When you plan to recharge your batteries using solar power, the winter can be a difficult time to get electricity. The efficiency of solar power is lower during the winter than during the summer. As you use lights and heat longer, they drain more energy. If you do not want to use electricity to heat your van, here are some methods you can use:
- Paraffin/ Bioethanol heaters
- Freestanding heater
- Terracotta/pot heaters
- Wood stove
- Soap Stones
1.Paraffin/Bioethanol heaters
A boat like this would be better off with one of these. Using bioethanol for tabletop fires is a good idea. It is important to keep in mind ventilation when working in a hot area. The odor of some fuels is really bad, but they are cheaper. Ensure that the fuel you are purchasing is the right type.
2.Freestanding heater
Hardware stores or Amazon carry these small portable heaters for a reasonable price. They do not require electricity since they run on gas canisters. They used to be on the boat when it was anchored in a cove. The following points should be kept in mind:
- Since each canister lasts about 4-8 hours, you will need a lot.
- Condensation and carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by ventilating the space. It is important to open the hatch or window prior to using it.
Gas heaters of this type are usually recommended for outdoor use only. Awnings and outdoor spaces can be heated with them.
3. Terracotta/ pot heaters:
In spite of the fact that vanlife communities have used them for a very long time, they are a relatively new concept. Heat is applied to a pot, and it is then retained for a long time. A wood stove has many drawbacks, including a naked flame, difficulty regulating the temperature, slow cooling, and a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Wood stove:
Especially for people living in campervans for a long time and on a budget, wood stoves are often installed. It is possible to heat a camper without electricity using this method. Wood stoves in camper vans have many advantages, but they also have some disadvantages:
- Carrying wood or stopping near it is necessary.
- Temperature regulation in vehicles is difficult.
- Cooling takes a long time.
- The cost of insuring motorhomes and campers is extremely high.
Campervan heaters installed on the roof are the least popular. This is not worth considering because there are so many instances of things going wrong. When purchasing one, it is important to conduct a thorough research.
5. A soap/heat stone:
As far as retaining heat for an extended period of time is concerned, soapstone is unbeatable. Unlike wood-burning bed heaters, coal is used to heat the bed. This method can be used as follows:
- In the oven or fire, place the stone for about 30 minutes.
- Be sure to wrap the stone in a protective bag or towel so that your sheets won’t be burned.
- Place it on your bed. If you do this, you will be able to sleep for several hours in comfort.
- With these, it gets extremely hot! Be careful not to burn yourself in bed! They can also be difficult to locate, so keep an eye out for them.
