Heating van when free camping

[Barry22]

Hi, I will be freecamping when temps are low. Can members recommend a low cost option, if there is one. I do not wish to carry a generator, and petrol etc. I am aware of diesel powered heaters which I am sure are costly. Are there other less costly, and safe options in a small poptop ?
Thank you in advanced, Barry

[Motherhen]

Hi Barry

Cheapest and safest option is an extra tracksuit and Explorer socks. We do not use heating off when off mains power, but do not holiday in the snow.

This topic has been asked before so check out the previous threads.

[Cuppa]

Partner, extra blankets or doona, warm clothing, bedsocks, hot water bottles, exercise, camp fire.

Cuppa

[Chris R]

Yep


Hot Cuppa

[Lance]

Gooday Barry, how tall are you and Marnie ?

A good clue with the poptops is to not pop the top.
Leave it down overnight and you'll be surprised just how much warnmer the van will be.

That plan of action of course is a tad dependant on the height of said poptop inhabitants.

Ask me how I know

[Berny]

Go north for the winter.............

[evil_josh]

Partner, extra blankets or doona, warm clothing, bedsocks, hot water bottles, exercise, camp fire.

Cuppa

Agree 100% A great campfire and an even better doona, some beutiful comfort food and some good trakkies while you're getting the fire started in the morning!

We're off for some winter camping next month and I can't wait. Sat dinner will be slow-cooked lamb shanks in the hillbilly camp oven. Yum!!

[lesterb]

You didn't say, are you expecting a two dog night or a three dog night???

[Nico]

Don't forget head covering such as a beanie. Believe it or not most (70%) body heat is lost through your head.

[toyocrusa]

Hi Barry. We have experienced some cold nights in our van and have been looking at these mattress covers recently. Not cheap at around $175 for a double but if they work they may be worth it. Bob
http://www.warmbodymat.com.au/

[Alan 41]

Don't forget head covering such as a beanie. Believe it or not most (70%) body heat is lost through your head.

Thanks nico.
So that's why SWMBO was holding the pillow over my face. .
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She didn't want me to be cold.

[Nico]

Don't forget head covering such as a beanie. Believe it or not most (70%) body heat is lost through your head.

Thanks nico.
So that's why SWMBO was holding the pillow over my face. .
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She didn't want me to be cold.

Maybe she didn't want the hot air to come out. LOL

[Chris R]

Repayment for the dutch oven....s

[ozwapet]

Partner, extra blankets or doona, warm clothing, bedsocks, hot water bottles, exercise, camp fire.

Cuppa

I'm not sure the first choice is a CHEAPER option

But yes, a good insulated van with no drafts and no canvas, campfire when you can, a good hottie, a mattress topper, good quality doona.

I also learnt from my tent camping days, you lose something like 80% of your warmth through your head and feet, so wearing a beanie and having good sheepskin boots such as Ugg boots, makes you a lot more comfy. Wear beanie and socks in bed too.

We never heat our bedroom at night, even at home. I sort of liken it to being in a bain marie- slowly stewing in your own juices.

Most often will have the four seasons hatch open at night too for ventilation.

[Neophema]

Heavyweight Doona, flanelette PJ's, bed sox & HW bottles in the bed well before you retire for the night. If it's not windy we sit in front of a reflective gas heater under our awning with 50% long wall & 90% end wall. We also fit the skirt along the side of the van to stop drafts coming from underneath. Obviously making sure that it's not too close to any flammable materials. They are suprisingly warm & economical to run contrary to what we were led to believe. We only do this if we're not staying long in that location, otherwise we set up our Ozpig & toast ourselves in front of it! Other essential keep warm aids for us are a beanie, gloves & a bottle of Rutherglen Old Tawny Port or Liquer Muscat ZZZZZZ.
Regards Keith & Judy.

[Gypsy Rover]

, otherwise we set up our Ozpig & toast ourselves in front of it!
What's an Ozpig please?
Cheers!
Chris

[Lance]

http://www.ozpig.com.au/recipes/camp-oven-roast

[droversdog]

Hi Barry
You can use a Coleman Catalytic heater that runs off small gas cylinders that screw into the heater. Mine also has a 12v fan, can't remember what it cost but somewhere around $100 at Rays Outdoors. There is a bit of confusion over how long you can use them indoors due to possible carbon monoxide poisoning. I bought a CO monitor last week and have tested it with the heater going on high for over 4 hours and did not record any rise in CO. The temps were 16deg at 11am inside and out. By 12 inside the van had risen to 26 and by 3pm the van temp was 29 and outside 18. I had all vent closed but no CO. I still wont run the heater while in bed but use it to heat the van up in the evening and again to take the chill off in the morning. I would also like to get another CO monitor to test mine against just to be sure.
Cheers, Ray

[Rustic Relics]

I don't know if this will help, but what we do instead of a quilt we get our two sleeping bags and zip them together, and so they don't slide off the bed at night we have turned them inside out, they are rated at +3 deg. and I can tell you now that you will be roasting. We have a flannelette sheet under and a light bedspread over the top, all tucked in on both sides.

By the way you can get sleeping bags that are rated at minus "?" degrees.

Hope that helps, stay warm and have fun.

Budgie

[Cuppa]

You can use a Coleman Catalytic heater I would also like to get another CO monitor to test mine against just to be sure.

Ray, like us all makes his own choices. I bought a Coleman catalytic heater, & a coleman gas hose which allows it to run off a normal refillable lpg bottle, & I also converted it to run from a 12v system(for the fan) rather than using batteries. Then I started reading about how they were unsuitable for use inside a caravan or motorhome because of the risk of CO2 poisoning, & decided I didn't want to risk going to sleep & never waking up. So I still have a new heater, only used for an hour to see it work. I have tried selling it unsuccessfully, so if anyone wants it you can have it for the cost of postage, or better still for free if you pick it up. (Gippsland). I'm in no hurry to get rid of it so if you know you will be passing through Gippsland sometime in the next 12 months & want it I'm happy to put your name on it. I make it quite clear though that I take no responsibility for how you use it & if you end up dead don't blame me.

Cuppa