How to Do Vanlife in the Winter: 2024 Guide to Staying Warm, Cozy, and Safe
With firsthand tips from a full-time vanlifer, learn how to keep yourself, your pets, and your gear warm and safe from winter weather.
Staying safe and secure in an RV or camper van always requires careful attention to details, planning ahead, and having backup plans and emergency items at the ready. During the winter, frigid temperatures and other challenges make van living even more challenging.
After spending an entire winter living in a camper van, with many days seeing temperatures into the low teens, I’ve figured out how to deal with the major obstacles that come with the territory. It certainly takes some trial and error—making travel mistakes is a part of the lifestyle—but when you’re equipped with the right knowledge and gear, living in a van through the winter is totally doable.
Challenges of Living in a Van in the Winter
In my experience, the following are the most prevalent winter van life challenges.
Keeping Warm
An obvious challenge of living in a converted van during winter is staying warm. Depending on where you are in the U.S., temperatures can easily reach below freezing. Even in the southern states, it’s normal to see temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit on a regular basis.
Early Sunsets and Winter Skies
If you have solar panels on your van, they likely won’t work as well in winter as they do in summer. One reason is that there’s simply less daylight. Fewer daylight hours means less time for your solar panels to absorb sunlight. Plus, winter often brings cloudy skies (less potential for solar energy), and with them, snow. You may find yourself climbing up on your roof to clear snow from your solar panels quite frequently.
Driving Through Snow and Ice
While driving always has its risks, it can become quite precarious during the winter months. From sudden snowstorms to black ice, roads become much more dangerous. It’s important to have proper tires and/or chains and frequently check road conditions. Consider becoming a member of a roadside assistance service for emergencies. I use one that Progressive offers as an add-on to my RV insurance.
Potential Plumbing Issues
If you plan to live in your van for the entire winter, there’s no need to winterize it (drain the pipes and add an antifreeze solution). Assuming all of your plumbing is interior (no exposed pipes) it is imperative that you don’t let the interior of your van drop below freezing—or even let it get close. If you do, your pipes can absolutely freeze and bust. And if that happens, you’ll be hunting for last-minute nomad accommodations. If you have exposed/exterior pipes, you’ll need to look into insulated coverings for them.
Road Closures and Minimal Forest Access
Road closures are frequent during winter, even on paved roads. If you frequent forest roads, know that finding primitive camping sites in the forest is much more difficult during the winter months. Many forest roads don’t get plowed, making forest access a challenge. Have backup routes and sites at the ready.
Fewer Dump and Fill Options
In addition to road closures, expect facility closures. Many places shut off their water supply in winter to protect pipes. Make sure to take advantage of any opportunity to fill fresh water tanks or dump waste.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem during any season when living in a van, but particularly in winter, and especially at night. If you keep all of your windows shut and don’t run a fan, condensation will quickly build. Unchecked condensation can lead to mold or mess with electrical components in your van.
Preparing Your Van for Winter Living
These are the top factors to consider before hitting the road in the winter.
Tires and Chains
Depending on where you plan to travel, you’ll need all-terrain tires or specific snow tires, and/or snow chains. Make sure to research the regions in which you plan to travel, checking specific highway information to ensure you have the right setup. This is not something to skimp on: It’s a matter of your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Insulation
If you bought your van built out, chances are it already has solid insulation. If you’re building your van yourself, make sure to install quality insulation. There are different “best” types of insulation for different areas in any van. For instance, a rigid board insulation typically fares best for the floor, while a thinner and more flexible material, like Thinsulate, is ideal for the walls and sliding door. If you’re unsure of what to use, it’s best to consult a professional van builder. This, again, isn’t something to skimp on! You will thank yourself for investing in well-made insulation.
Heating
Many van builds come with a diesel or gas heater that runs off of the van’s fuel tank. If your van has one, you should be set as far as interior heating capability. If your van does not have an integrating heating system, consider a propane heater, such as a Propex system.
Some people have success with small portable heaters, like a Mr. Buddy Heater, but keep in mind this option requires careful attention to ventilation. A personal electric heater is another option, but might drain your van’s battery quickly.
Essential Winter Vanlife Gear
After spending a full winter—plus lots of cold, cloudy, rainy days in Canada and Alaska—in my van, here’s what I consider essential for making it through the season comfortably.
Clothing: Layers and Outerwear
The key to staying warm outside during the winter is layering. You’ll want quality base layers, fleece mid layers, softshell jackets and pants, and waterproof outerwear.
Winter Boots and Accessories
This may seem obvious, but I cannot overstate the importance of good winter boots, socks, gloves, and ear/head coverings. You won’t regret investing in quality gear.
Firewood Carrier
Since most wood is blanketed by snow in winter, I tend to buy more firewood (rather than collect it at campsites) which means I have to carry it around. If you plan to enjoy winter campfires, I recommend having a dedicated space to carry firewood. I use the Kelty Trash Pak, which is strapped to the rear van door exterior and doubles as a firewood carrier when I’m not using it to pack out garbage.
Insulated Window Coverings
Glass is a terrible insulator, possibly one of the worst. Insulated window coverings will help keep heat inside your van and will make a massive difference in the ambient interior temperature.
Good Bedding
No one wants to wake up shivering. Even if you have a good heater, make sure to have good bedding, too. Fleece and/or wool blankets will keep your body heat close to you.
Indoor Cooking Setup
My biggest winter van life regret is opting out of an induction cooktop setup. I spent the entirety of winter 2023 cooking outdoors on a two-burner propane stove, which I love when it isn’t bitterly cold and windy. For this winter, I bought a separate, smaller butane stove, which has been a lifesaver in terms of being able to comfortably cook on cold days. I consider an indoor cooking setup essential for winter van life. If you plan to use a gas stove inside, make sure to think about ventilation.
Dehumidifier and Fan
If you have a roof fan, such as a MaxxAir fan, I recommend running it on a low setting even when it’s cold out. Additionally, get a small dehumidifier to keep condensation at bay. I use hanging DampRid bags. They don’t require any electricity to work and are disposable.
Extra Portable Battery
Because solar power is limited during winter, consider a backup battery source. I use the Jackery 500-watt portable generator. It helps take some of the strain off of my van’s integrated battery and recharges via a 12-volt outlet while driving.
Stable Internet Setup
Between fewer daylight hours, road closures, facility closures, and winter storms, it’s almost a given that something, at some point, will go wrong when living in a van in the winter. Instead of allowing this hard truth to discourage you, let it encourage you to be prepared. Always have a contingency plan—and use it when needed. Before you set out, research van and RV WiFi options. Having a stable internet connection means you’ll have an easier time researching backups and/or getting help should you need it.
Choosing Ideal Destinations for Winter Van Life
Winter vanlifers tend to take one of two paths: They chase powder or they seek sun.
For Powder Chasers
Some of the best national parks to visit in winter offer excellent backcountry skiing routes. Just keep in mind that many forest roads don’t get plowed, making boondocking a challenging experience. With a high-clearance, 4x4 vehicle and capable tires, you can probably make do in the backcountry during winter.
Many ski areas and sno-parks allow vans to park overnight in their parking lots, but not all. For the ones that do, it’s the ultimate ski bum experience. Not only is slopeside sleeping affordable (comparable to a campground stay in most cases), but it means you can be one of the first on the slopes in the mornings. Plus, you won’t have to navigate unplowed forest roads to find a place to sleep.
For Sun Seekers
If living in a van in near-zero temps doesn’t sound swell to you—and I wouldn’t blame you for that—the beauty of living in a van means you can go wherever you want. Truth be told, most of the U.S. gets quite cold in the winter, even stereotypically hot areas. I spent winter 2023 bopping around between Southwest Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern Utah, and I experienced my fair share of near-zero and snowy days. That said, overall, those areas will prove much warmer than their northern counterparts.
You could try heading to Central or South Florida, but be warned that boondocking isn’t really a thing there. You might find some nice spots in the Ocala National Forest or in various wildlife refuges, but it’s nothing like boondocking out west. But, it’s warm! There’s no shortage of developed campgrounds, so that’s always an option.
Finally, consider driving across the border into Mexico. The Baja peninsula is quite popular with vanlifers and full-time RV-dwellers in winter. From December to February, Baja sees temperatures into the high 80s. Nighttime temps typically don’t dip below 60. There is plenty of free, primitive camping throughout the peninsula, as well as some developed campgrounds.
FAQs
Can you live in a van in the winter?
Yes, with proper insulation, heating, and planning, van life in winter is achievable. You’ll need to prepare for low temperatures and have a strategy for staying warm.
What are the best ways to keep a van warm in winter?
Using insulation, window covers, and a reliable heating source is essential for staying warm. Diesel heaters and propane heaters are popular options among van lifers.
Where can I find warm destinations for winter van life?
Some van-friendly destinations in winter include southern states like Arizona and Texas, as well as areas in Mexico that offer warm weather. Baja California and Baja California Sur, Mexico, are particularly popular among vanlifers in winter.
Is it possible to get internet access while living in a van in winter?
Yes, you can stay connected on the road by using mobile Wi-Fi solutions, hotspots, or even campground Wi-Fi networks. TravlFi’s connectivity solutions make staying connected easier.
What should I include in a winter van life safety kit?
A winter van life kit should include essentials like thermal blankets, a first aid kit, portable battery chargers, and a backup heat source.
TravlFi Takeaways
Here are the essentials for successfully navigating winter van life:
- Insulate your van well and invest in a good heating source.
- Pack winter-proofed water supplies and a dehumidifier for moisture control.
- Choose destinations that suit your climate preference, from warm to wintery.
- Equip yourself with reliable internet and safety tools to stay connected and safe.
Learn more about TravlFi vs satellite internet to find out which is the best option for your winter van life needs.
About the Author
Amanda Capritto is a full-time vanlifer and writer who covers travel, outdoors, and fitness. She travels across North America in a 4x4 Sprinter with her husband, German Shorthaired Pointer, and two rescue cats.
