Keeping warm while living in a vehicle is a bit easier than keeping cool! There are multiple options to stay warm, and they're relatively inexpensive. Your options can be part of your van build, simple additions like a portable heater, or simply moving to a warmer climate.
If you have recently had to move into your car or another vehicle for economic or other reasons (not by choice), check out our Emergency quick start page.
For safety in cold weather, be sure to have a charged jump pack to jump-start your vehicle in case your starter battery doesn't perform in the cold. Replace your starter battery if it's getting too old or weak.
- Snowbirds
- Snowbirds are those who travel to warmer climates during the winter and colder climates during the summer, following good weather to stay comfortable. Many nomads are snowbirds, especially those with uninsulated vehicles, but many non-nomads make these trips as well, especially retirees who don't have work obligations to stay in one place. Snowbirding reduces the need for expensive and bulky amenities like air conditioning. Continue reading …
- Diesel heaters
- Diesel heaters (also known as Chinese diesel heaters/CDH) are a very popular way to heat your vehicle while it is parked. The least expensive heaters cost ~$100, and they use very little fuel. Unlike portable propane heaters, another popular heating option, diesel heaters don't create condensation in your living space. All diesel heaters must be vented to the outside of the vehicle and should be permanently installed for best results. Continue reading …
- Propane heaters
- Propane heaters can either be an installed and ventilated parking heater, or a non-ventilated portable heater such as the popular Mr. Buddy brand. The portable propane heaters are relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain and use, but they create a lot of condensation in your living space which can be a significant issue. The ventilated heaters are less popular than other parking heaters, but they may be the right choice in certain places and situations. Continue reading …
- Insulation
- Insulation is a big topic in the nomad life, and an important part of keeping warm and keeping cool! When you live in a vehicle, depending on where and how you use it, you may wish to insulate your vehicle. There is no clear solid consensus on what the "best" way to insulate a van is, but there sure are a lot of opinions with very little in the way of empirical data. At best, you're making an educated guess and almost everyone insulates their van differently. Continue reading …
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping bags are a great way to stay warm when the weather is chilly, especially if the insulation in your van is insufficient. They work especially well when paired with other methods of keeping warm. Continue reading …
- Contact warming options
- Contact warming options can be an excellent tool when keeping warm is a priority, especially when sleeping. They include electric blankets, chemical warmers, rechargeable warmers, and more. Continue reading …
Other options
- Mylar blankets (emergency blankets) to reflect heat back toward your body.
- Gasoline heaters
- Space heaters for use with shore power.
- Blanket warmers for use with larger solar/battery systems or shore power.
- Candles for a small amount of heat (and bonus light).
- Wood stoves if you have a large vehicle and access to firewood.
- Idling your vehicle for emergency heat.
- Move to a lower elevation if you are at high elevation.
- Park with your vehicle oriented with the wind, so that wind can flow over the vehicle more easily. Wind hitting the side of your vehicle will cool it down faster. Or park next to a building that blocks the wind.
Warm clothing
Keep a set of warm clothing that is only used inside the van during winter. Clothing that is worn outside may become wet from snow or rain and will not keep you warm! Built to GO! recommends "sacred socks" that are only worn for sleeping.
Wear a beanie, cap, or other winter hat at night. A scarf or ski mask can help keep your nose warm if it doesn't impede your breathing too much.
Subdivide your space
If you are in one part of your vehicle (such as the back) and not in another part (such as the cab), create some sort of temporary partition so have less space to heat. A Mylar sheet is a lightweight option that's easy to hang. Blankets, privacy curtains, or cardboard/foam partitions also work. For cozier nights, the partition could be just around your bed.
Ventilation and airflow
Note that ventilation is still important when you are heating your vehicle, especially if you have a portable propane heater or other heat source that generates condensation or exhaust.
Temperature stratification (or temperature layering), when the air near the ceiling of your vehicle is significantly warmer than the air near the floor, is common in vehicles used for nomadic living.
Frozen doors
Frozen doors sometimes happen during the winter, but fortunately it's nearly impossible to get frozen in.[1] If there's a really bad ice storm and you do, try these tips: Continue reading …
Winterizing your vehicle
Winterizing your vehicle is important if it will not be occupied, or if it will be occupied but sometimes dip below freezing. Keep in mind that some portions of your vehicle interior can easily dip below freezing even if your main living space is a higher temperature. For example, closed cabinets, a closed garage, or spaces near the floor in a vehicle with minimal insulation. Continue reading …
Heating system sizing
Read this post about assessing heating needs for your vehicle.
Resources
| Resource | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC and insulation forum | A sub-forum of VanLivingForum.com | |
| Search forums and groups | Search van life discussion groups for "keeping warm" | |
| Search related sites | Search van life sites for "keeping warm" | |
| Search NomadLife.wiki | Search other pages on this wiki for "keeping warm" |