Learning how to have the best possible climate control while living in a van is completely subjective.
Everyone has a different definition of comfortable but we can all agree that no one wants to be too cold or too hot.
Mindy and I have been living full-time in our van for 2 years. In that time we have seen 100°F down to -30°F with the wind chill.
This article will cover what we have done to our van to make it as comfortable as possible and what we do when those measures aren’t quite enough. We will also cover some other options out there on the market.
Our steps for Climate Control
The first plan was to t-shirt chase. For the first 6 months of Vanlife, we had a mapped-out plan of our trip. Plans rarely survive first contact and our plan was no exception.
We learned that lesson during a Polar Vortex in October of 2020. While camped out in New Mexico, the temperature dropped into the 20s, followed by blinding snow and bitter winds.
We were so happy to have recently installed our diesel heater. It was a solid 70 degrees in the van all night.
The heater we chose was a low-cost Amazon special, linked below.
This is a 12 volt, 5k watt Diesel Heater.
We run this off of our solar system.
The fuel is tapped straight from our van’s diesel tank with a Doorman Quick Connect Automotive Fitting.
This heater comes with a remote, which is great at 3:00 AM when you don’t want to get out of bed!
Checkout our Heater Install Video
Pro Tip:
These heaters need to be primed on initial start-up and after sitting for a long time. After that, you can turn them on and off as you need to enjoy a nice toasty day in the van. This has worked out great for us in the year that we have had the heater installed.
Heater Options
There are countless options on the market. Below are 2 of the premium options available. These heaters have 100s of reviews and are praised for their quality. However, we do not have any personal experience with them, so we highly encourage doing your own research.
Insulation for Better Climate Control
This is a very important step to maintaining excellent climate control. We installed Foam Board insulation from Lowes on the walls and ceiling of our van. Then we used Great Stuff spray foam to fill in all of the areas around the boards and all of the structural beams in the van.
It is important to insulate those as well because of an effect called thermal bridging.
Thermal bridging is the movement of heat across an object that is more conductive than the materials around it.
After all of that insulation, we mounted our panels to the walls ensuring to leave an air gap between the insulation and the walls.
This is an efficient and effective way to insulate your vehicle, but there are many ways to do it so choose whichever one fits your build.
Other Insulation Options
Havelock Wool
This is a very good, Eco-friendly, option for insulation, moisture control, and sound absorption. While this wool is a great and sustainable option, it is quite expensive at $150.00 per 100 square feet.
Our 150″ Ram Promaster would take around 325 square feet or 4 boxes of wool. That’s about $600.00 before tax and shipping.
Close Cell Spray Foam
There are a plethora of kits available online to DIY this step. There are also companies out there that will spray your van. This is the best all-around option for climate control in your van. Closed-cell foam is not vapor permeable and does not hold water. It also sound deadens. Spray foam has the highest R-Value per square inch.
Now that we have covered heating and insulation, let’s talk about staying cool.
Air Flow for Climate Control
This is hands down the most essential part of climate control. Having proper airflow can make or break a good nights sleep in the heat. Some people enjoy sleeping with their doors open and while that is great for them. That is not how Mindy and I roll.
We like to be locked up, stowed, and ready to drive away at any moment, if necessary.
This is why we opted for 2 MaxxAir Deluxe Fans.
We have absolutely loved these fans. Their customer support was great when we needed a new motor for one of our fans.
They have 10 speeds and can be open and running in the rain.
They also have a temperature sensor for 78 degrees F and the fans will run automatically to keep that temperature.
Other Fan Options
This Fan is also a 10 speed, but it comes with a remote.
Do not leave these open while driving. They have a high risk of the lid flying off.
There are plenty of, lower cost, Amazon special fans for less, but we have no experience with those.
Window Covers for Climate Control
Windows will be your biggest problem when it comes to climate control. Having window covers is a game-changer. Van windows are large and increase the heat in your vehicle substantially.
Mindy made our window covers due to the high cost of custom-fit covers and they have been working out really well for us.
She sewed Ripstop over Reflectix and put neodymium magnets in it to attach to the metal on our doors.
Options for our Non-Sewers
Wrapping Up Climate Control
All of the products above are very useful, but the hands down best climate control is to follow the weather you are comfortable with.
We check the weekly weather every morning to know exactly what we are getting into. The weather is not always avoidable, but if you pay attention to the weather, it can make your trip much more enjoyable.
We are very hobby driven people so we choose where we go based on what hobbies we feel like doing at the time and it has worked out really well for us for almost 2 years.
There are many more ways to have effective climate control in your van. With enough money and the will, there is always a way.
With enough solar, you can even run a small A/C, althuogh it is not very practical. Part of the joys of Vanlife is being in nature.
That’s it for this article guys. Although we are a part of the Amazon Associate Program none of these products are sponsored by a specific brand; they are products that we use or think are good options.
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Cheers,
Mindy and Joe
