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Winter Survival in Your Vehicle

Tips to stay safe and warm if living in your car or van or truck or RV during the winter.

Empowered Faith Life Solutions

1/12/20263 min read

a man sitting in the back of a truck looking at a waterfall
a man sitting in the back of a truck looking at a waterfall

WINTER SURVIVAL IN YOUR VEHICLE

A SIMPLE GUIDE TO LIVING IN YOUR CAR/ VAN/ TRUCK DURING THE COLD WINTER MONTHS

Living in a van or RV, especially during winter or as a form of off-grid living, comes with its unique set of challenges. Here are some tips to help van and vehicle dwellers, RV full-timers, and others in similar situations navigate winter survival and off-grid living:

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Though no one wants to mention it or acknowledge it, there is currently more people sleeping and living out of vehicles. Some by choice and others by necessity.

That doesn’t mean you have to lose your dignity. You simply will have to plan and move differently than someone in traditional housing.





General Tips:

  1. Insulation:

    • Insulate your vehicle to retain heat better. Use weather stripping, thermal curtains, and reflective window covers.

  2. Heating:

    • Invest in a safe heating source like a propane heater or a diesel heater. Make sure ventilation is adequate to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

  3. Clothing:

    • Layer up with warm clothing, including thermal underwear, hats, gloves, and insulated jackets.

  4. Sleeping Bag:

    • Use a high-quality, cold-rated sleeping bag to stay warm during the night. Or visit a thrift store and stock up on extra fleece blankets and a comforter or two.

  5. Hot Water Bottles:

    • Fill hot water bottles to keep your bed warm during the night.

  6. Weather Monitoring:

    • Stay informed about the weather conditions to plan ahead and avoid severe weather.

Power and Energy:

  1. Solar Power:

    • Install solar panels on your vehicle to generate electricity for lighting, charging devices, and powering small appliances. Can’t afford solar? Opt for one of those 12V car heaters. You can’t run it all night but you can warm up the interior for a time.

  2. Backup Power:

    • Carry a backup power source like a portable generator or a power bank. These are not as expensive anymore if you visit Shein or Temu.

    • Make sure to visit topcashback.com to get a percentage of your money back. This will help in the long run.

Water and Hygiene:

  1. Water Storage:

    • Have ample water storage and consider using insulated containers to prevent freezing.

    • Fill 20 oz. and 2-liter bottles of water if you can’t afford the fancy bottles or tanks.

    • Insulate with a blanket or towels.

  2. Winterized Plumbing:

    • If your vehicle has plumbing, make sure it's winterized to prevent pipes from freezing.

  3. Hygiene Habits:

    • Stay clean to prevent cold-related illnesses. Use wet wipes, dry shampoo, and other waterless hygiene products.

    • Of course, if you have a storage unit, you can “freshen up” by boiling water and taking a “bird bath”. Just get there early enough for privacy and stack your big furniture in the front to block outside view.

Safety:

  1. Emergency Kit:

    • Have an emergency kit with essentials like a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, and emergency blankets.

  2. Communication:

    • Keep a charged cellphone and a backup communication device for emergencies.

    • Walkie talkies are a viable option for couples and families.

  3. Location Planning:

    • Choose safe and legal places to park, and be aware of local regulations regarding overnight parking.

    • Secret: city hospitals have parking garages. Just don’t be obvious and of course find a way to black out your windows.

Community and Support:

  1. Connect with Others:

    • Join online communities of van dwellers or RV enthusiasts for advice and support.

  2. Local Resources:

    • Identify local resources such as shelters, food banks, and community centers for additional support.

  3. Work Opportunities:

    • Explore remote work options to sustain your lifestyle, and be open to seasonal employment.

    • Utilize any resources you may already have or hobbies that can bring income in for you. If you have a newer car, you can drive for Uber or Lyft or Doordash to keep some dollars in your pocket if you don’t have a 9 to 5 job.

Legal Considerations:

  1. Know the Laws:

    • Be aware of the laws and regulations regarding living in your vehicle in different areas.

    • Check for this ahead of time to save yourself some hassle.

  2. Documentation:

    • Keep important documents, such as vehicle registration and insurance, in order.

    • And in one place if possible



  1. Financial Planning:

    • Have a budget and savings plan to manage expenses effectively.

Remember, each situation is unique, and these tips may need to be adapted based on your specific circumstances and the local environment. Always prioritize safety and well-being.


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