Van Life Essentials: I Bought These Electric Blankets on Amazon- Winter Van Life

[@daisyv5038]

A pup or two work really well to keep a person warm-ish. 😁🐾 😁

[@enemyofthestate9358]

I lived in a tent for a year a few nights it was below 14° my 130lb pit/lab mix a cheap Walmart tent and sleeping bag I survived First night I thought I might die but after we got in the in the sleeping bag with him I was pretty sure I would survive it was almost hot

[@terryjames548]

If it's really cold at night and you need 3 dogs to stay warm, that's a 3Dog Night.

[@CharleneOrtizTraining]

Very true. We have a Mr buddy,, but when it's time to go to sleep we turn it off and just depend on our clothes and blankets. I have 2 huge pitbulls and they go under the blanket with me and it's like having a heater under my blanket. Luckily we live in the desert so it doesn't get to sub zero Temps however it does get cold in the winter.

[@lalaslemon]

@@terryjames548 this is hilarious!

[@robinwilliamson7942]

A 2 dog night. Colder it gets, get another dog... a 3 dog night

[@gunner915]

Another option is an electric mattress pad. It goes under the bottom sheet. Heat rises

[@SWEET1ON1]

I never knew they had that

[@susans7091]

Yes, but quite a bit pricier if on a budget from what I have found.

[@tigercat1966]

please provide a link i hate cold

[@chrispaulick]

I used an electric blanket on top of mattress under the sheet. Yes the heat rises.

[@robertwozniak55]

you can also lok for a truckers bunk warmer pad..12 volt

[@martaparsons5633]

Before I had butt warmers I discovered a heated blanket at a truck stop. Got it in the car and plugged it in. Wonderful.

[@lisamonalisahikes]

We had them when I was young. My mom would turn them on before bed and when we went to bed we turned them off. If it got really cold we would turn them for a few minutes... then turn them off again

[@MikeLeMaistre]

I found a 12v electric blanket on Amazon that has a built in timer with 2 settings 30min and 45min. It’s great because it doesn’t run all night. If I wake up cold I just restart the timer and fall back asleep.

[@gailwind4168]

I use the same type with a jackery 300. With a wool blanket on top and if needed a puffy on that. I like that it shuts off to control my power usage.

[@minnesotamerry8672]

Can you tell us the brand of your blanket?

[@MikeLeMaistre]

@@minnesotamerry8672 It’s the Car Cozy 2 made by Trillium Worldwide.

[@bradwilliams4835]

@@MikeLeMaistre Same system, same result. Very happy with it. Along with a similar clothing system as Bob and it's very doable.

[@paulao7022]

Some blankets have safety features. Some heating pads, have the same safety feature.

[@bonitachambers9333]

I drove 40 years and always had a 12 volt electric blanket I enjoyed it very much. I swapped my ex husband for one never missed him at all. I'm retired now have a electric blanket at home, Still never regretted getting a divorce!! Pure peace.🤣🤣🤣🤣💔🤲

[@jannaday3299]

😂😂

[@bobpauley8261]

I'm a truck driver and i loave my electric blanket! I own the truck and have to buy my own fuel, so i try very hard to not idle it while I'm sleeping. I use a 12 volt goodyear emergency blanket I found at wal mart. It's more of a heating pad, I lay on top of it and use two blankets on top of me. I've slept comfortably down to 10 degrees, with long johns and a stocking cap on of course.

[@michaelholbrook4401]

Back when I was driving a truck, I had an old military mummy bag, and a diesel heater that wasn't reliable. One time, up in North Dakota, it was going to dip down to -5, and I hated idling the truck, the constant rumble would keep me awake, so I picked one of those RoadPros up at the truck stop and put it in my mummy bag. I lasted about 20 minutes, before I had to take it out of the bag, and drape it over the top of the mummy bag. The mummy bag kept me plenty warm with the electric blanket on top of it keeping the chill from the mummy bag. My truck had four extra deep cycle AGM batteries to run a window AC, mounted in the back of the cab, during the summer. Those four batteries overnight, lasted fine with the electric blanket, even at -5. Electric blankets don't have to be under the top blanket, if your top blanket is efficient enough at holding in your own heat, the electric blanket can be the shield for the chill.

[@maggiesmith979]

I have a wool blanket that I bought in Utah while traveling to AK in 1984. No exaggeration; it's the best purchase I have ever made. I'm using it now. I like to sleep in a sweat suit that has a hoody.

[@bangalorebobbel]

Thanks for the survey Bob, and yes surely such blankets can warm you up and also keep you warm. If you don't have a fast available alternative and see cold nights coming go to the next supermarket and get one. But there is also an age old conventional method to survive cold winter days even in the mountains which doesn't waste valuable energy and you don't have to deal with plugs and cables and risk to burn your skin or set your car in flames in case anything goes wrong whiles you are in deep slumber. Means: a simple sheepskin rug put under your body, and you are fine. A large sheepskin rug gives you tremendous isolation from down and keeps you comfortably warm, especially the rugs with longer fur. If you sleep directly on such a thing (never put it under the matress or under your sleeping bag but sleep always in direct contact to the fur) you don't need electricity to stay warm, your body's heat is absolutely enough. Such rugs are also especially recommended for people with back problems and used for bedridden patients to avoid getting decubitus, that's why sometimes you can get them in medical supply stores (there are also synthetic variants available but there is nothing better than a real sheepskin). One can use them around the year even in summer to avoid lumbago (just lay on hot days on such a fur without blanket). But even in very cold winters one can definitely say: Combined with one or more nice warm blankets (also for that purpose wool is nice but down might be even better) and maybe a bed bottle for extra comfort when you fall asleep you surely won't need any of such electrical blankets which usually don't hold very long and spread 50% of the heat they produce towards the roof instead towards your body. I can also recommend to always wear in cold nights any kind of neck cover such as a shawl or a shemagh/kufiya, since usually there comes cold air from head side under the blanket or inside your sleeping bag during sleep. If you get cold in the neck region during sleep you won't feel comfortable and might even get a stiff neck. In extra cold nights also something called Balaclava is highly recommended. It's very common among motorcycle bikers and also used as kinda standard equipment for skiing (that's why it is sometimes calles ski mask) and there are varieties which go deep down and cover the neck completely. Wearing such things combined with a thin turtleneck/polo-neck sweater you are absolutely fine during sleep.

[@greghemlock6679]

Wow, how many cups of coffee you had?

[@bangalorebobbel]

@@greghemlock6679 🤣👍

[@CarolReidCA]

Yes! Sheepskin is wonderful! Expensive, but worth it! A down comforter and a baklava for the head! LEATHER ski gloves with a sheepskin lining are awesome too!

[@OWK000]

When I lived in an un-insulated garage all year long, I found that a down comforter was the way to go. Rather save the electricity for the Instant Pot and the laptop and devices.

[@RVMD95]

Down comforters can cost as much as a small generator these days! Of course that is a top quality comforter. Which to me is the only way to go. You don’t want to buy junk and end up having to buy junk every year. You buy it once you cry once. And it’s worth it!

[@CarolReidCA]

@@RVMD95 check thrift stores and garage sales. You can find some great stuff that's lightly used in some places. Be sure to wash it properly with the right detergent, and dry them with tennis balls to re-fluff the down. I gave some as a gift in 1990, and that person still uses and loves them. I bought some top notch ones from Macy's then, and they are still in good shape, except one of them the washer "ate". Wash them in a tumble washer, not an agitation washer.

[@GrantSR]

DeWalt makes battery-powered, heated hoodies and other clothes. I haven't tried them, because they aren't cheap. But that may be an option for people who need to stay warm while up and around, but don't want to heat their entire van or RV.

[@slptp]

You can keep them cleaner longer by placing them in a duvet in the matching size, then wash the duvet. (but only if the brand says it's okay)

[@carolynnewyork6919]

Bob, the ever educater, keeps the nomad community in the know. Thank you.

[@stephenlyon1358]

Ive been a nomad for around 23 years. I will say its always been hars to get your town centre down early.

[@karlelliott9254]

Nothing beats a well insulated RV and good bedding materials in the appropriate amount. Inside sleeping, like a small RV or even a tent the key to comfort is layering, under your bed and on top of you. My Grandparents, born in the 1880’s had real feather beds that you sank into with the appropriate number of blankets and quilts. Zero degree, no problem. There were no heated bedrooms ever and no electricity! In addition, a half gallon plastic bottle of 130 degree hot water in an old wool sock under a lap robe last several hours. Don’t get the water too hot, it can burn you.

[@joycehandersonfriends3225]

I'm old enough to remember the feather beds, karosene lamps, water well, cow bell on a post to call the farm workers home for lunch, etc., etc. I was never cold once I became still a while in the feather bed. But it was so cold when first under the cold covers. I haven't thought of all that in years. Thanks for the memory. Joyce, 79 years old.

[@62WILDCAT]

My real down comforter is awesome for keeping warm. It's King size ,so I double it. Can even wrap up in it like a sleeping bag.

[@tomtee4442]

I ran a New electric blanket on the lowest setting in my vehicle at first. It was very warm but didn't last for long. For power I used a New cheap Chinese 2200 watt inverter generator for about 3 months. The Generator died the instructions said don't use a generator running a electric blanket. I had to at the time. The total power consumption was around 244 watts max the tag said. At night the generator was surging up and down all night long set on economy. I was running lowest electric blanket setting and inverter generator board burned up. Now for back up heat I use 2 New sleeping blankets and 9 blankets and other clothes. All this is pretty heavy but works excellent. On coldest day of the year inside with no heat about 12 degrees, 7 layer hat on with 2 New sleeping bags on me then with 9 blankets on top. After a short time I was to hot had to take about 4 blankets off and 3 layers of hats off. I couldn't believe how great this worked!!! I'm off grid and this is the best system and No power. I didn't even have all my warm clothes on while sleeping and I was very warm. So much better when you don't have to rely on power for heat. When I was in my vehicle at first. I couldn't get 9 blankets and 2 sleeping bags around. Another thing I've tried while on the road over night. coveralls, 2 pairs of gloves, 7 layer hat I was very warm in my vehicle. Cold but not the coldest day of the year.

[@sail4free1]

I've since gifted my mummy bag to my nephew because even with a broken zipper (near enough to the top end), it was awesome to sleep in. It was rated for 20 below 0F and I've slept in it when it was that cold. If my truck camper ran out of propane in the night (just had a single tank), I never knew until I woke up the next morning. :) I learned to dress quickly, put my stocking cap on, and go looking for the nearest source of hot coffee! :)

[@originalnightshade4582]

I LOVE hearing you talk Bob! NEVER stop talking-YOU are a national treasure & never let it go to your head, THAT'S integrity!

[@sarahfink13]

Electric mattress pad, covered with a good goose down comforter. Warm it up ,then turn off pad because the comforter holds in the heat.

[@workdogwern4716]

Full time RVer here. They also have heated mattress pads. It increases the comfort level considerably during the winter, and allows me to drop the thermostat about 10 degrees. With the mattress pad under the fitted sheet, there aren't any cables to get caught up in. Turn on 30 minutes before bed, and instant toasty burrito.

[@GrantSR]

At the 2019 RTR I found a 12v car seat heater in the free pile. It was 35 watts. I found I could run that all night under my legs beneath my sleeping bag, powered by my 100 Amp-hour Battle Born battery. The good thing about these things is that they are designed to withstand the wear and tear of getting in and out of the car seat, so they are pretty durable. I found 35 watts to be just about right. Most of the time, I could just run it for about half an hour before going to bed, then for a few minutes while I snuggled into my sleeping bag and got ready to go to sleep. I also used it on the floor under my feet when I was working on my computer. Naturally, that thing eventually wore out, after a couple of years. Precisely because the car-seat heater did not heat the air, I decided to replace it with a small electric heater. Honeywell makes these tiny electric heaters that can be set to either 180 or 250 watts. (Though, I suspect it's more like 100 and 180 Watts.) I turn that on if it's cold in my van when I first wake up in the morning. It doesn't provide a whole heck of a lot of heat, but it is enough to take the edge off, and make it more comfortable to get out of bed in the morning. If it is still too cold in my van, I will use Bob Wells' tried and true method of simply turning on my propane stove top, set to low. With those two heat sources together I can actually raise the temperature in my minivan by 10 or 20° in about15 to 30 minutes. Keep in mind, there's not a whole heck of a lot of air space left over in a minivan with cabinets and tubs and a bed. And, although I have semi-insulated my minivan, that heat doesn't last a very long time either. But, getting out of bed in 65° air is a lot nicer than getting out of bed in 45° air.

[@michelleayres5608]

The Car seat warmer is a really good idea. I'm watching people in Germany buying 1800watt heaters because they're afraid they won't have gas. They don't realize how much it's going to cost to run them.

[@woody3307]

Been using a heating pad which adds the same amount of total heat at about 45 watts but a nice warm "spot" that is truly warming which radiates throughout under the cover. I prefer it to the more diffuse spread of heat in throws or blankets and get ALL the warmth in my body core. You don't get tangled up in it and no controls, BUT be warned before a sewed a double cover to put over the plastic insides the thin original cover allowed me to get 2nd degree burn. Nasty!!! Now after 3 years with cover it is perfect. Put it on back rest on chair too during the day. Old Sunbeam model. Very versatile. Takes no space and is the final evolution on this idea Bob has presented so well....for me, at least...so far. Always looking to improve. Thanks, Bob!

[@joycehandersonfriends3225]

What a grand idea!!! I had not thought of using a heating pad. I have one somewhere in my house. Thanks.

[@debbiedebbie9473]

Please clarify those confusing sentences about what you did to end up with a burn. I have no idea what you meant

[@astrocalm812]

If you choose a 110 throw blanket, get the oversized version: adds 10 inches to width and length. Mine is 70in long which is helpful for taller folks and very cozy.

[@kele1264]

I have been waiting forever for someone to test out the idea of staying warm in a vehicle with an electric blanket! Thanks Bob! This is great! Safest travels, good health and happiness!

[@tomtee4442]

I tried this at first in my vehicle before I got my tiny home. Read my other comment at the top.

[@ericalampley480]

I'm not a nomad yet, just a wannabe, but I asked for and received a 12 volt blanket for Christmas. It's similar to the S Beauty one with the high/low setting but it's plush. I take my work break in my truck. Started this long before Covid because I need to decompress from people. Instead of running my engine for heat in the winter, I use my blanket. I'm happy with it. And I'll have it for future nomading!

[@mathiasniemeier4359]

Sunbeam, is a Great Brand. You can not go wrong! Worth the money spent. Buy only Sunbeam!

[@bonnieuptree5691]

Hot hands ! Toe warmers ! My bus was only 20 degrees inside, and I had no heat. The cheap, long lasting hot hands kept me alive. I moved then around many times overnight. They lasted 16 hours or so each. Two dollars (or less) per cold COLD night. Not bad. 👍

[@shaunhall6834]

I've been looking forward to this review! Thanks Bob!

[@deborahelburn4720]

They make rechargeable hand warmers now (like the 8 hr hot hands). Both are great for placing in bed to be warm. Rechargeable one done with USB. Amazon.

[@GrantSR]

Bob, you might want to think about doing a video about using passive solar to heat one's van. This should include ways to use the things already in one's van to store heat from the day and release it at night. If you want more of an explanation, reply to this comment and I'll get in touch with you.

[@michellewise3991]

I’d like to hear about that 👍

[@williambrucesanders6878]

What's that?

[@williambrucesanders6878]

@@michellewise3991 me too

[@donnajordan3241]

I'd like to know more about passive solar too. Is there a video? Tyia

[@mobile_noble4026]

I love my electric blanket ( old 110 from my apt.)Turn it on for 20-30 min ( I only have goal zero 150)before bed under my wool blanket & Hilary sleeping bag & it kept me toasty in my car in - 6 celsius

[@R-G]

Just pull a clothesline around the interior of your car and hang alot of (wool) blankets on it. You are your own best heat source.

[@pauldiestelhorst7681]

I have been using a sunbeam blanket .here in Florida for years in my Van for heat. It has been all I need here in Florida . I have a propane strove as a backup and if that isn't enough I just run my engine and use my vans heater.

[@marthasalter405]

My solutions exactly. I put the electric blanket under my fitted sheet so it stays pretty clean. It’s a 12 v. Makes it difficult to get out of bed occasionally. 😊 then heating water for coffee is usually enough to warm the van. I do have a small Little Buddy heater as a backup but rarely use it. However I don’t really camp in sub freezing weather except when the weather surprises me a little.

[@jimscheltema670]

This is perfect for us Prius campers because we drive generators!

[@charylrocco3924]

How so? Why would you use an electric blanket when you can just turn on your generator powered heat.

[@ashleycalloway9729]

I recently got a good year brand sherpa plush fleece heated 12v blanket from Wal-Mart with 2 heat modes. Works great so far off my 1000watt jackery. Even without heat it is thick and warm. I put it under my 4 comforters and they trap that heat after it shuts off. My temps in winter get as low as 10 below zero fahrenheit.

[@sparkythims4362]

I do the same and love it. I put an extra blanket on top of the heated blanket. Some times I supplement with a heating pad for my feet which are always cold.

[@cathysupp9493]

You mentioned gloves, and talked about keeping your feet warm. If folks are using the blanket to stay warm b4 bed, likely using their hands, a really great pair of gloves are really important…..I used to del. UPS up north, dry socks and warm hands made ALL the difference I imagine gloves have evolved for touch screens

[@TheShauNanigans]

There are also hand warmers that recharge and of course the one-time use warmers. They do make gloves for touch screens too.

[@cathysupp9493]

@@TheShauNanigans I figure a gloves review might be helpful Personally-I stay where it’s warm……a/c is my challenge LOL

[@TheShauNanigans]

@@cathysupp9493 That's the way to do it!

[@anio1349]

I've never found touch screen gloves that work. But then, in winter, my cold fingers don't work either, LOL

[@Maximoootom]

Try a weighted blanket on top of a regular comforter. Worked great for me in below freezing temps say in the twenties and teens. Cold enough to freeze my water bottle and faucet. I stayed warm.

[@mrj-charles6383]

You did a review on the blankets but when I was doing a lot of cold weather camping a electric mattress pad was a lifesaver for me. I have not seen on in 12V form though.Better since heat rises and you are laying on it.

[@bonnieuptree5691]

I have a DC, sleep-on top heated pad. Seems it was about $60. Though. Not cheap, but works WELL.

[@dittohead7044]

That sounds perfect. What brand is it?

[@mrj-charles6383]

@@dittohead7044 If you are talking about the mattress pad I bought it Walmart. It is a Sunbeam brand. I bought the low end one the has a dial to adjust for heat.

[@micheleparadis2808]

9:00 thank you Bob

[@David-rx2to]

I use a 110 volt electric blanket, twin size, that I bought at Walmart for around $30. I plug it into my jackery 1000, and when the electric blanket is drawing electricity, it uses 144 Watts. The thermostat dial I sent between 3 and 4 on a scale of 10. I have the electric blanket on top of me first then a fleece and then a heavy wool blanket on top of that. The blanket cycles on and off with its electricity use, and so therefore doesn't use 144 Watts constantly. The blankets on top help retain the heat it creates and my body heat too. I can go all night and not use anywhere close to half of my battery capacity. I still have enough battery capacity to run a small electric heater in the morning for about 10 or 15 minutes on a low or medium setting to warm up the inside of the van before I get dressed. I think if you are assuming you would use the blanket without extra layers on top as a throw to keep you warm before you go to bed, I could see how the electric draw would remain on constantly, but under a few layers of blankets, it cycles on and off and doesn't use as much electricity.

[@dlewis895]

LOVE AMAZING GOOSE DOWN COMFORTER WARM!!!!

[@shindoo2]

I started road tripping in 1964, I was young and dumb, I had no idea about what I needed to be on the road. What was on the market 50 years ago by today's standards was a joke. That said, the space age things one can buy cheap now is fantastic. Just saying. Bob, I really like watching your videos even if I don't plan on living in a RV, I find your videos very informative just in case we have a EMP attack or something like that. Greetings from Montana.

[@papasfunnyfarm9703]

My wife has a base model CRV, so no heated seats. I bought her a gray 12volt blanket. She loves it! ---Also, I recently saw a sleeping bag that has NO insulation on the bottom side, the side that you lay upon. That way the heat from the heating pad flows right into the sleeping bag!

[@kneadinghands]

Ahhh yes From the bottom up: Ground/platform/air mattress ~ sheep skin ~ mummy bag ~ wool blanket ~ down comforter. Wool, silk, base layers mmmmmm Best wool socks: Cabela's 4 pack seasonal, and has four size selections 😉

[@hunter00047]

In the UK I use single 240v blanket designed to be on all night if required, I run it on low at a draw of 22w (2A approx @12v) from the inverter. Would never go back its brilliant.

[@therealbigfoot3076]

240 volts? Damn my dryer uses that lol

[@hunter00047]

@@therealbigfoot3076 They are designed to conform to all electrical standards made in the UK by a major bedding company.

[@backroadsusa6915]

Any electric blanket that I have bought tells you in the instructions (including sunbeam) not to cover it with anything else it becomes a fire hazard. I use it on top of my other blanket and it keeps me warm.

[@BlueSky-ff4oy]

Oo 😶 i hope it is mostly for "Legal" and not an oft occurence

[@angetodac]

Thanks

[@magicalmary2706]

I was using one of these and it did catch on fire. I didn’t have anything else over it. I’ll never do an electric blanket again.

[@CarolReidCA]

Try a BedShure mattress pad.

[@shontejoyner4672]

I love you Bob! You keep talkin'! You care about us and want us to have the most information that we can have. You personalize it by using the products yourself and giving recommendations. You keep on informing us! God bless you!!

[@ricks.1318]

Nobody explains things BETTER than Bob Wells !!!!!

[@churchofpos2279]

I bought one of the "comfy" blankets that you wear. No electricity needed. I pair that with a pair of wool socks and I stay nice and warm. In real cold weather I wear it to bed in my sleeping bag with a wool blanket. A lot of times I wake up really hot and then take off the Comfy blanket.

[@danielpeppiatt3748]

I slept in an unheated bedroom when I was a kid. There was a pane broken out of a window by my bed, and sometimes I woke up with an inch of snow on top of me that didn't melt until the snow melted outside. I slept with my head under the covers because the cold burnt my ears and kept me awake. Electric blankets are great! They use much less power the more blankets you put on top of them. Much less !!! P.S. 50 years later I still want to put the blankets over my head out of habit.

[@stephenlyon1358]

That sounds awful, im so sorry you had that childhood trauma. Prayers are with you x

[@wcurtin1962]

The main thing to look for with 12v Appliances is the power plug. A cheap one can cause heat and damage you 12V outlet.

[@donnabusic9785]

I like the chatter Bob! Wouldn't want you to change! TFS

[@astrocalm812]

Electrowarmth 12 volt heating pad covered with a down throw or puffy. 10% off with Holiday10 at the moment. Adjustable and reliable.

[@PSVitaFan]

Another option which I don't really hear Too Many people talk about is a Webasto gasoline heater, it pulls fuel from the vehicle's existing gas tank and provides hot air heat there's a version for gasoline and diesel vehicles there's also the Chinese diesel heater which anyone can install in any vehicle Both are safer than propane, an electronic blanket works great if you have the battery bank to support it but I wouldn't risk my life on using just that

[@TheSunGoethDown]

Great review, Mr Bob! I’m headed out for a weekend camping trip where it will get down to 32 degrees F. I’m in a minivan and just have regular blankets. These would be perfect.

[@jamesbinns8528]

Sleeping bag?

[@thebandplayedon..6145]

I have a suggestion for a no power blanket that will keep ya toasty, perhaps not the most ideal but super effective. So, it seems to me that thermal foil bubble wrap used in construction, I forget the technical name, is highly overlooked as a building and survival material. One, as underlay for as much flooring space as you can. Two, as a permanent layer under whatever your mattress bedding arrangement is, another on top of the mattress before your bedding goes down, easily foldable like a window shade to put away if you take your bed down in the daytime. Three, buy a duvet cover for over your blanket and add a layer of the bubble foil in there. In the vain of survival blankets, ya know? They're mylar for a reason, to reflect your body heat back to you. But they're also not built for long term use, the bubble wrap however is sturdy and with something like a duvet cover to protect it, will last for ages. And/or, get a "Bivi Bag" , thats a survival sleeping bag lined with mylar, but again, not sure of the long term use of those. Good luck to y'all out there!

[@pezpengy9308]

or you could use mylar.

[@mikeries8549]

It's called reflectix. Look at home depot. Beekeepers wrap hives in it for winter. It's meant for duct insulation.

[@enemyofthestate9358]

I use it for insulation in the walls and roof I stay in a contractor trailer and it seems when I put carpet in it made a big difference over the hardwood floor

[@colettemitchell3412]

Recently on a hunting trip the temperature dropped suddenly and a snow storm blew in. I wasn't really prepared but did have hot hands hand warmers. I put some between my blankets awhile before bed. They kept me warm all night. Just a suggestion in a pinch.

[@lanedexter6303]

Sounds like a good alternative if you have the battery power. I grew up with electric blankets, but haven’t used one since 1972. We have Wiggy’s sleeping bags, and a Wiggy’s Lamilite comforter on our bed - also Lamilite booties and winter socks. Fascinating test! I think many were curious about the oower drain. 👍

[@DarinLawsonHosking]

I have the cheapy blanket paid $20 for and throw another blanket over it and I am fine down to the low teens. I sleep in just sleeping pants and a long sleeve shirt with wool socks and a cap/beanie, I also have a large fluffy bathrobe with a hood available when I get up.

[@nmr6988]

I have a Black & Decker 30 volt power station, and when the electricity goes out it will heat a couple of the electric blanket throws for days and days.

[@paulao7022]

I have a Sunbeam, good size heating pad. When I get cold, I put it against my chest and I warm up well. I prefer the Sunbeam products.😃

[@mrj-charles6383]

I got that cheaper looking blanket at Walmart last year on clearance for $4. Have not used it though. With the blankets I have I am staying warm down into the single digits. I could tell Bob was keeping the Roadpro and it is Cody approved. I am sureCody is happy wrapped up in it also.

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

Putting foot powder, wearing nylon dress socks and then wool socks will make your feet warmer also along with your boots. I have been using this method when ice fishing and well as when I drove a truck which required me to be working outside in the cold Northeast weather . Thanks for the video. Keep the road ahead positive always.

[@chakalatasoulstar8232]

I just watched this video this Friday, and Saturday I went to a Flea Market, lo and behold I found TWO brand new Stalwart heating blankets and got both for only $10!!!! I had put them in my wishlist on Amazon and I would’ve had to pay around $40 for one but the universe was in my corner and I got 2 for $10!! 🎉

[@suesmith6820]

Hey Bob, it's me, Sue Smith, yes that's really my name. Re: the E- blankets. I reckon I should give you a little bg on myself. I'm dang near 72 y/o. I am on my way to being homeless, or as y'all like to say, houseless. God gave me an SUV very recently. I still have to pay for it but that's another conversation for another day. Oh okay, we can talk about it now if you insist. It is after all part of the current story. I have a 2000 Buick Century. It is a gr8 little car. It gets awesome gas mileage. It however has a few issues. One of the more serious ones is the window won't roll all the way up. I live in NW KS and the winters can be very cold there. I tried to duct tape it but I was not all together successful. It was cold. I've been wanting an SUV for some time now. I used to have a RAV4 and I really very much liked my RAV4!!! Did I mention that I liked my RAV4? I mean, like sooo much. Moving along, wait, where was I, oh yeah, I'd been praying for another RAV4 when I saw an add for an SUV on FB Marketplace. It was advertised as a 2008 Pontiac Vibe w/only 68,000 miles and they were only asking $3,000 for it! 1st I asked the Lord iffin I could please have it, 2nd I sent a message to the lady and asked If it was still available. She sent me a two word response, "Sale pending". I'm thinking, if this vehicle is any kind of good, it will be snatched up so quick. Later that eve she sent me another text asking if I was still interested in it. Duh, yes P & TY. I set up a time for a test drive. I asked if I could have my mechanic check it out. They agreed to that so I went for the test drive. My 1st (?) was how come the other person chose not to take it? Money! They said he wanted to take the car, and then he would pay them as he could. Silly man. I drove the above mentioned vehicle, turns it is a nice vehicle. The mechanic checked it out too. Oh btw the add was wrong on (2) points, it was a 2005 & it had 71,000 miles on it. And as I was doing the test drive the man told me that the man who had checked it out had talked him into dropping the price from $3,000 to $2,500. They were disappointed when I told them I would have to sell my Buick Century b4 I could buy the car. That was on Sat, they gave me till Mon to get the ($). To make a long story short, lol jk, we passed that like a long danged time ago. Like I said, lol. Anyhow, here's the story about me being houseless. I've got a cousin who lives in Texas who has Parkinson's. Her health was declining and she was facing the dreaded nursing home. Now, somehow she found out that I was close to being homeless,so she gets this bright idea that I could move down to Texas with her and her husband. A win-win, kinda deal. We keep her out of the nursing home and I would have a safe place to live. Now that's a Praise the Lord kind of deal if I've ever heard one. What she did not know and still does not know and will not know, is that I was really looking forward to the nomad life. Oh, btw her health has improved drastically. That's another PtL. So I reckon I ought to be telling you about the E - blankets you were talking about. Now when I left Kansas to come down to Texas the weather was very, very cold. Oh btw, did I mention that my cousin also heard about my needing $2,500 for the car, you guessed it. They loaned me the money for the SUV. Yet, another PtL!!! Did I mention that the weather was very cold when I left Kansas? The wind chill factor was -22° below zero. The first night I was so cold, I didn't think I would ever feel warm again. The 2nd night, I went into Walmart and they had a rack with winter stuff on it. One of the items was a 12v E - throw. I did not have my SUV set up for camping yet. In any case, I got me one if them there throws. I gotta say, I was toasty all night. The first night all I had was the car heater. The 2nd night, I had the throw with the heater. It made a world of difference. So there you have it, Bob, that is my 2 cents worth. Oh, btw. The new SUV is a standard - aka manual tranny. That's ok in that I know how to drive a stick shift. The problem is I have peripheral neuropathy in both of my feet!!! The problem is I cannot feel my feet therefore I cannot tell in space & time just where my feet are!!! W O W ! ! !

[@NilDreams]

Thank you, Bob! I’m a car camper. Really appreciate it! Love seeing all the improvements on your channel.

[@tbaer4894]

In my stick and bricks home, I used one of these when I was laying on my recliner...my mistake. I forgot to move the cord out of the way and it got pinched when I started getting up and started sparking. Of course I ruined it. I took the electrical innards out, threw it away and use the remaining to keep warm safely. LOL

[@nmr6988]

A big thumbs UP 👍 for electric blankets or electric throws. I went with the Sunbeam personal throw. It's a smaller version of the big electric blanket that you are showing in this video. It will adequately cover a person 6 ft tall or over, and there's plenty of width as well to really keep the heat in next to your body. But it's just for one person, or one person and a cat or dog or child, Or two people who really really like each other.

[@victorjcano]

I have found the sunbeam blankets and throws won't work with a modified square wave inverter. I've burned 2 of them out. what kind of inverter do you use?

[@CarolReidCA]

@@victorjcano I've had several of them die at home. I wouldn't wash them, as I've killed 2 by doing so. The newer ones last a year if you're lucky. I'm going to try a Bedsure mattress pad. They're made in the USA and I hear they last a long time. We don't have an electric blanket manufacturer, from what I've read, so They're apparently all imported from China. Hopefully Bedshure or another company, will start making them. Their mattress pads aren't expensive either.

[@luvyesmusici4886]

Get a mummy bag, cold weather sleeping bag, with a sheet inside of it. I went motorcycle camping up in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and the Madeline/Magdalene islands after Labor Day for a couple if weeks.. I was cold the entire trip, but at night, I had to strip down to my underwear to get into the bag, but it did warm up a bit after a bit. I also had a candle lantern in my tent that I hung from the top of my tent, and that warmed the tent up a few degrees. Still one of my best adventure trips, and I've done a ton.

[@Threeleggedcrow-usa]

Thanks Bob. Been trying to pick one so glad you are reviewing these

[@Stevemacleod58]

Thanks for your review, great info. Not staying warm at night doesn't make for an enjoyable adventure.

[@louisianahiker]

I have been driving trucks over the road for 27 years now. Living in a truck during the winter a must have is a heated mattress pad. At 25 degrees outside overnight and not idling my truck……I use a military poncho liner as a blanket. I DO NOT sleep with a bunch of clothes on….just boxers. I say again heated mattress pad 12 volt. Yes my semi has 4 starting batteries but even a full 12 hours of use does not phase the batteries.

[@jeanmkelly1933]

My "rig" is a small car. I have a 12 volt heating pad as my "just in case" with my 20 degree sleeping bag. I have not had to use it yet because my 45 pound dog is a pretty good heater. I figured that a heating pad being smaller would use less power.

[@LadyBadness]

I needed to know that as I need to stay warm in my van.....I have No Propane/Solar......So I'm a popcicle....I learned it all from here!!!!!!!!

[@yoshisquid3749]

I've been looking for these. Also for heated jackets (charged by USB). So many choices to make! 🤔 Eventually i bought two car seat heaters , it was a great offer, it was a very good price. One will be under my feet, and one will be behind my back. I will warm my bed with them, and turn them off when i go to sleep. Still have to test them! Good luck to all of you. And happiness. 💚

[@boydman68]

I bought one of those 12v throws for $20 at Walmart and love it. It's a great seat warmer but I also put it under me when I go to sleep with a pile of covers over me. I usually keep it on low and still have to turn it off to keep from overheating. The no name one you showed looks similar.

[@norasteel1776]

Bob just keeps on ticking and giving us absolutely necessary info! Thank you Bob~

[@michellestratford9753]

I'm watching this as I'm laying on my 12v heated blanket to keep me nice and toasty in my van. Between my hot water bottle and my heated blanket, I'm just fine. Of course, I don't get too too cold outside and I'm sure that makes a huge difference. Thanks Bob!

[@FloridaSalon]

I see a lot if videos lately where you and we are very conscious of how long you talk and apologize. I like listening to you talk. I enjoy what you say and how you say it. If someone has some sort of emergency and needs a quick recommendation they can fast forward. If anyone complains about your videos I'd bet money they complain about everybody and everything in their life :) PLEASE ignore them.

[@tomtompkins6779]

That's a great comparison I just realized that instead of running a 110 little heater my daughter suggested an electric blanket so this was a great timely review for me. But as with everything there are trade-offs if you're heating the whole area you're also heating your water and your battery if you have batteries inside so that's one advantage to a all room heater although they use unbelievable amounts of power the electric blanket is great if you're not going to freeze your batteries or your water. I've been in a mini in below zero weather and kept myself warm but the rest of the unit was frozen solid I did not have water or an auxiliary battery at that time so those were not even issues I made it through not very comfortably this looks like a great alternative thank you

[@cvcoco]

Another idea, electric heated vests. They have usb-rechargeable batteries, multiple settings and allow freedom of movement around the van. Not cheap, $100-up. They use about 7 amps, have USB outlets for phone charging too. The problem with anything like this, blankets too, is that the heating elements dont stand up to too many washings and they have to be handled with care so you dont break anything inside. All these things are OK when thought of as part of a system which is going to start with socks, thermal underwear, blankets, the analog stuff. Personally I want to bring the whole interior up to around 45 degrees, (like with the van/car heater if nothing else) and basic things like blankets can take it home. I try to avoid tech and contraptions. Even a thick terry bathrobe retains more heat than one thinks and i've done that too.

[@SeniorTravelTV]

I put a thermostatically controlled hi-low 12v aftermarket seat heater under the sheets in my sofa bed and devoted an entire video to testing it in subfreezing temperatures. It runs off the existing deep cycle battery for the fridge which uses less power in the winter and being beneath me maximizes efficiency.

[@ashleycalloway9729]

I just got those baffin boots as a 3rd layer on feet in extreme cold. I use fleece or merino wool thin socks then thick sherpa slipper socks and then the baffin booties when temps get low .toasty feet even in below zero.

[@Simply.C]

I’ve been looking forward to this topic too. Thank you.

[@cherylreynolds2672]

Love my electric blankets. It’s nice to sleep with cool around you and just be warm on your body.

[@paulao7022]

Hi Bob, your knowledge is a gem. Thank you for teaching us the joys of camping and the pit falls, I'm glad that you do cover both subjects and not just one of them. We all need to stay on the main, paved highways, unless we're boom docking. When I come into a place to camp for the night, I always back my van, facing in the direction that I came in. It's a good thing to get into the practice of doing!

[@benbrown8258]

Bob, this channel is gold!! I wish I had taken time to watch videos like yours years ago. ...I've been discussing with friends the idea of heating the body as a priority over heating space. We were just talking about electric blankets . Well, you answered our questions. I've been using a "3" duvet and "5" thick mattress made from a friends flock of sheep. I can drop the heat down to the 60's and just adequately sleep. Definitely will be looking at dc blankets strategy. Much thanks.

[@justmusic8166]

I was always afraid of electric blankets, but they are nice.

[@rebelbatdave5993]

I like mine! Hooked to a Jackery Power box , and use a MR. HEATER/Propane! Have a great day!

[@helenspencer5505]

Thanks Bob, So good a review. Was thinking of buying an electric blanket. Now I have enough info to invest in a good one. Have blessed travels. I put you in God's hands years ago and pray for all Adventurers. Love and much respect. Silkie.

[@RexRoyStudios]

"I don't want you to have half-assed information." That got my subscription, thanks Bob!

[@noturningback2023]

I've been plugging a Sunbeam mattress pad into my Jackery at night and laying it on top of me. Plus a lamb's wool mattress pad too, and I'm staying warm.

[@carljones6760]

Came to 2022 Rtr, watching this. Thanks,I got one. Haven't used it yet. Thanks for all your "next" videos.

[@skistrycharski6999]

I use my Sleeping Bag/39 yrs old ......off & on...Snow Cat, for my blanketing in my Brick & stick life. Love it ! Make sense on the Vlog!

[@eunicehenderson9095]

Yes, check out 12 volt heated mattress pad. For Truckers/RV's.

[@jerrytalley802]

What about instead of the puffy blanket, use a down comforter on top? I only tried it once during a storm, drove to NC to visit friends but road conditions slowed me down, arrived at 4 am so didn’t disturb my friends. Slept in a non heated conversion van, 25 degrees Fahrenheit, toasty warm, no extra clothes from what I recall. You are the master when it comes to living in vehicles so we trust your reviews

[@VictorJenks]

Thank you so much for all of your magnificent suggestions . I am a newbie to this nomadic living and am preparing to hopefully become a snowbird in the future . I really hope someday we will meet each other as I really would like to personally thank you for helping those of us out here in need . Currently I am preparing a 1989 Chevy G20 Van that was more or less rebuilt and I am upgrading it as well . Thank you so much and your very much appreciated.

[@shelbyburgey884]

Exactly what I needed to hear! U Da Man! Thanks Bob! As a former truck driver, I like Road Pro products

[@PSKResearch]

Make sure the blanket is designed to be covered with a blanket. Some of them get too hot covered, burn out, or start a fire. The Sunbeam one probably cannot be covered or it may catch fire. Many house fires are caused by electric blankets. Also make sure the blanket isn't folded onto itself, doubling the heat concentration & causing a fire. Don't let the bed get messy, bunches of the blanket clumped together may cause a hot spot & catch fire.

[@Seamus3051]

I suspect that the "bubble wrap" that you are referencing can be found under the name "Reflectix". The space, Mylar, type blankets, used as a liner inside a sleeping bag, greatly increase the reflection of body heat back to you, and increase the warmth, when used as a liner for a sleeping bag, so the same warmth reflecting principle should apply when used in other applications.