Preparing my Campervan for a Cold 25°F Night / a night in a life of
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 เม.ย. 2022
- #vanlife #touqe
With the overnight low going down to 20°F tonight, I thought this would be a good time to share how I stay warm in my un-insulated van. My van doesn’t have insulation. But that isn’t a problem most of the time. I tend to travel and stay in warmer areas. On the occasion, like tonight, that the temperature drops below freezing, I have several ways to stay warm and comfortable. Between my clothes, blankets, sleeping bag and Olympian Wave 3 propane heater, I’ve found it easy to stay warm in freezing temperatures.
After spending a few days dispersed camping outside Ash Fork Arizona, I decided to move on. The weather report was showing rain and snow in the forecast. And the overnight temperatures were going to drop down into the low 20°s. So it seemed like a good time to move on and find a warmer area. After looking at the options, I decided Prescott would make a good destination.
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My name is Scott and in 2015, I bought a Ram ProMaster City to live in. Even though I didn’t know much about RV’s and campervans, I set about building the van out as a minivan camper. And in April of 2016, I moved into my minivan full time.
Over the years, I’ve learned you don’t need to have a big skill set to build your own campervan. And that living as a minimalist and utilizing solar power can be a less expensive way to live. I’ve also learned that a minivan can be a very comfortable home.
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To be huddled within layers and layers of comforting fabric sounds so delightful.
Seems I would feel so comfortable and content that it would be easy for me to stay awake to simply enjoy the moments before allowing rest and...
...drifts off... resting in sweet slumber
I'm happy for you in that you've made your house on wheels rather to be home comforting home.
See, those are the rare moments where your great humor shines through.... "didn't say it would be a healthy dinner" 😁❤️👍🍻
Find a hot water bottle that is silicone, or other food grade material. In the morning just heat the already sort of warm water up for your coffee or tea. All that’s wasted is a little fuel to heat the water for the bottle; don’t really have to consider it wasted because it kept you warm all night.
The hot water bottle that I own is silicone. And I reuse and reheat the water in the hot water bottle. I’ll make a more detailed video answer to this as there seems to be a lot of misunderstandings about it.
Aloha Scott - I’m continuing to binge watch as many episodes as I can cram into my busy day. You can be serious one minute then have me cracking up laughing the next minute. So relaxing to listen to you share a story or two. Thank you so much.
You have the most mellowest demeanor & it's comforting :) God bless you.
Thank you
Oh wow, you actually at 25°. I thought if anything, the lowest was around 50° maybe 40°. I didn't take into consideration the winds bring in, especially by coast.
Great ideas for emergencies
I laughed at your humor. I’m a big fan of the union suit. 👍🏼❤️
Natural fibre items will work every time - they cost more but are a sound investment. Stay safe and warm.👍
You made me laugh out loud several times. 😂
... there was a time when winter cold I would embrace, loved being outdoors.
The decades have passed and in a few months will in three years be seventy... The cold just plain hurts.
Good hearing you have what you need to keep warm and cozy.
Enjoy hearing of your travels
...and how you make pizza 😊
🙋♀️☕🌲
I've used a Walmart electric blanket which should be your plan "B." Hook it up to any battery generator, and you are good to go. They are outstanding. I don't use the propane unit until it is time get out of bed in the van in the morning, or before you go to bed at night. Try it they work!!
My electrical system isn’t robust enough to run an electric blanket all night
@@bennyhill6161 At the moment, my battery and solar are too small for what I’m already running.
PSA!!! The little green propane bottles are refillable!!! Stop buying new ones!!! Get the 10 dollar adapter off of Amazon so it can connect to a 20lb propane tank. You can even find videos on TH-cam about the correct method of refilling!
Omg I thought I was the only person in the world that gets a headache if my head gets cold and I agree with you about the restrictive feel of a sleeping bag and hats ❤️❤️❤️❤️
It’s nice to know we aren’t alone.
I love cotton for sheets quilts etc. I’m going to look into your ikea duvet this winter.
This past winter I opened a sleeping bag and put it on top of my cotton quilts. Saved hundred’s on my heating bill
Saw you at disperse camping off Walker Road near Lynx lake but did not want to disturb. No camping spaces available, I continued on towards Crown King via Senator Highway to find a space for that night, 11 Apr 2022. Where I was camped overnight it got to 32F. Nice seeing you out there. Thanks for sharing, much appreciated.
Cool. I actually shared the camp two nights with others. Not many spots for as popular as it is up there.
@@StaticCamperVan If you've never been to Crown King, AZ, you ought to stop by. It's a small community (pop.
Thanks. Always great to get some off the radar info
I use a heating pad for my feet.
You make me want to get out and travel.
Enjoy your video.
There is a hot water bottle which you just plug in for a few minutes and it having a hot element and water inside saves you both propane and water. They are usually smaller in size.
Interesting. In cold weather, I rarely have enough battery and solar power to run anything other than my fridge
@@StaticCamperVan that would definitely drain your battery
Also Amazon has decently priced wool blankets. I have a twin sized one that is so wide that I can fold in half and still covers everything. I put two thick Fleece blankets underneath that so it's soft against my skin and for warmth and I can sleep comfortably as low as 40. Also it helps to lay on a layer of Fleece as well. My van isn't insulated and I have no propane heat and thus works for me. Get a good hat as well, you dump so much heat thru the top of your head it can be the difference between a miserable night and sleeping relatively well!
Yes, the hat I was showing is my sleeping hat. Maybe I didn't make that clear. But the only reason I bought that hat was for sleeping in cold weather. Although I don't need it often since I have a heater.
I used to buy expensive wool socks. I switched to wool blend Walmart socks. That are every bit as good as expensive mountain sports store socks.
Great Video Scott! Also in this video there was a Johnny Depp "DIOR" Commercial. EPIC! 🇺🇸
I can understand why you would appreciate that commercial
I grew up calling the knit caps: stocking caps. I later began calling them: Watch Caps after having been in the Navy. Only in the last ten years, give or take, have I ever heard the name Took. I believe it is Canadian. Nothing wrong with being Canadian it is just where I first heard the term used was from a Canadian source.
I, too, am in favor of natural materials. Just the way I grew up and there were few synthetics back when I was a kid. I've tried synthetics and had questionable success using them.
Yes, and a beanie is a child’s cap with a propeller on top 😂
@@fallenstar23 There use to be kids TV program in the early 1950's called "Time For Bennie" Really didn't like it that much. Hand puppets for kids.
Toque. Panty hose head.
‘Watch caps’. I like that title and the source. Thanks for teaching me something new! Whatever one calls them, they are essential as we lose so much of our heat through our heads. Cheers!
Thanks for another informative and mildly entertaining film. I’m gonna go buy your sleeping hat now✋🏻
Stay Warm!
The only creature Comfort I miss from my brick-&-mortar home, my heated waterbed but I'll live.
You can have that in a van.
@@StaticCamperVan 🤔
Just an FYI .... I use a Brentwood 400/800 watt Portable Space Heater powered by a Jackery. The coils in the heating unit is clean and very warm and cost effective. :) Also just to mention, I use an empty 2 liter soda bottle (filled with hot not boiling water) and it works far better (under a blanket it'll stay warm all night long). Thank you
What an informative discussion. Great and practical ideas you presented.
Love the Bigfoot
My spirit animal
I really enjoyed your very, very natural, experienced and engaging explanation of sleeping in below freezing. Thank you 😊
Thanks Darlene
Hello Scott, in this video, you talked about preferring natural fibers, wool, cotton etc . And you called yourself a weirdo. I just wanted to reassure you that you're not a weirdo, you're a wise owl and you're 100 percent right, natural fibers are ALWAYS best for every reason, and every season, and added bonus of just being WAY MORE comfy and cozy. .......soooo nooooo weirdo's in your van, just a wise owl.
XOXO🥀🤗🥀
I totally agree with you about using natural fibers as much as possible. I wear thin layers of wool all year long and adjust the number of layers according to the weather. Highly breathable, durable and can't beat it for temperature regulation. I've had a few thin tees for 5+ years, worn them 100's of times and they still look nearly new after washing. Can't put in the dryer but they dry quickly. Totally worth the little higher price tag.
5+ years out of a t-shirt is awesome
I get 12yrs of use out of my cotton t-shirts.
@@StaticCamperVan I can highly recommend Icebreaker wool if you care to try it 🙂
@@bennyhill6161 That's fabulous
Nothing better than a hot coffee or tea to keep warm, but even better if you could make a good use of a heater. I like the way you're turning your minivan into a real and cozy home. By the way, I love that Bigfoot-like logo holding a mug at the end of the video!
That’s a self portrait
I love watching the van life videos and particularly yours, Scott...for your sense of humor. Lol 😆. I'm a newbie at this but picking up all of the great tips is turning me into a well experienced van traveler. I loved how you set up your stove and copied the idea as best as possible. However, I use the canister stove found at an oriental market for 40 bucks. My back up is a two burner Coleman that is in storage and a backpacker unit for hikes. I use a Coleman zero degree sleeping bag but have not experienced temperatures below 32. I don't zip it up and works well for me. I like the duvet idea and will pick one up at Ikea in Sacramento. My most recent add on were two solar sensor lights by Aootek and came in quite handy when a large black bear came into my camp. I was about to exit my van when the lights came on exposing the bear sniffing around my campfire pit. If you boondock as much as I do solar lights may help keep you out of harm's way. I never heard the expression "took" before for watchcap or beanie before. Funny, I keep as many in a clothing drawer...maybe seven including an orange and a brilliant lime yellow (plus matching safety vests) should my van breaks down at night on the highway. Keep the videos going, Scott...love them!
Thanks Alexander. So good to hear you’re enjoying yourself out there
So many words of wisdom here. Thanks Scott.
You’re welcome, Shaun
I’ve enjoyed watching your videos ! I believe I’m watching g them out of sequence but I like your modern day Thoreau lifestyle.
Thanks. Although I’m not sure about being compared to Dave.
I have a Playlist with all of my videos from start to present if you want to watch in order.
I use flannel sheets year around too. In the summer if I get a little bit cold all blankets are to warm, so the flannel sheets are perfect.
Hi Scott hope your doing well 😊
Ive always called them ski caps. I don't like the other word either though. I've never heard an American say tuk before. 😊
Gosh baby , Georgia is not berrrrrrr cold , & has camping & fla ! 🏖
It is always good to be prepared for all types of weather. We bought a 20 dollar Walmart electric heater that works for us. We use a Jackery to power it.
Glad it’s working for you
You've got winter climate control inside the van down to a science. Every van needs a floor vent ! Really enjoyed the video ! 🚐✌️
Hi Scott! 👋 Commenting for the algorithm. 😊
🙏🏼
I found your bed video you posted on may 27th 2023
I too strongly prefer cotton and natural fibers, my feet are almost always colder than the rest of me, and while yes, I can and have survived serious cold, I too have a wave three now!
Great video, Scott. Lots of great tips. Natural fibers are the way to go.
Brother, you cracked me up rationing fuel for coffee. (me too)
The stint in the woods is over when you've run out of coffee and spent a day or two on instant. (because of those two jars of instant your friend thought would be a good thing for a van dweller to have and you scoffe 9:38 d inwardly and politely stored them with your zombie supplies anyway.)
Three years now and I have one and a half jars of instant coffee left. Clearly, I'm not pushing myself hard enough in the isolation department.
Looking forward to binging your channel when I get reconnected to the matrix.
Cheers.
Fortunately, my friends have been kind and thoughtful enough to not give me any instant coffee
@@StaticCamperVan The best of friends give the gifts that you'd never buy for yourself. Do you think your friends suspect you've already got a stash of instant? (minor troll. again, look forward to digging your channel. looks like you're dwelling at about my speed.)
Glad you were warm, I agree with the natural fibres and definitely the layers. Stay warm and safe on your travels.
Love the swivel heater, great idea
Man, I saw that flame when you turned on the heater, hahaha. I’m glad that you know what you are doing. Stay warm.
Hi scott, You prepared in advance. I was surprised at how much the propane costs. Its easy to warm up a small space. Stay well. Your on top of your game.
I've never seen anyone show that flare-up when they talk about those heaters. Lol. Pretty wild.
Sometimes I forget and get a good jump while lighting the heater haha
@@StaticCamperVan you seem to have your eyebrows so I'd say you're doing okay.
@glenchilada hahaha
Fascinating setup, thanks for sharing!
I started filling a quart size metal water bottle with hot water to use instead of a traditional hot water bottle because the water is still drinkable in the morning. Only drawback is the hardness of the metal is not as comfortable but it really keeps my feet warm all night!
I find I can reuse the water in the hot water bottle for about a month before it starts to get slimy.
Thank you for sharing this for I have read to many reviews of the rubber water bottles leaking or bursting and people get burned badly. But I have several non insulated bottles. It just hit 50 in my van last night and I woke ice cold. But I didn't check the weather so I didn't prepare properly.
@@AllineWork91 buy the ones made in Germany. They are well made and reliable
Glad you kept warm Scott! I sleep better when I start off cold. The van 🚐 looks So cozy 😊
Thanks for sharing about the blankets. Was wondering what I should get. I am definitely getting installation. Still figuring out my build. Happy travels. 😊
Great video for tips on staying warm . I’m still catching up on your videos 😊
Thank you for your video is most informative and helpful to me because I’ve just gotten my van! I’m very excited about it I to have an Olympic wave three heater and I realized that it will not keep me that warm in a Promaster 159 inch wheelbase. But it will definitely get some of the chill off!
Congrats!
Yes I find sleeping bags tight too
Me too, I just unzip mine
12:04 I hope it’s not out of line for me to say but you sure are a good looking man!!
Lol, your humor is great! I laughed at 12:30 and also the dinner comment and the end parts too😂. BTW, I noticed you wore Smartwool in another video and I don’t know anyone else personally who wears it or wool in general. So many benefits. I have various wool brands, some are a little pricey like Icebreaker but Minus33 is pretty good deal and quality but I definitely love Smartwool. I never understood the robot guy either! We should ask them.
Thanks for the good remarks about Minus33, I’ve been looking for less expensive options. Although I think Smartwool is worth every penny
Glad you did ok! 🤗
Thanks for this 👍
Love your video’s!
Thanks for watching Laura
You have a fantastic Channel! I have a 2010 Dodge Ram Caravan no insulation and I've already suffered hyperthermia twice in the past when I really thought I'd be okay , now I need to bug out and hit a couch on the worst days if I keep the spanner I need to get it insulated somehow.
Best wishes on getting your van fitted up. Thanks for the nice words.
@@StaticCamperVan I keep trying the van is great but I'm still thinking I might need to trade it for something a bit bigger I need a little more room, however it always seems a lot of us are switching things up frequently rearranging and such :-) :-) it can be as much work as it is pleasure 👍🙂✌
I see you use those clip for your coffee. Etc. Go to the dollar store and get close pins. My mother used them. And that's what I use. My daughter was using those clips you use. But now she too use close pins.
You rock man
Stay warm and safe ❤️🙏
Great vid sir, hope all is well!
Hey my friend. Doing great, thanks. The PNW is the place to be! But you already know that
STILL WATCHING ALL THE VIDEOS BEING A NEWCOMER TO THIS.
This was so helpful. You’ve thought well about what works for you. I often think “when my vanlife grows up it will be more like Scott’s”. Had my first overnight near freezing about 10 days ago and layering was enough to make it comfortable. You’ve given me a roadmap to other options. Thanks!
There’s usually a little trial and error before we find what works for us. Sounds like you’re ahead of the curve already.
You have a good voice
There's no way I can take you seriously in pajamas, a wool hat and glasses. Lol.
I'm glad you stayed warm that night! As someone who handles colder temperatures relatively well (I run hot and sleep hot) if I were in your situation, I would also choose to tough it out in the colder temperatures for a while until things even out, as opposed to heading south where it will inevitably become TOO warm for my comfort. 👍
Luckily, escaping to more suitable weather is relatively quick and easy in this area of Arizona.
I like linen year round in my van:)
Linen is nice
You slept well !
Yes, I did
Liked the loud crunch, when you took a bite. Your homemade burger looked good.😊
Just a tip.....keep reusing the same water in hot water bottle. Keep the water in the bottle when not in use.
Saw that tip on someone else's channel and thought it was great!
I love your toque; stay warm Scott:)
I do indeed reuse the water in the hot water bottle. But when I’m several miles away from a water source, every liter of water is important.
@@StaticCamperVan ah gotcha!
Thanks great info, 🤗
Great job!
I totally agree. Natural fibers are so much better.
Interesting video. Glad you had a good and warm night sleep Scott.
I have very basic isolation, warm blankets, keeping the place dry is key. My van is electric, got stupid amounts of power to do so. Propane is a wet source, dump it.
And the micro dust from burning 🔥
Great video thankyou for sharing here from Ontario Canada 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦❤️❤️😎
The TV mount is a very good idea. Will try to remember it. Thanks for sharing.
I’m finally back on the road again. I Havasu. Got my Jeep serviced at Anderson and spending night in a hotel to recenter. Seem to be difficult to find a happy medium so far. Too hot down south and too cold up north. Be safe. Stay warm. Or cool depending on the location.
.... Yep .... warm is definitely a priority! ☕
Some good tips. You probably have one already but hot water bottles work much better with a cover. They release the heat slower and more comfortable to the touch.
Could you heat the hotwater bottle via a campfire and just keep re-using the same water to not waste gas/water when out in the woods ?
Also I've heard (but never tried) that the heat warmer element from car seats can be used as a 12v electric blanket.
I do indeed reuse the water in the hot water bottle. The fact is, when I’m boondocking far away from a water source, I need to conserve every liter of water on board.
I don’t have enough power to run another electrical device all night.
The smart wool character looks like some of the ancient petroglyphs of the southwest to me.
Oh yeah.
I love my chineese diesel heater.. in the mountains of northern Utah... total game changer
I like your channel!
Thank you!
Zac😮
Hi mate. I have a Toyota Hiace widebody van so a bit bigger than your van. I use a Covid Cupid gas heater, about half the size of a mister Buddy heater but runs on butane. Cheap and can get them anywhere. Recently I was in the Aussie outback, it was 4°c outside and 7°c inside. Within half an hour it was 24°c inside. I had to turn it off. Also a 12v electric blanket can help as well. But the Cupid is not cheap.
Great that you’ve found a reliable heater. Butane isn’t a good option for me. I especially don’t like that butane doesn’t flow well near freezing temperatures, which is when I want heat the most
@@StaticCamperVan yes that's true they can be difficult in cold weather. I keep a thick sock over my bottles so haven't had that problem yet. But it's going to happen one day I'm sure 😂
I have an Ikea down comforter, it's really very warm!
Scott that fire was scary 🔥 be careful dear and glad you stayed nice and warm 💤 💤 take care ❤️🌷❣️🌹❤️ 🌷❣️
Normal operation. No worries
I had a gas oven in a NY railroad flat that would do that. Lost my eyebrows the first time I lit it. 🤣
"I should be precise, here." LOL Keep toasty warm. 🔥🧦🇨🇦 Hey, it's still snowing here...LOTS! ❄☃️
Stay warm ☕️
Hurray for duvets! It's what I use.
Hoorays for Doovets
I did a night of 20-something and woke up with frost on the inside of the windows.
Too Cold!
I was wondering it sure looks like a beanie to me🤣
That heater freaks me out, I must say. :o
Why must you say that the heater that has kept me alive and comfortable for five years freak you out? That’s a very odd thing to say.
Thanx 😊 you da bomb baby 👶 , oh by the way dis information waz critical fo, my V.l. ( van life ) plan s . U .dah ! Man. Such a inspiration to the humanity an WOMen. A lik .
👋 Scott 😊
👋🏼
Cotton 👍
Flat tv mount is a good idea.