Ashleigh and Luke smiling in front of a rocky hill

Ashleigh & Luke

Everything we use in Ron

Everything we use to live, travel and film full-time in Ron, our converted 2018 Renault Master campervan.

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. We only list gear we actually own and use. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Take a look around Ron

Tap a glowing dot to see the gear in that part of the van.

Ron
All our gear, as a listMeet Ron · The cab · The roof · The awning · What's inside · Power, water & storage · Paddleboard · Clothing & footwear · Travel apps · Filming & editing · The drone

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.

Good to know

It connects over wifi, so it doesn't interfere with the Bluetooth between Ron's stereo and our phones.

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.

We're 2WD, so we keep it sensible

We don't carry recovery gear apart from these, because we're a 2WD van and we keep it sensible. That said, we've used them to get us out of a rough spot once, and we learnt our lesson too!

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.

Fire extinguisher

Safety

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.

Tip

Van-specific shades can be expensive. Any thermal windscreen shade can be folded and taped to fit.

Good to know

Ron came with some amazing built-in blinds, so we don't need anything extra for privacy.

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

Shop AUTO-VOXluke15

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.

What we'd do differently

We'd go for a Starlink Mini, as it draws less power, but what we have works for us.

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.

What we'd do differently

Not because they're not great. Our system could handle more panels, and staying off-grid longer means more money for travel and more adventures.

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.

Hot tip

Secure it properly. We learnt the hard way how strong Aussie breezes can be, so now we hold ours down with heavy-duty screw-in anchors and bungee cords.

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.

Good to know

You'll need a separate grinder if you want to use whole beans. It also draws a fair bit of power, so you'll need a decent inverter to use it off-grid.

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.

Good to know

It's a fair power draw, so off-grid we switch to the gas hob.

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.

Good to know

The heads are replaceable. When one wears out, swap the head and it's as good as new.

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.

Good to know

Most warm nights we skip it. A Sirocco II fan plus our MaxxAir roof fan keep the van nicely cool.

Hot tip

For hot nights we use the fans in the van, or our portable air con unit when we're on power.

Sirocco II fan

Fan

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!

Good to know

It matters in a van with a diesel heater and a gas cooker on board.

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.

ShopAshleigh15

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.

Shop15ASHLEIGH

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.

First aid kit

Safety

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.

Good to know

If we ever needed to let our tyres down in a bad situation, we know we could pump them back up again.

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.

Honest note

One unit did fail on us, but REDARC replaced it under warranty, including the cost of installation. Zero complaints here.

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.

Hot tip

It's Bluetooth, so we switch it off from our phones every time we drive, just in case.

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.

Good to know

Charges quickly on mains, and still quick from solar.

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.

Hot tip

Watch how we broke it, and fixed it again, on our channel.

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.

Good to know

Most of the time we use public showers. Most beaches have them, leisure centres are a cheap option, and campsites have them when we book in.

Coming soon

It wasn't in the van for our last van tour, but you'll see it in action in our updated van tour.

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.

Good to know

It packs down in the boot, and we forget it's there until we need it.

Clothing & footwear

Boots, water shoes and our backpacks.

MerryPeople boots

Boots

We'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

We'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.

ShopLUKE15

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.

Why we love them

They open from the front like a suitcase, so finding your gear is easy, and they carry so much. “Take it from two people who lugged them around SE Asia for four months!”

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.

Why we love them

They open from the front like a suitcase, so finding your gear is easy, and they carry so much. “Take it from two people who lugged them around SE Asia for four months!”

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

Navigation

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.

Hot tip

Don't believe everything it says, especially on rural roads in Australia. Always double-check, and if it doesn't look right, find another route.

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.

EIOTCLUB eSIM

Global eSIM

How we use it

We tested it in a collab and it worked incredibly well for us.

Get the eSIMLUKEHOSEA

ByteSIM eSIM

Travel eSIM

How we use it

Another collab, and it worked equally well.

Get the eSIMASHLUKE5

Money & travel

Wise

Money transfers

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.

Revolut

Card

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.

Hot tip

Use its temporary cards for shopping online, just to be safe.

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.

Good to know

We've never had to claim, and we hope we never do. But we wouldn't want to be caught without it if we needed it.

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.

Skyscanner

Flights

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.

Good to know

Cameras are subjective, and it depends what you want them for. For us, as pretty self-proclaimed amateurs, it's easy to pick up and shoot.

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.

DJI Mic 2

Wireless mics

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

Good to know

The great thing about DaVinci is that it doesn't restrict us. It works on both.

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.

Good to know

It works on both Windows and Mac, so you're not locked into Apple.

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.

Hot tip

Always check the rules before you fly. The DJI app often shows restrictions, but we double-check with the OpenSky app first, as it's quicker before unpacking the drone.

If you're filming wildlife, check the local rules on how close drones can get, especially to whales.

Our guides

How it all fits together, in more detail.

Questions we often get asked

The questions that come up most in our YouTube comments.

What van do you have?

Ron is a 2018 Renault Master. We bought him already converted, with 72,000 km on the clock, and had a mechanical inspection done before buying. He was the soundest van we looked at, and it's the first thing we'd recommend to anyone buying a van.

More: Meet Ron

How reliable has the Renault Master been?

Very reliable so far, and pretty uneventful. Apart from regular maintenance like brakes, we haven't had any major issues. We get him serviced after every big trip, and because he's a diesel, we run some engine cleaner through now and again.

The only problem so far was minor. The manual fuel primer pump under the bonnet started leaking and letting air into the fuel lines. Luke ordered a replacement and a new fuel line and fitted them himself, and it was an easy fix. Fuel economy has been better than some of the cars we've driven in the UK. We love the van, and he's a dream to drive.

More: Meet Ron

Who converted Ron?

Ron was converted by Savage Adventure Vans. He was one of the first vans they converted, and they're still going to this day. We've made a few changes to him since then.

More: Meet Ron

How did you find and buy your van?

We looked on a few websites, but Facebook Marketplace and the van resale groups on there were the best for us. We went to see every van in person and had a mechanical inspection done before handing over any money. That's how we ended up with Ron.

More: Meet Ron

Why is your van called Ron?

When we bought him, he was called Rona, because he was built during lockdown. We weren't keen on the name, so we took the A off the back window, and Ron was born.

How is your van's power set up?

Ron has a 12V lithium system with two Amptron BluEdge ABS 200Ah batteries. They're charged by roof solar and the alternator through a REDARC DC-DC charger, and by a Victron charger when we're on mains. A 3000W Victron inverter powers the 240V sockets when we're off-grid. Our power guide explains how it all fits together.

More: Our power setup, explained

Do you have a shower, and where does your water come from?

There's no built-in shower. When we were buying, we put a young, sound engine ahead of having a shower. We have a simple cold-water shower in the boot, run off our 12V water pump, which is great for a rinse after the beach. Most of the time we use public showers: most beaches have them, leisure centres are a cheap option, and campsites have them when we book in.

Our water tank sits under the van, and we filter the water as it comes in. We use it for washing up and washing ourselves, and buy boxed water from the supermarket for drinking.

More: Power, water and storage

How do you stay connected and safe in remote areas?

We use Optus for our mobile network and have Starlink on the roof for remote areas. People warned us how remote the Outback is, but with Starlink we've always had signal in an emergency. We also carry a full-size spare tyre under the van and a few lights for the evenings, and as we're a 2WD van, we stick to sealed roads and keep it sensible.

More: How we stay connected

What do you film your videos with?

Our main camera is the Sony A7C with the Sony Zeiss FE 4/16-35 lens, and we use the DJI Mic 2 for sound. We started out on the Sony ZV-1. We also use the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, a GoPro HERO10 Black, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ and a DJI Mini 3 drone.

More: Our filming kit

What route are you taking around Australia?

We started our Great Lap from Sydney and headed south. So far we've gone down the coast to Victoria, across to Tasmania, along the Great Ocean Road into South Australia, north up the Stuart Highway through the Outback to Darwin, and west into WA. Not everything works the way you first plan it: we'd planned to cross from South Australia to WA, but after working in Bendigo we'd missed the good weather on the southern West Coast, so we went up through the middle instead.

More: Our Great Lap so far

Are your videos in real time?

No, we're usually a few weeks behind. We film, edit and post one video a week, so there's always a gap between where we are and what you're watching. If you want to know where we are right now, we share real-time updates on our free Patreon.

More: Our Patreon

Do you drive at night?

No. It's our number one rule, because of kangaroos and other wildlife, and it was one of the first things Aussies warned us about when we arrived. On the rare occasion we get caught out, we just cruise slowly and take our time.

More: What the lap has taught us

Where do you camp?

In designated spots. Free camping in Australia isn't “anywhere”: touristy areas have no-camping signs and fines. We find free and donation camps, including some sports grounds, on WikiCamps, and the user reviews help a lot. Now and again we pay for a caravan park, like in Coober Pedy, where we'd heard mixed things about safety and wanted to be able to walk into town.

More: The apps we use for van life in Australia

What visa are you on, and how long can you stay?

We're from the UK and are in Australia on working holiday visas. We're making the most of every month we have here. We'd love to stay long term one day, but the visas can be tricky.

Do you work while you travel?

Yes. We stop and work along the way to top up our savings for the next leg. So far that's included a couple of months in Merimbula over Christmas and a stint in Bendigo. When we're working, our weekends become editing days so the weekly videos keep going up.

More: Our Great Lap so far

More questions
Can you sleep in your van on the Spirit of Tasmania?

Not on our crossing. Passengers weren't allowed back to their vehicles during the journey, and the vehicle decks were locked, so pack an overnight bag. The ferry sails between Geelong and Devonport. We booked recliner seats rather than a cabin. Check the current rules when you book.

More: Tasmania on our Great Lap

When did you go to Tasmania, and for how long?

We spent three weeks going round the island in January and February.

More: Tasmania on our Great Lap

Where did you see the platypus in Tasmania?

At the Tasmanian Arboretum.

Is the Great Ocean Road easy to drive in a van?

Yes, it's very easy to drive along the coast. Some of the national parks inland have graded roads, but if you stick to the coast you'll have no issues. We'd also recommend heading slightly inland for the national parks and the redwood forest, which were a real highlight for us.

More: Our Great Lap so far

Where's your Uluru video?

We can't share that video just yet, but we still hope to get our permit and post it at some point on our journey.

What app do you use to check the UV index?

On an iPhone, it's the built-in Weather app. Open today's weather and switch from “Conditions” to “UV index”.

More: The apps we use for van life in Australia

Where in the UK are you from?

Leicestershire, in the East Midlands.

Got a question we haven't answered?

Ask us anything about van life, Ron or the gear we use, and we'll do our best to get back to you.

Ask us a question