Keeping warm without a diesel heater

[silverdreammachine]

Happy new year everyone!

I'm finally picking up my fitted-out Bongo next weekend - looking forward to sharing some pics and properly joining your merry band.

I haven't had a heater fitted yet as we were a bit short of space and I've been trying to avoid diesel so didn't opt for that in the build, but I'm spending my first night away on Sunday and know I need some options. I've booked a site with hook-up so that I can take a blow heater and I'd be really interested to hear your tips for in-van heating and wearable options for off-grid nights.

I'm packing heavy on blankets and hot water bottles and if all else fails, there's star jumps.

[silverdreammachine]

Replying to myself to say just read the forum properly first, would you…

This thread has sorted me right out! viewtopic.php?t=57970

[Bob]

Well done, really nice to get away in winter.

[Hazzobongo]

The majority of times I've been away in the van has been during Winter as the son goes to surfing spots in it during the summer, we have a blower heater for when we're on Electric hook up but haven't used it as I just park up wherever I feel like doing so, I use two duvets, one underneath and one over me and I've never been cold in the van plus I'm 70 this year.

If it was really severe I'd fire the engine up for an hour or so but not had to yet in three years ownership. H

[silverdreammachine]

Thanks Hazzo! I’ve found just wrapping up and having the layers to add has been brilliant and I’ve never had an issue. I sleep better in the Bongo on cold nights than anywhere!

[Hazzobongo]

I tend to crack a couple of windows when I'm away too regardless how cold it is outside and like I said the two duvet sleeping arrangement has me comfortable throughout the night, I sleep in shorts/t shirt.

[Bongolian]

Are you sleeping up top, or inside with the roof down.?
I’ve not fitted a diesel heater either as so far my trips have been during the summer months, but reckon our double sleeping bag, camping mat, a duvet, and our dog should be sufficient to stay warm

[silverdreammachine]

Mostly in the bottom and I’m a solid two years in now and have only been cold on that very first night, when I didn’t really understand the importance of having a warm layer underneath and instead made the bed up with a sheet on the bottom! While my mother would have been proud of my housekeeping standards, it was —- insufficient

[Anniemac]

We have bought a 500 w plug in heater. We tend to sleep with the top down if it’s cold and we are warm once we are in bed. But we wanted something just to take the chill off when we are getting up or going to bed. Sadly we haven’t used it yet because we were unwell for the whole of December. Obviously it is only good for EHU otherwise it will eat battery power. Other people have said they are ok in caravans.

[silverdreammachine]

Oh they’re great, aren’t they. I’ve also got a gas heater but it burns hotter than the sun so I only keep it for emergencies. I can’t wait for my first weekend away this year! Although I did just find I’ve got mould on my pop top canvas that has started to make tiny holes in it, so I’ve got to have it replaced. I was completely gutted at the time but am now looking at it as an opportunity to get one with a front mesh as well as sides. Actually I’m still gutted