, comfortable, and clever sleeping space in the cab area - giving you even more freedom to enjoy your adventures, wherever they take you.
Jul 15, 2025


Cold Toes & Warm Mugs: A Blustery Swim at Blackrock, Galway
It’s the kind of day that makes most people pull the duvet back over their heads—cold, blustery, with clouds hanging low over Galway Bay. But for some reason, I rolled out of my bed this morning with a notion in my head: sea swim or bust.
Blackrock, the iconic diving tower in Salthill, stood grey and windswept as I rolled up in my trusty T6. The Atlantic wasn’t exactly welcoming—choppy, cold, and a bit moody—but it called to me anyway.
Jun 24, 2025


Sea Swimming in Ireland: Why It’s Better with a VW Campervan
After a swim, the last thing you want is to struggle with cold hands and wet socks in a windy car park. With a camper, you step inside, change in privacy, wrap up in warmth, and boil the kettle for a soothing hot cup of tea.
Jun 24, 2025


Why We Only Use LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries in Our Campervan Conversions
Lithium batteries last far longer than AGM or lead acid — by a factor of four or more. A decent AGM might survive 300–500 charge cycles if treated well. A LiFePO4 battery typically delivers 2,000 to 5,000 cycles, even under demanding use.
That means a lithium battery could last 10 years or more, depending on how often you use your van — while a traditional battery might need replacing every 2–3 years.
Jun 17, 2025


12v Camper Essentials: 7 Gadgets to take on your next Campervan trip ⚡
Turning your campervan into a comfortable home on wheels starts with the right gear. Here are 10 top 12 V, USB or rechargeable appliances—from entertainment to coffee making —that will elevate life on the road in Ireland.
Jun 13, 2025


🚐 Buying a Used Campervan in Ireland: What to Know Before You Hand Over the Cash
The chassis is the backbone of the van. If it's weakened or corroded, it's not only expensive to repair — in many cases, it's simply not feasible to rebuild. A rusted chassis can mean the end of the road for a van, no matter how nice the interior looks.
Jun 11, 2025


Five of the Most Charming Small Villages Across Ireland — Plus Their Hidden Gems
Ireland’s small villages hold a magic all their own, where history, nature, and community come together in charming harmony. Beyond the well-trodden sights, these villages hide secret treasures that will delight any curious traveller. Here are five of Ireland’s most enchanting villages — plus some hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
Jun 4, 2025


Understanding How Solar Panels Work for Campervans
In the world of campervanning, harnessing the sun's energy through solar panels has revolutionised the way travellers experience the great outdoors. Imagine travelling deep into nature without worrying about finding an electrical hook-up for your devices. With solar panels, you can enjoy the freedom of off-grid living while powering everything from your fridge to your smartphone. In this blog post, we'll dive into how solar panels work in campervans and how they can elevate y
Jun 4, 2025


The Future of Campervans? Volkswagen Unveils Its First Plug-In Hybrid California
The new model is based on Volkswagen’s Multivan platform, a sleeker, more car-like successor to the traditional Transporter. The California Multivan PHEV blends an electric motor with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, delivering a combined output of 215 bhp. It offers around 50 km of electric-only driving, perfect for short trips, errands, or eco-friendly arrivals at a quiet campsite.
This isn’t a fully electric camper, but it’s a meaningful bridge between tradition an
Jun 4, 2025


How Not to Pack for an Irish Campervan Road Trip (With Kids, In a VW)
Eventually, you slam the sliding door shut, hear something fall off the shelf inside, and shout, “We’ll sort it on the road!” You won't. But that’s fine.
Packing for an Irish campervan road trip is never perfect. You will forget things. You will bring too many of the wrong things. And yet—you’ll make memories your kids will talk about for years.
Jun 4, 2025


Understanding the Importance of Victron Systems in Our Campervan Builds
Victron Video Building the perfect campervan is an exciting endeavor, but it comes with its challenges. One of the most crucial aspects...
Jun 4, 2025


How Getting Stuck in the Irish Wilds Became Our Favourite Trip
We turned off what looked like a decent country road and into what was probably an old cattle path. Hedgerows clawed at the van as the road narrowed with every twist. Then—dead stop. A cow. Standing right in the middle of the lane, unfazed, chewing and blinking like we were the ones out of place.
We waited. She stared. It became clear this wasn’t her first standoff.
Jun 4, 2025


The Great Sheep Standoff
It was supposed to be a peaceful weekend escape along the Wild Atlantic Way—me, my trusty campervan, a map I’d never open, and enough snacks to survive a mild apocalypse.
Day one went off without a hitch: Cliffs, coffee, and a campfire-lit dinner that tasted almost like the picture on the packaging. But day two... day two was when it all went sideways.
Somewhere in Connemara, I decided to take the “scenic route.” You know, the kind of road where you pray no one comes th
Jun 3, 2025


Exploring Remote Job Opportunities You Can Embrace from Your Campervan
The thrill of the open road has captivated many, especially those eager to combine work and travel. Thanks to the explosion of remote job opportunities, you can now work from your campervan while discovering nature and visiting new places. This article explores various remote job options that cater to adventurous souls who want to successfully balance work and play.
Jun 1, 2025


Best Campervan Accessories for Summer 2025
Get your van summer-ready with our top picks for comfort, convenience, and off-grid adventure in Ireland. ☀️ 1. Portable Solar Panels...
May 29, 2025
bottom of page
