Staying Warm in a Small Cozy Van Home

If you are after a simplified life. That allows you to travel more, have less stress, and have more adventure. The van life might be for you!

Ultimately it’s not just living in a van that you have to commit to. It’s a complete change of lifestyle as well.

You will live more simply and have more time in your hands. As well as save some money.

The type of van you are using as a home will determine the layout of your living space. Most of the vans used include a sprinter, Promaster, or transit. 

This is because of their high roof feature. You can be able to stand up in it.

In general, the overall wheelbase length will determine the floor plan of your van. In addition, looking underneath your van will help you identify where you can’t put certain things.

Once you have figured out the type of van suitable for you. Measure the inside. Back to front. To know the amount of usable space available.

Moreover, the bed is the one that occupies lots of space. Depending on the layout you use. Whether outdoorsman or beach or loft layout.

The storage space in the van is very essential. Normally there are the upper cabinets and the garage. What you will be storing will determine the design of the storage.

Another thing that takes up space in the bathroom. While in the van, you want to feel at home. Not wondering in the middle of the night for some privacy to pee. It should be easy and simple to set up.

Furthermore, having a built-in bathroom enhances security. While reducing the chances of an infection. Every Time you have to find somewhere to go.

When building in the kitchen, the dresser can also work as a countertop. The idea is everything put in the van should have a multipurpose.

The solo stove can be used to cook. As well as for warming you up. If you plan on spending some time outside. Then stocking of woods should be an option as well.

In case you want to use the stove outside. To light a fire to keep you warm. Cotton-rolled balls with Vaseline petroleum jelly are good fire starters.

The kitchen, bed, and bathroom take up much of the van’s middle space. Therefore, the placement of the vent fan, fresh air volt, or the ac unit. It will depend on how you partition the three.

Different van layouts include:

• The beach house:

It is very similar to the seaside layout. It has a built-in bathroom big kitchen area. As well as upper cabinets running through the length of both sides of the vans.

The bed is usually a convertible table bed. Which allows different functionality for a bed, a working area and a place to eat. Within a very short time.

This layout also has room for a 7-inch mini garage. On both benches on either side. You can slide in long items like surfboards.

• The outdoorsman.

This layout usually has the kitchen and bathroom on one side. So that the plumbing is on one side. Mostly it is the passenger side.

Then the upper cabinets and dresser are on the other side. The storage space is usually maximized. Since this layout is mostly for people living full-time on the van.

• The loft layout.

It is also suitable for full-time living. With a platform bed that provides extra storage. The running upper cabinets are discouraged here. The reason is they make the van feel a little bit smaller.

Hence lacking space for headroom while in bed. Or sitting up on the bed and laying back against the wall. Which can be quite uncomfortable.

A convertible table bed area would be suitable for guests. As well as provide extra sitting space for eating and working. This way you don’t have to sit on your bed.

As for the family van, you have to go for the extended ones. The extra space is for the two beds and storage. Since you can’t have the running upper cabinets.

Insulating your van is one of the key things to do to keep your van warm. The material should be both inorganic and hydrophobic.

This is because of water. It can get into the car’s body when it rains or while washing it.

An insulator will let the water drain on it and straight out of the car. Without molding and rusting.

The insulator should also be flame resistant. Especially since you will be cooking in the van. It should withstand high temperatures as well. Without melting.

A soundproof material as well.  It should reduce the sound from the inside of the van. As well as road and ambient noise.

It should be non-toxic. Such that even when the pieces fall off. They don’t compromise your health.

To put them in the van. Begin by measuring the cavities that need insulating. Then add about ½ inch to each edge. To ensure that it snugs up well after its cut.

However, there are those insulators that are already cut out. With a glued side. Other people opt to use them on the floor Then, use a different insulating material for the sides and top of the van.

After insulating the floor, you could opt for radiant heat on the walkways. Especially if you use vinyl flooring, which gets cold when outside is cold. 

This way, when the van is all warm from cooking. So are your bare feet on the floor.

When using other materials for the sides of the car. Use glue and tape to secure them to prevent them from falling off.

On the sides, you can use reflective and wool. Put a layer of reflectix then 2 inches of wool, then a reflectix. For extra warmth.  

When cutting the wool make sure you are cutting larger other than smaller against the measurements.

As for the roof, use a layer of rectrix and a foam board. Make it a ½ inch.

Now, you are equipped with a few ways to keep your van warm. How do you keep yourself warm?

Keep in mind that all the cold and heat come from the windshield. And there is nothing much you can do about it.

However, putting a black-out cab curtain will help. Not only does it keep light outside but it also keeps warmth in the van. It also acts as a good divider between the living and the driving area.

Besides a cab curtain, you could opt for foam board insulation as a divider. It is good for keeping the body’s heat inside the van.

Cover the windows too with the reflectix. Don’t forget the wool trick mentioned earlier. Or doubling the layer of the reflectix.

Get a sleeping bag. It should be a 20° sleeping bag. Means you can sleep in it in your pajamas up to when it is 20° cold outside and be warm.

You can get a colder sleeping bag if you are in colder weather. If you are in the warmer regions, do the same.

Why sleeping bags? They are warm and light. As compared to having a ton of blankets. To cover you up.

Another thing would be to reroute your rear heater. In such a way the heat would come out into the main living area. 

With the divider, most of the heat will be retained. While driving.

As you know, most cars have heat and AC coming out of their dash. So how do you make temperatures comfortable when the van isn’t running?

Even with proper insulation, controlling the van’s temperature is key to a comfortable living space.

During the cold seasons, installing a heater will come through. Not only does it keep you warm, but it also prevents the pipe from freezing.

Opt for the diesel heaters. They work by siphoning a small amount of fuel from the vehicle’s diesel tank.

They are very efficient over time. And some models will even heat up your water. 

Don’t forget to get a carbon monoxide detector, whichever heater you choose. So you can be notified of any leaks while sleeping.

On that note. Moving your van will help warm you up. If you can move your van up in elevation, it can make a huge difference.

For instance, if you move down about a thousand feet in elevation. The van will warm up 5-10 degrees. So always try to find somewhere where it’s a little lower in elevation.

Wear the right amount of clothes while sleeping. So you are comfortable while sleeping overnight in the cold. You don’t want to be sweating because then you will get cold.

Make a habit of drinking warm beverages. The tea, coffee, and water. You can also put a hot water bottle in the blankets. An hour or so before bed. To warm up the blankets.

Wool gloves and socks also come in handy when keeping warm. You have to get a few pairs. With the pants, get the sweat material.

You know those that are sort of insulated. With a light waterproof material. While inside is a wool material that keeps warm.

To prevent condensation in your van during winter. Install one or two ceiling fans. Depending on the length of your vehicle.

As for airflow, be sure to have a window or two open during the day.

Camper Vans have significantly less insulation. While having a variety of sensor systems that the impact of freezing temperatures can damage.

Camping on it during winter will cause some big problems. For example, its pipe can burst due to freezing.

You will need to put an exterior vinyl skirt around the camper’s exterior. Which keeps the battery and plumbing warm.

If not, pack snow around the camper’s bay. You will also want to wrap your pipes in heat tape. Water in these campers is a huge problem.

Therefore I would not recommend camping during winter with these campers. You will end up spending more time fixing it than enjoying it.

As previously mentioned, if you install fans and windows. As well as use quality insulation with some insulating window curtains. 

You will go a long way in making the temperatures inside your van comfortable.

Remember to scout out the area you are in. And make the weather app your friend. Knowing about the weather beforehand will help with planning the trip.