One sewing machine a seam ripper and sime time and you can make your own thermal comforter. I got my walmart comforter and used a seam ripper to open up the seam on one side of the comforter then I got a nice wool blanket for insulation and I sewed it into the comforter. Omg it was si nice and warm...

Hey.. Great video! And thanks for all the good info :) My coldest night was 29 degrees in Amarillo, TX, on a cross-country trip in Nov. I don't run a heater at night either, but my sleeping bag is rated for 0 degrees, and I put a 12v fleece electric travel blanket (Amazon) inside my bag before leaving on my trips. If the forecast indicates a cold night, I plug in the cord for approx. my last 30 min. of driving, then unplug it when I park for the night. My sleeping bag holds in the heat till I'm ready for bed, and I sleep warm and toasty all night :)

You should look into installing a "parking heater" Look into manufacturers like Webaso, Eberspacher, vvkb. They burn gas or diesel from your tank. They will keep the inside warm when the car is parked overnight. The engine does not need to run. They are used in Canada, Europe, Russia, etc.

I am a Floridian. I am currently building it out. After purchasing it I took a month long vacation in April with just a bed and a table went north to see my grand kids in Virginia and Maine. I froze my kahoonas off at night when not wrapped up in bed with my wool blanket. I brought an electric heater thinking camp grounds would be good, WRONG. Most were seasonal and didn’t open until May. So in July , in 100 degree weather , in Florida, I installed an Espar diesel heater. Lol

I have done -20 degrees in the back of my Audi allroad. I had two 0 degree sleeping bags. It was very cold and I was ok. I did it in Boston in the cold snap of 2019

That time lapse was epic wish it was longer

Now imagine the Eskimos who lived in sun zero temperatures in an igloo 500 years ago. Impressive to say the least! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

I live in Colorado. Just purchased a minivan. Keep these videos coming. I may do a couple when I get my set up done.

Hey bud, We were camped right behind you that night. A 4x4 ambulance, 4x4 green school bus, white Mitsubishi Delica, and '93 Chevy. It was cold! Great vid, keep it up.

Surprised no one has mentioned Internal Thermal Mats for the windows!? You lose most your heat through the glass. Makes a huge difference for winter camping.

Its fkn awsome to see your older videos. After seeing your new upgrades... Keep it going bro...

Thanks for your video, it's appreciated, I'm living in Finland and we gave very cold winters mostly -35 so the van I'm currently converting, as you can imagine, the insulation process is hardcore compared to the many videos that are out there.

when I was in the army we slept in tents when it was really cold, it was -37 degrees farenheit. When I woke up in the morning, my hair was frozen stuck, in the canvas.

No gas heating running while sleeping... good choice... and good video! 👍

Really enjoyed your video. Very informative. You talk just the right amount when explaining what you did and why. Too many you tuber's have to talk volumes without getting to the point. Also really like all the links you provide. Absolutely getting the air compressor. Glad I found your channel. Adventure on...

Thank you for taking the time to share this! And all the links!~ Alot of cool stuff and ideas! Enjoy! Love the Van! God bless!

The night time lapse shot of the van was so awesome!!

When I would sleep in the van during the winter I would just use 2 comforters and a small table. I slept on a cushion on the floor. I would position the small table so that it was straddling the cushion where my head would be. I would then put one of the comforters over the top of the table so it created a kind of small fort. I would then use the other comforter like normal. If it was all the way down to like zero I might toss on an extra normal cover. The table fort helped trap body heat so that I could sleep without the need for caps, coats, etc. In fact, I normally just slept in shorts without a shirt on even. It was definitely more comfortable than sleeping in the van during the summer...lol. At least until it was time to get up... lol. I would pop out of the fort just long enough to turn that Mr. Buddy on... then pop back inside for a few minutes while the van warmed up. I'm sure that the comforter for the fort does matter since you want it to be able to breath some so you don't get too much CO2 buildup.

Chad you and Eldon does an excellent job on what you do I got to get a van then I'll start living in a van van life is pretty cool

Hi Chad.. since I came from a tropical country and I love to see van life, so I love to see your winter camper van vlog. And also your cooking camping skill... Thanks for tye insight

I will be living in a short bus in Michigan next winter and I THANK YOU for the advice on all of the way to get through some deep snow I from Arkansas and I have no clue on what to do. being a Solo Woman need to know those things.

Ive had big buddy for many years no issues, airflow and safety first. Been in -45°C northern ontario during dec and survived. Moved away from bags and got a thick synthetic bed topper that beats anything you can mention. ;)

Great winter weather video. I took a king-size down comforter and had it doubled up and sewn together. Keeps me nice and toasty.

I am really appreciate your videos. Thanks for sharing your experience and points of view. Good luck and growing of followers!

Chad, I've been watching for a couple of years and I definitely want to be you when I grow up. However, I'm old already and I miss me from before. Watching this.... Damn. I miss you too. Your youthful enthusiasm makes me smile. While your talent has unquestionably left us all gasping (that drone work is stunning) as it's grown. I miss this guy who is so excited here. Just sayin.... Nothing we can do about it and I miss me, too. Someday you'll understand.

Very Nice Rig, and useful info, Thanks👍.

Love your setup! For the people scared by the Mr Heaters, there are alot of videos on KZfaq where people test them in a tent or like with a Carbon Monoxide tester and I've never seen it reach hazardous levels. The flame is a different story I guess.

i bought a -20F sleeping bag. I slept in 0 degree weather in my underwear. I highly recommend it! 50 bucks off amazon. was such a good investment. And narrow tires actually cut through snow better than "air down" tires. Thats why rally cars that run through snow run 5.5-6" wide wheels

Amazing dude appreciate the info and the vid was really well put together!

Keep on trucking> Peace out! God bless you on your next journey😘

This was last week, you got hit bad, more snow and adventure temperatures. Springs coming, you know how incredible it is spring an summer.

Nice video, you have a good set-up. I have a 1977 VW Camper, have installed a camco wave 3 behind the passenger seat & sleep w it on low. And a coleman big and tall ZERO, that is awesome! Reflex w sewed in black (out) and a green window covers reduces both ice and water.

I love the reflective, insulated, fitted interior window coverings I got from GoWesty. They have suction cups to hold them in place. I work nights as a traveling RN and sleep during the day in my 84 Westfalia. The window coverings keep me cool and dark in the summer and warm in the winter. Definetely worth the investment. Love your vids, keep em coming.

To reduce condensation inside the van with the Buddy Heater on. Crack open a window. Very small crack.

Thats like summer here in Finland 😁

I sleep in mine in similar temperatures in winter. I use a winter quilt and a similar memory foam mattress but every night I boil up some water and use two hot water bottles! They work a treat!

If you're looking for something warm to use instead of a sleeping bag, id checkout "top quilts". They are often used for those who go hammock camping.

A fleece liner will help alot. I have slept in a tent at 17 degrees in a 15 degree bag with a fleece liner and was warm all night.

You are right on, we learned by what I called ( let's sees what the road dictates) we ended up with the same Mr heater and we use The zero degrees plankets in addition with our light jackets we permanently keep in our promaster for those cold nights,and against my other half wishes .wee do not sleep with an open flame ether.thanks for the info and keep on trucking.

This vid added to my favorites. 👌🏻 thanks.

Well done Chad! My two cents...get an emergency thermal blanket, turn the silver side facing down underneath and place sleeping bag/blankets on top. In this position, cold air from the ground level is radiated away from the body. This one simple idea and cheap addition to my sleeping items has made a HUGE difference. Try it - you will not be disappointed. Been watching you since the van movement was in its infancy. Be well! Thanks!

Great video! Loved it. Subscribed and keep them coming.

Enlightened Equipment has the down comforters you are looking for. I already own a couple of their products which worked great on my long distance hikes!

Great vid dude. I love Mt Baker. Going to try the sleeping bag and wool clothing. New sub here.

Your van is loaded! Awesome!!! 👍👍👍

I used to have a 1980’s VW bus, had great times traveling, working away and living in my bus, total freedom 🙂

Nice work mate. Get up here to Canada for our excellent winters and good beer. All of the other tips are great but my advice to you: get a husky! My boy keeps me warm and happy and stoked.

very nice video,i like the idea of turning the heater off before going to sleep,good idea,you never know what could happen.

Great video my man. You're the youtube OG vandweller. Tyese are your best vids

I use to work in Northern ,Alberta stayed in my westy down to down to -30c. My limit now is -10c.I use a US Army MSS 3 piece bag.Does all seasons. Gortex outer bag, thin inner bag and middle heavy winter liner.It all clips together.Thermo ground matt underneath bag .. Wear a balaclava on my head. Burn a candle lantern they last 8 hours keeps the temperature up.I stapled insulted survival blanker to the outside of my curtains , reflex heat in winter time ,keeps van cool in the summer.Have a small black cat propane heater. Remove your domestic water pump and drain the water tank as the water will freeze below zero. The pump will split.At -35c do not touch your kitchen door handles they snap off plastic is brittle and propane remains liquid.Use synthetic 5w 30 engine oil in winter . Ordinary engine oil freezes to a wax.

this Channel is my best camping channel in this life

I love a sheepskin atop the fitted sheet, down comforter, sleeping bag over that...bliss.

Great video man, Have you thought about putting a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag? If you fill it with boiing water that will keep you really warm until the morning. Just be sure to wrap it well so you dont wake up to a burn!

For snow you want less surface area on your tires so you can cut through the snow and reach hard ground otherwise you will just slide around on top. Hi from canada!

love the video great tips keep it up

Love my Mr. Buddy.

I normally like to stay around places with plug ins. Got some good electric heaters. Does a good job even at 20-30 below nights. 1 winter with a Rav4 be going into 2nd year with my Sienna. Instead of throwing money at hotel rooms every night when working out of town I prefer just to crash in my van.

Thanks for the info that was very informative.

those k02 tires rock it. we have them on our jeeps. great video Chad.

I lived 12months in my van here in Oslo, Norway. Did the same as you. No heat on when sleeping. Get a solid sleeping bag. :D

Two great reasons to winter camp, no bugs and no people!

Great video, brilliant advice - thanks 👍

Excellent ideas and motivating video. Thank you.

Bro thanks for the advice. I live on TOP of a mountain in Costa Rica and my house is always cold. Average temperature at night here is about 45-50degrees. But the construction here never uses wall insulation. Quite often I see my breath in my home. Not winter cold but I think I'm gonna grab a Down sleeping bag as a comforter for my bed!

Fantastic!

Great to see this. I have plans afoot! Subscribed!

Good tips on safety and comfort.

Dude I appreciate you making this video

Great to see you back

I've slept down to 16 degrees with just a quality down comforter, Propper base layer shirt, underwear and wool socks, nothing else. Perfectly comfortable. Moisture was definitely the biggest bummer to deal with. I tried a small candle burning all night but it didn't really do much.

Thanks for the great content! YEEW!!🤙🤙🤙

Winter camping, I can't survive without my hot water bottles. I put them inside my sleeping bag to prewarm my bed and they keep me cosy warm for the rest of the night. . Usually I use 2. I keep one at my feet and one to cuddle. I use the same water over and over, so you aren't wasting resources. Last season I splurged and purchased a 12v electric blanket, after getting recommendations from other campers. I haven't used so can't comment on them personally.

I put the T3 technique 3 squirter windshield washer squirters on that’s a big plus in snow driving I also add a pint of 91%isopropanol alcohol to my 20 or 30 below washer fluid just to be safe and not take a chance in freezing and busting the no longer available washer fluid bottle..love the air compressor thanks for the link

Dude I don’t mean to keep commenting hitting u up, but I really want to experience this man! I will pay you to try this challenge out

Got the ko2 on my t4 camper awesome bit of kit loving the new vids Chad keep them coming pal...atb rob

Enlightened Equipment Down Quilts are amazing! I have a 20 degree quilt and have slept in my FWC in -30 celcius (-22 f.) I have a Furnace but it was set to minimal threshold to not freeze inside and I wore minimal clothing. They make 10 degree quilts and you can order custom extra down as well.

We couldn't have done vanlife at this season if it wasn't for our big (BIG) duvets and all our wool underwear! Actually starting to enjoy the cold more and more

Coolest Char out there. (Literally!)

Great video. Smart. I do the same exact thing. 👍😀

Smart info for van life! Thank you Chad!

That looks awesome to do

Hi , I live in my Subaru Outback in cold weather too I will going to try a electric blanket good job with the video good luck 🍀

I have bought one of the China diesel heaters the one in the red frame all self contained 5kw it’s fantastic the exhaust and inlet go through the floor you can set the temperature and a timer to turn it on, there is also a key fob remote so you can switch it on from your bed

Thanks for the video

Awesome video quality

thank you for this information, highly appreciated...I've been a subscriber since 2013 and I noticed that your beard's turning grey, looking more like a true wise man.

I was an International truck driver, all over Europe for 26 years and went from Russia to Southern Greece , My goto sleeping arrangement, a 10.5 Tog down duvet with a mattress warmer under me. I personally cannot sleep with clothes on, and I have always managed a good nights sleep. Obviously I had a night heater ( diesel powered ) in my cab, but cannot sleep with it on. I would warm up my cab, then turn it off to sleep. Never had a problem. Easy in the morning to swtch the night heater on.

I don't know about van but air bubble sheets insulate great for room windows. I got some from Walmart with big bubbles and just a few sprays of water on glass then press on sheets. Then I wrapped my screens in plastic. It's nice because I can take screens out on any warm days.

One thing youd might add in is a Firman Gas Powerd Generator, i know you got MR heater Buddy but Electric heaters are awesome too. and dont gotta worry about when out in bush about your heater catching fire as you sleep. Reflective RV foil insulation helps keep in that heat, after you have run Mr Heater Buddy for a bit and are ready to go to bed, For storage wise those Grocery bags you can get from grocery store the ones that are like 99 cents are worth buying when you grocery shop as they can be good for organizeing your clothes to make more room for other stuff you may need. for a comforter i use this Snowman White Goose Down comforter currently on amazon their like 100 ish dollars good for all seasons very warm and it gets to -30C in winter were iam

He is back. Most never knew the cold or head south and drive around in circles over and over and over .... On the youtube trail Aka van version of rt 66

Thanks for your video's it is getting me through some days when i don't feel all great. The Van is a oldy but oldy's are the best they say. Now they make Vans and cars to earn money from it because there is often something with it thats broken or something electronics Much Love from the Netherlands Holland.

Good work😀👍

The God Father of Living in a Van is back! What a fantastic video. First of all I would like to say that I’ve been living in my van full time for a year now because of your influence and videos. Thank you. Second, I have imported a Mr Little Buddy from the US to Europe as well because of your reviews. To be honest, I like the Mr Little Buddy which delivers 3000 or 6000 BTU’s but I have learned that is not the best for small van. It warms up too fast and when you turn off it gets too cold. My solution I combine little buddy heater with Wave 3 1600 BTU’s. The buddy heater kicks a lot of heat and the wave 3 maintains the temperature in the van without making a sauna. Sleeping system: I use a winter sleeping bag with a military 100% wool blanket. Wool is the highest thermo insulator out there, 100% natural and used by the military. You can get them very cheap in military surplus stores or online. For extreme weather I use a military sleeping system. Expensive system but I do not wear any clothing and packs as only one piece. It is a bit extreme but if something happens to the van and I need to go on foot the military sleeping system will keep me warm. rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F401475894549 Thank you for the great video!

Really helpful video !

As always such great wisdom!!

Hey Chad your the real surviver buddy I love your videos man

how about taping some reflectix sheets on your windows to improve insulation

Hey guy try a bomber hat with ear/ cheek flaps & chinstrap, either synthetic/ wool or real fur. Best thing ever for cold weather sleeping. Its like a wraparound environment for your head. Although a hood and beanie is pretty great too!

Thank you great help

Hi from Norway! MY best advise: Wear wool underwear and clothing! No cotton or polyester. :-)