Van Life Essentials How to Stay Cool While Living in a Van

[@rubberdwellers3911]

The Bob Vela of Nomad life. Your videos absolutely great. I feel like I'm sitting down and having a conversation with my favorite uncle.

[@karlawithakranaway6125]

Lol. 👍💜

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

I have used magnets for over 30 years to put a tarp on my windshield to keep the snow off. Harbor Feight has those magnets 10 for a few bucks. They are handy.

[@smc65714]

I use two pool noodles as vertical spacers to Allow the Heat to Rise and escape and not be trapped behind tarp,thus keeping van cooler still.

[@katiereynolds507]

Good idea. How/where do you attach the pool noodles?

[@docink6175]

turn that tarp 90' and drape it over your cargo rack at the bottom creating an air gap and it will work even better or use them more like a canopy with poles on the out side. you are still blocking the sun but creating shade which will keep the vehicle even cooler. Here in Florida I use the plain silver tarps and there is a major difference over the blue or camo tarps under the tent

[@waltdurling9487]

This is correct. Bob's way is easy and will certainly significantly slow down the heat transfer to the van. Putting a few inches between the blanket and the van such as Doc Ink suggests is even better at lowering the ambient temp.

[@marzsit9833]

i've also used the silver tarps as radiant heat reflectors and they work as well as the space blankets, and come in larger sizes. i have a big one, 30 by 15 feet, silver on one side and green on the other that i have used in the nevada desert as an awning over a tent and it works fantastic. i agree an air gap between the reflector and the vehicle will increase the efficiency dramatically. that's also why mounting solar panels directly to a surface with no air gap is a bad idea..

[@andys623]

if you had twice as many magnets you could use one to create an air gap and then 2nd one to hold tarp/space blanket to the 1st one, just a thought

[@missyc9038]

I was wondering about that! I wonder if it is possible to make the canopy strong enough to hold thin solar panels? Not the the big ones in frames that go on the roof, but the little ones that fold up and go in a backpack? 😊

[@naimasrael6829]

an awning is the first thought I had as well. I would get it in a green or red... wouldn't want to stare at orange so much. Thankhz for sharing. Wholeness n Essence of Love ((-;

[@terryestepp2615]

You're the guru of mobilized America, Bob. I have gotten so much from your videos over the years. I am going to be mobile in a few days...a grandma living in a small SUV in July...with my very sick cat... and broke as it gets.... BFrom my personal past experiences and by utilizing so many things that I have learned from your videos and those of others over the years... I am going about this as a tweek to my lifestyle...not as a catastrophic change. Thanks for all you do.❤

[@_LVC]

Bob has a very Magnetic personality 😎

[@jaymercha3859]

Bob, if you glue the magnets onto the blanket you will not lose them on a windy day.

[@brendanelson1592]

When I was traveling in my Chevy Astro, I would put up my extra blankets on the inside and used the doors to hold them up. Just a quick fix for those without the fancy blanket.

[@rebeccatreeseed410]

Thank you, Bob, I just linked to the magnets and blanket on amazon. Shade is the number one coolant, I love trees, and have planted thousands across five states and Mexico.

[@dark_sunshinedgc]

Bob is a comedian in an alternate life. - "You wanna put on a fashion show in the middle of nowhere?!" 😂😂 Great video series!

[@noreenn6976]

dc00721 - I thought that was pretty funny too, lol!

[@livefreeordie4850]

dc00721 lol

[@tegmapat11]

Truthfully, I don't think that survival blanket looks bad at all, so it might just make the "runway"!

[@Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

I love that "fashion show" statement too LOL

[@livefreeordie4850]

HandCrafter Maggie lol

[@motorcyclegrrl8870]

Bob, I discovered a roofing product that dropped the temperature in my mobile home by 6 degrees. MFM peel and seal roll roofing. Self stick. permanent. I had a leaky roof. $100 at lowes will get you a 3' x 33' roll. before the peel and seal my ac unit kept me at 81/83 degrees. now I'm at 75/77. 6 degree drop. guaranteed to withstand hurricanes for 10 years. You just cut with a utility knife and roll it down. it sticks on its own. recommended for RVs but why not a van or car. You can order it in white or get aluminum like I did.

[@karlynnelangerak4549]

God bless u sweetie. Thanks for such great info!

[@ketoauntie7301]

TFS 👍👍

[@karenwilliams9585]

I wonder how it would hold up applied to a 5th wheel rubber roof? Hmmm

[@L-lp9fl]

We use these blankets a lot here in South Africa when camping, works wonders.deflecting the heat.This is one very good tip off you presented here. Thank,s

[@wellnesswithfrugalmama]

seems like a brilliant solution

[@lisabooker6405]

Thank you so much Bob! You are an absolute blessing. Please NEVER doubt that. God Bless you ~Lisa

[@aprilbaxter2578]

I enjoyed your video. That is a great idea to keep the heat out.

[@cyclingjoe7663]

Enjoyed watching your video Bob, you always explain as you go along, and I like that, gives me time to think about it, and compare it with my situation. I’ve tried it as you suggest, and it works really well, I like how easy it is, and I’ve adapted the idea to other things too, like a rain shelter for my bike, a tarp held on the side of the car with magnets. Chat away as much as you like, Bob, I always enjoy! Thank you x

[@edbaranowski1958]

Excellent idea to keep the heat from ever getting inside. I may get two of these and cover more area.

[@rmacster]

These are the videos I love. (I've seen this one several times) Great and very useful information. It's like my mom used to say. "There are two ways to accumulate money. 1. Make it. 2. Don't spend it. Basically the same principle here. You can keep your place cool by electrically removing the heat, or by not letting the heat in in, in the 1st place. The 1st method is expensive and complicated. The 2nd method is cheap and simple. You can reduce the requirements of the 1st method by efficiently utilizing the 2nd method. Win - win!

[@Justvanlifingintheusa]

Yep that's right air conditioners are heat pumps play pump the heat out and blow the cold air back in

[@gwendolynfloccari4927]

Wonderful idea. We live in hot climate and car doesn't fit in tiny garage,going to do this to our car in driveway on these really hot 100 plus days and when we finally get to be nomads. Thank you.

[@cliffwendy3765]

For us introverts sure would be nice to see you run an experiment with a thermometer. Take readings once the van is all heated up and add the selective material and see how much the temperature drops. Then do another experiment doing the same thing, but this time in the morning before the van heats up. The difference in temperatures will be very interesting. Great video, thanks.

[@rosabivins2558]

Thanks Bob I have learned a lot from you just keep it coming.. thanks for sharing 🤗

[@maradall]

I still have the space blanket I bought in 1968 when I started hiking! The edging is getting a bit frayed - but the main surface is still usable. Time to dig it out & repurpose it!

[@debrasolimine497]

Love this great way to keep the heat out from the sun!

[@joniloverin7343]

Its already out of stock at my Walmart! You are their best sales advertiser! Thanks for another great video!

[@FX5067]

I like the look of your space blanket on the van.

[@cr0ft-2k]

The very darkest window tint is not in fact the coolest window tint. When tint gets that black, it starts to soak up heat the way a black t-shirt or black wall will, and it starts to heat the van. They're basically good just for better privacy. Covering them makes sense. For best heat rejection, you need much paler tint that has ceramic particles in it, that reflects heat much better. Just for the record.

[@marzsit9833]

or the mirror tint film.

[@dejonsmall9886]

As usual another great learning video. Maybe when you are finished with the series put everything on a disk and sell them. I know I'd like to have one to add to my library. A disk can be viewed without internet access. Just food for thought...

[@serenityjewel]

Freddie Ray There are apps that let you download KZbin videos onto your computer.

[@dejonsmall9886]

I'm aware, just putting it out there so Bob can generate some revenue..

[@joyking2231]

Just found a ''Cooling Throw '', 5' X 6' cooling blanket. So interesting, it pulls heat from the body and feels as if it has been chilled. I have only tried it at home not in high heat. Please let the camper know about this cool find.

[@sarabegay6339]

I n cool weather I turn the silver side against the glass and it reflects the heat back inside.

[@LindaWolfe20]

That is cool!!!! no pun intended lololo. very clever.. We not able to go anywhere and probably for months to come, hubby is ill and his illness will take some months hopefully that is all. Don't know if we will be able to travel at all. so thankful for all the videos on you tube that is the way I will travel through others videos. What is important is my hubby. Stay safe Bob!!!

[@marktheunitedstatescitezen185]

Great point about the Reflective side !

[@vegansinthewildover5023]

Bob, you slay me. "If you're out here having a fashion show..." LOL Thank you.

[@naimasrael6829]

"if You're... out here having a fashion show in the middle of nowhere, it's Your choice..." That is the funniest 'ish I've heard in a minute😂. I can't stop laughin'. I did get some good ideas from the video though... and clever how the 4th panel is mounted🤔. Thankhz for sharing Bob. Wholeness n Essence of Love ((-;

[@lorimac0260]

Your videos are invaluable. I have so much appreciation for you and I haven't even bought my van yet!

[@logothaironsides2942]

Ah will be very interested in the mosquito vid :) Never thought about the benefit of having the reflective layer actually outside, its obvious now you point it out.

[@cadykyst4457]

It’s your own private cave! That could also work for tents with tie downs.

[@alfries9736]

I have one of those for the windshield of my Tractor---works wonders.

[@maremu05]

Thank you Bob. My sister and I are in the process of going boondocking and sure are making our transition better.

[@CADreemz]

Ha, ha, ha 😆🤣 "I'm not having a fashion contest out here!" I love it! Thanks Bob for telling it like it is in such a gentle, & funny way!

[@laytond4501]

Dude, as all your videos, this is awesome information. But I was wondering... Would it work better to reduce the heat transfer if you were to stake the space blanket out so it is not in contact with the vehicle? If there is physical contact between the two, I would think there will be some heat transfer. I realize it may be minor. Let's face it. I'm certainly not a rocket scientist. But if you created an air gap between the vehicle and the blanket, I think it may enhance the effect that you demonstrated. Just a thought. Again, thanks for this and all your videos. I have learned a ton from you and your colleagues.

[@SeanHoyt-vh8gu]

Thanks! Going to make a pretty Ier version for truck stop use 😅.

[@asphaltgypsy868]

Thanks for sharing all of your tips/advice with us, Bob! You are much appreciated! Happy trails!

[@tomcondon6169]

I bought an Arcturus space blanket, and it came in a zippered pouch made of the same material, aluminized inside, my blanket is olive. I turned the pouch inside out, reflective out. I will store my vitamins in it.

[@next20yrs]

I don't doubt your sincerity to help but ... I bought the space blankets and magnets through your link. I just had the opportunity to try them as you recommended. Really very little help at all against the sun beating on my windows. Some comments have suggested air gaps as a way to make this more effective. Maybe, but what a pain to figure out the right air gap and how to make that happen. Amazon is the real winner here.

[@stayawesome]

I made a review video on the Zero Breeze mark 2 in a heatwave. I found that if you petition small areas like you sleeping bay it works fine. Best result with inverter and battery charging dock set up. The video is on YT right now.

[@alvaradacosta293]

I like how your solar panel slides out.....do you have a video on how you did that????

[@irnomo9784]

I imagine a garbage can rack would do it. think of a kitchen where you open a cabinet below waist level, and it has a garbage can in it. a lot of the time, they slide out so you can reach easier, and are on a simple sliding rack. very easy to do.

[@asphaltgypsy868]

I hope that Bob makes a video showing how he set his solar system up too! I know that he researched it well before installing it! I heard recently where an RV-er LOST one of their solar panels! The RV-er was "at fault" because their rack was still bolted to the top of their RV! The screws/nuts had come loose, allowing the panel to fly off! Thankfully, no one was behind them!

[@livefreeordie4850]

Alvara DaCosta Yep

[@alchristensen8121]

Correct.

[@chicago48001]

You are amazing. I ordered two of these. I am going to try attaching two flexible solar panels to one of these and put the on the front, side or rear of my transit to add to the panels on top. Thank you for the inspiration!!!

[@unmapa5767]

The other way of getting passive cooling is opening windows one full the other half to create a pressure differential and a breeze flowing Tropical monsoon construction systems. Use this on windows for houses

[@jamesdurstine8892]

Bob I miss your interviews with new travelers MAKE MORE PLEASE.

[@brotherheed00]

Gonna try this on my basic tent come August in the sawtooth mts.

[@daisymae3511]

Got some of these Survival Blankets at WalMart ... $11.76 each... Really can feel the difference on the glass and metal skin of the van compared with using Reflectix on the inside. I doubled one of these over my side window...wow . So, I put two on my front window, and have one also over the entire rear end. The window stays cool. I think it stays cooler when put over the top of the ladder, as opposed to directly over the window itself. Some effort, but I like it, hopefully.... 😊

[@naturallyBack]

THANK you I appreciate the information tremendously- Bob

[@bobthebuilder9416]

Don't look up at the sun with your glasses on Bob! I did that when I was younger & thankfully no permanent damage but it's not safe! Love you man!!! Ur changing lives!!

[@brichusi]

I just conducted the most over looked Passive Cooling that can be done in the summer. HAIRCUT.... LOL it works.

[@threeicys]

If you have hair to cut.

[@livefreeordie4850]

Jenny Rodriguez lol

[@warrendejager1273]

From South Africa....... Ironically, I've used what we call a solar blanket, spanned over 80% shadenet to screen off the sun. The shadenet is extriemely strong and you can tension it very taught using guy ropes, whereas you can't apply the same tensioning forces to the solar blanket, so the shadenet provides a very good support. BUT I've never thought to use a solar blanket on a vehicle...... WELL WORTH REMEMBERING! Thank you

[@jodyseaman1885]

Would it be beneficial to stake out the bottom of the space blanket to get air circulation between it and the vehicle?

[@patpikul4373]

Love all your ideas keep them coming

[@sandranevins2144]

Thanks Bob. I'm not currently RV. But I love your tips, I have problems with sun on back porch. Many times I've been without power due to storms, and hurricanes. In a pinch I've slept on back porch but that sun is brutal, and the sun heats up inside of house. Using the space blanket should block sun and still get air. Peace.

[@lamarrharding4776]

A cheap white sheet from my a second hand store reflects better than the space blanket, plus if you sprinkle water on ìt, you get short term evaporative cooling.

[@caerjones6693]

Ok, this is brilliant. Subscribed!

[@mrbr549]

Bob, I know you have shown this in the past, but it's great to see an updated version. I hope your next video is about using shade cloth. Thanks!

[@vegansinthewildover5023]

Since magnets won't work with my aluminum camper, I bet I could just use small bungee cords or something through the grommet holes. I'll be in power in 11 days but it's going to be in the hundreds here in 2 days. I think I'll order one of these now. Thanks!

[@GeorgePencilArt]

That's a great idea. I could use that on the front windshield too if I start out in a family van or SUV, versus the RV canvas cover of the previous vid. Parking in a way that minimizes the sun's direct rays also sounds really important. This is a greta idea if I find myself caught in a 90 plus heat wave and can't get more altitude. :)

[@alfries9736]

Bob Wells, the Grizzly Adams of the RV world !!!

[@ellief4277]

So sassy, I love it!

[@hg2.]

Thank you, Bob Wells! You answered a question I posted earlier today :) (about insulating the interior of your van).

[@FayeCalder]

Great ideas Bob! Thank you for sharing! Always learning from you! Hugs and Safe Travels. Faye

[@shawnr771]

Good information here and great comments and suggestions. Many of these ideas can also apply to tiny homes, offgrid sites like hunting cabins and camps, etc.

[@mizfrenchtwist]

bob you are a breath of fresh air...........great share..............

[@cathymiller3086]

Thank you Bob!!🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@paulortiz8063]

Not to pick nits but you want to keep the sun out! Radiant heat comes in from all sides, all the time. You want to keep the solar energy out, which enters via windows or open spaces-- like an open door, etc.

[@MaryPoggemann]

Love this idea! Watching your videos makes me remember my dreams. Now I'm trying to figure out a way to to live in our 2010 Mazda 5 mini van.

[@joyoverley5259]

I did not hear you mention, wetting your sheets a little then blow a fan across the sheet for evaporation, then to dampen your shirt before putting it on help keep me cool, big time.

[@odessa4js]

Hi Bob. You are welcome at our home in Canada for a visit any time. We live in Kingston (South Eastern) Ontario. I would love to sit and talk with you for hours around the campfire. If you ever plan a trip, our driveway is open...

[@urflofit2010]

One of your big magnets popped off the east side when you were messing with the west side. I did not notice you retrieve it. Thanks for your excellent videos

[@dorcasowens8521]

Diy evaporative cooler, solar powered, very effective in dry climate. 5 gallon bucket with fan. 98 down to 66 degrees.

[@crystalwillett7857]

Thanks for the information, Bob! I learned from your video today.

[@russellcupples2170]

I love this series Bob. TY Sir .

[@lancenorton3747]

Ty bob,i ordered 2 packs of the magnets from Amazon

[@Tracer117]

Bob, can you please do a walk around of your whole rig when you have it all set up for camp? Perhaps a narrated walk around to illustrate the whole set up to avoid the heat. Thanks!!!

[@northtexas4110]

Amazing space blanket! I really do like it and the magnets!! Brilliant and cheap fix! I like cheap and free!! thank you Bob appreciate!! Blessings

[@Wanna.Wander]

Awesome! Thank you! My Kitty is on the road with me and I’m always looking for shade. I have a silver/brown tarp that I’ve been using, but this space blanket looks like it would do a better job, especially with the magnets... happy trails❤️

[@rickstonewall2557]

Bob, Why don't you have a couple of flexible solar panels that you can hook up to an additional charge controller and charge your batteries that way? Park in the shade, setup flexible (portable) solar panels in the sun. You could purchase some of the new Renogy flexible solar panels and test them out, and let us know what you think.

[@joansrvadventures6112]

Rick Stonewall maybe you are thinking of "suitcase" solar panels that fold out and are solid. "Flexible" panels are flimsy and do not last long, so I have heard.

[@rickstonewall2557]

Joan, Nope, I do mean flexible solar panel. Flexible is light weight and has more watts normally than a suitcase solar panel would give you. I'd rather have two 100 watt flexible solar panels to move around and use than any suitcase solar panel I have seen. The suitcase solar panels are typically more money and much less watts. IMO.

[@ThePyleDriver]

I'm going with both - I have 200w of roof mounted "hard" panels (Renogy Eclipse) for when the vehicle has to be parked in the sun and am planning on deployable panels that can be plugged in so the vehicle can be in the shade when possible. Although very expensive I'm leaning toward one or two of these as they are built to survive combat conditions (proven military track record), are low in weight and fold up very small: www.amazon.com/Powerfilm-Foldable-Charger-FM16-7200-F16-7200/dp/B008L1QWRK In my setup I may actually be able to use these like a tarp connected off the roof rack and use them to shade the vehicle while also generating power :)

[@rickstonewall2557]

Darrell, Flexible panels definitely wear out quicker, with the wear and tear of moving them around and in an out of storage. I'm trying to be careful with mine and take as good of care of them as I can. For the lightweight and convenience they are worth it to me. I don't use mine daily. Just when I am stationary for a few days and want to park in the shade for some heat relief.

[@rickstonewall2557]

ThePyleDriver, yeah I think flexible is a good choice in addition to the hard panels on the roof. I am currently using two 100 watt each Genssi flexible solar panels. Haven't had them long, so can't comment on durability of this brand. So far, they put out the watts that they claim. Currently they are selling the two for $229.95 for the set. Here is a link if you want to check them out: genssi.com/2x-flexible-100w-18v-semi-solar-panel-battery-charger-for-home-rv-boat-200w/

[@MrsSmith-vf2vw]

Great information Bob. thank you!

[@livefreeordie4850]

Mrs. Smith Tru Dat

[@alejandroarigon1141]

Great video, thank you! I need to store a car inside a sea container with no vents, and am wondering if covering the car with these blankets will keep extreme heat away. How much are these covers, and do you think they would help? thanks in advance

[@susananderson9619]

In anticipation of buying a cargo van ,to live in, I bought a roll of magnetic tape. After the tape was delivered, the super fine mesh was delivered . I had thought the mesh was metal ,but no. So I will see a lil tape to some mesh to see if it will work on a vehicle.

[@philcapling8268]

Great video, Bob! Love the magnets you used & the link to amazon. As usual, this is very helpful info-thanks for sharing!

[@jasonlombardi472]

Aluminum keeps you warm? Way cool.

[@staceynevels943]

Great video, question though - Why not just make the window coverings out of this too, rather than Reflectix??

[@irnomo9784]

its been high 90's for me lately, when its around 90 outside. its crazy. you would think closed cell spray foam would help a lot more than it truly does! of course, I'm still putting my walls up inside because while living in it, its also hard to work on it since I work OUT of it, and my stock takes up a ton of space. I'm hoping the wooden walls and tiles will help even more. good tips here, the best thing I've done is run a fan blowing air out the bottom of the back door, and the fantastic vent at the front of the camper (opposite ends) blowing air in, creating a vacuum and constantly circulating new air.

[@2900-w9d]

Great videos. Very informative. Wondering if you could do a couple videos on how you deal with the wildfire problem and how you combat ticks, especially with Cody.

[@rebeccasuzannerustigian1257]

Dear Bob, here is a hint for your audience who cannot afford a $25 solar reflector. I bought a couple of the 99 cent reflectors the size of a deck of cards and using scissors cut them to fit my windows in my RV. I then spritzed my windows with water and laid the soil over the window and using my squeegee 2 smooth it out. The water kept the foil on the windows for more than 48 hours and then I removed the foil just lifting it off carefully. the windows. There was no damage to the windows the four wheel came off in pieces and I just folded them talk to him in my glove compartment and use them again next time they were needed. Frankly I was amazed at how well they stayed on, even when it was windy. I thought you might want to pass this hint onto your people. I hope they have as much success as I did. It's just a quick fix and of course it won't last forever, but it was very inexpensive and from one of those little bitty folded up pieces of foil I was able to cover all the windows on my RV. Thanks for sharing your cure, I'm sure the better quality foil you used does a great job. Thanks for sharing the information.

[@rebeccasuzannerustigian1257]

I can't ever get this message thing to work properly. I hope you can understand what I'm trying to say.

[@asphaltgypsy868]

Wow! Great tip! I understood your message after I realized that "autocorrect" helped you as you typed it. Ugh! Damn that autocorrect! Thanks for the tip! Happy trails!

[@MrRickalvin]

Took me forever to get past the " soil" that you squeegeed all over your window LOL I just could not (for-the-life-of-me) understand why you would put soil on your window. AHHHH It's all so funny!! Thanks for the laughs....just pickin on ya :-)

[@alchristensen8121]

And with the mylar you can still see out.

[@ratherbfishing455]

Where do you buy the deck of card size? Thanks

[@yoopermann7942]

could a person use shade cloth to do the same? thank you for the tips and great video!!

[@muzerhythm2242]

Great info Bob! LOVE the informational videos! Can't wait to see video on mequito netting. I do a similar at my apt (thank goodness they allow this, especially since I live in Texas). We can put the shade screen on the outer part of our walkway so the sun never hits the walls.

[@sheenag1049]

What do you think about using a space blanket like that for the inside of the van for insulation and maybe covering it with the material for the condensation just as a barrier for like winter

[@jannwebb]

The HD quality is really great

[@lize1455]

This is genius! Wow! Thank you!

[@Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

Safe travels Bob! Great information!

[@62WILDCAT]

Could I wrap up in one of those & stay cooler ? Thinking I could put one on the outside of the windshield on my car & keep inside cooler too.