How We Keep Warm in Our NO BUILD Van Conversion / Lay Out (Without Insulation)

This approach is an alternative for those who are not wishing to insulate their van/car/truck/SUV. We do not live in our van full time - we use our van for long term travel, adventures, etc.
In this episode we discuss different options for a keeping warm in the van without insulation on on the road and while van camping.
With just a few easy additions & steps, you can be on your way to your own adventures and making memories in the meantime. No need for a lot, a micro-camper can be set up in a day! Conversions are nice but NOT necessary to create adventures!
We use this set up in a Ford Transit 250 Cargo Van, however this budget approach could work in most car camping, truck camping, vehicle camping, etc set ups. We hope you enjoy the video!
To view our Simple & Easy No Build Van Set Up: Full Van Tour! Our Cost Effective Conversion: • Simple & EASY No Build...
Keep making memories & adventure on! ~Karen & Shannon WOY
Original Music in this video written & composed by Alex Slagle.
Wandering Out Yonder Logo Designed by JR Shultz.
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*****Disclaimer: This video & description contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links provided, we could receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thanks for your support!
Items used in this video and other Van Adventures:
Bedding:
Coleman Comfort Smart Cot: amzn.to/3XkgGTK
Camplife Certipur 3” Memory Foam Mattress: amzn.to/3WDcGgo
Therm-a-Rest Camping Sleeping Pad: amzn.to/3H5CXyk
Heating & Cooling:
Living in a Bubble Van Bug Screen Back Door: amzn.to/3ZvlaYG
Living in a Bubble Van Bug Screen FRONT Windows: amzn.to/3npkzKv
Voronado Flippi Circulator Fan: amzn.to/3HuHiN3
KOONIE Rechargeable Portable Clip On USB Battery Fan: amzn.to/3R7OX73
BabyExo Small Space Heater for Indoor Use: amzn.to/4000EAP
Hot Hands Hand Warmers: amzn.to/3WAX4dE
Dyson Pure Hot Cool Air Purifier Heater & Fan: amzn.to/3W8Dery
iHood Heated Vest w/Battery Pack: amzn.to/3FjPT3k
Organization:
Metal Storage Locker (ours came from Hobby Lobby - they are no longer available - here is one with VERY close dimensions: amzn.to/46tmdMr
Honey Can Do Magnetic Short Bin: amzn.to/3D9VRTp
Honey Can Magnetic Bin White Biggy: amzn.to/3DawFMI
Calindiana Magnetic Lint Bin: amzn.to/3ZW3bMx
Cargo Nets: amzn.to/3WW5UT8
Thule Compression Packing Cubes: amzn.to/3XS1ePK
Tuokor Fabric Storage Bins 3 pk: amzn.to/3kKGjPF
Master Magnetics Round Base Magnets: amzn.to/3Ddp4wS
Master Magnetics Magnetic Cup Caddy Holder: amzn.to/3OnF7gf
Electronics and Power:
Jackery 300 amzn.to/3R9dad9
GROWATT Portable Power Station VITA550: amzn.to/41si60x
ALLPOWERS R1500 Portable Power Station: amzn.to/49tuMcx
Anker 337 Power Bank Portable Charger 3 USB Ports: amzn.to/3DBBsXZ
EBL Rechargeable Batteries: amzn.to/3Yc06FL
Handy Brite Magnetic Light: amzn.to/3Kra2al
Food, Water and Cooking:
BougeRV 23 Quart Portable Refrigerator: amzn.to/3NfQN4l
Stoke Voltaics Electric Kettle: amzn.to/3Km5kdW
REDUCE WaterWeek Reusable Water Bottle Set: amzn.to/3XBmZ6b
Magnetic Paper Towel Holder: amzn.to/3G00oJU
Magnetic Spice Tins: amzn.to/3XNiuoO
GRAYL GeoPress 24oz Water Bottle Purifier: amzn.to/3XE9suH
Igloo Heavy Duty 25 Qt BMX Ice Chest Cooler: amzn.to/3XUPLyj
Igloo Marine Ultra 24 Can Square Cooler: amzn.to/3Rdgxjl
Stansport Tripod Cooker with 17 “ Grill: amzn.to/3DeQXof
Redcamp Wood Burning Folding Camping Stove: amzn.to/3jK4YUE
BearVault Bear Canister: amzn.to/3wv5XL4
Nonstick Electric Skillet w/Lid: amzn.to/3SCg76T
GSI 10” Nonstick Skillet: amzn.to/3mdVwcX
Sea to Summit Collapsible Kettle: amzn.to/3IZh4Tn
Van Furniture/Safety Accessories/Add Ons:
Bee Neat 2 Step Folding Step Stool: amzn.to/3Jfm72W
Clam Quick-Set 9X9 Foot Portable Pop Up Screen Tent: amzn.to/3Y3e24Z
Helinox Sunset Chair: amzn.to/3j60NSw
Helinox Table One: amzn.to/3kIcqQc
Lynx Levelers: amzn.to/3y0bJoA
Pinto Inc GOTREADS Emergency Traction Tool: amzn.to/40Dmqe0
DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber: amzn.to/3EBaJem
Cleaning Products &Hygiene Items:
DryFoxCo Quick Dry Reversible Microfiber Towel Set: amzn.to/41rJQmW
Wolfwise Portable Privacy Shower Tent Black: amzn.to/3HvVeGw
Reliance Luggable Loo Portable Toilet: amzn.to/3Zbzkyz
UST Collapsible Sink: amzn.to/3EIfBhU
Invisible Glass Window Cleaner: amzn.to/3y9J4gU

[@allstate125]

Good ideas ladies. We think alike. Thanks for sharing. 🚐

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Thanks for watching!

[@jacquelinemundt4688]

You’re two brave woman and I admire you both. Your an sit up is unique. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Thank you so much for joining us! We appreciate the encouragement & kind words!

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Love hearing all your ideas and also really enjoy that you find things at yard sales. It's so great to buy things secondhand to save money and good for the earth too. Fantastic that you can use the van even in the winter and stay comfy.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

So true! This is our favorite time of year to camp so it is always nice to be able to add things to our gear from secondhand options!

[@flyinhawaiian7226]

Native American themed blanket. Love your videos.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Awesome! Thank you! They are new for this season and we LOVE them!

[@JenniferLupine]

The cold weather is on the way! It’s great that you can get out all winter long and stay warm in the van! I like your new blankets and down quilts… SW design is great… and we have some Kelty products too 👌 We really like them and their stuff sacks. It’s great you will stay warm even without an electric hook up, really opens up your options for adventure!! 👌👍👍💚🏔️

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Hi Jennifer! This is our favorite time to be out in the van - using some of our tent camping knowledge & applying it to the van has made things a lot more comfortable when the temps start dropping. We will have to look into the Kelty stuff sacks! Thank you for joining us.

[@kathleendanley8508]

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions and encouragement to thrift shop. I am becoming an avid follower!!!

[@wanderingoutyonder]

You are so welcome! We are so glad to hear that you are finding some things that are helpful and THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!

[@goexploringwithcolor-shawn]

Very interesting and great to know how you prepare your van life in the winter. Thank you for very informative sharing 👍👍

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Thank you for joining us!

[@Maryfran03]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge on how to stay warm

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Our pleasure! We hope this is helpful for anyone looking for some basics on keeping warm!

[@outlandadventures]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing your set up.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Thanks for watching! We hope you found something helpful!

[@explorewithmartha6297]

Thank you for sharing 🙏🏽😊 Beautiful van, big, i enjoyed it 👍🏾🤩

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@PB-ij3fw]

Yall could hang another blanket on the other end of your beds from the back door, to keep your body warmth in. I would magnet another on the ceiling but it’d have to be nylon or polyester so it doesn’t freeze. Anyway very nice camper guys.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Great idea!! We have discussed doing that a few times! That is a fantastic approach!

[@andreaplante1679]

Thanks for sharing. Our van is insulated but has no heater (yet). Def going to try some of your ideas especially the quilt on the doors. We also have cold weather camping experience but as we get older staying warm is key for enjoying our adventures.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Agreed!! We like to be as comfortable as possible too! We are going to try a second down quilt hanging from the cab this year to see if it reduces some of the cold off of the windows in the front. Again, we have the insulated covers on the windows but a bit more draft control can't be terrible! Thanks for watching!

[@wanderingoutyonder]

This approach is an alternative for those who are not wishing to insulate their van/car/truck/SUV. We do not live in our van full time - we use our van for long term travel, adventures, etc. Occasionally, we encounter some temps that require a bit of creativity. This approach is what we use by applying our previous cold weather tent camping knowledge to our bunks in the van. The first and easiest way to stay “warmer” is to drive the opposite direction of the extreme cold. This concept also works in extreme heat. When power is available, we use a heater, heating pads, heating blankets, etc and can heat the interior of the van to a warmer temperature than outside. If you are looking for consistent heat throughout the vehicle like in a stationary home, these methods will not accomplish those results. When power is NOT available, we turn to alternatives such as layering our clothing (Smartwool base layers, socks, down booties, etc). We also utilize our bedding options - therma-rest mats with high R Values, wool blankets, and our Kelty down blankets, or our Enlightened Equipment 20 Degree down quilts that we use for backpacking. To further add to our bedding, we have found that hot hands hand warmers and a rechargeable zippo hand warmer are great additions for some additional warmth. We have a few other tips that we share in the video - Van Videos that may be helpful: These videos also include links to the items used in the videos. Simple & Easy No Build Van Set Up: Full Van Tour! Our Cost Effective Conversion! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHm0dmVonc1na8k No Build Easy Comfortable & Effective Bed for Simple Van & Car Camper Set Up Clutter Free Camping kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWrSZaCpbdZjfM0 How We Went from an Empty Cargo Van to Road Trip Ready in a Few Months: A No Build Approach! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH_Qdnmhr5V4oNU No Build Simple Van Set up For Clutter Free Camping Step 2 Storage Solutions for Food & Clothes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIKqg3prqdyWaMk NO BUILD Storage Lockers & Magnetic Options: Simple Van Camper Set Up For Clutter Free Camping kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ-vqIpoo819mbM FANTASTIC FINDS FOR FRAN (Our Adventure Van) SERIES: Announcing A New Van Life & Van Travel Series by Wandering Out Yonder A NO BUILD Van Series: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6KYpnqjet-Kitksi=sB1DFSRKhjsRfUsU How We Get Fresh Water For Van Life & Travel NO BUILD Camping kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXjUl3d-rayrb8ksi=A60kidkJOvvks24k Cooking Methods & Options Van Life & Travel NO BUILD Kitchen: (Fantastic Finds For Fran Series): kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXjTYaWkYqp2Zqssi=E2nCBoOEozySOpkK Why We Chose a Ford Transit Cargo Van for Van Life & Travel: Discussing Our No Build Adventure Van: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3vRm4qMnaqqbacsi=oC0Sp2VhNAMhlPQg Why We Chose a NO BUILD Approach to Van Life & Van Travel: Discussing a NO BUILD Van Conversion: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qobbhXZ-pLd6idEsi=5C2lmsEQXv5IN9ae Power Options for NO BUILD Van Life & Travel: Land & Solar Power: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnvKlIifnryaacUsi=_0tU2PzfopUevpkr How We Keep Warm in Our NO BUILD Van Conversion / Lay Out (Without Insulation) kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ3CZ2t7iq6nmrc Other NO BUILD Van Videos: Vanlife: “Luxury” or Necessity Items? We Discuss a Few of Both for Van Life Travel & Camping: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ6QioaFhKl6iaMsi=sV77tM5DK_YmeO-T A DIY Project for the Adventure Van: Fine Tuning the Bedding for Our Cots! Vanlife Ideas: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5XIhqaQgJl_gZosi=uZNWzdX86gA6fNPW Van Life Road Trip: Preparing For an Adventure! Getting The Van Ready To Travel! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH2rgH-CnMaob80 UNDER THE BED No Build Storage Options BUDGET Simple Van Camper Set Up for Clutter Free Camping kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJCodGmufMRpjNE Maximizing Storage Space No Build Simple Van Camper Set Up for Clutter Free Camping kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHmumHusirxrpqM How We Keep Warm While Cold Weather Van Camping With And Without Electric - Tips & Tricks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGjFhpmlnbFomcU Keeping Warm & Cool in the Van with the Jackery 300: Will it Work? We Test Some Options!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ2uoYuXq6qBhdk Van Camping Solutions to Ventilation, Insulation, Privacy & Condensation Part 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5_VdKuXjqmpZpI Van Camping Solutions to Ventilation, Insulation, Privacy & Condensation Part II: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZOknpStaJ1spJo Simple, Effective & Awesome Magnetic Fly Screen For Vans! Living in a Bubble: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3PcoZeon96Dgq8 Affordable DIY Bug Screen For Ford Transit Van Back Barn Doors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn_RfoljgMingpo NO BUILD, SIMPLE EASY STORAGE NO CLUTTER Adventure Van Project: Working on a Storage Solution: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5Kmhn2HmplknKc Installing DIY No Drill Running Boards Ford Transit 250 Cargo Van: No Build Van Upgrade: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noXZo6KCga2ifZI Wolfwise Privacy Shelter: A “Wise” Choice for Us! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2S9i56XqM6qe5o F40C4TMP Car Van Truck Camping Fridge Refrigerator w APP CONTROL kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2e9dp2hZteZZtk If you enjoy our videos and would like to help support the channel, you can: Buy us a coffee: bmc.link/woyadventuK We hope you enjoy the video! “Keep making memories & adventure on!” ~Karen & Shannon WOY

[@therugglet]

The 12v blanket is a great idea

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Happy travels to you!

[@JimHayesHiking]

I certainly think you're all set for the winter! Love these video's.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Glad you like them! We are getting geared up for cooler weather (our FAVORITE!!)

[@DaphneLowe]

A Chinese diesel heater can be used to heat a van simply and cheaply. Most YT videos show an installation that requires a moderate degree of mechanical ability, but with an all in one unit, the process can be distilled into three steps. Step one: drill a small hole in the floor of the van. Step two: connect the heater exhaust pipe and route it through the hole. Step 3: plug the heater into the power station. Not only is this simple, its also modular, when the heater isn't needed, yank it out and cover the hole.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Great suggestion! For anyone looking for that kind of heat - that sounds like a great approach -thank you for sharing!

[@DdDd-pk4pu]

Thank You❤

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Thank you for watching!

[@patfiore7510]

You two are great the best suggestions we've heard great tips learning a lot from you too we have subscribed to your channel Great channel

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@rosalieogden479]

Wearing wool is best for cold weather. Socks, jackets, gloves ect. Wool blankets are great too.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Very true! The Smartwool base layers (pajamas) that we sleep in are wool as well as the socks!

[@paulrichard4087]

Oh ya. We also have a 2020 ford transit her name is Vanna White

[@pamelanowell1]

Thank you. Enjoyable.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TheProWater]

Wooov super vvlog

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Thanks for watching!

[@deborahmosley5810]

Perhaps using weather-stripping down the back door and then putting up the down blanket. Thank you for the tips.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Great idea! That may be something for us to consider in the future! Thank you for watching.

[@sinoundrawing]

Enjoyed watching⭐

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Thanks for the visit

[@janandbruceadamsvanadventu3226]

We always use the "worst case" camping method. We bring along electric things, propane things and insulated things. We can get down to about 32 decrees before I bring out the propane heater.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

That is kind of our approach too! Our tent camping experience gave us a lot of knowledge on how to bundle up and use layers & bedding!

[@AlphaTraveler1]

Oh right, you dont have insulation. Dang, hopefully you ladies can make it down to the South during the winter time. LOL. My uncle had a conversion van like yours and went camping in Bear Mountain during the winter time and he said it is hard to keep the warmth. The following summer, he started to put insulation. Thanks for the look on you you all keep warm. LIKE 100. 👍👍👍

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Thank you so much for watching! So far we have not been in any temps that were unbearable - but we are always trying new things, places and methods!

[@juliamadison5701]

That’s some great help! thanx

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Glad it helped!

[@lynnyou3085]

You are both soooo cool😊

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Hahaha -well thank you!

[@paulrichard4087]

Hello my husband and I are from New England and are now,living in New Mexico. We’re are you ladies from?

[@BeckyInCa]

Do you have a video on staying cool in very hot weather.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

We do not have one specifically on that - but we do have this that may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3PcoZeon96Dgq8si=wou_34qZMjgwwWWS

[@cherylbarrett2717]

Fortunately, the squaredrop is insulated, except for the floor, which I insulated with foam flooring and a rug. I also have a propane furnace I can run when there are no plug-ins, but I also like to save my propane when I can. I bought a down quilt that goes with my Hest mattess this year. It has a drawstring that tightens it up around the foot of the bed. I still have a Rumpl and another doible blanket as well. I hope it will be fine, because I don't plan to stay in this winter, even in the Midwest. I do have a 12v blanket, but I need to test it. I am not sure how warm it really is.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Wow - it sounds as though you have some fantastic approaches at combatting the cold! Thanks for sharing and happy travels!

[@rainbowbizcic]

Stay warm gals ❤

[@wanderingoutyonder]

We LOVE cooler weather camping! Thanks for watching!

[@NaomisAdventures]

Thanks for sharing

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Thanks for watching!

[@ktk2094]

Good ideas here. Question: Do you have any suggestions for keeping the potty seat from being ice cold? It's a real shocker when you crawl out of a warm bed to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and the toilet seat feels like a block of ice.😮

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Lol - we wish we did - we feel your pain - lol

[@luckyjanetravel]

cool ! your camping Van

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Thank you! We love the ease of the van!

[@margarett4840]

Mother daughter?? Cool 😎

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Thanks for watching!

[@heatherfullam738]

Ok

[@daylenestaneart775]

Thank you! This was really helpful. In regards to the magnets: have you had any trouble with the magnets being so strong that random metallic things end up sticking to the outside of your van?

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Not at all - that would be a little funny if it did though - hahahaha! Thanks for watching! Glad to hear that you found something helpful.

[@popatop75]

TY ON THE VIDEO I DONT HAVE INSULATION BUT USE HANGING BLANKETS. AND ON THE BED . COULD YOU TELL ME HOW WIDE YOUR BED IS AND WHATS THE SPACE BETWEEN THE BEDS THANK YOU HAVE FUN

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Hi - we cover all of that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6GrmZKHfJ2Nqrcsi=N3pOzO8iTT58Ig_s We too use down blankets on the interior over the metal when needed!

[@SilverCarCamper]

Thank you for sharing. I'm just curious to know if you get condensation drips from the roof, and what you do about them if you do.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Hi - we don't - we ventilate and use fans, damp rid, etc - and haven't had any issues.

[@beverlypeacock8201]

Why not a sleeping bag rated for colder weather?

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Hello there! We do use our backpacking quilts when it gets SUPER cold - we have 20 degree quilts - we cover that in our bed video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWrSZaCpbdZjfM0si=6DNBf4RAevG3huyR) but just wanted to try out a throw quilt for the "before the SUPER cold" weather!

[@microgreensgrower3946]

Please tell me how the Coleman Comfort Cots are regarding noise. Are they noisy? I'm currently looking for quiet cots. I have cots that are VERY noisy whenever I move, turning from side to side, sitting up; any movement is so loud! Thanks!

[@wanderingoutyonder]

We don't find them noisy at all - we have several layers on them - that may help with that - this video may prove helpful for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWrSZaCpbdZjfM0si=FMvfyJeqd558gUjU

[@amandasaunders7113]

Walmart has 12volt blankets in their auto section for $23

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Good to know! Thanks for sharing!

[@flyinhawaiian7226]

When U do have power in a camp, how do you power? Do you just run an extension cord and plug in your heater? Do you plug your electric heater directly into that power source and use no extension cord?

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Hi ! This video covers it all: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnvKlIifnryaacUsi=V1f26ONisNYQklI1 Hope it helps! Happy travels!

[@flyinhawaiian7226]

@wanderingoutyonder i am a Rver, so I am a 30 amp connect. I was just wondering how U 2 connect.

111 like very nice video Hello brother 🙋‍♀️👍🏻⭐💯 4:03

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Thank you so much 👍

[@grannysweet]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Thanks for watching!

[@karinyaboriskova441]

If you DID live full time in the van, would you insulate?

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Great question! Not sure - I think we would still just head in the opposite direction of the temperature extremes but who knows - what we are doing right now works for our needs but that may be different full time.

[@CS-uc2oh]

This video is nuts. They are basically trying to rationalize being uncomfortable and cold. This is terrible. If you're going to stay in a vehicle for any length of time, you deserve to be comfortable and that means not living in 45 degree weather inside. That's not warm. It's freezing and unreasonable for most people.

[@rosalieogden479]

They are showing how to be comfortable in the cold. Great ideas for when we go to Yellowstone next year. It can get cold in late August.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

@rosalieogden479 Correct! We are using our prior tent camping knowledge to apply to our bunks in the van. We normally don't stay in the same place for more than a night or two and the idea is to just stay warm and safe if need be - for the most part - we drive AWAY from the extremes but every now and then we get a blast of cold weather from somewhere! Enjoy your time in Yellowstone! That is on our bucket list! Thanks for watching! Adventure on!

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Hello there! We don't live full time in the van - so our approach is the same as it would be for tent camping, backpacking, car camping etc - the van is for sleeping in between adventures for us. You are correct - for anyone looking to full time or live in their van, truck, car/SUV - and of course where they plan to stay long term, this may not be the approach for them. Happy travels to you! We wish you luck in finding what works for you and your needs!