I would like to hear from a many drivers about how you keep warm during winter. any and all suggestions and advice is welcomed.
My first winter out on road
- Thread starter Everything Apax
- Start date
Last year, I cycled my engine on and off. That didn't work as well as one would hope, especially since there was no insulation in the van at all. This year, I've insulated the van and I'm going to try a Buddy heater, amongst other things.
Staying South isn't terribly reliable, it does occasionally get cold down there too. My aunt tells of snow in Tifton, Georgia which is fifty miles North of the Florida line.
Staying South isn't terribly reliable, it does occasionally get cold down there too. My aunt tells of snow in Tifton, Georgia which is fifty miles North of the Florida line.
If you would share with us what type of vehicle you are driving and if you own it, we could offer more accurate advice.
Do you two drive for Davekc? His winter driving philosophy is to stay south of I-40.
2008 ford e 250. yes i own it. i plan to insulate but how to maintane some warmth.
If you can afford the initial installation expense, the Espar heaters are definitely the way to go. They pull their fuel from your main fuel tank, but-- your engine burns gallons to keep you warm, the Espar burns ounces--- so, probably on my next van I'll do that. Not this one, the Gray Lady is a little long in the tooth for any big investments to be worth the coin.
Been using the big buddy for 4 yrs..you will have no problem staying warm...get the hose kit and inline filter for the 20 lp tank and you will go a couple of weeks on a tank of Lp. ...ohhh and remember just keep the front window down 2-3 inches and you will do just fine...
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Dat1stChoice
Active Expediter
Having spent a few sub freezing nights in my van.....
If its NOT your van (you are sub contracted to an owner)
1. Get OFF the floor, especially if you haven't insulated yet.
2. Get some good sleeping bags. I have and carry 2, one rated for 40 degrees, the other to -20. Sleep on one, and in the other (even if you are off the floor)
3. Packing blankets are your friend. Not the cheesy cheapo ones you get at Uhaul..the heavy duty stitched ones.
4. Any Walmart or similar store will sell propane powered catalytic heaters. (safe for indoor use, no fire) Great for those really cold mornings when you don't want to get up and start the van.
5. Sleep in a sweat suit, and socks. (not very pleasant, but warmer than normal sleep attire)
6. Try to park out of the wind if possible, and only open the windows enough to allow ventilation if needed. (I keep mine open about 1/2" when I sleep)
I've taken to carrying a cooler with me that is almost level with the seats in front, I can lay my packing blanket or spare sleeping bag on it for padding and sleep across the seats. (don't laugh, I'm NOT short.) When it gets TOO cold, I'll start the van for a little heat. (usually don't need it until I'm ready to get out of the bags.) Insulation will help, but it won't keep it warm enough when its really cold out. Don't laugh at this, it works, even if its a mental thing. Eat a HOT meal before bed, it helps warm the inside, and keep the outside warmer.
The first night I spent in my van was just above 0, woke up to an ice sheet on the inside of the windows, but I was comfy. Just reached over and started the van while I "woke up", warmed the motor and inside, got dressed and hauled tail.
Biggest thing though, is getting off the floor. Even an air mattress is better than the floor, cold seems to seep in even if you insulate, and cold air is heavy and stays down there.
Stay safe out there, and remember, no one will laugh at you if its TOO cold to sleep in the van and you pay for a cheap room somewhere. Up north the nights can get brutally cold, and I'd really rather NOT hear about some poor guy who ended up a popsicle because he was too proud to go and get warm!
If its NOT your van (you are sub contracted to an owner)
1. Get OFF the floor, especially if you haven't insulated yet.
2. Get some good sleeping bags. I have and carry 2, one rated for 40 degrees, the other to -20. Sleep on one, and in the other (even if you are off the floor)
3. Packing blankets are your friend. Not the cheesy cheapo ones you get at Uhaul..the heavy duty stitched ones.
4. Any Walmart or similar store will sell propane powered catalytic heaters. (safe for indoor use, no fire) Great for those really cold mornings when you don't want to get up and start the van.
5. Sleep in a sweat suit, and socks. (not very pleasant, but warmer than normal sleep attire)
6. Try to park out of the wind if possible, and only open the windows enough to allow ventilation if needed. (I keep mine open about 1/2" when I sleep)
I've taken to carrying a cooler with me that is almost level with the seats in front, I can lay my packing blanket or spare sleeping bag on it for padding and sleep across the seats. (don't laugh, I'm NOT short.) When it gets TOO cold, I'll start the van for a little heat. (usually don't need it until I'm ready to get out of the bags.) Insulation will help, but it won't keep it warm enough when its really cold out. Don't laugh at this, it works, even if its a mental thing. Eat a HOT meal before bed, it helps warm the inside, and keep the outside warmer.
The first night I spent in my van was just above 0, woke up to an ice sheet on the inside of the windows, but I was comfy. Just reached over and started the van while I "woke up", warmed the motor and inside, got dressed and hauled tail.
Biggest thing though, is getting off the floor. Even an air mattress is better than the floor, cold seems to seep in even if you insulate, and cold air is heavy and stays down there.
Stay safe out there, and remember, no one will laugh at you if its TOO cold to sleep in the van and you pay for a cheap room somewhere. Up north the nights can get brutally cold, and I'd really rather NOT hear about some poor guy who ended up a popsicle because he was too proud to go and get warm!
Maverick
Seasoned Expediter
Purchased the 4000-9000 BTU 'Buddy" and told that might not be enough. Van is insulated and this 90.00 model should do it? Got my 20lb cylinder and adapter hose.....just need to know if it's really necessary to upgrade/return for the higher BTU unit with fan.
60 degrees is great sleeping weather, and I like it cool, if that helps.
There is nothing better than an spar but they aren't cheap and gas ones cost even more. Good insulation and a buddy heater will work far less upfront cost cheaper than idling keep a couple towels handy to wipe the moisture off your windows in the morning. Like said get off the floor.
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Sent from my Fisher Price ABC123 via EO Forums
You want the dual element model dont know the btu..i have never used the fan.. it requires batteries. Or ac adapter...it will keep you toasty with no problem...
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sirgregory46
Expert Expediter
I have the smaller buddy heater and it will run you out of the van. I haven't even used the high settings.
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Sent from my DROID BIONIC using EO Forums
I have the Big Buddy. A look through the instructions reveals it does have a fuel appetite and this has to be considered. Like anything else, don't use more than you have to. The low setting will probably do down to twenty or so if you're well insulated, below that the mid-point setting (one side is glowing bright, the other side is still off) should be enough for a bit, and if it gets really cold you may need the high setting. Be aware that on the high setting, this unit burns through propane at an impressive rate.
I'm still using the one-pound disposables, so of course I pay more attention to fuel use. Question: Where do you put those twenty-pound tanks? I have the hose, bought one when I bought the Big Buddy, but before I buy the twenty-pound tank I'd like to know where you put that thing.
I'm still using the one-pound disposables, so of course I pay more attention to fuel use. Question: Where do you put those twenty-pound tanks? I have the hose, bought one when I bought the Big Buddy, but before I buy the twenty-pound tank I'd like to know where you put that thing.
sirgregory46
Expert Expediter
