Van Features for Winter Camping
There are a few features to be on the lookout for when choosing a camper van for a winter camping trip.
Heaters
Choosing a van with a heater is a no-brainer. And diesel or gasoline heaters, such as a Webasto heater, are the top pick for toasty toes. These types of heaters consume low levels of energy, and they are safe. By siphoning low levels of fuel from the vehicle, the heater then combusts the fuel inside a heat exchanger before a fan blows the hot air into the cab of the van.
Portable heaters are also a great option to keep you snug as a bug in a rug. Electric heaters are generally safer than propane or gas heaters, but will consume more energy from your van. Propane heaters run the risk of releasing odorless carbon monoxide, which is poisonous in a confined, unventilated space. Never keep a propane heater running overnight or unattended. Use these heaters with extreme caution and consistent monitoring to keep you and your fellow travelers safe and secure throughout the night.
Window Coverings
Window coverings have a big impact on regulating the temperature of your van. Whether you’re in the hot desert heat of Joshua Tree or in the chilly winds of Acadia National Park, window coverings preserve the internal temperatures of your van with zero energy from your van and very little effort on your part.
Insulated window coverings, like windows in a van, come in all shapes and sizes. Most coverings are designed with magnets on the edges that easily snap into place around each window. Once secured, the insulated window coverings keep heat or AC in while also providing privacy to your home on wheels.
4×4 and chains
If icy, snowy roads are on the agenda, then you might need a 4×4 vehicle. Four-wheel drive (4×4) vehicles offer more clearance, better traction, and a sturdier suspension. You’ll appreciate that extra oomph when you hear the snow crunch under the tires, giving you the confidence to safely navigate winter roads.
If the weather looks more extreme, then putting chains on your tires may be the best move. The chains add extra grip to your tires to lock in extra traction to navigate ice and thick snow. Installing chains on your tires is often worth the effort to get over those mountain passes safely. When you rent a winter-ready GoCamp van, the van will be prepared appropriately for your travels, so you don’t get stuck out in the cold.