Van Life Essentials How to Stay Cool While Living in a Van

In this the third of my Beat The Heat Series, we talk about one of the cheapest and best ways that I know of to cool down your van or RV using a Survival/Space Blanket. These are not the super thin and cheap mylar survival blankets that cost a few bucks and instantly fall apart, these are solid and should last a very long time and still only cost $12.

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Thanks for watching!

[rubberdwellers]

The Bob Vela of Nomad life. Your videos absolutely great. I feel like I'm sitting down and having a conversation with my favorite uncle.

[smc]

I use two pool noodles as vertical spacers to Allow the Heat to Rise and escape and not be trapped behind tarp, thus keeping van cooler still.

[dark_sunshinedgc]

Bob is a comedian in an alternate life. - "You wanna put on a fashion show in the middle of nowhere?!" 😂😂

Great video series!

[motorcyclegrrl]

Bob, I discovered a roofing product that dropped the temperature in my mobile home by 6 degrees. MFM peel and seal roll roofing. Self stick. permanent.
I had a leaky roof. $100 at lowes will get you a 3' x 33' roll. before the peel and seal my ac unit kept me at 81/83 degrees. now I'm at 75/77. 6 degree drop. guaranteed to withstand hurricanes for 10 years.

You just cut with a utility knife and roll it down. it sticks on its own. recommended for RVs but why not a van or car. You can order it in white or get aluminum like I did.

[adventureswithfrodo]

I have used magnets for over 30 years to put a tarp on my windshield to keep the snow off. Harbor Feight has those magnets 10 for a few bucks. They are handy.

[docink]

turn that tarp 90' and drape it over your cargo rack at the bottom creating an air gap and it will work even better or use them more like a canopy with poles on the out side. you are still blocking the sun but creating shade which will keep the vehicle even cooler. Here in Florida I use the plain silver tarps and there is a major difference over the blue or camo tarps under the tent

[naimasrael]

"if You're... out here having a fashion show in the middle of nowhere, it's Your choice..." That is the funniest 'ish I've heard in a minute😂. I can't stop laughin'. I did get some good ideas from the video though... and clever how the 4th panel is mounted🤔. Thankhz for sharing Bob. Wholeness n Essence of Love ((-;

[lorcro]

The very darkest window tint is not in fact the coolest window tint. When tint gets that black, it starts to soak up heat the way a black t-shirt or black wall will, and it starts to heat the van. They're basically good just for better privacy. Covering them makes sense. For best heat rejection, you need much paler tint that has ceramic particles in it, that reflects heat much better. Just for the record.

[rebeccatreeseed]

Thank you, Bob, I just linked to the magnets and blanket on amazon. Shade is the number one coolant, I love trees, and have planted thousands across five states and Mexico.

[terryestepp]

You're the guru of mobilized America, Bob.
I have gotten so much from your videos over the years. I am going to be mobile in a few days...a grandma living in a small SUV in July...with my very sick cat... and broke as it gets....
BFrom my personal past experiences and by utilizing so many things that I have learned from your videos and those of others over the years... I am going about this as a tweek to my lifestyle...not as a catastrophic change.
Thanks for all you do.❤

[jaymercha]

Bob, if you glue the magnets onto the blanket you will not lose them on a windy day.

[brichusi]

I just conducted the most over looked Passive Cooling that can be done in the summer.

HAIRCUT.... LOL it works.

[lisabooker]

Thank you so much Bob! You are an absolute blessing. Please NEVER doubt that. God Bless you ~Lisa

[sarabegay]

I n cool weather I turn the silver side against the glass and it reflects the heat back inside.

[dejonsmall]

As usual another great learning video. Maybe when you are finished with the series put everything on a disk and sell them. I know I'd like to have one to add to my library. A disk can be viewed without internet access. Just food for thought...

[vegansinthewildover]

Bob, you slay me. "If you're out here having a fashion show..." LOL Thank you.

[cyclingjoe]

Enjoyed watching your video Bob, you always explain as you go along, and I like that, gives me time to think about it, and compare it with my situation. I’ve tried it as you suggest, and it works really well, I like how easy it is, and I’ve adapted the idea to other things too, like a rain shelter for my bike, a tarp held on the side of the car with magnets. Chat away as much as you like, Bob, I always enjoy! Thank you x

[rosabivins]

Thanks Bob I have learned a lot from you just keep it coming.. thanks for sharing 🤗

[edbaranowski]

Excellent idea to keep the heat from ever getting inside. I may get two of these and cover more area.

[cliffwendy]

For us introverts sure would be nice to see you run an experiment with a thermometer. Take readings once the van is all heated up and add the selective material and see how much the temperature drops. Then do another experiment doing the same thing, but this time in the morning before the van heats up. The difference in temperatures will be very interesting. Great video, thanks.