How I survive WINTER VAN LIFE in the UK!

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  • Опубліковано 23 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 94

  • @DarkLink-gl3qe
    @DarkLink-gl3qe 8 місяців тому +1

    I will never stop recommending teddyfleece bedding to people who hate the cold, I invested in some from Asda and I ended up having to take my socks and all my layers off in the night I was so warm!

  • @StephenSharpe-i8r
    @StephenSharpe-i8r 4 місяці тому +1

    Yes they are good aElectric blanket Darren

  • @kevinhayes7830
    @kevinhayes7830 Рік тому +2

    The electric blanket is amazing you can get a electric throw over to highly recommend them buddy it will be the best thing you have brought for years 😎👍

  • @micro_adVANtures
    @micro_adVANtures Рік тому +11

    I use à mattress topper, the electric blanket, fleece fitted sheet, teddy blanket, teddy duvet cover, winter duvet…. I have a micro camper with no heating oh yeah of course a hot water bottle too.. I’m a weekend warrior so to speak and that arrangement has kept me warm in up to -7 so far. The layers tend to trap in more heat.

    • @jasonantigua6825
      @jasonantigua6825 Рік тому +3

      Does it not get all wet and damp without heat in your camper?

    • @micro_adVANtures
      @micro_adVANtures Рік тому +1

      @@jasonantigua6825 I always sleep with a window cracked and use homemade reflective window coverings. Usual condensation but no damp.

    • @micro_adVANtures
      @micro_adVANtures Рік тому

      @@jasonantigua6825 ua-cam.com/video/2MsWLU5EpVQ/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared

    • @jasonantigua6825
      @jasonantigua6825 Рік тому +1

      @@micro_adVANturesNot sure about that

    • @MK-CELER-ET-AUDAX
      @MK-CELER-ET-AUDAX 3 місяці тому


      1st van just started in this life was a VW T4 ( Day van) but was full time in it. ... no water, heater, gas shower or toilet. - 7 last year as you said. I used a heated (carp fishing) sleeping. bag. Has two little usb charge batteries ( 1/2 size of a smart phone) plug them in to the bag which has settings and away you go. Can zip 2 of them together so the wife doesn't get cold 🥶 it's only fair 😱

  • @piperssonpipersson7581
    @piperssonpipersson7581 Рік тому +6

    Love your joy at the simplest of things

  • @stevenperrin6010
    @stevenperrin6010 Рік тому +4

    Diesel heating is the only way, it’s cheap and very efficient. We have the Truma diesel/electric dual fuel heater in our van and it’s fantastic

  • @micro_adVANtures
    @micro_adVANtures Рік тому +4

    I use thé silent night blanket (three pin) three settings the highest is 64watts the lowest is 11watts… I blast it on high for around 20 nibs the turn to the lowest setting. My bluetti EB3A (600 Watt), will run it all night long no problem and boy it keeps me so very toasty for sure!! It’s the only heating my van has.

  • @gwenrodgers4239
    @gwenrodgers4239 Рік тому +1

    Hiya, I wanted to say a huge thank you to you. We have been following you for a while and love your videos. We have just bought an ecoflow power station and used your code, and it saved us a lot of money. Massive thanks from us and Merry christmas xx

  • @Budgie650
    @Budgie650 3 місяці тому

    Great video Darren 👍😄

  • @anonet78
    @anonet78 Рік тому +3

    Darren I got myself a diesel heater few weeks ago for the house i tested it out yesterday using my Ecoflow river 2 for the power supply and it works great 👍

  • @avislivingston8946
    @avislivingston8946 Рік тому +2

    In summer and you are very hot get a washing up bowl feel with cold water and put your feet in best feeling ever happy Christmas Daz x

  • @sueb8270
    @sueb8270 Рік тому +2

    Great tips! I've got a small campervan, and a small dog, so mud is an issue 😂. I have washable rag rugs on the vinyl floor, but if very wet and muddy I use pieces of cardboard to step on and park my boots on 👍. They can be binned when soggy and fresh ones laid down. I do the kettle and flask, even at home, and the hot water bottle in the van. I also have knitted slipper boots with rubber soles in the van, keep feet and ankles toasty 😊. I'm going to try the socks in bed, thank you! 😊

    • @sueb8270
      @sueb8270 Рік тому +1

      I have a heater that runs off the petrol tank, amazing but the floor is always the coldest, and if the pop top is up you loose the heat out of your tent roof 😂

  • @robertcameron3008
    @robertcameron3008 Рік тому +4

    Great tips Darren, we love watching your posts and sharing your journeys with you. Myself and the wife have just retired and are selling up and hitting the road full time in February, can’t wait to experience the freedom and the challenges each day will bring us… keep up the good work…🎄🍀👍

    • @daletinsley2954
      @daletinsley2954 Рік тому

      Think very carefully as regarding selling your bricks and mortar.

  • @paddycaseygsxr
    @paddycaseygsxr Рік тому +1

    I’ve used Astro turf on top of my flooring,can be used outside on nice days and easy to shake out to clean

  • @Coolagreen16
    @Coolagreen16 Рік тому

    The large flask is a good idea when you're on your travels! Thanks for the tip Darran!

  • @StephenSharpe-i8r
    @StephenSharpe-i8r 4 місяці тому

    Yes they are a Electric blanket

  • @nutsontour
    @nutsontour Рік тому

    Thanks for the heads up on the discount... just snagged a delta pro power station and panel used your discount code.... got an amazing deal... 👍👍👍

  • @rosswhittleton6277
    @rosswhittleton6277 Рік тому

    Yep you can't beat an Electric Blanket in winter and great for a sore lower back.

  • @PATLIGHT1000
    @PATLIGHT1000 Рік тому

    Great advice Darren, thanks mate.

  • @gordonmair3901
    @gordonmair3901 Рік тому

    I use teddy bear duvet cover, amazing. Also as you say carpet for the winter, lined slippers and heat saver socks.

  • @Wol19
    @Wol19 Рік тому

    Merry Xmas Dazzler!! and Happy new year, thanks for the great content and keep it coming👍

  • @nicola_k-s
    @nicola_k-s Рік тому

    Never lived on a motorhome, campervan or caravan but I did once live in a house share where they put the heating on for 1 hour per night in an old Victorian terrace. My room was on the ground floor and beneath me was a cellar which air rushed through due to broken windows. My room was an icebox and freezing. I was given a woollen rug which made a huge difference. Slept in a double sleeping bag with a duvet on top so was super snug and heated my room with a calor gas convection heater. I had big thick blackout covers at what used to be a huge glass door which was sealed shut. Once I did all these measures my room was toasty and even hung an old blanket over my door to stop the draughts from the hall. If you can purchase real wool rugs they make such a difference or better still use wool insulation where possible you cannot go wrong.

  • @averilsykes9467
    @averilsykes9467 Рік тому

    A heated hoodie. Heating areas at the top and bottom of your back and inside the large front kangaroo pocket. A small powerbank goes in the pocket and connects via usb. A good 3/4 season sleeping bag helps keep you warm during the night too, no duvets for us. 👍

  • @EelingStudios
    @EelingStudios 11 місяців тому

    Single bed lecky blanket does it for me. Leave it on low when driving to warm your bed right through or a blast on high and then down to low once it has warmed the bed up. Mine takes about 30 watts on low which is nothing. Probably would know what hypothermia is all about by now without it! Oh and have recently bought a chinese diesel heater, cheap as chips so best to keep a spare. also run it on kerosene, burns very clean but they can be a tad noisy although there are ways to quieten em down.

  • @PK_Blinder
    @PK_Blinder Рік тому +1

    Coldest place in my van are the door footwells... get large camping stuff sacks, fill them with loose fill insulation and then put them in the footwells to stop the draughts... And just add another blanket on top of your summer duvet, saves buying a new winter duvet.. 👍

  • @bizzie1956
    @bizzie1956 Рік тому

    Great advice Darren it was very useful 👍🏻🎄🎅🏻

  • @mpjkea2000
    @mpjkea2000 Рік тому +1

    Hi Daren we fulltime 700 watts of solar 2x 135 amps of lithium, 1600 inverter/charger, b to b , so no need for what I see as an overpriced lithium battery.
    We have 2x 11 klo re fillable bottles.
    When we use the blown air , the by product being hot water ? We use to fill good old hot water bottles.

  • @margarettwells2424
    @margarettwells2424 Рік тому

    It sounds like going back but it really works is heating stones I live in Wyoming and live in my camper that is like a flat it's got everything that a flat has but I still heat stones to put in my bed and my shower and yes I take them out before I go to bed

  • @markoneill1146
    @markoneill1146 Рік тому

    Great video as always Darren

  • @susangoodall5037
    @susangoodall5037 Рік тому

    Merry Christmas Darren..❤❤

  • @yellowsubmarine5624
    @yellowsubmarine5624 Рік тому

    Great video!

  • @peterhadfield873
    @peterhadfield873 Рік тому +1

    Electric blankets are the business. You can get 12 volt ones and save the inverter losses. mine averages about 30 watt hours a night. FYI all electric heaters are 100 % efficient - all the electricity gets converted into heat! The inefficient part is charging the batteries....

  • @johnhartill7423
    @johnhartill7423 Рік тому

    Love your videos keep them coming

  • @carolynhaywood7701
    @carolynhaywood7701 Рік тому

    I’ve upgraded from a camper van to a motorhome so Coco ( dog ) and I are much warmer due to better heating and no horrible drought from the back doors/sliding door and cab. Plus a Duvlay topper, 15 tog duvet, blankets and electric blanket on the Eco for Coco. Coco also wears a fleece jacket that keeps her warm. I’m also going to put thermal curtains up between the cab and habitation area. So much better now.

  • @MrDavidcarp
    @MrDavidcarp Рік тому

    I use a electric ⚡️ blanket in my id buzz as I can’t make a whole for a d diesel heater and yes the blanket works well if you’re passing Sheffield let me know there’s some good fishing 🎣 🚐🎣👍🏿

  • @rossfender6411
    @rossfender6411 Рік тому +1

    I live on a boat, have you thought about a webasto / eberspacher hydronic unit ? I have on that does my hot water, radiators and blown hot air! I’ve installed a ton. Easy to retrofit. Also use the silent night blanket, they only use 40w!

    • @TheUrbanMotorhome
      @TheUrbanMotorhome  Рік тому

      Hi Ross, I've not heard of the hydronic units, so can they be fitted and used with the the Alde wet heating that I've got in the motorhome? I'm assuming these use diesel to heat them, can you keep the original LPG one as well? Cheers mate

  • @My15minutes...
    @My15minutes... Рік тому +2

    Quick question. I have a 240v electric blanket which heats up really quick and love it.....would a 12v like yours be less power hungry with the same results? I was about to buy a 12v one, would love your opinion before I buy one. Guessing it would take longer to heat up but also don't get the inefficiency of an inverter to run 🤔 also teddy fleece duvet and bedsheet are amazing at keeping you warm. If things get too cold you can copy Withnail and I and cover yourself in deep heat 😂 first month of vanlife done and so far so good! Thank you mate been watching you for years and have learnt so much!

  • @agibsonallan
    @agibsonallan Рік тому

    I like to go away in winter and use a portable wood burner which works fantastic if you want to see the setup I have a video on my channel it's also a great backup when you can't get gas

  • @jjcale1976
    @jjcale1976 Рік тому

    I do not recommend cotton and flannel bedding. They absorb moisture and are cold in contact with the body. Teddy bear bedding is the best 😀

  • @franktidy7803
    @franktidy7803 Рік тому +2

    I feel a bit of a failure as lots of people say "i'm not trying to teach you to suck eggs" as if it is something I should be an expert at. Hands up, I don't know to suck eggs. Can you do a video on how to suck eggs as I think you'll find there are lots of people like me who have never sucked eggs. You could cover it in a Christmas special.

  • @anonet78
    @anonet78 Рік тому

    Darren will you do another video on your internet system.

  • @lyncheeseman
    @lyncheeseman Рік тому

    Love your videos, get an electric blanket. One that has low use of electricity and on the lowest setting can be left on all night.

  • @traceye2388
    @traceye2388 Рік тому

    Hi Daz, This is a good tip for anyone in a motorhome, van house what ever the case may be , but I have an electric on my settee, it saves money on heating and also have one on my bed, the diesel heater was a game changer in our van, we plumb it straight into our diesel tank, saves having to top up a different tank and you don't need to carry spare fuel on board, which for me personally I think is dangerous and didn't want to do, but that's just me, Love your lights, stay safe be warm x💖💖

  • @scottgarwood8389
    @scottgarwood8389 Рік тому

    Cheers Daz nice vlog

  • @vanandcountry
    @vanandcountry Рік тому

    Ha - I have one of those water bottles and they really do stay warm for sometime.

  • @nigelbrownsea5857
    @nigelbrownsea5857 Рік тому

    Wow very nice Santa's grotto 😁😂😊

  • @johncullerton
    @johncullerton Рік тому

    Years ago leccy blankets seemed to be quite common when the cost of heating a house was extortionate (showing my age!). Can be expensive but you are only paying for the bit you want heating for a good nights sleep. Could probably do with a comparison type video for modern blankets and how efficient they are. Interested? PS I don't sell electric blankets 🙂
    Keep up the good work.

  • @74quo
    @74quo Рік тому

    You would love ecoflow when you get them for free
    We are expected to pay fortunes for them!!

  • @thinkingoutofthebox.9421
    @thinkingoutofthebox.9421 Рік тому

    With an electric blanket go one size bigger than you need because they come up short.
    So for a 4ft 6" double bed get a King size.

    • @EelingStudios
      @EelingStudios 11 місяців тому

      I'm a Billy-no-mates so a small single lecky blanket does the job in my large bed. I would get a larger one should a desperate woman with very low standards took me on even as a project....

  • @commuterbranchline8132
    @commuterbranchline8132 Рік тому

    I’m definitely surprised you don’t have a diesel heater in your van Darren..D2/D4 or Chinese version you know it’s the way to go.👍

  • @colblimp
    @colblimp Рік тому

    Good one, very useful.

  • @RobertSmith-fv3ux
    @RobertSmith-fv3ux Рік тому

    heated throw 4p for 8hours game changer

  • @nigelwarfield2346
    @nigelwarfield2346 Рік тому +1

    Nah never used those electric blankets as I always get into a cold bed as there nothing like it feeling your own body warming the area up and always sleep with the window open as you got have a lovely cool bedroom and I do not own a pair of pyjamas neither and I do keep my boxers on keeping the never regions a tad warmer. Keep safe dude and it’s a wonder you have not got one of those heated jackets 😁 and take care and all the best for the worst month of the yea 🙂

  • @philmay113
    @philmay113 Рік тому +1

    Which diesel heater do you use Darren?, and what size mate, watch all your videos as I'm a full timer aswell. Take care and all the best.

  • @TheJohnlip
    @TheJohnlip Рік тому

    Hi daz were did you get that hot water bottle from

  • @toddy505
    @toddy505 Рік тому

    agreed, leccy blanket best invention ever 🥵

  • @AJBAdventures
    @AJBAdventures Рік тому

    Morning Darren, Loving the Content as Always 👍

  • @angiedodd3016
    @angiedodd3016 Рік тому

    On average how much is a diesel heater for a van ?

    • @thinkingoutofthebox.9421
      @thinkingoutofthebox.9421 Рік тому +2

      Chinese Diesel heater start at £80 for a 5kw, oddly a 2kw is more as they are more in demand (5kw can get very hot). My maXpeedingrods 2kw was £120 3 years ago £140 now, but it's better quality and I've never had a problem with it.

    • @angiedodd3016
      @angiedodd3016 Рік тому

      @@thinkingoutofthebox.9421 thankyou do you know on average how much the fitting is and I suppose you need elec to run it ?

  • @markhardy7600
    @markhardy7600 Рік тому

    Electric blanket. YES YES YES. Just bought a one from Tesco, about 30kwid, life changing mate.
    Agree on the EcoFlow products. Great kit, but what an awful company to deal with if you have issues. No uk office to deal with. Such a frustrating experience and not that helpful🤷‍♂️

  • @susiesukes21
    @susiesukes21 Рік тому

    I have an electric overblanket love it..

  • @johnward3641
    @johnward3641 Рік тому

    Love all your videos Darren. You would change your mind on the ecoflow if you tried Anker SOLIX F2000 Solar Generator (Solar Generator 767) with 2× Solar Panel (200W) Still with £600 off. No brainer and trust me i have tried ecoflow. The Anker F2000 is super quiet also. This is the beast my friend. Keep up the good work.

  • @richardlove4287
    @richardlove4287 Рік тому +4

    Get yourself a hot lady….they keep your bed toasty and they can make hot chocolate!

    • @commuterbranchline8132
      @commuterbranchline8132 Рік тому +5

      Yes, but they are expensive to run and maintain! Lol

    • @uptowndisco2
      @uptowndisco2 Рік тому +2

      not cheap to run one of them though 🤣

    • @EelingStudios
      @EelingStudios 11 місяців тому +1

      You beat me to it with that reply! Offers please...position vacant...

  • @markdickenson1338
    @markdickenson1338 Рік тому

    Chunky lad like you shouldn't feel the cold anyway 😅

  • @ArianneAvalon
    @ArianneAvalon Рік тому

    We are in our 4th winter. We find we have acclimitised now. We just done Scotland in -8 and never use heating through the night! I have a long hot water bottle for my feet and a small one to snuggle. We keep them filled in the day so we can reuse the water. Water is harder to come by some days. Although NEVER reboil this water in your kettle that you will make drinks in, have a cheap second kettle. We also have rolls of silver thermal stuff from tool station. Sealed over at top, bit of curtain wire and this covers windows, hab door and cab and keeps us warm. Rolls up in the day and tied with ribbon I got off the throws when they were new.

  • @mabelsambles9118
    @mabelsambles9118 Рік тому

    Would definitely recommend VTOMAN over ecoflow. Quality products with all the features you get on jackary, bluetti + fast charging etc. Just got myself Flashspeed 1500 with 400w solar panels (1548 Wh expandable to 3096, 1500w - 3000w peak inverter) all for £849!!

  • @humandisorder3962
    @humandisorder3962 Рік тому

    Thank you for commercial 😉
    I pay 12£ to not see this discut and I see it.
    So thanks ❤

  • @davesmith7688
    @davesmith7688 Рік тому

    Jesus just been on that webpage for them portable chargers they are way to expensive u could buy a silent running generator cheaper not for me

  • @johnandjackiemckenzie2618
    @johnandjackiemckenzie2618 Рік тому +1

    Try wearing a woolly hat in bed we do

    • @robbom68
      @robbom68 Рік тому

      One hat or two ? 🤔😁

    • @johnandjackiemckenzie2618
      @johnandjackiemckenzie2618 Рік тому

      @@robbom68 depends on how much hair you have on your head I wear only one

    • @robbom68
      @robbom68 Рік тому

      @@johnandjackiemckenzie2618 Noooo i meant do you share one hat or have one each !!! Sorry just my silly soh :)

  • @peterosullivan9942
    @peterosullivan9942 Рік тому

    You missed out the most obvious method of keeping warm known to anyone who camps in the winter. Layers. Wear long johns and decent base layers preferably marino. If you do that a lot of the other stuff isn't even neccessary a lot of the time.

  • @anonet78
    @anonet78 Рік тому +1

    That's not a water bottle its a Lmao.

    • @robbom68
      @robbom68 Рік тому +1

      Ha ha . I would of unsubscribed out of pure jealously if he did refer it as his ....... 🤣

    • @anonet78
      @anonet78 Рік тому +1

      @@robbom68 Lmao

  • @dunnylad2106
    @dunnylad2106 Рік тому

    stopped watching once background music kicked in. Need to sort your editor out.

  • @rob20452
    @rob20452 5 місяців тому

    I watched your first video it was brilliant, what diesel heater would you recommend please i have a Peugeot boxer 2019 conversion if it matters?

  • @funbobby8525
    @funbobby8525 Рік тому +5

    Sorry dude but the music is annoying!

    • @offbeatwarble
      @offbeatwarble Рік тому

      Yeah please think about not having that when talking