Van Life Essentials How to Stay Cool Living in a Van or Car
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- Опубликовано: 23 сен 2018
- In this series, we've mainly focused on how to be comfortable in a car, van or RV while boondocking in nature, but offered nothing for those in a city stealth parking--in today's video we fix that. There isn't much you can do to stay cool in a van while stealth parking because you don't have power and making too much noise will give you away, but I give as many tips as I can.
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Thanks for watching!
I want my van to have windows all the way around with one way tint. I want to be able to see. If you're severely overheating, put an ice pack on the back of your neck. I was a welder and on the super hot days I would make 6 frozen solid smoothies in bottles and put them on the back if my neck against my skin to stay cool. It helped immensely!
You could always save every year to stay in a monthly hotel for the worst month of the summer and winter, or 2. Budget that in, and do all maintenance on the van during that time.
I spend 3 to 4 hours a day working in my yard. I'd miss it being a nomad but trade-off being out in nature. Sadly house is rental and my husband has health problems, so I may end up living in my small car alone because can't afford rent with one social security check. That's why I watch all these videos to prepare for that life. I'm 74 and have no other options.
Hello Gwendolyn, I’m just reading this now, a year later. Just wanted to say I hope you’re OK.Linda
When I lived in my Truck in Gulfport Mississippi I would go to the library or Casino during the day. Parked on the beach at night by the Island view Casino the breeze came and it was perfect.
If you live in a big enough city one of the newer things you can look into is getting a cowork space. It's like renting an office but it's a space people share and it's way cheaper. Prices change per city but where I am I pay 147 per month and I get 24 hour access to the building. So I can literally chill there all day. And they have a little break area with a fridge and microwave. I stay in a mini van so no space for a microwave and don't have the setup to run one anyway so its nice to have access to that. They also have a shower in the bathroom. Pretty posh.
That sounds like an excellent small business to start. Minimum investment for someone that owns a commercial building that is setting idle.
I used shade trees
I went to a camp ground that cost $75 a week or $200 a month.a place to shower and toilet.a plug in and grill.I thought it was a good deal
@@glendachilders where? And are there jobs nearby?
When I was homeless the library was my second home. Winter summer. Spent a lot of time there
Don't forget about Barnes & Noble, you can go in get a coffee, sit down to read a book or browse the internet. Same goes for the Public Library! Just move from place to place within the venue so as not to draw attention to yourself!
I was just thinking of the Barnes & Noble. There was a guy I remember from the bus who used to get off at B&N every day and we'd pick him up on the way back. And of course the library, which Bob did mention .
Randall Layman so true! Our N Ft Myers FL Community Center has three very nice clean PRIVATE restrooms. ( I go there twice a month for our Quilt Guilds meetings) . I see they’ve posted ‘ No personal hygiene ‘ signs in the restrooms . Last time I was there I saw a guy carrying a Bottle of water and a Cup O Soup plugging a small coffee maker into the outside electric receptacle of the building .
@@Nurse3811 Soup idea is very resourceful. He was probably homeless.
I love the library.
These places are not viable options with a dog...
Windows - tinted limo tint
add black foamboard inside cut to fit (Walmart, $2:40/ sheet) eliminates light, cuts heat transfer. 👍 pop-in/out
Don't forget about theaters....always cool and dark...and if the $3 movie isn't that good, take a nap!
denise duggins Most van dwellers are looking for no cost options.
where are you that theaters cost 3 dollars? Here the cheapest is like $8
denise duggins the
Justine McCloud I don't think a $3.00 movie has been available even to Seniors in a loooonnng time.
Thoughts In Passing matinee
At the end of the month I'm moving into my SUV due to eviction (Texas is ignoring the Covid moratorium) so I'm getting things ready. I've built a bed and have ordered a 3" self-inflating mattress, plus another 3" pad to go on top. As a 64 year old woman with severe back pain, that and surviving the heat here in the DFW area are my priorities. I just bought the fan you recommended, so thanks for the tip! It's fortunate that I'm still working, which means I'll be tied to this location while I save for a larger vehicle. Your suggestions of different rest and sleeping places to choose from really gives me major peace of mind, as being employed at a 'sticks and bricks' store limits my range of choices. Plenty around here to choose from though. Love ya Bob and I can't wait to see Nomadland!
The library idea Bob mentioned was the best idea. Usually free WIFI. Usually internet access. Some libraries have free classes. Oh, by the way, libraries have books. So long as you don't sleep and be obnoxious you could hang out all day with no issue. One thing that I add to this video. No matter where you choose to hang out do not look like a bum be clean take a shower don't be overwhelming with the smelly good stuff. You want to be a stealth person. If you choose to hang out at parks or areas with kids do not be creepy and look like you're staring at them all day, you could have the cops called on you. Good luck Happy Hunting. Thank you Bob for another good video, I never thought I'd see you out of the woods or desert. 😉
😊😊😊
I like putting a wet towel in the freezing area of my refrigerator and putting it on my legs and feet at night with a fan running. For some reason, if my feet are cooled off my entire body cools off.
Same in winter, once my feet are cold, I am cold.
Are you a dog😂
If ur city is near a lake (like Toronto) it usually feels way cooler by the water and gives a nice cool breeze. ✌
I don’t camp in my work truck but i do a lot of work from it. I have found using the silver sun screen much cooler if you have the ability to put it on the outside of the windshield. when it is inside the heat comes off it and is trapped in the truck. I put the lower end under the wipers and have 2 magnets on each corner for the upper side to hold it in place when the wind is blowing. cons are under heavy wind it wants to catch air and pull off.
And for a fan if you can do it. use an aluminum heater flex duct 4” dia from the vent. the fan can run inside while the duct opening is far enough away from the out side it is hardly noticeable.
Also always park with your front end north if the drivers area is not insulated from the rear. this way the heat is minimal
Robert excellent
Hi, what is "alum heater flex duct 4" dia from the vent"?
Great hint. I park in sketchy neighborhoods so I have to be careful that the screens are not absconded with.
Thanks great idea
Robot
I lived off grid in Texas... I used a plain old air mattress covered with a cotton sheet, it sucks heat away from you. I also used a spritzer and fan.
If you're in a hot town where the temperature stays above 100 degrees for days or weeks at a time, look for community cooling centers. Some are at malls, senior centers, or schools. They are nice and cool and usually have WiFi.
You didn't mention the color of your vehicle. My white commercial van reflects heat better than chrome. In the direct sun the surface temperature is within ten degrees of ambient air temperature.
I park in the sun for my roof top photo voltaics, a quiet fan helps.
With no windows in the back I park with the windshield away from the the sun. I also have a white windshield cover to keep the heat out, and in the winter keeps the frost off of the windows. (No scraping)
Winter parking the windshield into the sun for heat. 12 volt electric blanket for sleeping.
Good one Bob! Join the YMCA, have lunch at the hospital (not during Covid!), large hospitals generally have a parking garage it's a good stealth sleeping spot.
"A house is a FORTRESS Against Nature" I love that line. Thanks again Bob!
I know. This blew my mind when he said that. I was like omg he’s so right. Great Alaska man in touch w nature.
I loved this vid, Bob - especially your admonitions at the end. I'm still living in the 'burbs, but as you were saying, it's okay to be a little bit uncomfortable - it makes one appreciate and savor the iced tea & lemonade, the chilled macaroni salad or potato salad, the incomparable crispy sweet, thirst-quenching, joy of red-ripe watermelon chunks & slices
, the donning of one's oldest & softest cotton shirt & baggy shorts, after a thorough head-to-toe soaking from the garden hose. Ahhhh--mazing! And, yes, I'm a way big fan of fans! Absolutely.
Thanks for thinking of us city folk! 😊
When living in the southern east coast usa I acclimated to high humidity in saunas - it worked. Wish you the best.
Bob... u give such basic ideas that some domt think to do, so Jah bless (God Bless) u for doing this!! So many times a lot of us think, oh they know that or I'm sure no one wants to hear this because they already know, but u do it anyway and I know it helps many!!
Tk u for being you !!
@@laurac5451 so true Laura !!
Living in Australia, it’s hot. Another idea is to have wet face cloths in your fridge and use on a rotating basis. Cold wet wipes work well too. Keep water in the fridge. Several bottles at once.
My son once said we have central heat in the summer and central cooling in the winter, as God intended.
What about a mall. Just walk around in it or find a seat for a short while. Also maybe a church.
Lynette Brinkman - plus many malls have covered parking.
For reference:
Library
Public park (water play area)
Grocery store (deli/eating area)
Walmart
Gym
McDonald's / fast food restaurants
Public pool
I’ve used the following..
Starbucks
Barnes & Noble
Senior Center
Panera Breads
Dunkin’ donuts
Truck Stops
Movie theaters
Churches
Malls
Covered parking garages
Casinos (they are ice cold to me, haha)
Govt services offices like Motor Vehicles
Car dealership repair waiting areas
Laundromat
Great video on staying cool in the city and doing it in a stealth way. I’ve found when traveling using the large version of the collapsible dog pool and fill just a couple of inches and wrap with a wet towel in a bathing suit at night when it is really hot with a fan works great! (Even if you are only soaking your feet!). You can keep the dog pool in the van and just dump the water in the morning.
May I add another suggestion: Night Camping in hotel lots are usually quiet and access to really nice restrooms.
This was a very uplifting video. I enjoyed your tour around the city and you had some great advice. I'd like to see more videos showing you going about your daily vanlife.
I love that opolar rechargeable fan. I use it during lunch at work, since I like to sit in my car to get away from everyone. It's not enough in the summer though or anytime it's 80-85+.
Good idea! Lunchtime car camping preserves my sanity.🤣
Thanks for sharing 👋
Thanks! Being in the south, being educated on this subject is a must! I appreciate so much your thoughts and taking the time to educate your audience. Again, thank you.
I really like the part about homes being mostly about excluding nature. I never looked at it this way. It is very true. I think it comes down to what happiness mean. We grew up thinking being comfortable = happiness. But that is actually not true. And we actually know it. We play spots that challenge us physically to our limits. We go to the gym to push ourselves. We do many tedious things because there is a reward that comes with it. In the end that is what makes us feel alive and happy. As the saying goes, 'step out of your comfort zone'. That is where progress happens, where you experience life.
Hi, Bob, thank you again for the insights you provide on living in contact with nature, when dealing with difficulties associated with living in a van. You make it in such a way that it is worth the challenge!
I utilize all those options, my issue is my 2 dog’s & my bird. I can’t utilize many places, like the library etc. with the dogs. So what I have been doing is, by blessing my friend is retired & my dog’s stay at her house while I work when it’s hot. And then I’m taking off 1 week a month as I ease into retirement & if it’s going to be hot, I go somewhere cooler. It’s probably hitting 100 in Santa Rosa, so I’m in Fort Bragg enjoying the absolutely incredible weather at the beach. Right now I’ve just finished dinner I made as the sun is about to set. Im actually chilly right now, and all me & my critters were having a lovely time at the beach all day. And speaking of nature, the full moon is rising as the sun sets. Ahhh the life of the nomad. I mean really, how could you be mad? We get to have it ALL!!!
Hey love Fort Bragg don’t have to worry about heat there!!! Hope your retirement has been fulfilling
@@enjoythespectacular Hi there - flash from the past here! I’m in AZ, been around here mostly now for 2 yrs!! Miss the OCEAN, big time!! Still loving van life!! 🙏🏽❤️
I took Bobs advice and went to Lowe’s and bought a roll of reflexives. I made my own window coverings and painted them black.
I also bought a couple of USB fans from Amazon.
The library is definitely a nice place to go. I lived out of my van for just over a month while house hunting a few years back. Not only did it get me out of the heat but I was able to use their internet to get emails, research homes, etc. I even read a couple books in my spare time.
Some things i thought of are:
* park on the north side of tall buildings. Won’t help in the middle of summer but maybe on other hot days of year.
*parking garages. Sometimes they are free. Sometimes hey have a reduced rate later in the day. Stay a couple of hours so that you van can cool off from baking in the sun all day.
* cooling dog beds. Buy 2 when 1 gets warm get the other one out of the fridge.
* hot water bottle . Only instead of filling it with warm water you fill it water and let i cool in the fridge.
Thoughtful guide!
If there is a breeze, open your windows and drape wet (not sodden) towels on the inside of vehicle. Hold in place by trapping between door and frame, magnets or clothes pins. The air passing through the wet fabric is cooled thus cooling van. NB Only do this if you are in or nearby the van.
Bob's great outlook on how to not be punished for being human and for not wanting to get sucked into a 30 year term mortgage.
Great ideas on places to hang out and keep cool, both from Bob and from other folks who commented on this video. There is one thing I would caution, however. If you are parked in a city park, guys sitting around in vans can look kind of creepy, so be sure to get out of the van and walk, jog, picnic, etc. Don't just sit in the van or you will have parents of children playing nearby in a panic! Also, if you see anything that makes you uncomfortable, like a lurker, report it! Sitting in your van at a park can also mean you might be approached by someone looking for a "hook-up." Just sayin'...… (Have seen that happen!)
I'm going to maybe about a month go ahead and convert over to living in my van my friends look at me like I have lost my mind shake their head like I need to be committed and I've even had a friend or to say no your not you can stay with me but they just don't understand I wanted to do this for years and years even had a boyfriend tell me so why do you want to live like a refugee it's just something that I've always found very interesting and I'm going to finally try to do it
Forgot to mention concrete parking lots are also cooler than black asphalt.
Good point! And dirt is even cooler than that, but harder to find in the city.
Spraying water is key! I vouch for that! I am in Albuquerque in a HOUSE. Used to be a mobile home, no insulation. ACs died. Temps in the 100s. Three dogs ... we are all still alive because I spritzed us and we sat in front of the fan. Sooooo nice!!!
If you tint with heat reflecting tint I think it's best to only do that on one side, so on cold days you can use the other windows for solar heat gain.
Vano : Brilliant strategy !
Move over Fabio, here comes THE BOB! Fan blowing through the hair. TRY CANNED SNOW on side and rear windows. The white reduces heat gain. A bit messy clean up but it's not permanent and is great for privacy too. I would have posted this snow benefit on my channel but have so few viewers it wouldn't help. I used it for years. More for privacy but keeping the van cooler was a side benefit I enjoyed.
inside or outside of the windows?
Hi Bob: Good info for van dwellers. Always enjoy your videos. I’m making my first venture out in my RV in January 2019 to the RTR. Hope to be able to say hi to you in person.
Laura C - If you have your choice of vehicles ready (ie camper van, RV, etc), all you need do is head out to Quartzsite in January. I just bought an older Class C and am having some maintenance done on it. I will be driving to RTR and basically winging it, since I’ve never been there before. Are you concerned about the whole cost of the trip to RTR? I’m trying to be prepared to stay warm, stay cool, hydrated, food, etc. The rest will take care of itself if you watch your pennies and be a bit frugal on the road. It’s scary, but saving your money in preparation for emergencies is the key.
Judy Abernathy, here’s my TIP OF THE DAY! It’ll be my 1st time at the RTR and WRTR starting Jan 4 and I’ll be coming from FL most likely.
One thing I plan to bring is my own potty bucket and a changing tent (to keep the potty in) bc I’m in an SUV. Also, I’m a senior and when I have to go, I need to go right away. I won’t be able to stand in a potty line to use the potties that Bob is providing.
Love your videos keep up the great work! Your a true inspiration and give a lot of people light at the end of the tunnel. Much love brother! 👍🍻
Watching this channel makes me appreciate what it is to be human.
Thank you for taking the time to put all this valuable information together!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you for the reasonable advice you present on your channel Bob.
Thanks for the info Bob. Last week I came across your videos for the first time and am seriously considering this lifestyle. Any and all information I get is greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
Great ideas Bob! Thanks so much for all you do for others.
Great video Bob very informative. I have that exact fan and I absolutely love it super quiet and puts out a lot of air, and can charge it with a USB charger on my portable solar panel.
So many great tips here, thanks. And I loved the philosophical ending wrap up. Beautiful 🙏 look forward to meeting u at a round up…
Happy trails…
He's gorgeous helping people that's wonderful
Fantastic video!!! Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and experiences with all of us!!!
Love you Bob....live long and prosper 💖💖💖💖💖
Hi Bob i love your vidos an the info i be on the road in may in my van i watch all your vidos keep up the good work an GOD BLESS stay safe in i. In AL.
Very informative. Love learning. Thanks Bob.
Thank you Bob you are wonderful !!
@ 5:00 Years ago in the heat of Texas summers I discovered wearing barely wet COMPRESSION T-Shirts. Like an all-over "cool scarf." Amazon even has 3-packs of tanks and tees for $20.00-23.00!
While I am not a van-dweller I did on your recommendation buy a opolar fan, and I have to say I love it. I got a different model that has a stand/clip it also came with a rechargeable battery and is usb powered. So far it’s great, very quiet and moves a great deal of air. Thanks for the recommendation!!!
This is were the automatic climate control of a Toyota Prius makes it a superior camping/stealthing vehicle without the need for solar. Bob, has several videos on Prius campers. And they are ridiculously inexpensive to buy used.
Thank you so much for all your videos. You have reinvigorated me to find life again. Much love and respect
Great information!! Thanks so much!! Really love your videos!!
I have a chili pad which I pump ice water through with a small hydroponic pump from a soft ice chest. I had to Mciver the fittings but I have survived 2 Phoenix summers doing this.
Wow this is some great tips thank you so much for sharing we don't know yet what we will be doing most of, if it's going to be City dwelling or camping in the woods but it's always good to know solutions for everything! Thanks again!!
My Maternal grandfather was born in England and came over when he was a teen. He and Grandmom lived with us until his untimely death when I was 13. But he was always working in the garden. He wore a stretchy rolled up towel around his forehead and another around his neck.
I'm glad I came across your videos because the the input is amazing
Excellent information. Thanks
I really liked this one Bob. Thx
Black will only absorb the heat, you want light colored or white to reflect the heat
You can make a ac from a cooler with fan and ice if you need to or wrap a copper line and zip tie it around a fan with ice water and small circulate type pond pump😬
Nick V Only cooling in dry climates. Swamp coolers do not work in humid areas like FL and the eastern states
One thing is dropping a vent pickup pipe down into dry storm drains. On the side of the van a simple sign saying Gas testing will cover the sound of a fan and some machinery.
Great ideas and uplifting ending with the whole idea behind van or Rv life which is to get out and enjoy nature! My parents were somewhat religious folks, they always said you can read the good book or get out in God's second book "Nature". There ya have it!
More great info,,Bob your the best,,you inspire millions.,Thank you lord for giving us bob.
Thank you for the ideas...
Great information thanks for sharing
This is EXCELLENT advice, thank you so much Bob!!! Safe journeys everyone!
Love your vids am learning loads thankyou
Thanks bob .. But I'd still would like AC to keep my safe-space cool :D
Great info!
Good ideas Bob, Thanks so much
Excellent video. So many great ideas
Thanks Bob
Someone mentioned in the comments below concerning dogs. I travel with my dog and we've traveled in some very hot areas during the summer, like Texas. When traveling I always have three fans running from the front, middle and back of the van. Rusty lays on his bed, so I put ziplock freezer bags with ice under a towel on his bed trying to make sure that his paws are getting cooled off. Another thing that helps is I mist him around the neck with a spray bottle. I go to rest stops and they almost always have a water spout, so I put him under the water to cool him off, and I fill up on water for cleaning. Whenever I go grocery shopping I always take him in with me. I've never had anyone say he cannot be there. In fact, I've always have a positive experience. People come up and say how cute he is and want to pet him :) Also, I don't cut his hair because I've been told his coat keeps him cool.
I been worried about leaving my dog when shopping ... I am glad stores don’t mind!
@@Frugal_fitchic they do, but it seems almost none of the workers care enough to ask you to verify that they're a service dog.
Thank you.
Great video 👍.
Editing keeps getting better as well as the content. Good job ya'll.
It is a strange thing to see you out in the city dwellings. LOL thanks for the info 😊
In areas with 211 you can call and get 411 on cooling centers during HEATWAVE even providing transportation it saves lives by the time you think might be in trouble usually to late unless immediate aid is given. Never be afraid to call 911 let them decide your not able to.
For a second on the fan cean I thought I was seeing a qvc in the woods sale... you sold me Bob 😁
Very informative. Thank you! But what do you do with your pet when you're sitting in the library or grocery store?
With proper preparations & the right conditions it is possible to safely leave a pet in a vehicle on occasion. I have metal window screens and can have 6 windows open for airflow plus a roof fan. It is never permissible to lock a pet in a fully closed vehicle.
Additionally, I have a generator box on the back and a 10,000btu portable ac I can run anywhere. 👍
And before you get a good samaritan in trouble, not all jurisdictions permit strangers to intervene without liability. They may be subject to arrest. Many require a police officer to be involved..
I love nature!
Great video. How is Mom. Wish she was in more videos 😃. She is such a cutie. You are both so sweet and kind. My Mom and Dad passed many years back so I always enjoy seeing your Mom. Silly but it's true. You are a dear Son to take time to be with her. That tells me what a great Mom she is. Give her my love.
Cool rags on your wrists helps a lot also Bob
For those worrying about pets in cars, look up pet friendly, heat, day shelters. I know for a fact that LA has one or two. You can go there during the worst part of the day with your furry friend and make do. Large cities are more apt to offer this. There's also, of course, pet stores but it would be hard to stay there for a long time.
No couldn't hear the fan at all...thank you for all the great tips regarding keeping cool. This is a huge concern for me.😊
Trees are the best. Every parking lot should have lots of them. They are God's air conditioning system.
The cities are trimming the trees back so much that you can't even cool your car when you parkunder them at the grocery store.