Our Campervan Sink Setup: Drinking Water, Storage, and Smart Details

Is a separate drinking water tap and tank really necessary in a van?

For us the answer is yes. With a toddler on board it is good to know that all drinking and cooking water comes from one clean, controlled source. It also simplifies daily life. We do not think about which tap water is safe. We just refill the 15 litre tank with bottled water when needed and move on.

Is a deep sink not a waste of space in a small campervan?

A shallow sink looks like it saves space. In real use a deep sink is easier to live with. You can wash bigger pots without splashing everything. You can stack dishes when you do not have time to wash right away. With a lid on top you still get a flat work surface, so the footprint works twice.

Do you really use the worktop extension or is it just a nice extra?

We use it almost every time we do dishes. Our sink is not huge. Having a landing zone for clean dishes before they dry makes a big difference. The fact that our IKEA drying rack fits the area and drains straight into the sink made it even better.

How do you stop the bin from smelling in such a small space?

The main trick is simple. We take the trash out every day. Especially with a child in the van you generate enough waste that it makes sense. The bin under the sink is close to the kitchen and to the door, so grabbing it on the way out is easy.

Are the USB-C sockets under the extension actually useful in practice?

We do not use them all the time, because we already have other charging points inside. When they are useful, they shine in one specific case. Sitting outside and charging a phone or small device without running a cable through the door or walking inside. For us that is exactly what they were meant for.