Like most, when you think about vanlife, you likely picture warm summer days. You’re going from site to site in your van, sitting around campfires in t-shirts, drinking cold drinks, and thinking about the next day of travel. But if you only take your van out when the weather is warm, you’re missing out on something BIG.
There is no better time to travel in a van than in winter when the air is cold, there’s snow on the ground, and plenty of snow sports to be done. Not to mention, no matter where you go, it’ll be quiet, not crowded, and serene. This is vanlife at its best!
And…just like a home, you’ll want your van to be warm and cozy, like a mobile forest lodge. In this article, we cover 4 ways to prepare your van for winter adventures, so that you can get out there and experience the very best that winter has to offer.
Make Sure Your Heater is Clean
Firstly, a warm van is a cozy van. And for most of us, this means making sure your heater – the one in your van’s living space – is up to snuff. Based on the fuel your van uses and who built your van, most heaters are going to be Webasto or Espar.
Because these systems rely on the fuel from your van’s fuel tank to run, they need to be used every so often. This makes sure that any soot built up can be cleaned out (by the heater’s fan) before it gets gunked up. Some of the things you can do to make sure your heater is ready for winter are the following:
- Never run the heater for less than 20-30 minutes. This will ensure that everything in the system gets cycled out.
- When turning off the heater from a low setting, run it on high for 10 minutes before turning it off.
- Avoid leaving the heater on low for long periods of time. Instead, try running the heater in cycles on high to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- In the summertime, run the heater once a month for about 20 minutes (or longer) on high to flush the system, keep fresh fuel in the lines, and keep the heater clean. Even though it might be warm out, open your doors and turn the fan to keep the van from getting too hot inside the van.
These steps will prevent your heater from filling full of soot which can cause your unit to fail early.
Consider Having Your Heater Rebuilt
Just like any machine fed, at times heaters need to be rebuilt, and new parts put in. This usually means taking out and taking apart the heater, cleaning out/off all of the parts, and putting in new gaskets, glow pin screens, and other parts.
Because your heater is fragile and tied into your fuel system, it’s best to let Webasto/Espar trained techs, like the great people at The Vansmith, do this work. A standard heater rebuild done by The Vansmith costs about $800. It includes fully taking out and taking apart your heater, completely cleaning it out, and replacing high-wear and gunked-up parts using real Webasto and Espar service kits.
Upgrade Your Insulation
Just like your home, your van’s insulation – which sits between the metal shell and the inside walls of your van’s living space – will help to keep your van warm even in the coldest of nights. And, while there are many kinds of insulation, after building and sleeping in hundreds of vans, we can truly say that the best, most eco-friendly, warmest insulation on the planet is Havelock Wool Insulation (Havelock Wool). This natural fiber is made from the same stuff your wool sweater is made from. It keeps its insulation rating (i.e., R-Value) for roughly 50 years (Havelock Wool), has self-extinguishing materials, and handles moisture unlike any other foam or fiberglass insulation on the market (Havelock Wool).
Winter van prep isn’t just about staying warm inside the rig – it’s also about keeping your systems happy when temps drop below freezing. Pay care to your water system: open lines and tanks can freeze quickly, mainly if you’re parked all night in the mountains. If you have an outside fresh water tank, think about adding tank heaters or insulating wraps, and always carry a backup water jug inside the living space where it’s warmer.
For those running a simple jug-and-pump setup, store your main water supply inside the van and keep a small amount in an easy-to-reach container. This way you’re not digging through frozen doors first thing in the morning.
Another part of smart winter van prep is planning for moisture control. Cold air outside and warm air inside means water build-up – on windows, metal framing, and even under your mattress. Crack a roof vent slightly when cooking or running your heater, and use padded window covers at night to cut down on heat loss and water build-up.
If you’re spending a lot of time in snowy areas, think about adding a small 12V fan or using your vent fan on low to keep air moving. A dry van is a warmer van, and it’ll help protect your build from mold and long-term damage.
And…it’s not just about the insulation between the walls. Wrapping your walls with Landau foam batting and fabric will make your van look cozier, and these parts also ensure that the warmth inside stays inside longer.
At The Vansmith, we offer complete, easy wall sets for Sprinters, Promasters, and Transits. As a bonus, these walls can be wrapped with a Byrne high-performance fabric that is highly woven for long wear. This wrap has a Landau foam under it to help with insulation, sound blocking, and allows for a soft touch.
Window Covers Make All the Difference
Did you know that every window or fan lowers the R-Value inside your van? That’s because these are the spots that offer the least insulation and become perfect areas for moisture to build up.
Just like the install in your walls, your windows and fans should have well-made, tough insulative covers that offer more R-Value than that towel you’re taping on the window. We know you’ve done this already…since we have. Unlike towels, well-made window and fan covers will greatly boost the work your heater does and will give you all the privacy you'll need when snuggling up close ;-).
In our minds, some of the best custom window and fan covers on the market are made by VanEssentials. And, like anything else vanlife related, we can help you order these so that they fit your windows and fans just right.
Ready to dial in your winter van preparation or schedule a heater rebuild? Reach out to our team and contact us to get your rig set up for cold-weather adventures.
Conclusion
As we’ve said in previous articles, one of the coolest ways (pun meant) to use your van is as a winter ski lodge. And just like any other winter lodge, you’ll want to make sure that your van can get warm and stay warm while you’re out on the slopes. This way, when you get back you can strip down and have a beer or hot cocoa just like you would at home.
When setting up your van for winter, The Vansmith has all you need to keep your stoke high, no matter what trips you plan.
Or, if you’re more of a sun lover and would rather prep your van for winter storage, The Vansmith can help you do that as well! For only $150, The Vansmith can assess your van and fully winterize your water system so that it’s ready to roll when the sun comes back out.
As always, our job is to make it easy for you to live the free life that only a van can offer. Email or call us any time to discuss how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my van ready for winter van preparation and cold-weather travel?
Start by making sure your heater is clean and working properly, then look at your insulation, window coverings, and how you’ll manage moisture and condensation. Treat your van like a small cabin: seal drafts, protect your water system from freezing, and plan for safe ventilation when heating and cooking.
How often should I run my Webasto or Espar heater to keep it clean?
Never run the heater for less than 20–30 minutes so the system can fully cycle and burn off soot. In summer, run it about once a month on high for at least 20 minutes with the doors open to flush the system, keep fresh fuel in the lines, and prevent buildup.
Is it bad to run my diesel heater on low all the time in winter?
Yes, running your heater on low for long periods can lead to soot buildup and shorten the life of the unit. Instead, run it on high in cycles to reach a comfortable temperature, then turn it off and repeat as needed.
When should I consider rebuilding my van’s heater?
If your heater is older, unreliable, or struggling to start or stay lit, it may be time for a rebuild. A proper rebuild involves removing the unit, fully cleaning it, and replacing high-wear parts like gaskets and glow pin screens using the correct service kits.
Can I rebuild my Webasto or Espar heater myself?
Technically you can, but these heaters are tied into your fuel system and have delicate components, so it’s safer to have a trained Webasto/Espar technician do the work. A professional rebuild, like the ones done at The Vansmith, ensures the heater is fully cleaned, correctly reassembled, and fitted with the right replacement parts.
