How would you keep a van warm in winter?

[Wise Old Owl]

This might have been asked before - but I am looking for ideas, and no there would not be electric. I have used sterno once in an emergency - but I would not recommend doing that again. Even bundled up, cracked window for air, what would be best and not build up monoxide?

[Alaskan Survivalist]

A vented, radiant, propane furnace without fan. They are the least expensive and won't run your battery down. They can be found at RV centers.

[crashdive123]

A vented, radiant, propane furnace without fan. They are the least expensive and won't run your battery down. They can be found at RV centers.

+1............

[Trabitha]

We found a good price on one of those buddy heaters...but well...they do release a certain amount of carbon monoxide, but I would think that if you got a small one meant for small spaces that would work...

[Rick]

They aren't cheap but take a look at this. The Wave 3 would be the size you need and they are pretty highly rated on the RV forums.

http://www.adventurerv.net/olympian-...reviews_id=123

I think that's the best price you'll find on them, too.

Here's Camco's web site if you want to contact them with any questions.

http://www.uscatalytic.com/uscatalytic/Heaters.cfm

[Asger]

Couldn't you light a fire outside, heat up some rocks, put them in there and let it get warm? Or would it melt/hurt anything? I don't own a car so i don't know.

[oldsoldier]

They also make a "tent heater" that runs off those little camp propane cylinders. It actually sets outside your tent and has a vent hose that runs into the tent, has radiant heat that turns a little fan that blows the heat into the area. You can also use a couple of multi wick candles to add heat. While they may not keep you comfortably warm at least you would keep from freezing.

[finallyME]

Then there is the old jacket and warm clothes. Maybe a couple blankets.

[Justin Case]

Get a couple of HOT girlfriends !

[gryffynklm]

3 dog night But you would have to feed them. The emissions could be bad depending on what they have eaten.

I use a coleman heater like this one
http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/...cat-heater.asp
http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/...cat-heater.jpg

It keeps an 8 x 10 canvas wall tent comfortable and I've woken up to snow several times. The canvas tent has drafts so we have had no problems with carbon monoxide.

I find that one Coleman tank shown will last about 6 hours or so. You can get a hose adapter to go from a large tank to the heater. But like others have said they do put out a bit of carbon monoxide you would have to get fresh air exchange by venting. I like the RV heater idea installed correctly.

[Alaskan Survivalist]

Condensation builds if not vented. It depends how permanent your situation is going to be. Situation may be to strong a word, some of the best years of my life were spent living in a 67 VW Bus!

[BENESSE]

Another low tech, high concept option:

[kyratshooter]

First of all seek out shelter for your shelter. Vehicles are subject to wind chill just like people. I find that my campers are extremely cold if there is no skirting around the base. A simple canvas skirt cuts way down on the wind chill. If you can get the vehicle inside a building, in an alley or into a protected area like a hollow or cut in the trees you will increase the effeciency of your efforts.

Think of it as a tent rather than a mobile house. Expect tent temps and not house temps. If it is zero outside 50 drgrees is warm in a tent, cold in a house.

Drap cheap mylar space blankets over the windshield and windows, it insulates and cuts drafts.

Sit a pillar or votive candle in a large tin can on the floor of the vehicle. You can also warm water or food over the candle.

I was able to keep my late wife's Honda CRV at slightly over 50 degrees with the outside temp at 23 degrees using the candle, space blanket and my own body heat. (I was very bored that day)

Use foam mattresses under you to insulate to best advantage. Use the same sleeping bag you would for any winter camping.

[nell67]

Another low tech, high concept option:

Takes A LOT of stamina.....

[trax]

had my wheaties this morning

[SARKY]

Another low tech, high concept option:

I don't understand, can you explain it to me??

[SARKY]

But seriously, a small tent wood stove like what Kifaru makes. pop out one of the back door windows and replace witha thru vent for the stove pipe then crack open one of the front windows for ventalation. put a reflector behind the stove to reflect heat forward. That should do the trick.

[BENESSE]

I don't understand, can you explain it to me??

Simple.
Put on some Barry White 8-track.
Make sure you've got a bottle of JD and some company.
An inflatable doll won't work. (sorry 2D)
The rest is just 'boots in the field'.

[2dumb2kwit]

Simple.
Put on some Barry White 8-track.
Make sure you've got a bottle of JD and some company.
An inflatable doll won't work. (sorry 2D)
The rest is just 'boots in the field'.

You have an inflatable doll, that looks like me??? Cool!

[2dumb2kwit]

Simple.
Put on some Barry White 8-track.
Make sure you've got a bottle of JD and some company.
An inflatable doll won't work. (sorry 2D)
The rest is just 'boots in the field'.

LOL...You mean "knockin' boots in the field". LOL