We are Trent and Nan, a Thai-American couple who traded walls for wheels in 2021. We live full-time in our vans while chasing trails, biking, hiking, and working in tech. My 2017 Winnebago Travato 59K is my home on the road, and I love it too much to start drilling holes in it.
If you own a Travato, you’ve probably looked at that stock TV and thought the same thing I did: “Who still watches this thing?”
The resolution is low, the screen is small, and these days we already have a laptop, iPad, and phone that do a much better job for entertainment. So the TV just sat there… taking up valuable wall space.
The Real Problem: We Needed a Better Mirror
The only mirror in the entire van was the tiny one on the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. Getting to it every day was awkward, especially when someone else was using the bathroom or when the hallway was blocked.
I wanted a full-size mirror in the living area without drilling or permanently changing anything.
First Attempt: The Heavy Mirror Fail
I tried using a regular glass mirror first. I stuck it to the TV with nano tape… and it immediately started sliding down. Too heavy. The tape couldn’t hold it.
Lesson learned: weight matters a lot in a moving vehicle.
The $25 Solution That Actually Works
I ordered this lightweight mirror from Amazon: Lightweight Mirror – Amazon Link
It’s light enough that nano tape holds it securely on the TV screen, even while driving. No sliding, no falling, no stress.
What I used:
- Lightweight acrylic-style mirror from Amazon → https://amzn.to/4ftFVhi
- Nano tape (double-sided, removable) → https://amzn.to/4fxogFD
Why Nano Tape Is a Van Life Essential
Nano tape has become one of my favorite no-drill tools in the Travato. I’ve used it for:
- Holding the paper towel holder
- Securing small organizers
- Attaching this mirror
- And a bunch of other random things I didn’t want to screw into the walls
The key is that it grips really well but can still be removed without damaging the surface. Perfect for people (like me) who refuse to drill holes in their van.
How I Did It (Takes 2 Minutes)
- Clean the TV screen surface so the tape sticks properly.
- Cut a few strips of nano tape and stick them to the TV surface.
- Press the mirror firmly onto the TV.
- Done.
That’s it. Instant full-size mirror in the living area, and the medicine cabinet mirror is no longer our only option.
Final Thoughts
This simple ~$25 upgrade solved two problems at once:
- The useless low-res TV finally has a purpose
- We finally have a practical, easy-to-use mirror
No tools, no drilling, fully reversible. Exactly the kind of mod I love for the Travato 59K.
Have you turned any “useless” stock features into something useful in your van? Drop your hacks in the comments — we always learn something new from the community.
Follow our journey for more honest Travato 59K mods, van life tips, and outdoor adventures at Trailnado.com!