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

In this the third of my Beat The Heat Series, we talk about one of the cheapest and best ways that I know of to cool down your van or RV using a Survival/Space Blanket. These are not the super thin and cheap mylar survival blankets that cost a few bucks and instantly fall apart, these are solid and should last a very long time and still only cost $12.
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Thanks for watching!

[@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. 👍💜

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@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 ((-;

[@_LVC]

Bob has a very Magnetic personality 😎

[@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 ((-;

[@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.

[@lorcro2000]

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.

[@rosabivins2558]

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

[@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.❤

[@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

[@vegansinthewildover5023]

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

[@lisabooker6405]

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

[@crystalwillett7857]

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

[@asphaltgypsy868]

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

[@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

[@sarabegay6339]

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

[@MrsSmith-vf2vw]

Great information Bob. thank you!

[@livefreeordie4850]

Mrs. Smith Tru Dat

[@debrasolimine497]

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

[@patpikul4373]

Love all your ideas keep them coming

[@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..

[@naturallyBack]

THANK you I appreciate the information tremendously- Bob

[@aprilbaxter2578]

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

[@philcapling8268]

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

[@edbaranowski1958]

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

[@russellcupples2170]

I love this series Bob. TY Sir .

[@FayeCalder]

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

[@maremu05]

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

[@caerjones6693]

Ok, this is brilliant. Subscribed!

[@barbhayes5613]

Great information! Thanks for the links. Cheers!

[@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.

[@Leon-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

[@genericbugone5475]

Thank you for these videos! Thank you!

[@marktheunitedstatescitezen185]

Great point about the Reflective side !

[@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!!!

[@lorimac0260]

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

[@stacyhackney6100]

Great tips, thanks Bob

[@joniloverin7343]

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

[@cathymiller3086]

Thank you Bob!!🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@jaymercha3859]

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

[@Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

Safe travels Bob! Great information!

[@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

[@ellief4277]

So sassy, I love it!

[@annettefournier9655]

So helpful. Thanks Bob.

[@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.

[@kodeywhitewolf5756]

Great info Thank you Bob

[@mizfrenchtwist]

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

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@menofairy]

Really good simple idea..Thanks

[@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.

[@jamesdurstine8892]

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

[@nyscorp667]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@carolynscilley382]

Great idea! I love the magnet idea also! :)

[@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.

[@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!

[@jillom6648]

Awesome! Thanks, Bob 🚐

[@susiepittman601]

Great info. Thanks.

[@alfries9736]

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

[@hg2.]

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

[@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!

[@lize1455]

This is genius! Wow! Thank you!

[@luvcats778]

Thank you, good info

[@dreamdisturber]

Great time. I need one of those blankets!

[@lancenorton3747]

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

[@SeanHoyt-vh8gu]

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

[@gypsybelle4757]

Brilliant!

[@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❤️

[@FX5067]

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

[@Abundanthealthcoach]

Good fix bob

[@anitavaughn1968]

Great idea

[@ragtie6177]

Very good video.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Good info Bob.

[@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.

[@hermano4242]

“….fashion show in the middle of nowhere…” Goddamn it, Bob, stop being so darned pithy and hilarious! 😂😂😂

[@user-gr7np4lv2j]

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.

[@wellnesswithfrugalmama]

seems like a brilliant solution

[@TheMississauga333]

cool idea

[@brotherheed00]

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

[@user-qh8zk3zq9x]

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

[@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. :)

[@katcankan7129]

Good advice.

[@FlipMacz]

Thank you🌿

[@cadykyst4457]

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

[@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

[@DIK65]

LUV IT!!!! Fashion show. LOL Great video

[@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.

[@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.

[@tadarth7]

great idea. thank you for sharing. :-)

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@brianjones7521]

good video

[@danielblanchard6487]

Thank you

[@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.

[@kevinelton3466]

good one that help,s thankyou

[@beautifuldream108]

Good idea....