Tips for Winter Desert Camping in a Van

Just let go. Go do something, it doesn’t have to be awesome or this epic adventure. Just go get outside, go breath in cold air during the winter. Go for a hike, a skip in the park. Just go do something and disconnect from your every day devices.

 

 

For us this next adventure led us south just for a few nights to do some winter camping. We had only done winter camping once in the Westfalia and decided this would be the weekend to figure out some issues we had been having with the starter. The van doesn’t have power steering and although looks like it has 4 wheel drive it is only 2 wheel. It has a Subaru Impreza engine but everything else on the van is from 1984 so things rattle around, there are weird squeaking plastic noises and the seats are uncomfortable when driving long distances. I wouldn’t trade these issues for anything in the world. When were on a washboard dirt road I can hear the bb’s swishing around from our Red Ryder which reminds me that the next camp spot is near. And the squeeking plastic only happens when its extremly cold outside, then it goes away once the van warms up. As for the seats, well they make us stop more and get out to stretch. We can haul ass going 80 miles an hour but the seats have made us camp in the most random spots or stop to get a beer in the middle of nowhere.

 

 

 

Top tips for winter camping in a van

Always be prepared by having extra layers of clothing for when it gets wet and to layer up when temperatures drop. Extra sources of heat including wood, electric blankets and even hand warmers help in a pinch. Jumper cables and parking on a hill in case you need to push start your vehicle.

 

What to bring for winter camping

1. Be prepared for a dead battery when your camping. Its fucking cold at night in the desert and turning the engine over for the first time in the morning might not happen the first time. We always camp on top of a knoll where I can push the van and so we can turn the engine over if need. We also have a backup battery jumper that we purchased off of amazon. Its a great Christmas gift for anyone with a car. If your in a pinch it jumps your car or can charge your phone so you can call AAA. win win.
2. Invest in a good winter sleeping bag. We camp in areas that are generally free of moisture so we choose down because of it’s lightweight nature. I also own down pants light weight and heavy weight down jackets and a synthetic poler napsack for cold nights around the campfire.
3. lots of coffee and warm drinks.
4. Tiny portable infrared heater. We don’t have one and wish we did.
5. hand warmers and toe warmers.
6. Heat water and place in a waterbottle to sleep with, the warmth keeps your toes toasty for hours
7. Electric blankets that plug into a car cigarette lighter. You can score these off of amazon and they are so great to warm up the bed. There are ones with auto shut offs so you don’t have to worry about draining the car battery.
8. Whiskey.

 

 

Do modifications to your van

Winter van camping can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some extra planning and preparation. Here are some tips to help you stay warm and comfortable:

1. Insulate your van: Insulate the floor, walls, and ceiling of your van to help keep the heat inside. Use insulation materials such as fiberglass, foam or reflectix.
2. Use a quality heating system: A propane or electric heater can be used to keep the interior of your van warm. Make sure to have a proper ventilation system to avoid any carbon monoxide buildup.
3. Keep your water from freezing: Insulate your water tanks and use a water heater to prevent your water supply from freezing.
4. Keep your food from freezing: Keep your food in insulated containers or in a small portable fridge.
5. Lastly check the weather forecast: Always check the weather forecast and be prepared for the conditions.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your winter van camping trip is a safe and comfortable one.