I use a 12v heated blanket inside quilt/sleeping bag for about 15 min along with the vehicle heater to heat things up. Here in the NE my 100 amp hr LIFEP04 battery lasts about 60 days (54 watts for the blanket). I have a Mr Buddy but haven't used it in 2 yrs.
That’s a solid setup! A 12V heated blanket paired with your quilt/sleeping bag sounds like a great way to stay warm efficiently. That battery life is impressive too - 60 days is a long time! I’ve found the Mr. Buddy heater super useful, but it’s interesting you haven’t needed yours in two years. Thanks for sharing your method! It gets quite cold up there!
If you like the Mr Buddy, you will love a chinese diesel heater. The remote start lets you turn it on while still under your quilt, and it is a dry heat, unlike propane heaters. Park at night with your windshield facing southeast. The morning sun will warm up your van. Boot liners help keep your feet warm.
@@skyl4rk Thanks for the great tips! A Chinese diesel heater with remote start sounds like a game changer - especially being able to turn it on while still under the quilt. I’ll definitely consider parking with the windshield facing southeast; that morning sun hack is super clever. And I totally agree about boot liners - they’re a lifesaver for keeping feet warm!
Hate to be sand in the bearings, but Chinese diesel heaters SUCK ! I went threw two in 6 months, I went with Dickinson propane heater, sips the fuel, draws oxygen thew the flue, no oxygen depletion, no carbon monoxide.
@@KirkKramer Thanks for sharing your experience, Kirk! It’s always good to hear both sides. The Dickinson propane heater sounds like a solid option, especially with the safety features you mentioned. How does it hold up in really cold temps?
5:30 “Air” on the side of caution? 😂 See what I did there? Anyway, thanks for the great video. I live in CO just in a house but am looking forward to doing some Winter camping in my vehicle.
@ Ha, I see what you did there! Winter camping in Colorado sounds like an awesome challenge. If you decide to go for it, let me know how it goes. It’s definitely worth the adventure!
I insulated the bed and topper of my 1500 Ram PU using glued and screwed wood furring strips, filled the voids with 2" of pink extruded polystyrene board, covered all of that with a 3mm layer of rolled Smartshield stapled to the furring, and covered everything with 1/4" luan, and covered that with glued-on carpet squares. I cut out panels of rigid insulation to slide into the window aperatures in the winter. I use a USB battery powered electric sleeping bag liner that stays warm up to 14 hours. I have two down bags, one rated for 20° and one rated for -15°, and down quilts. I sleep in my warm winter base layer and fleece sweat pants and vest and a hoodie. I usually will fill two hot water bottles before I turn in and put them down at my feet. I have been using this set up in Vermont this winter and sleep nice and cozy down to about 15° so far, and will see how it holds up when it gets down below zero. I plan to head up to Quebec in January to ski Tremblant and then head west to BC later on in Feb and March. My approach is to keep my body and bag warm at night and not try to keep the space heated, but may need to go with a Mr. Buddy if my bed doesnt prove to be warm enough when it really gets cold. Stay safe out there!
Thank you for sharing your detailed setup and winter camping approach - It’s really impressive! I love how thorough you’ve been with insulation and layering, ensuring a warm and cozy space even in subzero temperatures. Using both the USB-powered electric sleeping bag liner and down bags is such a smart combination for cold-weather camping. Adding hot water bottles to keep your feet warm is a great touch just make sure you close the threads all the way I’ve heard sometimes that can leak. Your method of focusing on keeping your body and bag warm rather than heating the entire space is a practical approach, especially for conserving energy and resources. If you find that your current setup doesn’t hold up in extreme cold, integrating a Mr. Buddy heater sounds like a good backup plan for those harsher conditions. It’s exciting to hear about your upcoming trips to Vermont, Quebec, and BC - sounds like an amazing adventure! I’d love to know how your setup performs as you encounter even colder temperatures, especially during your ski trip. Stay safe, and I look forward to hearing more about your experience!
The city of Venice is a family friendly town that caters to van dwelling they actually keep the public restrooms open 24/7 and they keep them immaculate with maintenance crews working around the clock
@@pmireur04 Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and found the advice helpful. Trying to incorporate that fast-paced, practical approach in my own way. Will be experimenting with a bunch of different styles! Appreciate the support!
@@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149 Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m really glad you’re enjoying the videos and finding them helpful. It means a lot to know they’re making a difference!
Great job! This is the best video I've seen on the value of insulating a van. But we part ways on the choice of heater. Chinese diesel heaters can be bought for less than the cost of a Mr Buddy, and are more efficient and more cost effective. Even though I don't live in my van, I have built in electronics that are temperature sensitive. I keep the heater running 24/7 at a level such that the interior temperature never drops below 50F. In my minimally insulated van, this cost me $1-2 per day in fuel, depending on how hard the heater has to work against the outside temperature. In your van, it'd probably be half that. The most common location for these heaters in van builds is to install it under the passenger seat. Anyone who is technically inclined can install them in 2-3 hours. Paying someone $500 to do it, would be worth it in my opinion. If a permanent installation isn't desired, there are all in one units. The only thing required is venting the exhaust outside, like a 1" hole in the floor that can be plugged when not in use.
@@DaphneLowe Thank you so much for the kind words and for sharing such detailed insights! I’ve heard great things about Chinese diesel heaters, especially in terms of cost and efficiency. Your setup sounds really well-thought-out, especially running it 24/7 for temperature-sensitive electronics. I appreciate the tip about installing it under the passenger seat and the venting advice - it sounds like a solid option to explore. Have you had any challenges with maintenance or reliability over time with your diesel heater?
Thank you Christina! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and found it cozy! Winter van life can definitely be a challenge but finding ways to stay warm and comfortable makes it such an incredible experience.
When I lived abroad I loved my hot water bottle. Planning to add a 12v blanket to that and several quilts. I don't imagine I'll do much winter camping in the mountains so it should keep me warm enough. I'm not sold on the Mr. Buddy just yet, mostly because my van is almost 100% electric. We shall see!
Hot water bottles are such a great low-tech way to stay warm! I use those all the time when I’m winter camping just have to make sure it does not spill! A 12V blanket sounds like a solid plan too - I’ve heard great things about their efficiency. Keep me updated if you experiment with the Mr. Buddy! Sounds like some big adventures coming up for you so exciting!
@ Thanks for the recommendation! A 0-degree quilt from IKEA sounds perfect for those colder nights. I’ll definitely check it out. Stay safe out there too!
Hi Adam, good to know winter van life in CO is doable. I usually flee sometime in October, but I do love the desert also so not a problem. 🤙🏼 One trick I have recently used is the old nalgene bottle filled with hot (not boiling) water. Tucked into your bag it is a little mini furnace and stays warm for hours. Going to look at your other vids. Cheers
@@susanharrigan5583 Thanks for sharing your experience! I agree - hot water bottles are game-changers for staying warm. It’s great to hear you’ve found a way to make winter more manageable. The desert definitely has its perks in the colder months too. I think the desert is absolutely beautiful in the winter the sunsets and sunrises are so pretty. 40 below makes water bottles that are insulated so they retain heat even longer in cold conditions that I’m going to test out soon. Thank you so much hope you enjoy!
Great tips - especially the two quilt system! I was surprised to hear you're satisfied with the Mr. Heater Buddy. So many complain about the moisture issue... and the price of those 1 lbs propane tanks... but nice to hear another opinion on that. If it works, it works! Glad you mentioned the weather stripping and door sealing. I've tackled that too, even though it's hard to find something that will stick for long.
@@PaulSchortemeyer Thanks Paul! I haven’t had any moisture issues so far, likely because I live in a dry environment out West, especially in the mountains where it’s really dry. It might be different in more humid climates, but my van ventilates really well, and I haven’t run into condensation problems. I’m glad the weather stripping tips were helpful - it can definitely be tricky to find materials that last and stick well!
@@Fdt172 I went to Home Depot and got the window/door sealer and when I pressed it down I added friction/ heat and it seemed to activate the adhesive better and get it to stick. I bet if you added a heat gun in low it would do the same thing but so far it’s been sticking great by pressing and then moving back and forth until it has bonded
Using the layered quilt method described in your video, I stay warm while sleeping, even when the outside temp dips below freezing. It's those equally cold hours just before bed and upon rising that vex me. These are (or should be) functional hours - cooking, cleaning, prepping, repairing - duties that usually require a pair of working hands (as in, warmed) to be of any practical use. Oddly, my barebone fingers do not survive sub-40F temps for long (not a fan of my cumbersome battery-gloves), and numb fingers can make even the simplest task (think shoelaces and laptops) a challenge for this overlander. I have therefore arrived at the same conclusion as yours in this video: a propane heating system, plus a portable carbon monoxide detector. Also in a Chevy Express (though not quite as well-insulated as yours - nice job!), I can make a one-pound prop cannister last a full 'winter' day throughout most southwest US locations, with a max of three heating cycles. I'm currently averaging just over 3.5 net operating hours per bottle, FYI, and no longer suffer from numb finger 😍. I therefore found your video both validating and informative. I am grateful. BTW, I didn't see a reference posted in your video's description, but I believe the portable CO alarm you displayed on cam is a Pildegro: "3-in-1 Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector". Found it on Amazon for < $40 USD. Thanks!
@@Encyphix Thanks for sharing your experience and detailed insights! I completely understand those cold functional hours before bed and in the morning - they’re always the toughest to deal with. Glad to hear the propane heater and CO detector system is working well for you too. The Pildegro ‘3-in-1 Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector’ you mentioned is definitely a solid choice, and I post where others can find it in the description. I’m also impressed by your efficiency - 3.5 hours per one-pound propane canister is great considering the conditions. Keeping fingers warm can definitely be a struggle, especially for tasks like tying laces or using electronics. Thanks again for your kind words - knowing this video validated your setup means a lot!
@@AdamxSoldo I'd like to be as impressed with that efficiency but my current climate hasn't seriously gone cold yet. Plus I have a dog. Like an extra large hot water bottle😉
Like so many, I travel with the weather. I avoided cold areas because I didn't have a reliable heat source. I was warm while I was sleeping, but getting dressed when it was 26 degrees inside was tough. I'm in the process of installing a Mr. Buddy system now, but using a 20 lb tank instead of the 1 lb bottles. Next time I travel, the cold nights will not bother me.
@@tonybalz2726 Great to hear you’re upgrading to the Mr. Buddy system with a 20 lb tank! That’ll make a huge difference on those chilly nights. I know the struggle of getting dressed in the cold - having reliable heat is a game changer. Let me know how it works out for you on your next trip!
Thanks for watching! I don’t have much trouble with condensation since I use a roof vent and crack the front windows for airflow - it works really well. For insulation, I used rigid foam boards (1 inch and 1/2 inch) from Home Depot. The thicker sections went on the sides, roof, and floors, while the thinner sections were used in tighter spots where thicker insulation wasn’t possible
I actually have a roof vent, and when I crack the front windows, the airflow moves really well. Condensation doesn’t build up when I do that - it’s been working great for me!
That’s awesome! Two roof vents must really help with airflow. How’s it working out for you in different weather conditions? @@TinyHomeCookingwithSherlei
The thought of being cold scares me. I have a zero working thyroid and even on medication I can get cold to the bones out of nowhere. Undertreated in 2023 had me using a heating blanket even in the summer. Stay warm folks!
@@lunarminx Thank you for sharing your experience - it sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and managing the cold must be challenging with those health concerns. I’m glad you’ve found some solutions like the heating blanket. Stay warm and take care out there!
@@petermelnikov682 Diesel heaters do seem like a solid option, especially with the exhaust venting outside to eliminate CO risks. Have you found any specific models you’d recommend for a van setup?
Florida definitely has its perks! I bet the warm weather is a nice escape from freezing temperatures. What’s your favorite thing about living there since 1987?
Hey there! 🎉 I love the beaches and all the history Florida has to offer. And just the warm weather. It was 75 degrees today! And i love the trees and vegetation here. ❤ Come to live here!🎉😊
Hi Adam, I've just purchased a express for the purpose of moving to van life. In my research I've seen issues concerning condensation and mold. Mold worries me. Have you any experience with this issue or any tips to avoid it?
@tumblewheed5994 Condensation and mold can be an issue in van life, but they’re manageable. Ventilation, like a roof vent or cracked windows, helps a lot, and a small dehumidifier can reduce moisture. Use mold-resistant insulation and wipe down any condensation that forms. Let me know if you need more tips - best of luck! In the almost 2 years that I’ve lived in a van I’ve never had condensation be a problem even when I was on the coast in Santa Barbara on warm days. The metal sheeting on my roof helps with the airflow on the inside
Hello Adam. Your video's help me deal with the fact that I wish I could travel like you do. But due to back pain that I have to PT every day, I choose to be wise and keep up with the PT. I do travel and make TH-cam videos ! So that is fun. Also on TH-cam I watch: Foresty Forest, Element Life and AdventureVanMan. Thank You for sharing your journey.
@@michaelkloeckner6353 Thanks so much for sharing, Michael! It means a lot that my videos help you. Staying consistent with PT and pursuing your passions sounds like a great balance. You’ve got this!
@@jameswatson5501 That’s a great setup! Remote start is great for cold mornings. Does it impact your battery much or do you have it connected to a second power source?
That’s a great practice for safety! I typically keep mine inside, but I make sure to disconnect it and check for leaks regularly. Placing it outside between uses sounds like a smart way to minimize risk - thanks for sharing!
@ yes but unfortunately I lose a little bit of heat, not very much. I have a carbon monoxide detector inside as well. Just wondered how you managed the “off” situation between use. I remove the gas bottle and place it outside between use at night. I have adequate insulation in my travel trailer and a zero degree sleeping bag . I’m more concerned about the valve on the bottle developing a leak or faulty construction. Even after checking (soapy water) I read about the valve failure due to the constant pressure hours later.
My problem with these heaters is that (for me personally) I have to buy those small green bottles, and I hope to live without adding more pollution to the earth.
That’s a great point! You can actually get a bigger propane bottle and refill the smaller ones to reuse them. It’s a more eco-friendly option and helps reduce waste while still being practical.
@@AdamxSoldo That's one other idea, I am actually going to invest in what's called an Instafire heater. It has a fan powered by the little hot cans you put inside it.
@ I’ve actually never heard of those before, but they sound really interesting! Definitely seems like something worth looking into - thanks for sharing the idea!
@@orlandobabe Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m glad the videos are helpful for your transition to van life. It’s such an exciting journey - wishing you the best as you get started! Let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like me to cover in future videos!
My vehicles are Diva’s and only have one word names, like Cher or Madonna. My truck’s name is, “Truck.” Mt van’s name is “Van.” If you are going to heat your van and then shut it off. I Start it, warm it up. Shut off the engine and close the curtain that separates the bed from the rest of the van.
@@michaelohara2161 Love the one-word diva names - keeps it simple and iconic! That’s a great tip about shutting the engine off and using a curtain to trap heat I end up doing that all the time. I wonder if it would help to block the front windows with a reflectix layer for less thermal loss?
Florida is definitely tempting, especially during the winter! But there’s something I love about the challenge (and coziness) of van life in colder weather
I get it to each their own. I live in a van as well and Colorado is my summer spot. I spend winter in Florida. Florida is boondocks friendly and there are public restrooms and free showers on every beach up and down the east and west coast.
@ Florida definitely has its perks! I’ve spent some time there and loved the beaches and the weather. Where’s your favorite spot in Florida for outdoor adventures?
There is not much to do as far as outdoor adventure because it's mostly swamp land but Ocala has some BLM land if you can tolerate the bugs. The city of lake Worth has free parking and on the west coast the city of Venice is Free to park
Diesel heaters are fantastic for minimizing moisture, and they’re super efficient. I’ve stuck with propane for now because of ease of use without hard instillation but I might explore a diesel setup in the future. Thanks for sharing your insights!
@@ZenithE8 Safety is definitely a top priority with propane! I always make sure to use a carbon monoxide detector and follow proper ventilation guidelines to reduce any risks. That was definitely a concern of mine before I got more comfortable with it.
True, but the Buddy Heater is just one piece of the puzzle! The video dives deeper into how I stay warm, cozy, and safe during freezing winters. Hope it helps inspire some creative solutions!
@leila8053 I agree that the Mr. Buddy can use a fair amount of propane, especially during extended use. For me it’s been a reliable option for quick warmth, but I always pair it with good insulation and down quilts to reduce usage. There are definitely other heaters out there with lower propane consumption - do you have a favorite?
Florida is all about boating and fishing you can pick up a kayak or rent a boat or jetski if that's your thing or you can go out to one of the piers and fish
I use a 12v heated blanket inside quilt/sleeping bag for about 15 min along with the vehicle heater to heat things up. Here in the NE my 100 amp hr LIFEP04 battery lasts about 60 days (54 watts for the blanket). I have a Mr Buddy but haven't used it in 2 yrs.
That’s a solid setup! A 12V heated blanket paired with your quilt/sleeping bag sounds like a great way to stay warm efficiently. That battery life is impressive too - 60 days is a long time! I’ve found the Mr. Buddy heater super useful, but it’s interesting you haven’t needed yours in two years. Thanks for sharing your method! It gets quite cold up there!
If you like the Mr Buddy, you will love a chinese diesel heater. The remote start lets you turn it on while still under your quilt, and it is a dry heat, unlike propane heaters.
Park at night with your windshield facing southeast. The morning sun will warm up your van.
Boot liners help keep your feet warm.
@@skyl4rk Thanks for the great tips! A Chinese diesel heater with remote start sounds like a game changer - especially being able to turn it on while still under the quilt. I’ll definitely consider parking with the windshield facing southeast; that morning sun hack is super clever. And I totally agree about boot liners - they’re a lifesaver for keeping feet warm!
Hate to be sand in the bearings, but Chinese diesel heaters SUCK ! I went threw two in 6 months, I went with Dickinson propane heater, sips the fuel, draws oxygen thew the flue, no oxygen depletion, no carbon monoxide.
@@KirkKramer Thanks for sharing your experience, Kirk! It’s always good to hear both sides. The Dickinson propane heater sounds like a solid option, especially with the safety features you mentioned. How does it hold up in really cold temps?
5:30 “Air” on the side of caution? 😂 See what I did there? Anyway, thanks for the great video. I live in CO just in a house but am looking forward to doing some Winter camping in my vehicle.
@ Ha, I see what you did there! Winter camping in Colorado sounds like an awesome challenge. If you decide to go for it, let me know how it goes. It’s definitely worth the adventure!
I insulated the bed and topper of my 1500 Ram PU using glued and screwed wood furring strips, filled the voids with 2" of pink extruded polystyrene board, covered all of that with a 3mm layer of rolled Smartshield stapled to the furring, and covered everything with 1/4" luan, and covered that with glued-on carpet squares. I cut out panels of rigid insulation to slide into the window aperatures in the winter. I use a USB battery powered electric sleeping bag liner that stays warm up to 14 hours. I have two down bags, one rated for 20° and one rated for -15°, and down quilts. I sleep in my warm winter base layer and fleece sweat pants and vest and a hoodie. I usually will fill two hot water bottles before I turn in and put them down at my feet.
I have been using this set up in Vermont this winter and sleep nice and cozy down to about 15° so far, and will see how it holds up when it gets down below zero. I plan to head up to Quebec in January to ski Tremblant and then head west to BC later on in Feb and March. My approach is to keep my body and bag warm at night and not try to keep the space heated, but may need to go with a Mr. Buddy if my bed doesnt prove to be warm enough when it really gets cold.
Stay safe out there!
Thank you for sharing your detailed setup and winter camping approach - It’s really impressive! I love how thorough you’ve been with insulation and layering, ensuring a warm and cozy space even in subzero temperatures. Using both the USB-powered electric sleeping bag liner and down bags is such a smart combination for cold-weather camping. Adding hot water bottles to keep your feet warm is a great touch just make sure you close the threads all the way I’ve heard sometimes that can leak. Your method of focusing on keeping your body and bag warm rather than heating the entire space is a practical approach, especially for conserving energy and resources. If you find that your current setup doesn’t hold up in extreme cold, integrating a Mr. Buddy heater sounds like a good backup plan for those harsher conditions. It’s exciting to hear about your upcoming trips to Vermont, Quebec, and BC - sounds like an amazing adventure! I’d love to know how your setup performs as you encounter even colder temperatures, especially during your ski trip. Stay safe, and I look forward to hearing more about your experience!
The city of Venice is a family friendly town that caters to van dwelling they actually keep the public restrooms open 24/7 and they keep them immaculate with maintenance crews working around the clock
Awesome video and advice! I love, and appreciate, the Scotty Kilmer video editing strategy too!
@@pmireur04 Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and found the advice helpful. Trying to incorporate that fast-paced, practical approach in my own way. Will be experimenting with a bunch of different styles! Appreciate the support!
Thank you, Adam, for sharing your experience with keeping warm in extreme cold.
Your videos are top-notch!!!
@@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149 Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m really glad you’re enjoying the videos and finding them helpful. It means a lot to know they’re making a difference!
Great job! This is the best video I've seen on the value of insulating a van. But we part ways on the choice of heater. Chinese diesel heaters can be bought for less than the cost of a Mr Buddy, and are more efficient and more cost effective. Even though I don't live in my van, I have built in electronics that are temperature sensitive. I keep the heater running 24/7 at a level such that the interior temperature never drops below 50F. In my minimally insulated van, this cost me $1-2 per day in fuel, depending on how hard the heater has to work against the outside temperature. In your van, it'd probably be half that.
The most common location for these heaters in van builds is to install it under the passenger seat. Anyone who is technically inclined can install them in 2-3 hours. Paying someone $500 to do it, would be worth it in my opinion. If a permanent installation isn't desired, there are all in one units. The only thing required is venting the exhaust outside, like a 1" hole in the floor that can be plugged when not in use.
@@DaphneLowe Thank you so much for the kind words and for sharing such detailed insights! I’ve heard great things about Chinese diesel heaters, especially in terms of cost and efficiency. Your setup sounds really well-thought-out, especially running it 24/7 for temperature-sensitive electronics. I appreciate the tip about installing it under the passenger seat and the venting advice - it sounds like a solid option to explore. Have you had any challenges with maintenance or reliability over time with your diesel heater?
Too cool. New sub. All about the cozy!!
🌲🎄🌲🎄🌲🎄🌲🎄🌲🎄🌲🎄
Thank you Christina! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and found it cozy! Winter van life can definitely be a challenge but finding ways to stay warm and comfortable makes it such an incredible experience.
When I lived abroad I loved my hot water bottle. Planning to add a 12v blanket to that and several quilts. I don't imagine I'll do much winter camping in the mountains so it should keep me warm enough. I'm not sold on the Mr. Buddy just yet, mostly because my van is almost 100% electric. We shall see!
Hot water bottles are such a great low-tech way to stay warm! I use those all the time when I’m winter camping just have to make sure it does not spill! A 12V blanket sounds like a solid plan too - I’ve heard great things about their efficiency. Keep me updated if you experiment with the Mr. Buddy! Sounds like some big adventures coming up for you so exciting!
Ikea has a 0 degree quilt. It's amazing. If you get a chance. God Bless and be safe
@ Thanks for the recommendation! A 0-degree quilt from IKEA sounds perfect for those colder nights. I’ll definitely check it out. Stay safe out there too!
@@ericthat Ooh! Definitely going to make a trip out to find that. Thanks!
Hi Adam, good to know winter van life in CO is doable. I usually flee sometime in October, but I do love the desert also so not a problem. 🤙🏼
One trick I have recently used is the old nalgene bottle filled with hot (not boiling) water. Tucked into your bag it is a little mini furnace and stays warm for hours.
Going to look at your other vids. Cheers
@@susanharrigan5583 Thanks for sharing your experience! I agree - hot water bottles are game-changers for staying warm. It’s great to hear you’ve found a way to make winter more manageable. The desert definitely has its perks in the colder months too. I think the desert is absolutely beautiful in the winter the sunsets and sunrises are so pretty. 40 below makes water bottles that are insulated so they retain heat even longer in cold conditions that I’m going to test out soon. Thank you so much hope you enjoy!
Great tips - especially the two quilt system! I was surprised to hear you're satisfied with the Mr. Heater Buddy. So many complain about the moisture issue... and the price of those 1 lbs propane tanks... but nice to hear another opinion on that. If it works, it works! Glad you mentioned the weather stripping and door sealing. I've tackled that too, even though it's hard to find something that will stick for long.
@@PaulSchortemeyer Thanks Paul! I haven’t had any moisture issues so far, likely because I live in a dry environment out West, especially in the mountains where it’s really dry. It might be different in more humid climates, but my van ventilates really well, and I haven’t run into condensation problems. I’m glad the weather stripping tips were helpful - it can definitely be tricky to find materials that last and stick well!
@@AdamxSoldo
@@AdamxSoldo so what have you been using to seal your doors that sticks to the frame?
@@Fdt172 I went to Home Depot and got the window/door sealer and when I pressed it down I added friction/ heat and it seemed to activate the adhesive better and get it to stick. I bet if you added a heat gun in low it would do the same thing but so far it’s been sticking great by pressing and then moving back and forth until it has bonded
Using the layered quilt method described in your video, I stay warm while sleeping, even when the outside temp dips below freezing. It's those equally cold hours just before bed and upon rising that vex me. These are (or should be) functional hours - cooking, cleaning, prepping, repairing - duties that usually require a pair of working hands (as in, warmed) to be of any practical use. Oddly, my barebone fingers do not survive sub-40F temps for long (not a fan of my cumbersome battery-gloves), and numb fingers can make even the simplest task (think shoelaces and laptops) a challenge for this overlander. I have therefore arrived at the same conclusion as yours in this video: a propane heating system, plus a portable carbon monoxide detector. Also in a Chevy Express (though not quite as well-insulated as yours - nice job!), I can make a one-pound prop cannister last a full 'winter' day throughout most southwest US locations, with a max of three heating cycles. I'm currently averaging just over 3.5 net operating hours per bottle, FYI, and no longer suffer from numb finger 😍. I therefore found your video both validating and informative. I am grateful. BTW, I didn't see a reference posted in your video's description, but I believe the portable CO alarm you displayed on cam is a Pildegro: "3-in-1 Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector". Found it on Amazon for < $40 USD. Thanks!
@@Encyphix Thanks for sharing your experience and detailed insights! I completely understand those cold functional hours before bed and in the morning - they’re always the toughest to deal with. Glad to hear the propane heater and CO detector system is working well for you too. The Pildegro ‘3-in-1 Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector’ you mentioned is definitely a solid choice, and I post where others can find it in the description. I’m also impressed by your efficiency - 3.5 hours per one-pound propane canister is great considering the conditions. Keeping fingers warm can definitely be a struggle, especially for tasks like tying laces or using electronics. Thanks again for your kind words - knowing this video validated your setup means a lot!
@@AdamxSoldo I'd like to be as impressed with that efficiency but my current climate hasn't seriously gone cold yet. Plus I have a dog. Like an extra large hot water bottle😉
Like so many, I travel with the weather. I avoided cold areas because I didn't have a reliable heat source. I was warm while I was sleeping, but getting dressed when it was 26 degrees inside was tough. I'm in the process of installing a Mr. Buddy system now, but using a 20 lb tank instead of the 1 lb bottles. Next time I travel, the cold nights will not bother me.
@@tonybalz2726 Great to hear you’re upgrading to the Mr. Buddy system with a 20 lb tank! That’ll make a huge difference on those chilly nights. I know the struggle of getting dressed in the cold - having reliable heat is a game changer. Let me know how it works out for you on your next trip!
My now retired uhaul is Vincent Van Can Go.
@@Nemo-yn1sp Vincent Van Can Go - what a creative name! Sounds like it had quite the adventures!
Informative video! Do you have any problems with condensation? Also you mentioned "house insulation". What type did you use?
Thanks for watching! I don’t have much trouble with condensation since I use a roof vent and crack the front windows for airflow - it works really well. For insulation, I used rigid foam boards (1 inch and 1/2 inch) from Home Depot. The thicker sections went on the sides, roof, and floors, while the thinner sections were used in tighter spots where thicker insulation wasn’t possible
You don’t have windows in the back ? No roof vent? How do you ventilate?
That was my thought as well. Even if he opens his front windows, the air flow is hampered by the curtain.
I actually have a roof vent, and when I crack the front windows, the airflow moves really well. Condensation doesn’t build up when I do that - it’s been working great for me!
The curtain doesn’t block the airflow that much it’s able to get around it
@ oh I put two roof vents in my Chevy
That’s awesome! Two roof vents must really help with airflow. How’s it working out for you in different weather conditions? @@TinyHomeCookingwithSherlei
New subbie here... did you make a video showing how you insulated your van?
@@deedeeotero4475 Yes, I did cover it a little bit in my main build video, but not super in detail. I’m glad to answer any questions you have!
The thought of being cold scares me. I have a zero working thyroid and even on medication I can get cold to the bones out of nowhere. Undertreated in 2023 had me using a heating blanket even in the summer. Stay warm folks!
@@lunarminx Thank you for sharing your experience - it sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and managing the cold must be challenging with those health concerns. I’m glad you’ve found some solutions like the heating blanket. Stay warm and take care out there!
Propane heaters create humidity, diesel heater is much better and not expensive, exhaust goes outside, so almost zero chance of CO poisoning.
@@petermelnikov682 Diesel heaters do seem like a solid option, especially with the exhaust venting outside to eliminate CO risks. Have you found any specific models you’d recommend for a van setup?
Just move to Florida!!! Its GREAT here. Ive been in Florida since 1987. Love it!❤🎉❤
Florida definitely has its perks! I bet the warm weather is a nice escape from freezing temperatures. What’s your favorite thing about living there since 1987?
Hey there! 🎉 I love the beaches and all the history Florida has to offer. And just the warm weather. It was 75 degrees today! And i love the trees and vegetation here. ❤ Come to live here!🎉😊
Hi Adam, I've just purchased a express for the purpose of moving to van life. In my research I've seen issues concerning condensation and mold. Mold worries me. Have you any experience with this issue or any tips to avoid it?
@tumblewheed5994 Condensation and mold can be an issue in van life, but they’re manageable. Ventilation, like a roof vent or cracked windows, helps a lot, and a small dehumidifier can reduce moisture. Use mold-resistant insulation and wipe down any condensation that forms. Let me know if you need more tips - best of luck! In the almost 2 years that I’ve lived in a van I’ve never had condensation be a problem even when I was on the coast in Santa Barbara on warm days. The metal sheeting on my roof helps with the airflow on the inside
What carbon monoxide detector was that??
@@WisdomInTheWoods it was the DS-100 Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector, 3-in-1 CO Detector for Travel & Camping amzn.to/3BDj9nb
Hello Adam. Your video's help me deal with the fact that I wish I could travel like you do. But due to back pain that I have to PT every day, I choose to be wise and keep up with the PT. I do travel and make TH-cam videos ! So that is fun. Also on TH-cam I watch: Foresty Forest, Element Life and AdventureVanMan. Thank You for sharing your journey.
@@michaelkloeckner6353 Thanks so much for sharing, Michael! It means a lot that my videos help you. Staying consistent with PT and pursuing your passions sounds like a great balance. You’ve got this!
😊@@AdamxSoldo
@@AdamxSoldo
The anne kolb nature center. I park there and walk over the bridge to the beach
Thanks 😊
You’re welcome! Glad I could help!
QUARTZSITE ARIZONA IN WINTER, ( SOUTH IN WINTER, NORTH IN SUMMER).
@@KirkKramer Quartzsite is such a great spot for winter van life! The warm weather there is unbeatable. Do you spend much time up north in the summer?
I think near Quartzite is kind of good but the town is a turnoff( for me at least) I can think of 25 places I'd rather be than Quartzsite
How about a tiny pellet stove?
@@lunarminx A tiny pellet stove sounds like an awesome idea! I’ve seen a few people use them in their setups.
I installed remote start. On cold mornings I start my van and it warms up in about ten minutes.
@@jameswatson5501 That’s a great setup! Remote start is great for cold mornings. Does it impact your battery much or do you have it connected to a second power source?
I use the Buddy Heater too. I place it outside between uses. Wondered if you do the same?
That’s a great practice for safety! I typically keep mine inside, but I make sure to disconnect it and check for leaks regularly. Placing it outside between uses sounds like a smart way to minimize risk - thanks for sharing!
@ yes but unfortunately I lose a little bit of heat, not very much.
I have a carbon monoxide detector inside as well. Just wondered how you managed the “off” situation between use. I remove the gas bottle and place it outside between use at night. I have adequate insulation in my travel trailer and a zero degree sleeping bag . I’m more concerned about the valve on the bottle developing a leak or faulty construction. Even after checking (soapy water) I read about the valve failure due to the constant pressure hours later.
My problem with these heaters is that (for me personally) I have to buy those small green bottles, and I hope to live without adding more pollution to the earth.
That’s a great point! You can actually get a bigger propane bottle and refill the smaller ones to reuse them. It’s a more eco-friendly option and helps reduce waste while still being practical.
@@AdamxSoldo That's one other idea, I am actually going to invest in what's called an Instafire heater. It has a fan powered by the little hot cans you put inside it.
@ I’ve actually never heard of those before, but they sound really interesting! Definitely seems like something worth looking into - thanks for sharing the idea!
@@AdamxSoldo Anytime. Thank you for the videos. They and all vanlifer videos will help me in my transition to van life.
@@orlandobabe Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m glad the videos are helpful for your transition to van life. It’s such an exciting journey - wishing you the best as you get started! Let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like me to cover in future videos!
My vehicles are Diva’s and only have one word names, like Cher or Madonna.
My truck’s name is, “Truck.”
Mt van’s name is “Van.”
If you are going to heat your van and then shut it off. I Start it, warm it up. Shut off the engine and close the curtain that separates the bed from the rest of the van.
@@michaelohara2161 Love the one-word diva names - keeps it simple and iconic! That’s a great tip about shutting the engine off and using a curtain to trap heat I end up doing that all the time. I wonder if it would help to block the front windows with a reflectix layer for less thermal loss?
Or you could just drive down to Florida. Winter in Florida is absolutely gorgeous.
Florida is definitely tempting, especially during the winter! But there’s something I love about the challenge (and coziness) of van life in colder weather
I get it to each their own. I live in a van as well and Colorado is my summer spot. I spend winter in Florida. Florida is boondocks friendly and there are public restrooms and free showers on every beach up and down the east and west coast.
And trust me once you spend a winter in Florida you will never want to leave
@ Florida definitely has its perks! I’ve spent some time there and loved the beaches and the weather. Where’s your favorite spot in Florida for outdoor adventures?
There is not much to do as far as outdoor adventure because it's mostly swamp land but Ocala has some BLM land if you can tolerate the bugs. The city of lake Worth has free parking and on the west coast the city of Venice is Free to park
Moisture is a huge issue with propane. The Diesel heater has no moisture and the exhaust goes outside. Much better and not much more expensive.
Diesel heaters are fantastic for minimizing moisture, and they’re super efficient. I’ve stuck with propane for now because of ease of use without hard instillation but I might explore a diesel setup in the future. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Love my buddy heater ❤
@@wendycamp307 Agreed! It’s such a lifesaver in the cold! Wish I embraced it from the beginning!
@ it’s is great 😌
Sounds like an ad
Not sponsored all views are my own!
Chat GPT led me here…
That’s so interesting! Hope you enjoyed the video!
I worry more about fire with the propane.
@@ZenithE8 Safety is definitely a top priority with propane! I always make sure to use a carbon monoxide detector and follow proper ventilation guidelines to reduce any risks. That was definitely a concern of mine before I got more comfortable with it.
Clarification: It's Mr Heater Buddy....not Mr Buddy Heater.
Haha, I guess my brain flipped it and decided to rename it! You’re absolutely right - thanks for catching that!
I guess with something that could potentially kill you in your sleep, my mind decided to rename it to make it sound more friendly! 😂
All this to say he uses a budy heater
True, but the Buddy Heater is just one piece of the puzzle! The video dives deeper into how I stay warm, cozy, and safe during freezing winters. Hope it helps inspire some creative solutions!
I decided against "Mr
Buddy" because it's a 'propane guzzler'.
@leila8053 I agree that the Mr. Buddy can use a fair amount of propane, especially during extended use. For me it’s been a reliable option for quick warmth, but I always pair it with good insulation and down quilts to reduce usage. There are definitely other heaters out there with lower propane consumption - do you have a favorite?
Florida is all about boating and fishing you can pick up a kayak or rent a boat or jetski if that's your thing or you can go out to one of the piers and fish
I think "cozy" belongs to a different van lifer
@@GatewayPro Haha, I didn’t realize that cozy was exclusive! I’ll make sure to file a trademark application next time I warm up by the fire. 🔥