@@vanmilyoffour diesel heater is the best route, but, you'll need 12 volts to operate the heater. I use a solar portable power station. if you get a 110 AC - 12 DC. inverter. Or, just get a large spare Battery. The heater for me is best at the rear corner of the van with the exhaust through the floor down and back. pipe the heat were you wish. I would leave the intake for the combustion chamber inside the van, it will create a small amount of circulation in the van, and, it keeps the unit cleaner. Mine lasted two years before I had to take it apart to clean the burn chamber, I use break cleaner. Now I have a second burner to swap out and clean the dirty one at my convenience.
@@vanmilyoffourThe build up happens when the fuel is not completely burning, so dust size particles adhere to the insides of the exhaust- and those built up particles *CAN* ignite. This is why homes with a chimney *NEED* to have a chimney cleaner perform a thorough cleaning of the chimney every year. Homes burn down from fires in chimnies. Be careful! And, install a battery operated *CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR* ($19) to alert you if the air inside the van has too low oxygen levels while sleeping. It could *save your lives.*
Insulate the floor. I use a buddy heater with a 20 lb tank and a window slightly open all night. I also have a 250 watt space heater and a good sleeping bag. I cook on a butane camp stove. I stock up on butane because it can be hard to find. I've used these methods for 5 years with no problems so far. I've lived in my shuttle bus, tiny house 10x20 and my van. I also dress warm and with a head covered. (I like to be warm) Hopefully one of these ideas will be of help to your family.
If it was me, I’d have the van super warm, sleep in a bed of wool blankets and sleeping bags, wake up and kick the heater on right away. After the van is warm, start coffee then start cooking breakfast, you should have a warm van to enjoy breakfast. Take off to a new location. You got this💕
If you're considering a diesel heater for your vehicle, I highly recommend checking out the Lavaner brand. They offer a superior quality unit, and I've personally been using the Lavaner Pro 5k. It does an excellent job of heating up a short bus, making it quite comfortable. I’m really enjoying your series on converting a van into a tiny home on wheels. It's fascinating to see a family embark on adventures while living the vanlife. The concept of a tiny home on wheels is both practical and appealing. Additionally, your tips on building a van camper on a budget will undoubtedly be beneficial to others who aspire to live life on the road without the burden of rent. Keep up the great work!
I would separate your Van sleeping area from the front with wood or a blanket from ceiling to the floor. That way the Buddy heater is only warming the area you use. I use 4 blankets at night and a opened sleeping bag on top of me at night. I only use a Buddy heater in the morning to on low temperature which lasts for 4 hours to get the chill off. ❤
Diesel heaters is the best to warm up your house, efficiently or van or RV Calls about four dollars for 24 hours of run time on low I run mine on three they go to 10 and it runs for about 22 hours. Great heat.
Great seeing this channel 😊 - I would recommend below zero sleeping bags and fleece blankets, you will not need any heater and you will sleep very cozy. 🔥 - finish insulating your van walls and floor. - as someone also mentioned , then when you wake up, turn on your car heater for a while to warm up. That's it. Excellent Channel 👍🏼😊
Bruh, The diesel heater is the best hands down, I got mine on right now , waiting to go into work. I had a Hcalory diesel heater for 3 years now and haven’t had a problem
Such a good team, real stuff were all learning here how to sustain with change prepping before it happens. The ice storm in Missouri over the weekend everybody filling the Walmart, not me. Adhering to forecast early, like two months before bad weather I was finishing up prepping for the year. Love you.
Heat naturally rises , insulate the roof real good , really good !! It keeps the van alot cooler too . Insulate every area you see , every area , some say they can't afford to insulate , we'll then you only hurt yourself !!
Pitch a tent over your body/bed using a thick blanket and paracord (sp) or rope. Your body heat and breath will warm the area under the blanket a couple of degrees.
One thing to remember is breathing, I used to own a coffee shop and when it was full of people, the heat would be up just from people kinda spreading their body heat and breathing heat... All it takes is good insulation for the car. 4 people locked in such a closed space, try first if you would not be warm just from being in sleeping bags close to each other. I got two dogs and a sleeping bag and we warm up our SUV just from being in there Diesel heater is good enough
@@vanmilyoffour Not really.. whatever makes you happy, like you are not planning for a trip to the artic Soo any type should be good I am not saying to relly on body heat alone, all I am saying is that it can be warmer and stay longer warmer inside then you would expect maybe... Diesel heaters are the standard
It’s good to have multiple sources. Because you’re on wheels and your situation changes depending on where you are, what season you’re in and your budget. I installed a diesel heater, installed a wood stove, electric heater, propane heater, candle burning heater, oil lamp, power station and heated blanket, generator and solar panels. I also might install a smaller electric heater than can run when I’m towing with a running vehicle. Having insulation levels high is real key. To give y’all an example, I have a 10x6 with about r20 and 6 candles will hold the heat at -15 which is about 500btu. I use electric full time when I’m parked at my spot. If I’m in the bush I can run the wood stove, if I’m on the road I can use the diesel heater. If it’s not that cold I can use the heated blanket which is a great way to save on heating in general as you only heat yourself. The other stuff I got for back up because the cold is not something to mess with. I’m in Canada where it gets past -30 in the snow belt. My set up is a little extreme but it’s gotta be that way to guarantee survival in the bush. I’m still not quite road ready and got a bunch of things yet to do. Good luck 🫶🚛🇨🇦
man we love your channel,your determination inspires us a lot,we watch every video you post,thank you for taking time out to comment as well,safe travels brother!
@vanmilyoffour im rooting call get that van together. And I'm hearing everyone tell me a Chinese diesel heater is anyone best bet for snow temperatures. So look into that but if yu have kids in the van. The diesel heater may be to strong so move to a sunnier climate to enjoy with your vanmily of four ❤️
- Insulated window covers on all windows - insulated curtain for separating the cab from the housing - installation walls and ceiling - 36 below sleeping bags - blankets and winter gear from head to toe - a lot of nomads follow the warm weather. - Damprid - Dehumidifiers as well once the van is complete get out there and practice in Nicole sleeping in the van. You know what you need to do practice makes perfect. You know that. 🙌🏾
"What ever you think is best for both of us" That is straight up excellent partner. I recently slept in my car traveling and moisture was an issue, great subject.
All one needs is to know that someone is there supporting them and also have their back, that they're not in this alone and present to be attentive to all needs. Life really can be so simple omg... being able to find that simplicity enjoy it... man! What else is there to life?
@@Fourtho What a great bedtime message instant love, I want to hang out and say hello to a stranger who is normal and nice. Great to find you and partner, Hello from Sedalia, Missouri Home of the Missouri State fair. Hope to meet someday and trade info until that day Eric, AKA Leanin One Love Family.
I highly recommend avoiding propane heaters such as the Mr. Buddy Heater. yes, they do work, and yes they do produce heat, but they also produce moisture which you don't want in your van. A diesel heater is the way to go. Cheap, efficient, dry heat and you can get diesel everywhere. Last but not least, electric space heaters. You can buy an adapter which will let you connect to a EV charger (you'd also need a voltage transformer), but electric heating can also be cheap if not free, if you know where to look. I have diesel, electric and as a backup, a Mr. Buddy (never have used it).
Hello, My suggestions are to get a few moving blankets for insulation. I have one 79x80 in back of my sofa bed in my van. It's stopping the air from places that air seeps through. Also blocking the back storage area in my van. I have a small propane heater as well. Mainly I do my chores/ errands in the evening with my front and back heat running, then put my propane heater on medium and get ready for bed. 3 blankets on the bed two on the bottom. Turn my heater off and go to sleep. Nice and cozy. You also need window covers. I have 2 sound deadening, 1 reflectics and the rest are just foam board from Dollar Tree. See my video on how I heat my van . Stay safe& warm...🙏🏼
@@vanmilyoffourdo you have Harbor Freight store for the moving blankets? Get coupons via email. I plan to use them to make a tent over my sleeping area so less area to heat. Don't forget at least one quality carbon monoxide detector. I've not tried but some people put hot water in those old fashioned flat red rubber water bottles and put in foot of sleeping bag before going to sleep. Also get from Dollar Tree store knit hats and the little plastic containers that pull the moisture out of the air. You don't want mold. Make sure to insulate the whole van...including covering the windows like already mentioned in earlier comments Layers of blankets. Good luck. Continue to be happy!
Condensation is worst with the propane heat but is just a fact of nature with heat n cool cool to heat all the changing from warm to cold high humid to low ,keeping a constant heat all the time is the secret keep it warm and dry u won't be saving anything trying to only heat when u want just keep it between 55 n 65 always whatever ur source then can bump it up for comfort but won't be condensatiton
Diesel heater vevor makes a portable one all you need is a battery and a piece of 3”duct pipe coming in through a window 🪟 just make some type of cover over the window check out some of them over landing channels good luck 🤞 I just hit the sub bottom
Hey my friend, diesel heater is a great option but another good option is a small kerosene heater. It doesn’t have the moisture like propane heaters and a lot of them have tip over features. Kerosene is very stable.
Old rug on floor, then you can layer with runner. Also, windows need covers. Any van wall that is exposed plastic it with a roll of painter plastic at DT then place some type of fabric over to make room look comfy. Mini fan for heater cheap one will work dont need to roll out money. A small tent can be handy just for kids to have play area at some stops. Do go to goodwill, they have lots of items. Plastic for clothing just add mini holes for smell. Good luck, step by step. Wool blanket is warm for sure°
I have a magic chef 2 burner propane stove top i hook to a 20 gl. propane tank, in my high top and i simply use one burner for heat and it sips propane and keeps me comfy, had it for 15 years never one problem with it, plan to try a diesel heater maybe next year
The biggest thing to do, is insulate as much as possible. It doesn't take much to heat up a van or SUV , it's about maintaining the wanted temperature that you lose from it escaping . Use a buddy heater with 20lb propane hookup
@@vanmilyoffour right now I'm just using the 1lb propane tanks . I get 5hrs on low in my SUV and it's more then enough. Upgrading to the hookups for the 20lb propane in future just to say money
@@christophercavemanforChrist Coming from experience PLEASE do yourself a favor and when you hook up your buddy heater to the #20 tank invest the $15 for the propane filter. The propane in the larger tanks is not as pure/clean as those mini bottles so it doesn't take long to gum up and clog your device. I personally couldn't get mine cleaned and working again so it cost me the price of my buddy heater. Wish I had known before hand.
How about those little chinese diesel heaters? Vent the exhaust to the underside of RV out the back. It makes a clicking noise when on. Cheaper than propane and readily available. The problem with Buddy heaters are the hoses. If you could afford to just use the little 1 lb bottles its great, but the hoses for the 20 lb bottle need a filter so the oil from hoses doesn’t clog. Then you have to take Buddy apart and blow tube clean on right side.
no the clicking noise is not something to keep you awake! Ask any trucker. They call them bunk heaters, but this is how the truckers shut off their truck at night and stay warm with a diesel heater at night. If you’re ever at a truckstop you can hear that clicky sound from the diesel heaters. You don’t want to idle engines any longer than you have to. Idling is really hard on engines. The problem with the Buddy heaters or equivalents, they are ventless. You can run those in your camper, but they’ll shut off if CO2 levels get too high. You have to keep a window cracked. Nobody wants to crack a window in the winter. The diesel heaters have an exhaust port you can just hose out to the outside. The only thing staying in your camper is the heat vent. I think some of those heaters have a remote. If you get hot on low you can turn it off and back on with the remote. Needs batteries for the remote. The little chinese diesel heaters seem like the way to go! Nothing like getting out of bed and being warm while you’re making a cup of coffee!
@@vanmilyoffour I have to listen very closely to hear the pump ticking. Not just coffee in a warm van in the morning. Coffee in your underwear in a warm van in the morning. I turn the heat and the coffee on and go back to bed for 20 minutes.
You guys need to insulate the van and also purchase a Mr. Buddy heater with a 20lb propane tank and also buy a hose with a filter to keep your gas line clear and keep a source of fresh air for ventilation. Purchase a NineSky Dehumidifier for your condensation problem.
Last year I heated with the buddy heater, but it produced way too much moisture. This year I'm using a diesel heater and it's a lot better. Picked up a Vevor heater and I run it 24/7
@@vanmilyoffour The first time I bought a diesel heater I bought a no name Amazon one thinking they were all the same. I had constant problems with it clogging and error codes. The next one I got was a Vevor brand one that looks basically identical as the first with very slight differences. The Vevor has been working all winter with no problems at all, most of the time it has been on low and I have no signs of sooting. A gallon of diesel lasts approximately 30hrs on low and around 10hrs on high✌️🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸
I highly recommend the big body heater. That's the best. Some people want that Chinese heat up that diesel heater. But you gotta there's a lot of work to connect it up and it's 2 sources of power. I did a video on my channel about that. That heater is c***, but the big body heater is the best. My friend big butt eat big buddy heater all the way.
Great video! Wish I could be of help on that question of heat. I only camp in the summer in my Aliner camper. My family and I love getting away and going camping. Before I got my camper I had a 3 room tent. I bought 2 cots at Walmart and a blow up queen size mattress to go on top of the 2 cots that I had pushed together. So it really felt like a bed at home. I did my kids bed the same way. I had a cooler for all our meats, a cooler for drinks and kept all of our other food in a large storage bin with a lid. I'm so sorry i'm not helpful with the heating situation.
@@vanmilyoffour You sure could. I bought that tent at Walmart and the 4 cots. 2 for under my blow up mattress and 2 to go under my daughter's blow up queen size mattress. I also purchased battery powered fans to hang in the tent. We called it glamping lol. My back can't handle sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag. I edited my comment above so you might want to check that out I left a few things out.
It sounds like you have researched and are knowledgeable about the different ways to heat your van.I have full timed for 4 years now and I bought land this year so I’m parked on it. You are right about the buddy heater-wet. lol. I run my propane furnace during the day and I run my generator at night when it’s below freezing and plug in electric heaters. Could you guys run a generator outside and your electric heater inside? Or what about having a rv tech install a rv furnace in your van? Just 2 thoughts I had. Too bad you aren’t parked beside me- I could run you a cord. I’m only using half of my generator capacity. But you probably don’t want to spend the winter in Virginia anyway lol! Warm wishes to you all!
The buddy heater has a low oxygen shut off as well as a tip over shut off so it's pretty safe , and if you use the 20lb tank they will run a long time and the propane will be more affordable.... if you have power sources like a jakery you can benefit from d/c electric blankets for most of the chilly times , but once it gets cold , you're gonna need some actual heat..... condensation is a problem with the propane heat....the diesel heater is the most efficient and the driest form of heat for your van but the smell of diesel can overtake your rig if the fuel tank isn't mounted outside
I use a 20 gallon propane tank on a propane heater and it last for a week. I get my tanks that filled at a propane place and it cost me less money. I also have a generator and a electronic small heater. I live in Michigan and I have been living in my pop up camper that I turned into a hard shell for four years.
@vanmilyoffour 8 hours. Get the small Mr. Heater. I also use my small propane stove on some nights. Crack a window no matter what kind of heater that you use.
@vanmilyoffour The jackery isnt powerful enough to run a chinese diesel heater. If your are setting up a solar system you would connect it to that system but size the system correctly for your use👍
been using an oil space heater and a generator but it doesnt hold the temp in below 40 degrees. currently cutting up an unused mattress as insulation. be careful with that filiment kind of space heater. if the fan goes out inside of it it can catch on fire! also make sure to ventilate propane heaters. Good luck!!
Thank God you have a van, I'm currently homeless and I'm staying with my aunt and she doesn't want me to use the bathroom, I have to sleep in a chair and she is constantly complaining
I know exactly how you feel and was with family and how they treat you is just not right and inhumane. I suggest saving up and buying a vehicle and live out of that you will have more freedom. Good luck you will be okay. ❤
@vanmilyoffour they seem simple enough to maintain and are easily modified to maximize the heat exchange. There are a bunch of UA-cam videos on it. Good luck to you and your family.
The disdelete, the diesel heater is c*** It's 2 forms of power. And we'll burn your battery out very fast. What is the propane heater the best? I like less power less hassle. No wiring, no plugging things you know, making holes in your vehicle. What is your choice?
It will be expensive to run a propane heater on 1lb bottles all night. ( 1lb bottle die out after 4 to 5 hour on Mr Buddy and similar heaters. ) The best thing to do heat your van while awake, or wear layers of clothing. Run your heaters while you are awake only for safety reasons! Heat van up when you wake up. Also, remember cooking inside will heat you van as well.
@@vanmilyoffourI'm not sure where my other comment went, but it was get a carbon monoxide detector. It will alert you for all heating sources if there is an issue. Even just running the van.
@@vanmilyoffour- I see UA-camrs getting error codes with them so if you buy a cheap one then get a backup or extra parts. Also make sure to keep them maintained.
mr buddy or solar with small 400 w heater from walmart. it’s only 9.96$ cover your walls with blankets. also there are usb charged heating pads, you can use a charging block to power them amazon has them but temu has them for cheaper.
Diesel heater is the way to go….12v electric blankets are a great back up too. With the diesel heater i would get something more dependable. I have had quite a few cheaper “Chinese DH” but have moved on to this LFbros brand and although still a CDH it seems better quality so far
An old cowboy trick is to put large a stone/stones in or right next to the fire . Then you take the hot stones into the van at night because they will radiate heat. Just a thought since you have a fire outside The ideas of a wood burning stove seem interesting. It could be vented out a window. Also can be used to cook on. Also, insulation would help. I dont know how well it would work but a roll of radiant barrier from lowes helps reflect heat back in. The one i have used has air pockets (think of bubble wrap with aluminum coating on it.
Propane is safe if we respect it. Propane magazines can be only dangerous if you're reckless. I've been using propane for 6 years. Had 0 problems with it.
A clay pot and plate and a candle put the candle on the clay plate and put the planter pot upside down over the top of the candle The candle will heat the pot and radiate heat from the pot
Hi I guess this is the 3 rd video I have seen of yours . I don't have a van yet but been looking and getting ideas. Looking at your van by the video looks like the roof ceiling is undone? If so that's one main area where the heat will escape. Next the insulation in the walls heat will escape also with just bare metal. I know you are starting to work on the van carpet on the floor would be very important not a open metal floor . The third thing I see are the windows a van with less or no windows not much to worry about there. Check out the stealth van life video where people are also living in their cars as well full times. All them are making and cutting out inside panels for the windows to black out so you can't see when lights are on inside you can't see. If you make covers for all your back windows that you can put in and pop out quick and easy will help keep your heat in. I do have a buddy heater the size that you have one bottle is good between 5 to 6 hours I use it for two rooms sometimes on low . The space of your van I think it would be to hot to run continuously also with working on the insulation part would make it more comfortable and use less propane or other sources of heating. Also make some curtains behind the driver and passenger seats that are easy to close or open out of the way for sleeping. I have seen some of those van lifer's make inside panels for driver and passenger windows and front windshield. That will insulate and give more privacy and space where someone can sit and stay warm. Those stealth videos some show how to make those window panels. Some get low cost materials at Dollar tree or Dollar stores. That should control dampness. Hope that helps if I see anything else I will let you know. One more thing videos that I watch those diesel heaters seem to work good and burn for a long time on the fuel with good heat.
I like small wood stove heaters, but if I am constantly traveling I would use Mr. Buddy or my kerosene heater because they are faster to turn on and off. My best heater for my van is my kerosene. I don't mind the smell. It gives me a perfect all around warmness and if the space is sealed you can just warm up the space and then turn off the heater. So a gallon of kerosene can last you up to a month. That's only $4 a month. Gas is very explosive. I am very careful with Mr Buddy. Very careful. All my heating supplies must have multi use for this reason I wouldn't go diesel, even if it is better.
@@Kimberlyworks-ps2wm oh wow I’m familiar with kerosene from growing up never knew it would be used in very but yes very inexpensive…I assume great ventilation could keep smell down
The very best way would be a gas Wabasto or Espar heater tied to your vans gas tank, assuming your van is gas. If your van is diesel those two brands diesel heater directly tied to the vans tank is most ideal. That is VERY expensive and more difficult to install. A cheap Chinese diesel heater is the route most seem to go with. Some of the diesel heaters have a little larger fuel tank (15 liters), normally most are 10 liters. The all in one units are just 5 liter tanks. Those cute little wood stoves work while you're awake but most have such a small firebox that they burn out in just 2-3 hours or possibly less time so not ideal for overnight. I have a small wood stove in my van along with a Chinese diesel heater with a 15 liter tank. A propane heater to me is for backup in my opinion. I like two sources of everything if possible. I like having the wood stove for an extreme survival situation as you can always find sticks to burn but in normal situations the diesel heater is hard to beat.
Miniature wood burning stove. Got mine on Amazon for $159. You have to spend about another $100 in heat shields and insulating exhaust tubing. It is for a space of 900 sq ft i have a 1990 g20 high top chinook rv van and it got so warm in my van the last winter storm i was in a gown and had the top windows open. It was 16° with a chill of 4° outside and with the windows open it was 83 inside the van. As for propane those buddy heaters are a joke ok they burn way to fast for mild cold temps in the 20s and 30s i use a single propane burner to get the temp to around 75° and if you hit up your insulation on top notch standard level then it can sustain very well. Big tip dont slouch on the floor insulation ✌️
Buddy heater will cost a lot to keep running. Maybe look into a long run diesel heater, you can get 50 hrs run time on one gallon, plus it is dry heat.
Only thing you need for the van is a Chinese diesel heater. Please look into it and you would not be disappointed. It’s only price from like $98 to maybe 130 and believe me they are worth it.
A Mr Buddy heater is not strong enough. You'll need to get a Jackery 1000 or 2000 to run your heater. Later on, you gonna need to buy installation for all the cracks allowing cold air in. Additionally, heating blankets work too.
All you gotta do is crack the window a little bit and you'll have no conversation in it.I promise you I use my pizza every night in the cold.If I have to sleep on my heat aroand I know problems with it with a big body heater.No problem, and I'll screen bottles.2 last longer than 3 hours.My one I have it unload last week basically , 6 to 7 hours
The Mr. Buddy ,attached to a 20lb propane tank be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector inside the van and crack your window should give you 2day intermmited running ,or the Dura heat kerosene heater 23,800 BTU ..BUT DON'T use kerosene use instead this alternative fuel called Klean heat, it's for burning indoors start with about 5gallons , they come in 1gal bottles you won't need a blanket good luck
Mr Buddy is is great. But a Diesel Heater is the best. I live in a Camper and I heated with Buddy heater the first couple years. Teal i bought a Diesel Heater. No condensation . with it.
Kerosene heater. If it's parked and you can keep 3ft around it inside the van, you can't do better than that. And you can cook on it. My aladdin bf4001 is a cooker too and it just got here. It'll burn 18 hours on a fool tank and it's not that big. I wouldn't burn it overnight because that's not my jam but you could with precautions. Edited to add: Kerosene is one of the safest fuels to store. That's really what attracted me. I've seen too many videos of propane exploding. I have a diesel heater too but that's a 2K drop. That's a lot of money for a single use item. Edited to add: Do not, and I repeat, do not buy a cheapy diesel heater. It's not worth your peace or your safety. Save and buy a Planar if that's what you want to do. And campfires are much less of a hassle with a blowtorch. You might get some funny looks but they'll quickly have their own blowtorches... Edited one more time to add: If you get a kerosene heater, get a stove fan to circulate the heat.
Forget about the wood heat it’s a terrible idea. I don’t care how cute the stove is you’re still gonna have the smoke and the creosol you’ll be up all night, putting wood in it if you can keep it gone beware of the back draft. You could use a diesel heater. It would certainly get rid of your moisture problem if you draw the air in from the outside. The main problem with diesel heaters is they rely on electricity and they use enough of it. once the battery‘s down the house gets cold baby . What do you want is a 20 pound propane tank and a vented propane heater. Keep a window cracked open a little bit for fresh air.
Insulation, diesel heater is the number one go to, Mr Buddy heater
Guess diesel heater the best route
@@vanmilyoffour diesel heater is the best route, but, you'll need 12 volts to operate the heater. I use a solar portable power station. if you get a 110 AC - 12 DC. inverter. Or, just get a large spare Battery. The heater for me is best at the rear corner of the van with the exhaust through the floor down and back. pipe the heat were you wish. I would leave the intake for the combustion chamber inside the van, it will create a small amount of circulation in the van, and, it keeps the unit cleaner. Mine lasted two years before I had to take it apart to clean the burn chamber, I use break cleaner. Now I have a second burner to swap out and clean the dirty one at my convenience.
That doesn’t sound too complicated I see most saying run it on high to prevent build up
@@vanmilyoffour For charging your Battery ; ua-cam.com/video/RiLgZDU9QG8/v-deo.html
@@vanmilyoffourThe build up happens when the fuel is not completely burning, so dust size particles adhere to the insides of the exhaust- and those built up particles *CAN* ignite. This is why homes with a chimney *NEED* to have a chimney cleaner perform a thorough cleaning of the chimney every year. Homes burn down from fires in chimnies. Be careful! And, install a battery operated *CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR* ($19) to alert you if the air inside the van has too low oxygen levels while sleeping. It could *save your lives.*
Insulate the floor. I use a buddy heater with a 20 lb tank and a window slightly open all night. I also have a 250 watt space heater and a good sleeping bag. I cook on a butane camp stove. I stock up on butane because it can be hard to find. I've used these methods for 5 years with no problems so far. I've lived in my shuttle bus, tiny house 10x20 and my van. I also dress warm and with a head covered. (I like to be warm) Hopefully one of these ideas will be of help to your family.
Thank you I’ll take all into consideration
If it was me, I’d have the van super warm, sleep in a bed of wool blankets and sleeping bags, wake up and kick the heater on right away. After the van is warm, start coffee then start cooking breakfast, you should have a warm van to enjoy breakfast. Take off to a new location. You got this💕
@@anitadeckard1216 That sounds really good! Thank you for your response!!❤️
Also put up a thick blanket from the front of the van to keep it warmer in the back
@ that’s funny… me and my husband were talking about that👍🏽❤️
Don't know, but others have used that method.
If you're considering a diesel heater for your vehicle, I highly recommend checking out the Lavaner brand. They offer a superior quality unit, and I've personally been using the Lavaner Pro 5k. It does an excellent job of heating up a short bus, making it quite comfortable.
I’m really enjoying your series on converting a van into a tiny home on wheels. It's fascinating to see a family embark on adventures while living the vanlife. The concept of a tiny home on wheels is both practical and appealing. Additionally, your tips on building a van camper on a budget will undoubtedly be beneficial to others who aspire to live life on the road without the burden of rent. Keep up the great work!
Thanks a lot for the encouraging words I will look into that brand as well…did you mount yours inside or outside the van at night?
@@vanmilyoffourI've only ever seen diesel heaters mounted inside the van but there may be exceptions.
Get a couple wool blankets sleeping bags.. a warmer area ..a small wo9d stove ... 😮 sure is cold this winter...
Sounds cozy enough thank you
You guy's are great. Thanks for the videos 😊
So glad you enjoy the channel
I would separate your Van sleeping area from the front with wood or a blanket from ceiling to the floor. That way the Buddy heater is only warming the area you use. I use 4 blankets at night and a opened sleeping bag on top of me at night. I only use a Buddy heater in the morning to on low temperature which lasts for 4 hours to get the chill off. ❤
Yes I think I may do the blanket behind the front seats thanks
Your welcome
Diesel heaters is the best to warm up your house, efficiently or van or RV Calls about four dollars for 24 hours of run time on low I run mine on three they go to 10 and it runs for about 22 hours. Great heat.
That’s lost cost for an entire day
Diesel heater is the way to go…I’d have an extra one to swap out just in case. Always run it on high to keep it from clogging up with soot!!!
Ok sounds good thank you
Great seeing this channel 😊
- I would recommend below zero sleeping bags and fleece blankets, you will not need any heater and you will sleep very cozy. 🔥
- finish insulating your van walls and floor.
- as someone also mentioned , then when you wake up, turn on your car heater for a while to warm up.
That's it.
Excellent Channel 👍🏼😊
Thank you so much for the advice!👍🏽🙏🏽
Bruh, The diesel heater is the best hands down, I got mine on right now , waiting to go into work. I had a Hcalory diesel heater for 3 years now and haven’t had a problem
Also I just subscribed to
Nice thanks you bro
Such a good team, real stuff were all learning here how to sustain with change prepping before it happens. The ice storm in Missouri over the weekend everybody filling the Walmart, not me.
Adhering to forecast early, like two months before bad weather I was finishing up prepping for the year. Love you.
Heat naturally rises , insulate the roof real good , really good !! It keeps the van alot cooler too .
Insulate every area you see , every area , some say they can't afford to insulate , we'll then you only hurt yourself !!
Agree
Hi there, I'm your 314 th subscriber, good luck with your channel.
Hi!! Thank you so much!!🙏🏽❤️
Pitch a tent over your body/bed using a thick blanket and paracord (sp) or rope. Your body heat and breath will warm the area under the blanket a couple of degrees.
I’ve seen that on a video didn’t know if it was efficient or not
@@vanmilyoffour it seems to- definitely worth a try. And 💯 🎬📽️ 🍿 👀
@@vanmilyoffour a movers blanket is ideal 🫡🙂
One thing to remember is breathing, I used to own a coffee shop and when it was full of people, the heat would be up just from people kinda spreading their body heat and breathing heat... All it takes is good insulation for the car.
4 people locked in such a closed space, try first if you would not be warm just from being in sleeping bags close to each other.
I got two dogs and a sleeping bag and we warm up our SUV just from being in there
Diesel heater is good enough
Do you have a certain degree sleeping bag?
@@vanmilyoffour Not really.. whatever makes you happy, like you are not planning for a trip to the artic Soo any type should be good
I am not saying to relly on body heat alone, all I am saying is that it can be warmer and stay longer warmer inside then you would expect maybe...
Diesel heaters are the standard
@@vanmilyoffour If you plan it good, it can work like an igloo
@@brando.digitalnomad not the artic lowest it gets in the south is 45 degrees average
It’s good to have multiple sources. Because you’re on wheels and your situation changes depending on where you are, what season you’re in and your budget. I installed a diesel heater, installed a wood stove, electric heater, propane heater, candle burning heater, oil lamp, power station and heated blanket, generator and solar panels. I also might install a smaller electric heater than can run when I’m towing with a running vehicle. Having insulation levels high is real key. To give y’all an example, I have a 10x6 with about r20 and 6 candles will hold the heat at -15 which is about 500btu. I use electric full time when I’m parked at my spot. If I’m in the bush I can run the wood stove, if I’m on the road I can use the diesel heater. If it’s not that cold I can use the heated blanket which is a great way to save on heating in general as you only heat yourself. The other stuff I got for back up because the cold is not something to mess with. I’m in Canada where it gets past -30 in the snow belt. My set up is a little extreme but it’s gotta be that way to guarantee survival in the bush. I’m still not quite road ready and got a bunch of things yet to do. Good luck 🫶🚛🇨🇦
Wow! You've definitely got a lot of options there and you've done your research for sure,that is very very impressive,you’ll always sleep comfortably
I'm having the same problems😅 just got a sleeping bag so thats good. wishing you the best❤
man we love your channel,your determination inspires us a lot,we watch every video you post,thank you for taking time out to comment as well,safe travels brother!
@vanmilyoffour im rooting call get that van together. And I'm hearing everyone tell me a Chinese diesel heater is anyone best bet for snow temperatures. So look into that but if yu have kids in the van. The diesel heater may be to strong so move to a sunnier climate to enjoy with your vanmily of four ❤️
Yes sir you’re right just watched the video of how you keep warm I like it
- Insulated window covers on all windows
- insulated curtain for separating the cab from the housing
- installation walls and ceiling
- 36 below sleeping bags
- blankets and winter gear from head to toe
- a lot of nomads follow the warm weather.
- Damprid
- Dehumidifiers
as well once the van is complete get out there and practice in Nicole sleeping in the van. You know what you need to do practice makes perfect. You know that. 🙌🏾
Thank you so much for the tips and ideas!! 🙏🏽
"What ever you think is best for both of us" That is straight up excellent partner. I recently slept in my car traveling and moisture was an issue, great subject.
All one needs is to know that someone is there supporting them and also have their back, that they're not in this alone and present to be attentive to all needs. Life really can be so simple omg... being able to find that simplicity enjoy it... man! What else is there to life?
@@Fourtho What a great bedtime message instant love, I want to hang out and say hello to a stranger who is normal and nice. Great to find you and partner, Hello from Sedalia, Missouri Home of the Missouri State fair. Hope to meet someday and trade info until that day Eric, AKA Leanin One Love Family.
New to the channel as well as to van life. Thank you for posting this. I had the same question as I'm new and looking into van life.
We’re glad you found us! We hope you stick around and enjoy our videos.
I highly recommend avoiding propane heaters such as the Mr. Buddy Heater. yes, they do work, and yes they do produce heat, but they also produce moisture which you don't want in your van.
A diesel heater is the way to go. Cheap, efficient, dry heat and you can get diesel everywhere. Last but not least, electric space heaters. You can buy an adapter which will let you connect to a EV charger (you'd also need a voltage transformer), but electric heating can also be cheap if not free, if you know where to look.
I have diesel, electric and as a backup, a Mr. Buddy (never have used it).
Thanks for info
Hello, My suggestions are to get a few moving blankets for insulation. I have one 79x80 in back of my sofa bed in my van. It's stopping the air from places that air seeps through. Also blocking the back storage area in my van. I have a small propane heater as well. Mainly I do my chores/ errands in the evening with my front and back heat running, then put my propane heater on medium and get ready for bed. 3 blankets on the bed two on the bottom. Turn my heater off and go to sleep. Nice and cozy. You also need window covers. I have 2 sound deadening, 1 reflectics and the rest are just foam board from Dollar Tree. See my video on how I heat my van . Stay safe& warm...🙏🏼
Sounds like a plan with the moving blankets
@@vanmilyoffourdo you have Harbor Freight store for the moving blankets? Get coupons via email. I plan to use them to make a tent over my sleeping area so less area to heat.
Don't forget at least one quality carbon monoxide detector.
I've not tried but some people put hot water in those old fashioned flat red rubber water bottles and put in foot of sleeping bag before going to sleep.
Also get from Dollar Tree store knit hats and the little plastic containers that pull the moisture out of the air. You don't want mold.
Make sure to insulate the whole van...including covering the windows like already mentioned in earlier comments
Layers of blankets.
Good luck.
Continue to be happy!
Peace🕊
Condensation is worst with the propane heat but is just a fact of nature with heat n cool cool to heat all the changing from warm to cold high humid to low ,keeping a constant heat all the time is the secret keep it warm and dry u won't be saving anything trying to only heat when u want just keep it between 55 n 65 always whatever ur source then can bump it up for comfort but won't be condensatiton
Thanks for the advice
Diesel heater vevor makes a portable one all you need is a battery and a piece of 3”duct pipe coming in through a window 🪟 just make some type of cover over the window check out some of them over landing channels good luck 🤞 I just hit the sub bottom
Thanks for subbing I actually looked at the VEVO models today
You can use a small l.p. heater if you make sure you leave a window down about one inch for fresh air .
Thanks for the tip!
If you're new starting off use the Mr Buddy heater until you set your ran up the way you need it
So condensation wouldn’t be an issue?
I plugeed my space heater into my 600w Bluettie power bank and it would not hold but the blow dryer did.
Hey my friend, diesel heater is a great option but another good option is a small kerosene heater. It doesn’t have the moisture like propane heaters and a lot of them have tip over features. Kerosene is very stable.
Interesting I’ve seen a couple comments saying kerosene
Man yeah I would go straight up with a diesel heater and that's no joke they are something else I am not kidding they're great
Thanks for your input!
Old rug on floor, then you can layer with runner.
Also, windows need covers. Any van wall that is exposed plastic it with a roll of painter plastic at DT then place some type of fabric over to make room look comfy. Mini fan for heater cheap one will work dont need to roll out money.
A small tent can be handy just for kids to have play area at some stops. Do go to goodwill, they have lots of items. Plastic for clothing just add mini holes for smell. Good luck, step by step. Wool blanket is warm for sure°
Awesome tips really appreciate it
Heat blankets help,with layers of clothes,also need to insulate in van ,you can use mover blankets, or et proper insulation.
With moving blankets do you just drape them over the walls?
Insulation and Diesal heater is how we went. Works great. Propane is expensive
Makes sense
I have a magic chef 2 burner propane stove top i hook to a 20 gl. propane tank, in my high top and i simply use one burner for heat and it sips propane and keeps me comfy, had it for 15 years never one problem with it, plan to try a diesel heater maybe next year
Interesting idea how safe is the open flame
The biggest thing to do, is insulate as much as possible. It doesn't take much to heat up a van or SUV , it's about maintaining the wanted temperature that you lose from it escaping . Use a buddy heater with 20lb propane hookup
How long do you let your buddy heater run
@@vanmilyoffour right now I'm just using the 1lb propane tanks . I get 5hrs on low in my SUV and it's more then enough. Upgrading to the hookups for the 20lb propane in future just to say money
@@christophercavemanforChrist Coming from experience PLEASE do yourself a favor and when you hook up your buddy heater to the #20 tank invest the $15 for the propane filter. The propane in the larger tanks is not as pure/clean as those mini bottles so it doesn't take long to gum up and clog your device. I personally couldn't get mine cleaned and working again so it cost me the price of my buddy heater. Wish I had known before hand.
How about those little chinese diesel heaters? Vent the exhaust to the underside of RV out the back. It makes a clicking noise when on. Cheaper than propane and readily available. The problem with Buddy heaters are the hoses. If you could afford to just use the little 1 lb bottles its great, but the hoses for the 20 lb bottle need a filter so the oil from hoses doesn’t clog. Then you have to take Buddy apart and blow tube clean on right side.
Is the clicking noise loud?
no the clicking noise is not something to keep you awake! Ask any trucker. They call them bunk heaters, but this is how the truckers shut off their truck at night and stay warm with a diesel heater at night. If you’re ever at a truckstop you can hear that clicky sound from the diesel heaters. You don’t want to idle engines any longer than you have to. Idling is really hard on engines. The problem with the Buddy heaters or equivalents, they are ventless. You can run those in your camper, but they’ll shut off if CO2 levels get too high. You have to keep a window cracked. Nobody wants to crack a window in the winter. The diesel heaters have an exhaust port you can just hose out to the outside. The only thing staying in your camper is the heat vent. I think some of those heaters have a remote. If you get hot on low you can turn it off and back on with the remote. Needs batteries for the remote. The little chinese diesel heaters seem like the way to go! Nothing like getting out of bed and being warm while you’re making a cup of coffee!
Yes a cup of coffee in a warm van sounds good
@@vanmilyoffour I have to listen very closely to hear the pump ticking. Not just coffee in a warm van in the morning. Coffee in your underwear in a warm van in the morning. I turn the heat and the coffee on and go back to bed for 20 minutes.
You guys need to insulate the van and also purchase a Mr. Buddy heater with a 20lb propane tank and also buy a hose with a filter to keep your gas line clear and keep a source of fresh air for ventilation. Purchase a NineSky Dehumidifier for your condensation problem.
Gotta look in that dehumidifier…is that 20 lb tank comparable to the diesel heater everyone is talking about in cost to operate
Please purchase a battery operated carbon monoxide detector. Highly recommend the diesel heater. Take Care
Thank you for the advice and the concern!
VESTA Self-Powered Camping Indoor/Outdoor Heater & Stove !
I have never seen that, I will check it out thanks!
A diesel heater it’s can get one for under 200
The wabasto is almost $1400
Just subscribed stay warm!
Thank you
Last year I heated with the buddy heater, but it produced way too much moisture. This year I'm using a diesel heater and it's a lot better. Picked up a Vevor heater and I run it 24/7
I’ve seen the vevor was wondering how efficient they were
@@vanmilyoffour The first time I bought a diesel heater I bought a no name Amazon one thinking they were all the same. I had constant problems with it clogging and error codes. The next one I got was a Vevor brand one that looks basically identical as the first with very slight differences. The Vevor has been working all winter with no problems at all, most of the time it has been on low and I have no signs of sooting. A gallon of diesel lasts approximately 30hrs on low and around 10hrs on high✌️🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸
Oh wow that’s heat all day
I highly recommend the big body heater. That's the best. Some people want that Chinese heat up that diesel heater. But you gotta there's a lot of work to connect it up and it's 2 sources of power. I did a video on my channel about that. That heater is c***, but the big body heater is the best. My friend big butt eat big buddy heater all the way.
Ok I’ll go check out your video and subscribe
Great video! Wish I could be of help on that question of heat. I only camp in the summer in my Aliner camper. My family and I love getting away and going camping. Before I got my camper I had a 3 room tent. I bought 2 cots at Walmart and a blow up queen size mattress to go on top of the 2 cots that I had pushed together. So it really felt like a bed at home. I did my kids bed the same way. I had a cooler for all our meats, a cooler for drinks and kept all of our other food in a large storage bin with a lid. I'm so sorry i'm not helpful with the heating situation.
@@kimberlym.3643 I could do that until I figure out the heat situation
@@vanmilyoffour You sure could. I bought that tent at Walmart and the 4 cots. 2 for under my blow up mattress and 2 to go under my daughter's blow up queen size mattress. I also purchased battery powered fans to hang in the tent. We called it glamping lol. My back can't handle sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag. I edited my comment above so you might want to check that out I left a few things out.
@@kimberlym.3643 thank you
It sounds like you have researched and are knowledgeable about the different ways to heat your van.I have full timed for 4 years now and I bought land this year so I’m parked on it. You are right about the buddy heater-wet. lol. I run my propane furnace during the day and I run my generator at night when it’s below freezing and plug in electric heaters. Could you guys run a generator outside and your electric heater inside? Or what about having a rv tech install a rv furnace in your van? Just 2 thoughts I had. Too bad you aren’t parked beside me- I could run you a cord. I’m only using half of my generator capacity. But you probably don’t want to spend the winter in Virginia anyway lol! Warm wishes to you all!
We may take that trip one day lol
Diesel heat on low is $6.00 per day.
That’s low cost for a whole day
Im new on here the diesel heaters are the best
The buddy heater has a low oxygen shut off as well as a tip over shut off so it's pretty safe , and if you use the 20lb tank they will run a long time and the propane will be more affordable.... if you have power sources like a jakery you can benefit from d/c electric blankets for most of the chilly times , but once it gets cold , you're gonna need some actual heat..... condensation is a problem with the propane heat....the diesel heater is the most efficient and the driest form of heat for your van but the smell of diesel can overtake your rig if the fuel tank isn't mounted outside
Never thought of heater blanket thanks
I use a 20 gallon propane tank on a propane heater and it last for a week. I get my tanks that filled at a propane place and it cost me less money. I also have a generator and a electronic small heater. I live in Michigan and I have been living in my pop up camper that I turned into a hard shell for four years.
That’s a week running how many hours a night?
@vanmilyoffour 8 hours. Get the small Mr. Heater. I also use my small propane stove on some nights. Crack a window no matter what kind of heater that you use.
Thanks
tin pail sand battery in the firepit, a poker with a hook to move it from the fire to a sheet metal box under the bed.
I can't believe you said that! 😮
Chinese diesel heater is a dry heat its also very cheap to buy and run but you will still need a leisure battery .
Battery just for heater or run it through a jackery type station?
@vanmilyoffour The jackery isnt powerful enough to run a chinese diesel heater. If your are setting up a solar system you would connect it to that system but size the system correctly for your use👍
Thanks
been using an oil space heater and a generator but it doesnt hold the temp in below 40 degrees. currently cutting up an unused mattress as insulation. be careful with that filiment kind of space heater. if the fan goes out inside of it it can catch on fire! also make sure to ventilate propane heaters. Good luck!!
Thank you is it the foam mattress you’re using for insulation?
Thank God you have a van, I'm currently homeless and I'm staying with my aunt and she doesn't want me to use the bathroom, I have to sleep in a chair and she is constantly complaining
I pray things get better for you this year just stay focus
I know exactly how you feel and was with family and how they treat you is just not right and inhumane. I suggest saving up and buying a vehicle and live out of that you will have more freedom. Good luck you will be okay. ❤
Yes so true
How can you not be allowed to use the bathroom? 😳 How old are you?
That’s wild
I did not know Ozark trail made the same as Mr. Buddy heater
Yes almost alike
1st. Diesel heater with some sort of heat catch like an old radiator or something similar 2. Mini wood stove..I'd do both just in case.
I’ve seen an inexpensive VEVO brand diesel heater
@vanmilyoffour they seem simple enough to maintain and are easily modified to maximize the heat exchange. There are a bunch of UA-cam videos on it. Good luck to you and your family.
Thank you much!
I would get a cubic mini. Heating with wood keeps the moisture away, as it is dry heat. And wood is easy and cheap (can be free).
I’ve look at them I really like those
The disdelete, the diesel heater is c*** It's 2 forms of power. And we'll burn your battery out very fast. What is the propane heater the best? I like less power less hassle. No wiring, no plugging things you know, making holes in your vehicle. What is your choice?
So diesel requires a lot of battery power to run?
It will be expensive to run a propane heater on 1lb bottles all night. ( 1lb bottle die out after 4 to 5 hour on Mr Buddy and similar heaters. ) The best thing to do heat your van while awake, or wear layers of clothing. Run your heaters while you are awake only for safety reasons! Heat van up when you wake up. Also, remember cooking inside will heat you van as well.
Thanks so much for info ,would carbon monoxide be the issue if those heaters ran all night?
@vanmilyoffour you will need a carbon monoxide detector for pretty much all heating types
Even just running the van
@@mr6171 No, you just run it to get the chill out of the van when you wake up.
@@vanmilyoffourI'm not sure where my other comment went, but it was get a carbon monoxide detector. It will alert you for all heating sources if there is an issue. Even just running the van.
Love you family
Love you too
And they'll run 1015 hours on one tank near I'm serious this is like a miracle I love diesel heater
I hear they are great
We r planning on having a Diesel heater fitted.i think it's the best option 👍
That will probably be our choice as well
@@vanmilyoffour- I see UA-camrs getting error codes with them so if you buy a cheap one then get a backup or extra parts. Also make sure to keep them maintained.
Ok thanks
Lard candles help,i use my generator for camping
Is it a quiet generator or you camp without neighbors?
mr buddy or solar with small 400 w heater from walmart. it’s only 9.96$ cover your walls with blankets. also there are usb charged heating pads, you can use a charging block to power them amazon has them but temu has them for cheaper.
Nice genius idea
Diesel heater is the way to go….12v electric blankets are a great back up too. With the diesel heater i would get something more dependable. I have had quite a few cheaper “Chinese DH” but have moved on to this LFbros brand and although still a CDH it seems better quality so far
An old cowboy trick is to put large a stone/stones in or right next to the fire . Then you take the hot stones into the van at night because they will radiate heat. Just a thought since you have a fire outside
The ideas of a wood burning stove seem interesting. It could be vented out a window. Also can be used to cook on.
Also, insulation would help. I dont know how well it would work but a roll of radiant barrier from lowes helps reflect heat back in. The one i have used has air pockets (think of bubble wrap with aluminum coating on it.
First time hearing the stone trick thanks
@@vanmilyoffour I learned from old western novels
@@vanmilyoffour- UA-camr Foresty Forest has a wood burning stove in his van. He lives in van and skis in Canada.
Survival shows heat up stones.
Diesel heater
Thank you
Propane is safe if we respect it. Propane magazines can be only dangerous if you're reckless. I've been using propane for 6 years. Had 0 problems with it.
Great to hear
A clay pot and plate and a candle put the candle on the clay plate and put the planter pot upside down over the top of the candle The candle will heat the pot and radiate heat from the pot
I gotta try that
Look up a diesel heater that's what you need my friend
Yes lots of recommendations on diesel
Hi I guess this is the 3 rd video I have seen of yours . I don't have a van yet but been looking and getting ideas. Looking at your van by the video looks like the roof ceiling is undone?
If so that's one main area where the heat will escape. Next the insulation in the walls heat will escape also with just bare metal. I know you are starting to work on the van carpet on the floor would be very important not a open metal floor .
The third thing I see are the windows a van with less or no windows not much to worry about there. Check out the stealth van life video where people are also living in their cars as well full times.
All them are making and cutting out inside panels for the windows to black out so you can't see when lights are on inside you can't see. If you make covers for all your back windows that you can put in and pop out quick and easy will help keep your heat in.
I do have a buddy heater the size that you have one bottle is good between 5 to 6 hours I use it for two rooms sometimes on low .
The space of your van I think it would be to hot to run continuously also with working on the insulation part would make it more comfortable and use less propane or other sources of heating. Also make some curtains behind the driver and passenger seats that are easy to close or open out of the way for sleeping.
I have seen some of those van lifer's make inside panels for driver and passenger windows and front windshield. That will insulate and give more privacy and space where someone can sit and stay warm.
Those stealth videos some show how to make those window panels. Some get low cost materials at Dollar tree or Dollar stores. That should control dampness. Hope that helps if I see anything else I will let you know.
One more thing videos that I watch those diesel heaters seem to work good and burn for a long time on the fuel with good heat.
Thank you so much for all your help I’ll definitely look into getting some of those ideas done to keep heat in.
I like small wood stove heaters, but if I am constantly traveling I would use Mr. Buddy or my kerosene heater because they are faster to turn on and off. My best heater for my van is my kerosene. I don't mind the smell. It gives me a perfect all around warmness and if the space is sealed you can just warm up the space and then turn off the heater. So a gallon of kerosene can last you up to a month. That's only $4 a month. Gas is very explosive. I am very careful with Mr Buddy. Very careful. All my heating supplies must have multi use for this reason I wouldn't go diesel, even if it is better.
@@Kimberlyworks-ps2wm oh wow I’m familiar with kerosene from growing up never knew it would be used in very but yes very inexpensive…I assume great ventilation could keep smell down
The diesel heater is the best
Thank you for input!
I think diesel is safer than propane, not sure
The very best way would be a gas Wabasto or Espar heater tied to your vans gas tank, assuming your van is gas. If your van is diesel those two brands diesel heater directly tied to the vans tank is most ideal. That is VERY expensive and more difficult to install. A cheap Chinese diesel heater is the route most seem to go with. Some of the diesel heaters have a little larger fuel tank (15 liters), normally most are 10 liters. The all in one units are just 5 liter tanks. Those cute little wood stoves work while you're awake but most have such a small firebox that they burn out in just 2-3 hours or possibly less time so not ideal for overnight. I have a small wood stove in my van along with a Chinese diesel heater with a 15 liter tank. A propane heater to me is for backup in my opinion. I like two sources of everything if possible. I like having the wood stove for an extreme survival situation as you can always find sticks to burn but in normal situations the diesel heater is hard to beat.
@@makingendsmeet551 thanks for advice and real life experience of both ,I guess wood and diesel would be the ideal combination
Condensation is thick
Miniature wood burning stove. Got mine on Amazon for $159. You have to spend about another $100 in heat shields and insulating exhaust tubing. It is for a space of 900 sq ft i have a 1990 g20 high top chinook rv van and it got so warm in my van the last winter storm i was in a gown and had the top windows open. It was 16° with a chill of 4° outside and with the windows open it was 83 inside the van.
As for propane those buddy heaters are a joke ok they burn way to fast for mild cold temps in the 20s and 30s i use a single propane burner to get the temp to around 75° and if you hit up your insulation on top notch standard level then it can sustain very well.
Big tip dont slouch on the floor insulation ✌️
Awesome tips we have a 1990 gmc but it’s the same thanks a lot
Buddy heater will cost a lot to keep running. Maybe look into a long run diesel heater, you can get 50 hrs run time on one gallon, plus it is dry heat.
I like how that sound lost cost solution thank you
1st step would be to totally insulate the van so you can keep the heat inside the van... Electric blankets...
Sounds great to me
Only thing you need for the van is a Chinese diesel heater. Please look into it and you would not be disappointed. It’s only price from like $98 to maybe 130 and believe me they are worth it.
I've heard good things about those heaters, thanks for the tip!
A Mr Buddy heater is not strong enough. You'll need to get a Jackery 1000 or 2000 to run your heater. Later on, you gonna need to buy installation for all the cracks allowing cold air in. Additionally, heating blankets work too.
I’ve seen bigger buddy heaters but I’m sure propane would be expensive
I would use candles and learn how to make them
Thank you
All you gotta do is crack the window a little bit and you'll have no conversation in it.I promise you I use my pizza every night in the cold.If I have to sleep on my heat aroand I know problems with it with a big body heater.No problem, and I'll screen bottles.2 last longer than 3 hours.My one I have it unload last week basically , 6 to 7 hours
A Kerosene Heater works well ... I live off Grid in a Tent ⛺
I would feel safer with kerosene thank propane
@vanmilyoffour I never felt safe with propane and the canisters are heavy, they only last for about 3 hours.
True
The Mr. Buddy ,attached to a 20lb propane tank be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector inside the van and crack your window should give you 2day intermmited running ,or the Dura heat kerosene heater 23,800 BTU ..BUT DON'T use kerosene use instead this alternative fuel called Klean heat, it's for burning indoors start with about 5gallons , they come in 1gal bottles you won't need a blanket good luck
Oh thanks never heard of clean heat but I’ve checked out some kerosene heaters recently
@vanmilyoffour that's Klean heat, with a k you can burn it inside way better than kerosene and safe to use ,Google it check it out
Thank you for info
Mr Buddy is is great. But a Diesel Heater is the best. I live in a Camper and I heated with Buddy heater the first couple years. Teal i bought a Diesel Heater. No condensation . with it.
Sounds great
You can put a wood stove in and will keep yall warm thats what want when i buy a tiny home
With a bigger space I would love one
Kerosene heater. If it's parked and you can keep 3ft around it inside the van, you can't do better than that. And you can cook on it. My aladdin bf4001 is a cooker too and it just got here. It'll burn 18 hours on a fool tank and it's not that big. I wouldn't burn it overnight because that's not my jam but you could with precautions.
Edited to add: Kerosene is one of the safest fuels to store. That's really what attracted me. I've seen too many videos of propane exploding. I have a diesel heater too but that's a 2K drop. That's a lot of money for a single use item.
Edited to add: Do not, and I repeat, do not buy a cheapy diesel heater. It's not worth your peace or your safety. Save and buy a Planar if that's what you want to do. And campfires are much less of a hassle with a blowtorch. You might get some funny looks but they'll quickly have their own blowtorches...
Edited one more time to add: If you get a kerosene heater, get a stove fan to circulate the heat.
Ok interesting,does it smoke when you light it? Heat and cooking with one unit does sound ideal thanks
Insulate with good stuff, and cut your heating needs more than half.
Insulation is more important that the heat source itself
any heat u put in that van is going right out thru the unprotected ceiling and sides.
Yes im going to cover them soon thanks
Cheap diesel heater can’t go wrong saves you hundreds. Easy to replace.
Propane is only convenient. It makes more moisture more problems.
Looking on Amazon
Get a CO2 monitor too!
Gotcha thanks
I’d say small wood stove
Would be nice
Wood
I like wood a lot ,maybe for a bigger vehicle
Forget about the wood heat it’s a terrible idea. I don’t care how cute the stove is you’re still gonna have the smoke and the creosol you’ll be up all night, putting wood in it if you can keep it gone beware of the back draft.
You could use a diesel heater. It would certainly get rid of your moisture problem if you draw the air in from the outside. The main problem with diesel heaters is they rely on electricity and they use enough of it. once the battery‘s down the house gets cold baby . What do you want is a 20 pound propane tank and a vented propane heater. Keep a window cracked open a little bit for fresh air.
Gotta look up vented propane heater never heard that term used
Diesel heater!!! Is the only way to go…. Be sure and get a good one …. So far t will work and maintain I correctly
Are the Chinese under $150 good ones?
use a pellet stove
Are you guys homeless and forced into my life? Or did you choose this lifestyle like I did.
No this is a lifestyle we’re choosing to do,that I’ve developed a passion for
Diesel heater. Cheap and fuel is everywhere.
That's not true crack a window and you should be okay