Maybe you are traveling in cold regions like Alaska, or maybe you are chasing the slopes. Whatever the reason for traveling in the snow, you need to be prepared.
Here is an essential list of winter gear for camper vans that you won’t want to miss out on.
Traveling in the winter is completely different than traveling during any other season. Your van could grow mold, you could hit below-freezing temperatures, or you could get stuck in the snow. You should prepare for anything to happen, so we have compiled a list of winter items that have been useful to us and other winter van lifers.
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First, here are all of the items in a chart that we have decided to talk about in this post.
Camper Van Apparel for Cold Weather
Choosing the right clothing materials is one of the best essentials to stay warm during the winter in your camper van. It would help if you also were smart about layering your clothes.
Some materials are scratchy and unpleasant unless you layer a soft material underneath. Odds are, the scratchy materials, like wool, will keep you the warmest, all you need to do is figure out how to layer clothes correctly.
Clothing
Opt for warm clothing made of sweat-wicking materials- that’s why most van lifers choose wool and cotton.
If you want the most use out of your camper van clothes, there is a correct way of layering different materials to help you fight the cold. Here is the correct way to wear different materials.
1. Wool– since wool wicks away dampness and sweat, it’s better to put this material closer to the skin but not directly on it as it can get scratchy.
2. Cotton– Cotton helps insulate the body by regulating air that reaches your skin. This material is best worn close to your skin to regulate body temperature. When paired with wool, wear cotton closest to the skin.
3. Polyester– Polyester is a thin and lightweight material that is perfect for wintertime camper van activities because it locks in the heat from your body and shields you from windy weather. Outerwear and base layers are a great use of this material.
4. Silk– Silk can be a great way to combat cold weather in your camper van. This material wicks away moisture keeping your skin from sweating. Silk is also a soft layer you can place under rough materials such as wool.
Feet Covering
Shoes are equally as important as clothing. I don’t know about you, but my feet get cold before anything else. It helps to choose the right socks and shoes.
Just like with your clothing, you need something sweat-wicking close to your feet. When your feet sweat, the cold air will hit them and make your feet even colder, so instead of trapping heat, the wrong materials will bring the cold to your feet and cause an unpleasant experience.
Water Proof Boots
There is a difference between waterproof and water-resistant boots. Opt for waterproof so water from snowy surroundings doesn’t penetrate your footwear.
Look for materials such as rubber, full-grain leather, and neoprene to keep your feet completely dry from melting snow.
Wool Socks
The best socks for wintertime travel in your camper van are Merino Wool socks. These socks are both insulating and moisture-wicking.
You can choose from other warm options such as wool, polyester, cotton, or spandex to keep your toes warm.
Camper Van Emergency Winter Essentials
Emergency items are essential to your winter camper van arsenal. Items like snow chains, rock salt, and a shovel are all items you will need to carry while it’s snowing.
2. Tire Chains
Tire chains for camper vans, like the Super Z6 Cable Tire Chain, should only be used when a significant layer of snow and ice on the ground.
Chains will help you gain more traction on slippery roads. The Super Z6 is the perfect snow chain because the company offers an easy sizing chart and a variety of sizes for all types of vehicles.
Some roads may even legally require you to have them on your vehicle while it’s snowing- you really don’t want to skip out on this winter gear for your camper van.
Choosing tire chains for your camper van doesn’t need to be difficult- follow these steps or ask a professional which chains would work best for your camper van.
Step 1– Measure the tire chain at its length after you lay it on the ground.
Step 2– Measure the width of the tire chain when it’s laid flat on the ground.
Step 3– Measure the thickness of the chains- thickness helps determine how much traction you will get.
After these steps, you will want to compare your measurements to a size chart. Typically the chain brand will come with a chart you can compare your measurements with.
3. Winter Tires
Winter tires aren’t always a necessary winter essential for your camper van- all-season tires and chains should work just fine.
If you find yourself in snowy areas, you may need to purchase snow tires like Bridgestone Blizzaks. These tires come with fantastic ratings, with many customers from Alaska saying they are perfect for their roads.
PS- Please bring snow chains and traction boards if you opt out of snow tires. In fact, still, bring the snow chains even if you do have installed winter tires. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
The reason I say you may not need winter tires is because in some areas it may be illegal to have studded tires. You may need to change your tires according to the area you are in or from season to season. It can be frustrating keeping up with laws and switching out your tires.
FYI, studded and winter tires are not the same thing. Studded tires are for extreme weather conditions, and have studs on them for more traction. Winter tires (snow tires) do not have studs on them, but still have winter technology to help you navigate snowy paths easier.
4. Traction Boards
Traction boards, and recovery boards, are perfect for those van lifers looking to do off-roading.
These boards aren’t just useful winter gear for camper vans but extreme off-roading during any season.
The tiny knobs built into the long board are placed on the ground, in front of your tires providing traction. You can now rest easy knowing if you get stuck in the snow, traction boards provide an easy solution. Now you don’t need to search for rocks to place under your tires.
The All-Top Recovery Boards are perfect for camper vans because they are compact and can handle large amounts of weight. Many customers swear by these boards to get them out of stuck situations.
5. Rock Salt
Even though you are equipped with traction boards and snow chains, it’s best to be fully prepared for getting stuck in the snow. Add eco-friendly ice-melt rock salt to your list of wintertime camper van essentials.
We recommend taking a small jar full of Pet Safe Snow & Ice Melt on your winter journeys. This brand is pet and child friendly, and it’s better for the environment than other brands.
6. Shovel and Ice Scraper
Don’t be one of those people that drive off in the morning after a blizzard with piles of snow on your van. Please be responsible and scrape your windshield for clarity and brush your van so traffic behind you isn’t getting pelted by snow from your roof.
TIROL ice brush, scrape, and shovel make for a great snow removal combo for your van winter arsenal.
7. Emergency Roadside Kit
Always have an emergency roadside kit whether you are traveling in your van during the winter or summer time.
An emergency kit should prepare you for the worst-case scenarios. Heaven forbid you should get into a wreck, but hey, it’s better to be over-prepared than not prepared at all.
8. Winch
If you are daring and like to test your off-roading abilities, you may consider installing a wench on your camper van. You do not want to go cheap on winches because they could ruin your bumper or snap.
We recommend using a heavy-duty winch because you are “towing” your heavy camper van out of the snow with added weight in your living space. Even though your van may not weigh 18,000 pounds, you are still fighting against the snow or sand that has your van stuck.
Installing a winch may be difficult, so make sure you read up on it first before your factory bumper pops off. If you don’t want to install it yourself, you can get it professionally done.
9. Car Battery Jumper
It’s best to be the most self-sufficient you can be in your camper van. Boondocking in remote areas could leave you stranded in the worst weather conditions.
Keep a portable battery jumper in your camper van’s winter supply at all times. This accessory will help jumpstart your battery without the help of other vehicles- as you can see a battery jumper is great to have on hand, especially if you are camping where there Is no one around.
For smaller batteries, you could get away with 600-800A, which provides the least amount of output for jumpstarting a battery.
I recommend getting a portable jumper with 2,000-2,200A for diesel camper vans or camper vans with a high-liter engine.
Essential Winter Items for Inside the Camper Van
If you live in your camper van during the winter months, you will need more than just emergency items. Your camper van is your home and should be treated as such. Here are some items for winter camping in your van that will keep you toasty, cozy, and warm.
10. Insulated Window Covers
Insulated window covers will help keep the warm air in your camper van and the cold winter air out. Windows are the one place you will lose most of your heat and should be covered by insulation.
You will need to measure the length and width of your windows, I recommend covering the front glass, the passenger, driver, and back windows at night time.
You can check out all the different sizes of window covers here at Amazon.
11. Refillable Gas Bottle
Let’s say your heater runs on propane, you may need to purchase refillable propane bottles to add to your camper van winter supply.
You may also have other items, such as gas griddles or water heaters that run on propane.
If you are going on longer trips, you may need to store more bottles. Check your heater and appliance manual for how long the gas will last and fill it accordingly.
12. Heater
Are heaters even essential winter gear in a camper van? It just depends on where you are traveling and how well you can tolerate the cold without one.
There are several types of heaters you can choose from…
- Propane
- Diesel
- Electric
- Wood stove
If you don’t want to install the heater in your camper van, you may not need one.
Sleeping bags, a warm water bottle, cuddles, and your dog’s warmth may suffice.
if you are traveling in weather that Is below the teens, I recommend getting a heater for your van.
Our camper van heater post goes into more detail on each type of heater and how to install them.
13. Water Heater
A water heater is simply not a luxury item when taking a shower in the wintertime. Install a water heater into your camper van bathroom and warm up with a hot shower.
You may need to turn the shower off while soaping up to save the warm water, but it’s better than showering with cold water and freezing all night.
Try the Camplux Propane water heater that runs off propane and provides 1.3 GPM of hot water.
14. Heated Steering Wheel and Seat Covers
You don’t need a heated steering wheel or seat covers, but man, do they feel good after a long freezing hike through the snow.
If your van doesn’t come with heated seats, you can always buy some covers like the Carshion Seat Covers.
15. Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are somewhat of an argument amongst van lifers. Some seem to think you don’t need it, some seem to think you do need it. From personal experience, I believe dehumidifiers are an excellent way to keep moisture out of your camper van, especially in winter.
We have struggled with mold problems in our RV and camper van- the only thing that helped was a dehumidifier. Unfortunately, these devices require power to work. Some devices use less power, like the Tabyik small Dehumidifier.
16. Shoe Dryer
Shoe dryers are another item you don’t necessarily NEED, but it does help. When walking around in the snow, you may get the inside of your shoes wet.
Your shoes will eventually go into your vehicle, presenting moisture you’re working so hard to prevent. A shoe dryer like this will keep your shoes smelling fresh and your camper van from getting wet.
Winter Gear Conclusion
I hope you find these camper van winter gear essentials helpful when you travel in the snow. Let me know of some gear that has helped you survive the snowy months.
