The Top 5 Offroad Upgrades For Your Camper Van

If your idea of the perfect campsite can’t be found on a map, then it's time to turn your van into a true offroad camper van. Whether you’re crawling through Utah’s red rock canyons or picking your way up a rugged mountain pass, the right upgrades make all the difference. Our expert van builders have weighed in and here are their four essential upgrades that will boost your off-road performance, improve safety, and let you explore with confidence.

1. Dark Star Offroad Limited Slip Differential

One of the best performance upgrades for any offroad camper van is a limited slip differential.

The Dark Star Offroad LSD automatically shifts torque to the wheel with the most traction, helping you power through mud, loose gravel, and steep climbs without getting bogged down. Unlike lockers, it’s smooth and seamless—perfect for daily driving and off-road adventures alike. This system also allows your van to corner more smoothly, along with its offroad implications.

The DSO Limited Slip Differential can be optioned on any Off Highway Van build and comes standard on our Pro-X trim!

2. BF Goodrich K03 All-Terrain Tires

Tires are your van’s only contact with the ground, so they better be ready for anything.

The BF Goodrich K03 A/T tires are built for offroad versatility without sacrificing highway comfort and are our choice for almost every van that rolls off our production line. We love their aggressive tread, reinforced sidewalls, and proven durability. In our opinion, these are a no-brainer for any serious offroad camper van build. They’ll take you from city streets to slickrock trails without skipping a beat.

3. Evictus Prerunner Suspension System

If you’re planning to push your camper van beyond pavement, suspension upgrades are a must.

The Evictus Prerunner Suspension Kit gives your offroad camper van increased ground clearance, better articulation, and a smoother ride across uneven terrain. This suspension kit comes standard on all Pro-X Off Highway Van models. Designed specifically for the weight of a camper van buildout, this suspension keeps your van controlled, comfortable, and capable—whether you're navigating rocky climbs or washboard roads.

4. CATuned Front Bumper with Integrated Warn Winch

A well-built front bumper is more than just protection—it’s a recovery tool.

The CATuned Front Bumper can be optioned (via our R Package) with an integrated Warn winch, giving your offroad camper van self-rescue capability when the trail gets tough.

Whether you’re stuck in sand, mud, or snow, a reliable winch is an essential piece of gear. Plus, the bumper adds a bold, functional look that matches the rugged capability underneath.

5. VanCompass Offroad Skid Plate Kit

When you're exploring technical terrain, protecting your undercarriage is mission-critical.

The VanCompass Offroad Skid Plate Kit provides serious armor where your offroad camper van needs it most—up front, under the transmission, and around the rear differential. This multi-part system shields your vital drivetrain components from rocks, stumps, and unexpected trail hazards and can be optioned to any Off Highway Van build via our R Package!

For any serious offroad camper van build, underbody protection is a must. With the VanCompass kit installed, you're not just avoiding damage—you're unlocking terrain that would otherwise be too risky to touch.

Bonus: Dark Star Offroad Rear Coilover Kit

When you have the weight of a full camper van buildout in the back of your van, your rear suspension needs more than just a helper spring.

The Dark Star Offroad Rear Coilover Suspension Kit is engineered to handle the added weight while delivering serious off-road performance without the Evictus price tag. This kit can be optioned on any Off Highway Van build, and comes standard on our Pro trim.

This upgrade replaces your factory rear suspension setup with a custom-tuned coilover system, giving you enhanced damping, better articulation, and improved ride quality both on and off the trail. It’s perfect for vanlifers and overlanders who demand comfort and control without sacrificing durability.

Ready to Build the Ultimate Offroad Camper Van?

These upgrades don’t just improve performance—they redefine what your van is capable of. From weekend trail runs to full-blown overland expeditions, each piece of gear brings you one step closer to the off-grid lifestyle. If you're serious about transforming your camper into an offroad-ready machine, we can help you get there.

Want the highest performance offroad van possible? Build a Pro-XR with Off Highway Van! Between the Pro-X trim and R Package, you can access all of the options listed above for your camper van build! Talk to one of our van experts to start your offroad camper van build and gear up for the wild.