I Don't Have a Heater in My Van - How Do I Stay Warm When It's FREEZING? 🥶 | Winter VAN LIFE
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- Опубликовано: 4 янв 2024
- Here's how I stay warm in the winter in my minivan camper conversion.
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We're experiencing freezing temperatures at night, but we're back in the van for some cozy boondocking. I also have several projects to work on.
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This is my 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan no-build minivan camper conversion. I travel with my Chihuahua, Wynston. We’ve visited 34 states together in the continental US, and our home base is in Arizona.
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Amanda, 3 weeks ago i bought a Vevo all in one diesel heater and, it was a great decision. Right after i got it, it hit 16F at night here in my camp in ky. My cat and i were warm and when i woke up, it was 75 in the van. I ran it on low for 16 hours and it burned a little over a half gallon of diesel fuel. For $100 i am so glad i got this. I instsalled it outside my van and pipe in the hot air. It is wonderful and my cat approves. Just a tip i learned from my "vast" experience of being on the road 6 months. Safe travels.
I don't think I have a need. I really only need considerable warmth in January. The other 11 months I'm good. My van is small and newer, so it's easy to stay warm and cozy!
Sounds like a great idea. Do you have any pictures of how you installed it outside?
Thank you, for sharing your experience using a Vevo Diesel Heater 🏵️🌿
@@CADreemz I posted a few pics for you in a short video on my channel. This is a temporary exterior installation and you can see my attempts to make it as weatherproof as possible. Next summer, i hope to pack it all into a weatherproof box and hang it on the side of my van where it will stay when using or traveling.
@@eveadame1059 You are very welcome.
You are right about keeping your head and feet warm and you will be warmer. One way I’ve learned to keep my feet warm was when I hunted. I learned that if you put bread wrappers on your feet then put your heavy socks on over the wrappers, it will trap your heat in and your feet will stay warmer.
Could also run a rope/paracord from back area to headrest, then drape a blanket over it to create a pup tent over your bed. That will create an insulating layer and keep more warm air inside that pup tent area. I saw where somebody bought a moving blanket from Harbor Freight and did that.
Yes, I saw her video too. Excellent idea, like having the blankets over your head, You get warmer, But with one draped easily over you, It's easier to breathe lol
That is one of the most underappreciated ways to keep warm. It makes a massive difference on the temperature.
The one at Lowes was 20.00,,
A lightweight set of thermal underwear, top and bottoms, works wonders. A carryover from my snow skiing days. I don’t like a lot of heavy clothing on when sleeping.
Edit: oh, also a good old fashioned hot water bottle will keep your toes toasty all night.
I have a sleeping bag rated at -9ºC. So far, the coldest I've slept in was 0ºC and it was warm and cozy. A good sleeping bag is expensive, but no electricity or other form of energy required.
You should also put another thin blanket or lining inside the sleeping bag, this bring the warmth level up. The coldest I have dealt with while living in my car is -38°Celsius/ -38°Farenhight. Tonight is going to be -41°Farenhight for the next couple of days. 🥶🇨🇦
Take his advice from a veteran who’s been in the Arctic up to Alaska mountains of South Korea if you are sweating that means you got too many layers on and sweating in cold weather is not good for you. That’s my two. Cents.
The super warmers are great the best and absolutely last 18 hrs... I use them for my outside feral cats.. I put 1 or 2 fresh ones during the evenings sewn into socks with a piece of fleece blanket (EACH DAY CLEAN OR DRY BLANKET or dry used blanket because they like their own smell and yes I wear gloves to not remove their scent)then put socks under the straw or under blanket that's on top of straw to keep cats warm during the winters in the self made cat shelters. They will sometimes lay directly on them or arrange how they want it. My cats love them I use Styrofoam coolers or cardboard boxes lined with pee pads, boxes covered with dark trash bag taped with black tape and clear taped weighed down with 3 to 4 smart water 33.oz bottles. I am very creative lol but my cats are warm. I would blow dry with a hair dryer the inside of the boxes each night before putting the new fresh super warmers while they were eating their meals. It was cute the cats would be looking waiting for me to finish, then walk right in to get ready for bed. I ordered a box of 40 monthly from The Warming Store great deals!👍🏽💯 I did this for 5 years and finally paid to send cat to a feral cat sanctuary so she Moma cat can be more comfortable and has the option to sleep indoors, outdoors, in cat beds, human beds, floors and grass nice weather. Plenty of food kibble, wet and vet care. I miss them both dearly.😪💔 The cats were getting older, I dont know her original age but she seemed like she was losing her hearing or sight some because she stayed close-by not wandering off anymore. I sent her there for her safety which also cost $350.00 but thats to spend the rest of her life there. The others cat was a little younger later found out he was stray not feral so now he's living indoors his best life safe warm or cool no more outside living. I don't if someone put him out but he's safe now because before he came to me he would come looking hungry & scared, face full of scratches. I was so happy when that cat stayed in my yard with Moma cat safe from other cats on the streets since he wasn't a feral cat. I didn't knowmhe wasn't feral until he walked in the house once. I know this video is about van life but the super warmer pads are fantastic! My daughter gave some to homeless people sleeping outside without a van/car who sleep on the streets.👍🏽
I'm from Indiana and we use layers...sheet....blanket..afgan.and a heavy blanket....a quilt topper when it's really cold
I have a wool surplus army blanket, about 65”x 80” that i use on top of my down blanket, wholly molly is that comphy…the weight of the wool blanket is the secret…
That is natures ideal formula 👀🇺🇸
The wool blanket compresses the down making it less effective. Try it with the down on top
Great ideas, thanks!
I use a toque (cuz we’re Canadian) and pair it with a hoodie. Also if you have a metal, non insulated water bottle, fill it with hot water (and put the lid on tight and check for leaks) place it in a towel or better yet a sock and you’ve got a version of a hot water bottle. Of course the rubber ones work too.
Stay warm - from us in front of the wood stove! 🐾🐾🐾
🇨🇦👋
The coldest I've done was about 25 degrees. I got a zero degree sleeping bag that keeps me pretty warm. It's a bit tricky to get into it in a minivan, but once I'm zipped up, I don't want to get out of it in the morning. I either wear a beanie (I was just given a wool one recently for Christmas) or I cover my head with a blanket (I've got a wool blanket) or something else. My pillow also is fluffy and quite warm when I put my face into it. I also usually am wearing a jacket.
I hate getting out in the cold when I'm wrapped up in the sleeping bag in the morning. I'm looking forward to getting through the winter so it's not cold anymore, but heat has it's own issues too.
That must be in Farenhight ? So about -3 °C, that is actually cold for most people who are not accustomed to it. For perspective, right now, it is -23°Celsius / -9° Farenhight. Tonight and tomorrow, it will be - 38 -41 °Celsius, which is also the same in Farenhight at that level. For me to survive without a heater takes a bit of effort, but it is very much a challenge I enjoy. 😊🇨🇦
Yeah I got a down blanket recently and I'm obsessed with it because it makes hanging out in the car in the evening so much more pleasant.
Claire!!!❤❤
@@Kimbers58 Hey!!!!!!!
People are so spoiled there days. I would have the same tips as you do. I did find an electric matrass pad 32" wide x 60", that only takes 65W per hr on medium. Bought it on sale in the spring for only 35.-. It came in handy at the beginning of Dec when it got below freezing at night. Only used it for about 30 minutes to warm up the bed and I slept great!
My large heating pad works too. Only 40 watts! I got it for free from my insurance. Lol
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I have a suggestion -it’s something that I found on Sierra Madre, it’s called a “Puffle” it is made out of the finest material and super soft down. It is super lightweight, and super warm. They have one that is rated to 55°, one that is rated 20° and one that is rated 0°. Honestly I would rather have something over the top of me like a blanket that I could roll up like a burrito then use a conventional sleeping bag. I can’t sleep with heavy stuff weighing me down and this is super light. My body heat radiates off the material because there’s so much loft. Also I cover Rocket my JRT with one and he stays supper warm!❤
Hey Amanda if you get little terracotta pot and flip over candle makes instant heater.
Good idea!
What about soot? I donwant soot stains on my ceiling.
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Great ideas! I have recently switched to organic candles too. No toxins for us people who are easily triggered and plagued with migraines but still love candles!
Great idea!
Beeswax usually does not melt in the hot weather when they are stored.
Been there, done that...actually Doing that. I have a humongous 20 below sleeping bag that seems like it was made for Andre The Giant. Very warm. I have found that you should get into bed just after shutting down the van while it's still toasty inside. Also, you can sleep warmer by eating something with a high calorie content before hitting the sack.
Another thing is wearing a knit hat or light weight balaclava. Make sure you cover your neck because arteries are close to the surface there. If it's really cold, light weight gloves work well. If you don't have enough warmth from your sleeping gear than wear clothes to bed. Polypro long underwear is nice.
Very helpful, thank you. A quick and to-the-point rundown of safe options for a car or minivan dweller. I especially like that you mentioned ideas for one’s dog!
Seeing this a day later, and I too have a sweat suit set for sleeping in, and have Muk Lux slippers I have just for bed!! Always have used flannel sheets on my bed in winter!! And being in the upper states area, I do have extra blankets, and have a sleeping bag that is good -30° and yes sleeping cap, all have been my how I was able to stay warm sleeping in a van!! I had to find ways that made it nice and warm!!
I couldn’t take it any more near Quartzsite. I ran away to Yuma. Just a bit warmer. Makes all the difference in the world. See you on the 24th. Hope it’s a bit warmer.
I'm not in Quartzsite either. Too windy and crowded currently. I'll be back toward the end of the month for my meetup.
Im still in Tyson wash, and its been pretty chilly.... Expecting some nasty winds tonight and tomorrow, so ill probably be staying in my van alot... For warmth, i have a duvet, and lots of blankets and throws.... As well as 2 little dogs... Lol. Not bad except for when i have to get up several times each night to use the bathroom. When it get cold, i just remind myself.... At least its not snow... At least it's not snow. Lol
I hope it's warmer for my meetup!
@@AdventuringWithAmanda me too!
I just survived 0° in ky in my car no heat im so glad the cold is gone for awhile 😊
Amanda, I’m glad you mentioned the remote starter, I added one to my Grand Caravan from Amazon about 4 years ago.. $120 and it took me an hour to install, it has never let me down. From the bed, the van can be started by pushing the lock button three times, and the engine runs for about 12 minutes to warm the interior, perfect for falling back to sleep. Since the engine is cold, it might take a while to feel heat, but if you need a bit more, just restart it for 12 more minutes of warm engine heat. Also works great for cooling the van in extreme heat.
Good to know you did a successful self-install. My van came with it from the dealership, but it's so wonderful!
Thanks For The Video Stay Warm And Safe.
I toss and turn too much due to aging pains to wear a bunch of clothes, I do however believe in -0 sleeping bags on top and reflexit / foam pad / mattress topper on bottom. and love the beanie idea 'if it fits loose'.... thank you for always sharing ideas
Ty so much. I am feeling apprehensive but ordered a get out gear blanket per ur recommend, I have a good sleeping bag and hat and socks and Foxy who is a great heater lol. Last time I camped in the low 30's I was in a tent and I was pretty miserable in the mrng trying to make a fire to warm up lol. I decided 40 was my limit but I think being in the Van will b better as worse case I can just start the engine if it gets unbearable.
Great information thanks
☺️👍Thank you, Amanda.
All I did was go on line and buy a zero degree extra large sleeping bag. I use that and another velor feeling throw, sometimes I place a lighter weight fluffy blanket around my neck . I'm fine no matter the chill out side my mini van
if you are using candles consider looking into making a simple clay pot heater and hang it from the ceiling. Do a search for claypot heaters as they are super cheap and use candles.
Just found your channel love it so far. I'm Jeff from PA. you are very pretty young woman
I love you my new friend
Thank you for all this information :) in just starting my van life and this will come in handy ❤
You are appreciated ❤😊
How I stayed warm in winter living in a car with no heater
I used plastic grocery bags as draftproof and a daily paper as insulation eg 2 papers in 2 carrier bags will keep your feet nice and warm even if a person puts carrier bag in sleeping bag etc
If an alternator or cambelt packs up the heater won't work in the vehicle but if a person keeps 4 or 5 paper's and 4 or 5 plastic grocery bags in their car or van they will get through the night ok with no heater in the winter snow in freezing weather conditions
Great tips Amanda!
If you get terra cotta plant pot and the terra cotta plant dish for under the pot... you can put a couple candles (lit) on the dish and turn the pot upside down setting it over the candles. The hole in bottom of the planter pot will keep the candle/s lit and the candles will heat the clay pot and be a miniature heater. Also the candles seem pretty safe inside that area so they are not tipped over
I've been seeing this comment, and I'm doing to try it.
Thanks for all the great ideas!!
I like to use a thick mukluk sock on my hand. I wear it on my arm that goes under my pillow so my bare skin isn't exposed. It pulls all the way up tp my elbow. I've also put a hot hands in it for a few minutes but it's too hot to sleep with it in the sock.
Very good tips. Thank you.
My diesel heater started pumping diesel exhaust inside so im pretty much doing the same as you. Only thing i would add is covering the windows as soon as the sun goes down to retain the heat longer. First time viewer also in the AZ area.
Great info. Thank you
Thanks for sharing.
Great video
Thanks Amanda! Another informative video. I also read the comments for interesting tips. Most people don't think small, lightweight and effecient. I have a power bank and solar. But, I do my best not to depend on those resources. I just had 6 cloudy, rainy days in "The Sunshine State". My power bank is in reserve right now.
I almost bought that puffy blanket! Now I will. Thanks for the product review! I hope you get a commission.
Candles and heaters are really nice. . and dangerous.
The best thing is to "Dress for Success". Lol
There are so many beautiful lightweight, cozy fabrics available now. I just purchased fleece lined leggings for night. Ooo la la.
I need to try those serpa socks. They seem to be popular. I'm a sock lover!
Head and Toes!
What about the nose? Lol. I've seen some interesting videos on that. Lol
Good stuff!
Thanks for sharing!
Oh....and quit doing 'click-bait' titles woman!!! LMAO 🤣 on that one. ✌️❤️
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Thanks friend!
We’re in lit cactus. We just moved here from Washington. It’s 12 there right now so this desert cold is not bad at all. Lol
I don't go to TLC anymore because it's too much drama for me. 😂😂 But enjoy!
I place a big button timer between my power station and my electric blanket. I hit the button when I’m ready to sleep. The timer cuts off the power to the blanket after 30 min. I rarely wake back up but when I do, I just reach out, slap the button and continue sleeping. 😴
Can you put a link to the big button timer you use please?
GET SOME SMOKELESS CANDLES at the dollar store you'll we warm as toast...
More good advice
Wow ❤
Put that hand warmer in your jeans pockets to warm your core. Super.
I got a mr heater and zero degree sleeping bag, I only use the sleeping bag as a blanket. This morning woke up to 18 degrees and wasn’t cold at all
I used down comforters many times in my life.....until......I got a big dog that sleeps with me in bed. She gets it dirty and smashes it as she sleeps on top of it. I am currently using a weighted blanket. I got it free and it is homemade. Maybe made of heavy wool blankets. Anyway that is working for us. Hat and socks are a good idea. I may give that a try again. Usually I don't like those things and shake them off.
Too bulky to carry and launder. Think lightweight, not heavyweight when in a minivan.
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❤
Bob Wells says he used that safely for decades he had a heat shield on 3 sides
Clay pot turned upside down over stove can help in heating.
Very informative video, one of the best I've seen for keeping warm. I got an electric blanket but I discovered it takes so many watts that I never used it, I guess if you had a 2,000 watt solar generator it would be OK.
A 12v blanket will use less power than a blanket with a regular AC adapter (wall plug). My power station is 1500 watts. It runs my fridge and blanket at night, and both of those use about 15% of my power bank over night.
Interesting, thanks for the info
I use a large heating pad. It only draws 40 watts. It's easy enough to store and launder.
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Good ideas. If it gets really cold I put on my hoody with the hood up of course. My small rv keeps about 15-20 degrees warmer than outside without any heat source. I wonder if candles put out any noxious gases.
Any flame emits some carbon monoxide but more importantly in many situations any flame consumes oxygen. That is an unavoidable problem even if the CO emissions aren't.
Hi Amanda
Hi Alan!
👍👍
Hi Amanda, Thanks for all the tips on keeping warm, very helpful. I just have a question about the fire blankets - I’m just not sure if they are safe. Have you ever seen one used? I have been planning on buying one for my van, but after reading the reviews think maybe just stay with the tried and true fire extinguisher. Maybe others could give their thoughts on this as the blankets seem much less messy, but don’t want to rely on them if they don’t work. Again thanks for all your cold weather tips.
It's probably best to have both an extinguisher and blanket.
I think the biggest thing is the elevation that you stay at during the winter. If you were to stay in places with like 4-5k elevation, it would get pretty miserable in the mornings/evenings without a diesel heater.
I have a deasel heater. I use to warm my van up. Then turn it off. (-:
What about summer 90° outside please tell me I want to learn about summer time
Please demonstrate us how to use it?
Amanda has it ever been so cold that your butane doesn’t produce vapor? That happens to me so now I carry butane and propane. Thanks for the ideas!
Nope!
Warm up the butane bottle with your armpit or body heat first and you should not have a problem.
Propane starts to have issues typically when temperatures are below 20° fahrenheit. The exact temperature when it becomes a real problem varies depending on the exact equipment being used, the size of the tank, how full it is and other variables. If the user doesn't have a good understanding of how things work it can be dangerous.
What kind of sock was that u put over reg ones at night for warmth?
Sherpa socks. I forget where I got them from.
so many 12v heating blankets to choose from im getting dizzy.
would you buy yours again if it went out?
Yes.
It also looks like you use white Styrofoam on your windows..Is that correct?
No, they are Heatshield window coverings.
I wish I had some socks.😢
How much energy does your heating blanket draw?
45 watts on low setting.
Can someone tell me what a diesel heater is and where do I buy one?
Go watch this guys videos. John Mck 47. He's the best.
What temperature were you camping in?
20s.
@@AdventuringWithAmanda@AdventuringWithAmanda Nice. Good job.
I did that kind of thing for a couple winters in a minivan in new york. It went down to -3f at the lowest. It was ok, but i couldn't get much work done.
I then rented for a while and now doing van life chapter two, with a heater. It works ok down to like the mid 20s. Lower than that and i stay at a friends place.
I'm from AK, not dealing with cold. Had enough a that. Turn on the diesel heater and the coffee maker. Stay in the down bag til the van is warm. Takes about 20 minutes with the high top.
What about snuggling with friends
A dog is better.
Depends on who the friend is...
Just get a mini space heater, ceramic, plugged into a jackery for seven minutes turn it off and you’re fine
Even a small 200w heater draws a TON of power. I can just turn on my van for that length of time without using my battery power.
Right. It can be more energy efficient just to run the engine. I include in my housing budget.
Less stuff!!!! .. to lug around too!
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I'll keep you warm if I were with you body heat
Hey Amanda, instead of using a clickbait title, just do like you did and show us how you stay warm during the winter months in your van. We all know your van has a heat source as soon as the engine warms up and most of us have used it while camping in cold conditions. My new motor home is diesel powered and there have been many times I just let the diesel engine run all night at idle just to have a heat source instead of going through copious amounts of propane just to stay warm.
How is it a clickbait title? I don't use a heater...it's literal facts. Not clickbait. Have a nice day.