Colder weather van camping options?

[oldtimer]

We use a synthetic domestic duvet instead of sleeping bags and have usually been warm enough when ice forms on the windows as we benefit from shared bodily warmth. However, we always travel with down sleeping bags in our rucksacks for use on side trips. We would be able to supplement the duvet if need arose.
As mentioned by someone already, I made thermal foil covers for the windows and have been known to sleep with the pop up down when very cold.

As for heaters running all night, I have entertained murderous thoughts when parked up near people ruining my sleep with climatisation units.

 

[Billy-o]

.. getting out from under the duvet, yes duvet as I used duvets in the van, two of them of which are more useful than sleeping bags.

yes ... if you're in a van, why not go for the duvet or blankets options

 

[Paul_B]

It's more about the sleeping bag tbh. Insulation isn't the best money can buy but it's still good.

We've since been playing around more with the diesel heater. It starts off loud but it's surprisingly quiet so if really cold perhaps that's going to be switched on. I think the controller has a timer on it. Once we've learnt to use it properly I reckon automatic turn on about 4 or 5 in the morning might be one option.

However we really think about a better sleeping bag and we've got a mattress topper out of memory foam for upstairs. It's likely to be snugpak synthetic bags. They're available very cheaply for even warm bags.

 

[Herman30]

What are you sleeping ON? Do you have enough insulation underneath you against the floor?

 

[Woody girl]

Don't forget a carbon monoxide alarm and also a smoke alarm if you have a heater running for even a short time in a van. You don't want to go to sleep and not wake up. Put them above the top bunks.