After summer, many campervans sit unused until spring and that’s such a shame. The adventures shouldn’t stop when the days grow shorter and the nights colder. In fact, this is the perfect time to explore the most beautiful spots in nature. While camping in the fall and winter may seem challenging and uncomfortable, with the right gear and a campervan equipped for cold weather, it’s a magical experience you won’t forget.
Heating your campervan
When traveling in your van during the colder months, heating is a must. Campervan heating comes in many sizes and types, from gas and diesel heaters to wood stoves and even underfloor heating for campers. Some types of heaters not only keep you warm during chilly nights but can also provide hot water, making them a multi-purpose solution.
Diesel heaters are the most popular choice for campervans, these heaters operate on the vehicle’s diesel fuel supply, making them suitable for extended use during cold nights. This type of heating has many advantages: diesel heaters are often compact, allowing for easy installation in limited spaces, they heat your van quickly and they are also fuel-efficient. Additionally, diesel is available worldwide. If you already have a gas tank because you cook with LPG or propane/butane, you can use it for heating as well. This way, you can limit the number of different systems in your van. Gas is readily available (though less so than diesel) and relatively affordable. When going on an off-grid winter adventure, electric heating is not a good option, as it will drain your leisure battery in no time.
Most heaters come equipped with a thermostat function, allowing you to set them to turn back on if the temperature dips below a certain threshold. Perfect for staying warm at night or returning after a day filled with outdoor adventures.
Insulation: keeping the heat in
If you already have a converted van, there may not be much more to do in terms of insulation. However, if you're still in the process of converting one, proper insulation is key to keeping your van comfortably warm in winter (and keep it cool in summer too).
For floor insulation, we recommend using XPS rigid boards because it’s easy to use and install. For the walls and ceiling, we prefer sheep wool insulation. Wool comes in batts, perfect for covering larger surfaces, and loose fill, which is ideal for filling in all the nooks and crannies. Sheep wool is our insulation of choice because it’s free of toxins and chemicals, making it environmentally friendly. Additionally, sheep wool excels in moisture control. We don’t use a vapor barrier when insulating campervans, because condensation is inevitable, but wool does the best job at managing that moisture compared to any other insulation option available.
Turn on that vent!
Simply by living, sleeping and cooking in your van you add a lot of moisture to the air. By ventilating in addition to insulating and heating, you can avoid condensation (especially in the colder months) and prevent issues such as rust and mold.
When you turn on the heating, make sure to slightly open a (roof) window and turn on the roof vent (if you have one). This allows moisture to escape, helping to maintain a comfortable living environment in your campervan. Even on the coldest days, ventilation remains important.
Thermo insulating your windows and cab
Although heating may be your first thought when it comes to staying warm, insulating your windows is just as important for keeping cozy on cold nights. Most of the heat in a van is lost through the windows. You can use curtains as insulation, but thermal window covers are an even better choice. These covers seal off the entire window, providing extra insulation as well as blackout coverage while sleeping.
During autumn and winter, the cab is often the coldest area in the campervan due to its numerous windows. Effective thermal window insulation can make a substantial difference in this space. Additionally, we hang a blackout curtain between the cab and the living area which is excellent for retaining warm air in your living space.
Protect your water system
Many campervans come equipped with a grey water tank mounted underneath, which is incredibly convenient. However, during winter camping trips, there's a risk of the wastewater freezing. This problem can easily be solved by adding some antifreeze or salt to the grey water tank. In extreme conditions, this may not suffice. In such cases, we recommend installing 12V heating pads. They activate when temperatures dip just above freezing to prevent the tank from freezing, shutting off once the temperature rises sufficiently. Additionally, consider installing heating elements around the drain pipes leading outside.
The freshwater tank should preferably be installed inside the van, and you should avoid placing water pipes against the outer walls. When you’re using the van, the warmth from the heater will prevent your freshwater tank and pipes from freezing.
If you plan to leave the van for an extended period without running the heater, it's best to completely drain the water system.
Get cozy with blankets and sleeping bags
Nothing is more frustrating than being too hot or too cold when you're trying to sleep, which is why layers are essential when going to bed. We keep the heater set low at night and add an extra blanket on top of our duvet. One of our favorite additions is the VOITED CloudTouch blanket—it's incredibly soft and warm, plus it’s easy to store away when we don’t use it. On extremely cold nights, we cozy up in a sleeping bag (we love the VOITED Slumber Zip Sack) with our duvet layered over it, topped with an additional blanket. This system of layers allows us to adjust easily throughout the night.
The best part about our blanket layering system is that we can also use them during the day in the van or while relaxing outside. Snuggling under a soft blanket with a cup of tea after a brisk walk? Yes, please!
Thermal clothing for extra warmth
It goes without saying, but don’t forget to dress warmly! Staying warm involves layering your clothing effectively. Start with a layer of thermal wear, followed by thin undergarments, and then warm clothing such as a cozy fleece jacket. Be sure to bring warm wool socks and a hat on your trip, because most body heat is lost through your head and feet. Still having cold toes? The floor of a campervan – even with insulation – always feels colder because heat rises. So, put a rug on the floor and, besides socks, wear warm slippers too.
Don’t let the cold stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. We love having breakfast or a coffee outside, even when it’s freezing cold. For these moments, the VOITED Slumber Jacket is perfect—imagine a sleeping bag designed as a jacket. Could it get any better?
Embrace the colder months
Finally, we want to invite you to fully embrace this beautiful time of year. Spring will be here before you know it, so make the most of these months. Savor hot drinks around the campfire, snuggled up in warm blankets. Spend evenings stargazing, wrapped in layers, with nothing but the quiet of nature around you. Enjoy cold mornings with a steaming cup of coffee outside your campervan.
Go out, explore and create unforgettable memories!
Check out @routegoesting for more campervan travel inspiration.
