I have that little heater, it works a treat. It allows me to lower my general heat, but have a warmer cozy spot to read a book or watch a film. I haven't tried the bitty fan or coffee pot. I also have a CO detector. I thought I wanted to install a wood stove but changed my mind. I do have an alcohol fireplace, and it warms a larger space. It also does not lose heat up a chimney, very efficient. I have the same pompom socks, warm but I cut those annoying pompoms off.

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

aha. Of course!!! Just cut the damn pompoms off. Why hadn't I thought of that haha. I am really keen on the fireplace vibe - but haven'T got the skills (yet) to make it safe and efficient !! Thanks for watching my video !

I’ve looked at this heater so many times but haven’t been brave enough to try it. So glad you did the vlog to share your experiment. Thanks Jack

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

Well at that price I thought - no harm in trying ... if you turn it side down, it's a catchy flower pot haha ...

@JonTanOsb

2 ай бұрын

@@jackvandean Upside down, it's also good for drying cutlery and cooking utensils, after washing up. :) Jon in rural BC, Canada

The warmest thing I have is a ski vest I picked up for $2 at a thrift store. It is comfortable and isn't bulky like a coat. Also, a lovely drab green, not Pepto Bismol pink! A total change in lifestyle renders most of your goods useless then requires new comforts and tools. I still want to quilt, and ended up switching to English Paper Piecing, all hand work. Turned my one year supply of fabric to a lifetime supply. I shared my fabric with a youngun who works at the grocery. My son and DIL loaded up a Uhaul for their first house and my gkids learned to play piano on my antique upright. I bought a keyboard 😊 Not exactly minimalism, but keeping the activities I like.

@jackvandean

2 ай бұрын

Hey Rebecca, thanks for watching and sharing. I love thrift shops. Actually my whole van build is made out of thrift finds. I should have mentioned that in the van tour !!

@JonTanOsb

2 ай бұрын

@@jackvandean There's still time. And people Do want to know about your loo and how you shower. I know, bizarre, but they do. I mean, how can we learn what will work for us, if KZreadrs don't show us? Jon in rural BC, Canada

Oh, by the way, a simple and cheap solution for the cold feet when you are going to sleep is putting warm water in an empty PET bottle (soft drink bottle), close it and put it near you feet or under them. A more "appropriate" solution would be, of course, a hot water bag.

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

Of course, a warm water bottle should also have been on my shopping list. So much for minimalism, eh

Nice to see it worked out for you, it's also helpful for someone who may want to convert their first van but might not be able to deal with the cost of a diesel heater immediately, im glad the algorithm brought me to your joyful channel

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

Hope so! And thank you for watching (and discovering my channel !)

Looks like van life is beginning to suit you 😊🥰

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

It does! Though this week - there was a TWIST

Howdy again! You can use terra cotta flower pots with tea candles that can heat up a small space quite nicely. There are many videos on here that will show you the process of making a good one. No fumes & just takes about four tea candles to provide heat for hours!! Big hugs you hot hairy man you!!!!!!!!!!!!! MUAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the flower pot tip. You are right - there are a lot of tutorials online. I just found that a bit too risky because the construction might not be so stable / safe. Big Bear Hug

@alfwaibel4773

3 ай бұрын

Very dangerous, especially in a camper.

@doctorkayak

3 ай бұрын

Oh GAWD, GET A ROOM! 😉

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

@@doctorkayak you crack me up !

Hey Jack! Just to recommend - if you would find a suitable space to mount it - there are some very tiny but powerful enough tent wood stoves available, 30cmx30cm in size. The great thing in this: You always able to find a little bit of firewood, it costs nothing, you can cook on the stove too, and the dry heat of the wood stove is able to dry your van insides, which is very nice, when you are close to the ocean, where the air is very humid. I have one built into my RV, as a backup. Works fine.

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

That sounds really great. Do you have a link or a photo. Not really sure what I would be looking for. size-wise it would be perfect - and a wood stove would add to the rustic look my van has. So many questions however ... Would appreciate some more info ...

@alfwaibel4773

3 ай бұрын

@ndeanYou have to mount a chimney in your van, either let it out of the side in 45 degree and then upwards, or straight through the roof. In my build, a part of the chimney stands out of the roof during the drive (approx 20cm), with a tight cap for rain protection. And when I park, I stick the end piece (approx 40cm with the hat) on the top, and smoke will go out with no problems.

@alfwaibel4773

3 ай бұрын

@ndeanOne thing you should have in mind: When placing this little boy in your van, you should have either enough clearance around it, or protect the nearby wall(s) against the heat radiation. I have done this with a special self adhesive aluminium foil (maybe you are able to get a golden color one), which reflects the heat back into the room, with an additional layer of fiber glass mat plus a thin heat resistand layered wooden board behind it. Plus a fan to distribute the heat nicely in the room, would be suggested. When starting the fire, it´s also a good idea to have the door open due this process, because when you start a fire, there could be also a little bit of smoke, going into the van, before the fire is perfectly burning. And: Always use nice dry wood, especially for starting the fire - otherwise you turn the inside of your van into a smoke chamber 🤣 This stoves are quite secure and suited for tents, although - it´s an open fire in a stove, which needs a little bit of attention, don´t forget that. One more thing: To get the chimney through the roof, you have to look for a heat resistant silicon (tent suitable) silicon connector/sealing piece. You are to find them very easy, for example on Amazon.

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

I will have to check a couple of KZread tutorials I guess before committing. My tiny van might be just a tad too small for this set-up. (great thing of being just 2 metres tall - is I get into all restricted parking areas) Your extra 20cm screws that up ---- Oh, now I am already thinking of bigger, better build !!!

@alfwaibel4773

3 ай бұрын

@@jackvandeanAn excellent idea, Jack. But for the 20cm, I mentioned: This is not really necessary - you could make the outlet quite more or less precisely matching the roof top, maybe with just enough space to put the cap on and insert the end piece with the hat, when using the stove (5cm should do the job). It´s just, how I have done it - I have an already monster of an RV with around 3,40m high. 😁

Nice one!

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

First 🙈😉 very nice and all intersting cost-effective solution, 👍 how about connecting Your batteries to Your alternator/Lichtmaschine, so Batts are charged when Youre driving(?) Just saying 🙏😇 Greetings to Va(n)lencia 🖖😉

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

You were first here indeed, aa soon as the video dropped (is that what them youngsters call it ?). And to answer your question. Found a "sponsor", so now looking into possibilities here and back home ! Thanks for the tip

After going the spare no expense route for much of my life and my van journey, I've come to feel that I am 100% for people finding those cheap yet very effective solutions. My Mr. Buddy heater has been a godesnd in my campervan, and is way cheaper than most installed heating options. That being said, if you have a diesel heater, they're amazing and you should use it! What you need is a battery charger and/or battery isolator. It'll connect your house battery(ies) to your alternator when the van is running, and disconnect the connection when it's not running so it won't drain your starting battery. The great thing too is that these devices are relatively cheap. If you drive your van once every 2-3 days, this will be all you need. Combine this with some solar, and you shouldn't need anything else. But, a bigger or better battery also helps a ton. If you haven't invested in a lithium battery, it helps a lot. Combine 100 amp hours or more of lithium battery capacity, with 100 watts or more of solar, and a battery charger/isolator, and you will never run out of juice to keep your diesel heater, lights and devices charged (as long as you're not trying to run high powered things on the battery often, like an electric heater, air conditioning, hair dryers etc.). All that said, I'm glad you found good, cheap options for staying warm! Basic comfort things while living in a tiny space shouldn't be underestimated, they make all the difference. Have a wonderful time with your newfound freedom! For those that can afford vanlife these days, it's an amazing way to live.

@jackvandean

2 ай бұрын

Hey Thanks for your response. Without probably knowing it from watching this one video - you were describing exactly the set-up I have at the moment with a 100w solar panel, 100amp agm battery and a battery charger. Now go check out my last video - and indulge in the misery that this set-up is bringing me (though - you are right - it should be a god-send)

I hate cold feet. Right now I'm wearing socks and my slippers are on the floor if I have to walk anywhere in my little house. The house is 546 sq. ft. on a slab floor, and while it feels great to walk barefoot on in the summer/fall heat (30-40+ C), winter kills me. I've got a butane hob, as well, for camping and power outages, and have been looking at those types of heaters. Most people with Buddy Heaters say they are way too hot for their van. And I like that your heater just sits on the cooker. And the coffee is a plus. I like the trivet you added for your coffee pot. I just bought a bigger kettle. Having British parents, I cannot live without my tea. You can also put on one of those small wood stove fans that turn from the heat. They have some small enough for the Buddy Heater so that would fit, so you don't melt your plastic fan. :) Ah, a former teacher. No wonder you're good in front of an audience; and probably why you miss the noise. :) I used to volunteer at my son's school, teaching creative writing. I can't believe he'll be 34 this year. Jon in rural BC, Canada

@jackvandean

2 ай бұрын

now if there's one thing I don't miss about teaching ... it is the noise of 25 pubescent youngsters refusing to start their lesson German haha

@JonTanOsb

2 ай бұрын

44! Damn. They grow up too fast; or I just got old fast. Jon

Glad to see that you have your Carbon Monoxide detector.

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

It's a must! Though luckily enough - hasn't gone off once

@JonTanOsb

2 ай бұрын

@@jackvandean Butane hobs are rated for indoors. A lot of Chinese food places and homes use them. The carbon dioxide is also caused from expelled breath, and because both you and the flame need oxygen, the build-up of CO2 will set off your detector. So you don't die in your sleep, essentially. I'm not scientific, either, but I love to research. :) Jon in rural BC, Canada

I believe that burning propane produces a lot of water vapour. I think this is why most people don’t use it in a van due to the amount of condensation it creates. Also, you seem like a very nice bloke. I really enjoyed watching your video

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

Interesting! I must admit, I haven't noticed any extra condensation at the moment. Maybe because the heater only burns for a short amount of time, or maybe that little condense cushion I have in the van actually DOES work ... Glad you stumbled on my channel and enjoyed it ! Thanks

@hankcuccina5260

3 ай бұрын

Good point Johannus, i would have got that you beaut diesel heater going, they are supposed to be very good.

It's probably "politically correct" and polite to say 13 degrees is "fresh" 😁 .. while some (me included) might say it's still too f**king COLD inside .. and even 18C is not quite enough to feel yourself comfortable for long .. however, it's good to see that the new heater works and just the knowing that you have the opportunity to warm yourself up whenever you want or need makes a big step forward in the quality of life. And very soon you will hit 10K subs .. no doubt about that 👍

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

I kept on wanting to say "nippy", but was not sure that is even English. The heater definitely takes the "edge off" - which at that price is perfect. Lots of recommendations to connect my 2 batteries ... and ALL my problems (well - all ??) will be solved

Nice solution. I would also recommend a battery 2 battery charger (from the alternator) I have a Renogy 20a one I'd recommend. Currently driving around Spain also and never need to use my folding solar panel 👍

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

I think I need to bite the bullet and get it done ! Everyone is recommending it. At the moment I have been quite sedentary here in Valencia - so the solar works fine for me - but soon I will be travelling "north" again - and want guarantee warmth!

@james3418

3 ай бұрын

@@jackvandean yeah definitely recommend it worth it's weight 👍 I'm working my way slowly to Valencia currently I'm around malaga the weather has been glorious the last week

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

I think I am ready for "glorious" weather... Valencia is nice (great compared to back home) but not glorious .... we're going to cross paths ?

@james3418

3 ай бұрын

@@jackvandean possibly It would be cool to meet up for a coffee if we're crossing paths 👍

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

@@james3418 Absolutely... leep me posted on your whereabouts. I am kinda stuck in the Valencia area

You cant "boost" the heat more than the output of the device. But you can direct it or spread it more evenly to be more comfortable.

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

OK Boost wrong choice of word. Buit you got the jist, right ?

@et8893

3 ай бұрын

@@jackvandeanRight. But others might think you can boost heat. But all good...

Nice van BUT what a big show that is!!!...A electric blanket...and your done ...with the show.

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

I know!! But if you followed my travels, you would know I am out of Electricity at the moment .... so then It would just be .... a blanket ;-)

Why do you need an extravagant luxury such as a heater?

A chinese diesel heater is only 100€ and is safer than the thing you are using in the video. You can only use that if your van is well ventilated, because it uses up Oxygen and it generates water vapor and CO2 in stead. A chinese webasto on the other hand doesn't take a lot of space and has an axhaust pipe that goes outside the van. Diesel is also much cheaper to burn than canned gas...

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

You are absolutely right. If you check my other videos then you would see I have an Autoterm diesel heater, which because of a electricity problem does not work. This cheap heater is an interim and totally worthwhile solution. Thanks for watching and your input

Don't know whether that is good or bad, but you looked like a teacher and now you are starting to sound like a van lifer. Das heißt übrigens nicht „ventilator“ (zumindest nicht im amerikanischen Englisch), sondern üblicherweise „Fan“. Natürlich gibt es das Wort „Ventilator“ im Englischen, aber ich vermute, dass es für medizinische Geräte verwendet wird („Luftbeatmungsgerät“, wenn man ein Lungenproblem hat). Interessanterweise sagen wir in meiner Muttersprache „Ventilador“.

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

I thought I looked / sounded quite like the language teacher there for a second - explaining the ferreteria, cafeteria etc ... haha. Wow what a language mistake to make - maybe because everyone here calls it a "pequino ventilador". Ich habe wieder etwas dazugelernt. Danke dafür !

@JonTanOsb

2 ай бұрын

@@jackvandean We're never too old to learn. But I knew what you meant, and the visual of you holding the fan should have made it clear, even to the most discerning of viewers. :) Jon in rural BC, Canada

Howdy Jack!! Glad that you have heat now! Otherwise you might have to get some human companionship to keep you warm! 😘 Big hugs & Tugs from Kenny in Ohio USA!!!!!!!!!!

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

You do make me laugh. I knew I should have worked on a double bed construction in my micro camper ;-)

drive to tropics kook

@jackvandean

3 ай бұрын

Which tropics would that be in Europe ? :-)

@okolepuka3134

3 ай бұрын

@@jackvandean equatorial Africa or India. Downhill