How to Survive Winter Living in a Motorhome

How to Survive Winter Living in a Motorhome - My Hints & Tips

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5 жыл бұрын

Here's how I stay warm in the cold times of the year and winter in the motorhome.
I haven't had any real problems with the cold to be honest, and last winter I was in Wales for 5 nights at -8 to -10 and the heater worked a dream along with a few of my tips I was cozy.
Hope these help guys and girls.
I'd love to hear what any of you do to stay warm in your motorhomes or vans while full timing in the comments below.
As always, feel free to ask any questions you've got or request a particular video, I'm happy to help 😊😊😊
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Пікірлер: 347

@John-rj9bk 4 жыл бұрын

I enjoy your content, newly subscribed. Reason; You're a genuine guy with information to share, NO fake hype, NO click bait, just you. Keep it up, fantastic!

@2487mpobor 4 жыл бұрын

couldnt agree more

@AB-gz9yb 4 жыл бұрын

I envy this man so much

@terryholl767 Жыл бұрын

@@2487mpobor😮😅😅😅😅

@immortalsofar5314 4 жыл бұрын

Additional: Put a dehumidifier in the front or seal it off really well. Otherwise, the humidity and heat from the back will build up in the front and *completely wreck* the electronics. 5 years of living in an RV in the States taught me this the hard way.

@veganvocalist4782 4 жыл бұрын

Immortal SoFar Thank you for that great tip

@danielyoung_ Жыл бұрын

I was just thinking about the condensation, this is very good advice

@johnhunter2214 Жыл бұрын

2 winters in the antarctic , taught me thermal long johns , long sleeved t shirts, woolen hat. best base layer ever.

@veganvocalist4782 4 жыл бұрын

Lovely man , I wish you all the happiness and good health in the world , stay beautiful 🌻

@mildcamper5429 5 жыл бұрын

I have recently discovered the centuries old joy of wearing long johns plus thermal top. My initial reason was to get by with a lighter sleeping bag on camping trips, but I now wear them at home also. They make a big difference negating unecessary additional heating costs. 👍

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

Long John's are great in the winter 👍🏻👍🏻

@st3bad 4 жыл бұрын

Respect mate your postive attitude

@caskwith 4 жыл бұрын

Since you have a decent solar setup (and drive around charging your batteries) get yourself an electric blanket for the bed. Even on their highest setting they only draw around 50W, I use one on low (10-20W) and it will keep you toasty warm with a nice thick duvet on top. Much better than a hot water bottle.

@epicjourneysbritainireland9474 4 жыл бұрын

Heres a tip for you, and anyone whos watching..buy some greenhouse thermal insulation, cut it to the size of your bed slats (or whatever u have) and lay it on..put your mattress or cushions on top of it and when your in bed at night your body heat wont escape through the bottom of the bed via the cushions as it will reflect back up from the insulation keeping u warm...

@epicjourneysbritainireland9474 4 жыл бұрын

@@stephen3654 Nope, ive had it under my mattress for over a year now, no mould and it keeps u toasty during cold nights especially when used in conjunction with a heated blanket...

@EelingStudios 4 жыл бұрын

I must sweat too much as I've found that a mattress will go 'bad' if you stop the airflow under it...

@richcronin8796 4 жыл бұрын

I got homeless and had to live in a fishing bivy during the snow minus 5 i was in propper survival mode and had a rough time of it with condensation you have to get the right mix of cold air with hot air you have to equalise the both i have a flat now and look back at that time it was a great experience in life having nothing living wild.

@timmalpass543 4 жыл бұрын

I was homeless for a while and lived in my car for 2 months. I have a flat now aswell, but it looking back it made me stronger mentally and I learnt a lot about life and who your so called friends are, glad you are ok.

@adamowen5982 4 жыл бұрын

I don’t even own a Motorhome but just found your vids the last couple of days and just really enjoy watching 😊 keep up the good work chap

@Taaltaak2024 Жыл бұрын

i really love your content also the fact you don't fake it all and don't clean everything up before filming. This is motorhome reality

@ExMAB4 4 жыл бұрын

What a clever articulate genuine real nice guy. The kind I chose for friendship.

@magnakirsty4480 5 жыл бұрын

So glad we discovered your channel as your videos are so interesting. You have a lovely cosy set up in your van.

@gailbennett3782 4 жыл бұрын

Loved this video! Well done you! No bull crap just honest advice. Thank you loved it.

@Coolagreen16 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks man, good job!

@ollyjaymatthews2698 4 жыл бұрын

love your out look on life...never down on camera. good video xx

@plug1461 4 жыл бұрын

You really have inspired me to follow my dream. Thank you for all your videos so glad I found your Chanel

@hunty1970 4 жыл бұрын

Great tips buddy. Getting the van ready for three weeks in the alps this winter.

@madscone1984 4 жыл бұрын

This is brilliant mate

@RyanPratten 4 жыл бұрын

Honestly, man. I love your videos. You make me feel very cozy!

@cozzyfromthepark 4 жыл бұрын

Bro 100% agree makes me want the winter here asap to get the winter gear out

@marktrvls1218 4 жыл бұрын

Great hints and tips and video👍

@kevinatherton1006 2 жыл бұрын

great tips, thanks Dazza!!

@ManyFunAdventures 5 жыл бұрын

Great tips mate! We're making mental notes here. lol. Thanks for sharing. Great video. 👍

@korpiz 4 жыл бұрын

Any of your videos explore why you choose this way of living, seems to be a great fit for you.

@allanmacbadger5692 3 жыл бұрын

I have wild camped in a motorhome over Xmas / NY period in the north of Scotland many times, the most important thing is to stay out of the wind as the chill factor will be 2-3 times as much as the nominal air temperature. Secondly its good to have a well insulated vehicle, the few makes that are made in Scandinavia have floor and wall heating which makes all the difference. Apart from that I would say make sure you have some light thermal underwear and a good thermal duvet, if you have those and unless its -10C plus, you probably won't need the heating on through the night.

@ballisticdan9135 4 жыл бұрын

ve your down to earth off the cuff presentation style. Your a legend mate. Thanks

@zanyzara8788 4 жыл бұрын

Stay warm my friend. Enjoying your video:)

@victheoutdoor6221 4 жыл бұрын

I have to say, you are one of the best vlogger mate. I watched I think all of your videos because they are infirmative and no bollox like 99 percent of youtubers. I have started to look at motorhomes as our swb master is not enough for long term camping and trips. I was especially curious about winter camping and ski trips but unfortunally havent seen anyone doing video how to winterise van for winter camping rather then staying warm. Would you be able to do it? I guess you have loads of other van lifers around you and you could come up with video about it. Cheers buddy! Keep it up!

@choltrig 5 жыл бұрын

Great insight from someone on the front line .

@TheUrbanMotorhome 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks 😃👍🏻

@marcedwards8214 4 жыл бұрын

Great advice cheers mate

@macdchef 5 жыл бұрын

Rob your getting better

@davecrook4458 5 жыл бұрын

Heat sucking love it man nice job mate 👍👍

@laurencefahey2085 Жыл бұрын

Love your videos and your happy go lucky approach to life 👏🏻👏🏻

@nickc4518 5 жыл бұрын

Enjoying your vlogs bud. Keep up the good work.

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

cheers mate

@joncarver2611 Жыл бұрын

Love watching your videos Darren " funny guy but very interesting topics on living full time ' can't get enough of you as looking into doing full time with the wife . Keep up the good work buddy 👍.

@tomgreen3101 4 жыл бұрын

Really helpful mate!

@yvonneshelley888 5 жыл бұрын

Very helpful

@bassetmadness3625 5 жыл бұрын

Very informative vlog. As a class 1 trucker for the last 30 years I've had a few winter night's out on the even stuck for 3 nights on the M8...lol Well done chap keep them coming. As I said before it's good to find someone that speaks about thing straight without any bullshit editing or trying to be cocky about it. Nice job. Rob

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

Cheers Rob, glad you liked it 👍🏻😃

@thevashfan12392 2 жыл бұрын

class 1? is that CDL grade? cause I'm skeptical if you're driving a class 1 vehicle..... it's remotely possible but I've never heard of it. me? I'm just a sad sod that got rejected from being allowed to operate class 9 vehicles in a CDL class A distinction.

@thomassturge1274 Жыл бұрын

@@thevashfan12392 A Class 1 truck is an articulated lorry in the U.K. or in America it’s referred to as a semi.

@LindzandLife 4 жыл бұрын

For my odd weekend in the van in the winter I made a heated blanket I got a few packs of heating fabric strips meant for putting in jackets I think. Sewed them into a blanket and have 2 solar power charging units 1 lasts 4-6 hours and it's not overly hot but enough to so you freezing

@in-the-vanpeter5157 5 жыл бұрын

Well you are on a roll , for the sky lights get a piece if celotex or kingspan cut to size a put above blind works beyond amazing

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

I have seen ones you can buy, I might look into making one that can break down in size, that the only reason I've not bought one because of storing it somewhere all the time will be a pain, good to know they work really well though

@robclague8495 5 жыл бұрын

Respect to you, when I move to my motorhome full time, hopeing to spend the winters in Spain/Portugal.

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

Oh that will be wicked mate, you'll have a great time

@leehollebon3393 4 жыл бұрын

@@TheUrbanMotorhome your a top lad really like your channel mate do you live in England if so where abouts also what is your name mate?

@Priest92 4 жыл бұрын

Same. Picking up my van this week How are you finding it?

@bobkippuz 4 жыл бұрын

Thoroughly nice fella

@EelingStudios 4 жыл бұрын

With no heating in my van my saviour is an electric blanket, they don't take much power, 30 - 50 watts for a single that's enough to heat the centre of a double bed. I've survived winter nights with ice on the inside of the van thanks to that blanket!

@Priest92 4 жыл бұрын

Wow with what temperature?

@EelingStudios 4 жыл бұрын

@@Priest92 as low as minus 10c outside. But hell getting out of bed!

@anthonydickinson5913 4 жыл бұрын

Great tips m8❗️❗️

@krazywally5685 4 жыл бұрын

Couple of long socks, filled with cat litter, superb humidifiers

@CW-ms1bh 4 жыл бұрын

Karl Walduck Interesting, how does this work?

@krazywally5685 4 жыл бұрын

@@CW-ms1bh the cat litter absorbs the moisture exceptionally well

@graham9352 3 жыл бұрын

That's a very good idea 👍

@emmaburke7964 5 ай бұрын

Didn’t work for me 😢

@georgeoliver8989 5 жыл бұрын

Great video Darren top man👍

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks George 👍🏻

@Troy72472 5 жыл бұрын

Keep up the great info

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

Will do, cheers Troy

@hornetboy3694 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video thank you

@hiimpeter9197 4 жыл бұрын

I love the setup man I was thinking of doing the same.

@spiritualawakeningworldwid6044 4 жыл бұрын

You are a legend 👌🏼

@garrybeard2031 5 жыл бұрын

Up stairs.heat sucking floor.you the man great video well done.👍🍺🇬🇧

@willmace5439 3 жыл бұрын

great video pal

@CampervanAdventures 5 жыл бұрын

Lololol had to laugh near the end of the video,when you were going on about the flasks and hot water bottles.Top video mate....keep um coming pal top tips

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

Cheers Paul 👍🏻😃

@alexivins2208 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip on the thermos flask! I haven’t seen your videos before but i will certainly be doing this from now on! I have hot water bottle ready for winter. Wish me luck! 😂

@DroneHDTV 3 жыл бұрын

Hi great channel I just got my motorhome old 1990 fiat and I did some tests before going solo over this winter to see if I can get it warm! yes the sky vents lose heat so I got a reflective sun screen for summer and cut them to size and use them. helped a lot. And the bed over cab added a 12v electric blanket. works very well and no real drain on battery. hmm i should change my channel lol to vanlife lol. ty for the video

@jamesjames1227 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks bro for this video just looking at Same one for me and kids help me out loads this videos thank you

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

Your welcome mate 👍

@chiefbrodyrobertson2950 4 жыл бұрын

Van is cool👍

@sampowell3465 4 жыл бұрын

Man, i smoked 2 joints and this was funny

@mrmrst9020 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Darren hope you are ok keep warm mate it’s getting colder Glen

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Glen, yeah has been colder for sure, but keeping nice and toastie in the MH, just refilling the bottles as soon as their used so I don't get caught short 😀😀👍👍

@mrmrst9020 5 жыл бұрын

Brilliant mate soon be having having nicer weather LPG is the way to going we have 2 11kg gaslow on our MH best thing we did keep up the good blogs keep warm mate glen 👍

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

@@mrmrst9020 Oh mate that's gonna be plenty and keep you going ages, cheers Glen

@saradillon2252 5 жыл бұрын

Love your sense of humour 😂 Wish I had the nerve to get out of this rat race - but at least now I've found your channel I can watch someone who has actually done it - thank you!

@iancarr722 3 жыл бұрын

Think of it as your life story book, end one chapter start a new one, best thing I ever did take control of your own life, if you think of it in economic terms you'll never change.

@mathshelp7285 5 жыл бұрын

Darren, binge watching in order so sorry if it’s in the next vid, but do you do much cooking in the van if so what sort of stuff. Keep them coming Big Man 😉

@dillonstevens7685 5 жыл бұрын

Heya bro, not sure how I ended up on this channel but I'm actually enjoying it, keep it up bud !

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dillon

@flyer1658 4 жыл бұрын

I've never been in a motor home, not got a motor home and never been interested in them ! But I love your videos and now think it would be great fun living in one! Cheers

@VanTasticTraveling 4 жыл бұрын

It is an amazing experience 😊 my wife and i have been traveling for 8 months now..truly amazing!

@michaelcoogan1654 3 жыл бұрын

In my van now -1degrees. Rigged a double Duck maybe Goose(can’t remember)down quilt between the cab and the back,no draughts. Truma heater on half heat no 5, gas only as off grid. Toasty warm in a tee shirt and track suit bottoms.

@paulystp 4 жыл бұрын

I use an electric blanket,sometimes as a rug on the floor and on the bed , the 1 I got only uses 60 watts

@phodetheus 5 жыл бұрын

Hi, Just discovered your channel and binge watching. Great stuff please keep them coming.

@bestoutdoors6657 4 жыл бұрын

Your a diamond and funny! Keep up the good work 👊

@riboid 3 жыл бұрын

Windows are always the biggest heat loss. A thermally lines curtain can improve window performance by upto 30% Buy lined curtains, open them up and put more insulation inside and stitch them back up again. Id look at a non powered desiccant dehumidifier to draw out moisture too. Good vids

@chuckylamb4398 4 жыл бұрын

12volt blanket or car seat cover is amazing

@mrmrst9020 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Darren don’t know if you have any but the front windscreen thermal blinds are very good really does keep the heat in I know you have your curtain blinds at the front but the thermal pop on blind would help glen

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Glen, now you say it I do have thermal blinds that came with the motorhome, I've not used then after the first time as they took awhile to put them in and was a bit of a pain, they stuck to the window.

@mrmrst9020 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Darren good tips like that 👍 do like the hot water bottle you can’t beat that there’s nothing worse then feeling cold keep your vids coming all the best mate glen

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

Cheers Glen glad you liked them. Totally agree mate, being cold sucks...I mean proper sucks haha 👍🏻😊

@mrmrst9020 5 жыл бұрын

The Urban Motorhome hi Darren it’s going to get colder on Thursday onwards so I’ve been told so plenty of layers on keep warm and safe mate I’ve got 20 Motorhome to get ready for a show in Exeter so not nice outside glen

@coasttocoastcaravanning6138 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid mate looks cold really nice mate don🤠🇬🇧👍👌👌

@alangarner4095 3 жыл бұрын

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻thanks mate stay warm and safe 👍🏻😎👍🏻

@Sarge084 4 жыл бұрын

I had a heater similar to yours, it also had ducted heating distributed around the motorhome. The only problem was that the fan motor drained the battery too quickly and the front of the heater got quite hot which meant I couldn't use the space in front for storage. I ripped the heater out and replaced it with a cheap Chinese night heater and I couldn't be more pleased.

@battlestarone 4 жыл бұрын

Install a diesel heater..there cheap versions out there and there very warm...brother got one for his mh..very good.

@leighbolton4632 5 жыл бұрын

You make me laugh mate great videos inspiring me to start the van life

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate 👍😁

@kevrowan6404 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. Where did you buy the blackout blinds?

@daxcoco1229 4 жыл бұрын

OMG! YOU ARE SO FUNNY!!! brilliant thank you.

@krazywally5685 4 жыл бұрын

Legend 👍

@vanliferesources6337 4 жыл бұрын

Good quality Merino wool, tops, leggings and socks does the trick, all through the winter months.

@caerleon9176 4 жыл бұрын

You could consider fitting a Webasto heater or similar with a separate diesel tank and get red diesel duty free from a supplier or Canal works (You have to declare that it's for heating only = No duty) trucks use these as night heaters, depends on if its cheaper with gas vs red diesel.

@braceuself 5 жыл бұрын

I also shut off the vents in the cab as you can feel cold air coming through them

@TheUrbanMotorhome 5 жыл бұрын

Good tip mate

@terrytibbs6029 4 жыл бұрын

Good lad !!!!

@yanivmedia3309 4 жыл бұрын

Nice

@JohnEdmond54 2 жыл бұрын

As carbon dioxide is heavier than air (density of air is approx 1.22kg/cubic metre - Co2 1.61 kg/cubic metre) your co2 monitor should be close to the floor not at ceiling height. That way you will get a much earlier warning if you have a co2 problem.

@Mevi 2 жыл бұрын

CO2 is carbon dioxide, the stuff thats added to Cherry Pepsi Max to make it fizzy. We breathe it out and plants breathe it in. Do you mean carbon *monoxide*? That is a little LIGHTER than air, so the recommended placement of a CO detector at about shoulder/head height is correct.

@felixalbion 4 жыл бұрын

If you have a leisure battery and an inverter you can actually use a normal electric blanket to heat the bed before getting in. It's surprising how little power they use. My double bed blanket has 3 settings. On max it uses 90w but on middle setting only 45w. Only takes about 20 minutes to make a bed warm

@debs7679 4 жыл бұрын

Top man x

@iancarr722 3 жыл бұрын

Great tips thanks, any for water pipes air vents or exterior cupboards.

@osparker2 4 жыл бұрын

How do you keep water and sewage from freezing? If you use antifreeze can you still shower with the water?

@Summer56547 5 жыл бұрын

My brother your body is perfectly adopted for winter. BTW great video.

@edwardhoulton8725 4 жыл бұрын

Yes I know.

@gray8046 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Darren, Love the vids and your channel, could just watch it all day long!! Think you are great bud, keep doing what you do, I think it's fantastic. I don't really feel the cold at all, even in the coldest of winter's I am in a T-shirt, but my goodness do I feel the heat, I feel that I nealy die with the heat, and that's not even in the hight of the Summer, I have even been known to have the aircon on in December at home in the flat, if I was to live full or even part time in a motor home how would I manage and cope?? Could you share your experience on how to keep cool in hot weather, and how to sleep in the motorhome in hot times, I also work night shifts so have to sleep in the day, I think you have spoke a bit about this on someone else's channel, but could you please do a vid on the topic on yours pls?

@jordanjtait9992 4 жыл бұрын

Haha this bloke is class

@gt4uk2000 4 жыл бұрын

A staffy is grate to keep your feet warm

@waring1066 4 жыл бұрын

Get a front cover for your front screen..tailor maid do the best because there thick and look good.. No condensation in the front of your unit

@johndoe1909 2 жыл бұрын

mosy swedish caravand have floorheating. nice and toasty regardless of temperature....

@malcolmrowe5031 5 жыл бұрын

I have those sliding roof closures, i'm pretty sure they aren't thermally insulated. Better to get some proper thermal foam and put that up against them.

@mazyondown7680 5 жыл бұрын

Great video. New subscriber here 🙋‍♀️.

@constantlimbo-vb6iy 4 жыл бұрын

The Urban Motorhome do you have any issues with condensation ? great video's,i'm thinking about living full time in a motorhome,so appreciate all the information your giving us mate

@flybobbie1449 4 жыл бұрын

I lived in a caravan for two years and condensation was a problem. It would run down the walls. I ended tiling all the interior with floor tiles. And in nooks and crannies i had those throw away dehumidifier tubs. Take every opportunity to leave some ventilation open. The double glazed windows would run with condensation. Morning ritual was to mop it up. But it must have been healthy, the only time i never caught a cold was in the caravan.

@tinkertime7165 4 жыл бұрын

Just get a big chap like you in your motorhome, got to add a decent amount of heat. If it’s not enough just get him doing some press-ups. Soon be ‘toasty warm’.

@johneygd 4 жыл бұрын

Yep hahaha, instead of just being lazy sitting in your cheir, why not just doing sittups instead to get warm.