Winter-ready van: how to make vanlife work in snow and ice

I read a guide on promobil.de about winter-ready camper vans and learned quite a few things I definitely need to keep in mind while converting my own van. Because once temperatures drop below freezing, it quickly becomes clear what really matters in a camper van.

The most important point is insulation: a winter-ready van is insulated all around, and the windows, rear doors and cab in particular are where the most heat is lost. Thermal mats can make a real difference there. On top of that comes a central hot-water heating system like the Alde Compact 3020 or 4000, which distributes heat evenly via convectors or heating coils - ideally even through the floor.

What I had completely underestimated before: the water tanks. Fresh and grey water tanks need to be insulated and heated, otherwise the onboard systems will quickly be knocked out by frost. Only then can you really stay off-grid continuously in winter.

The article also presents a selection of winter-ready camper vans. For me as a self-builder, it's a great checklist: thick insulation, hot-water heating, heated tanks - and then nothing stands in the way of a winter holiday in the van.

Source: promobil