Tips for Van Dwellers and Pop-Up users

I have a 30 year old Chevy van I've "converted" to a small RV. It has a twin bed, counters, chest of drawers, storage and a porta-potty. But it doesn't have heat. I've been trying to think of ways to stay warm sleeping, without suffocating myself in the process. I use an electric heater - ceramic - that puts out a tremendous amount of heat down to 10 degrees...(van is well insulated). But for those chilly nights or even cold nights I wanted something safe, non-flamable and affordable. Tonight I found this!! It's not only perfect for keeping my dog warm during the day when I'm in the library writing and working, but I can use it at night!!

The Pooch Pal 12-Volt Dog Crate Mat -- Dog Heater
Whether you use it in your dog crate, dog trailer, or even your back seat, your dog will enjoy the Pooch Pal Waterproof Heating Pad -- during overnight stays at hotels, travel during cold fall and winter days, or after a chilly duck or pheasant hunt. It's also great for a cold duck boat or as a heated seat in your deer stand! It only draws 15 watts of power, so you can safely use it all night long. Once plugged in to your vehicle's 12 volt outlet or cigarette lighter, it quickly reaches 105-108 degrees F and will maintain that temperature until unplugged. I'm thinking this thing tucked under my sheets will be a great way to stay warm!!!

Dimensions -- 11" X 22" with 14 ft. heavy duty cord. $54.95

Have you found anything that can be "ADAPTED" for camping or van-dwelling?

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Permalink Reply by Becky Blanton on November 21, 2009 at 8:49pm: Oh, if you're looking for a hose heater....try: http://cozywinters.com/shop/kh-5080-5090.html

Best for those with shore power, but if you hate trying to uncoil a frozen hose anywhere, not a bad thing to have!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pat Daly on November 21, 2009 at 9:51pm: Looks like a pretty "hot" product to me :)

Hope the battery will support it and cold starts in the morning. You probably run it off the "house" batter vs engine just to be sure I bet!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Becky Blanton on November 21, 2009 at 10:16pm: Yeah, I was thinking of that. I have a battery pack I need to get working again. It uses two motorcycle sized deep cell batteries and can be charged as you drive, or from the solar panel I have, or from shore power. I really like the idea of a heating pad over propane though!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by VK on November 23, 2009 at 1:04am: I always have one of the rechargeable portable batteries on a trip. It works well as a back up to the house battery. Of course, I have vintage trailers, not huge motorhomes, but they are handy and usually have a light and sometimes a little compressor along with an invertor. VK; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Becky Blanton on November 23, 2009 at 9:40am: What kind of invertor and compressor do you have VK? How do you have it set up?; ▶ Reply to This