Staying Warm: The Heater vs the Cold and the 12-Inch Secret
It’s a crisp, sunny, autumn morning here in southern Illinois. The temperature is currently 45 degrees with today’s high reaching 62. The fall colors have been painting the landscape with vibrant colors.
As I wander my way to south Florida, I enjoy the chilly nights. My bed is comfy, cozy, and warm!
My cozy van life bed…
I have a regular twin mattress across the back of my Ford Transit cargo van.
Last year, I needed a new mattress. They didn’t have the 6 or 8 inch thickness I’ve had in the past so… I got a 12 inch mattress.
The sales guy took my old mattress and helped me get the new one into the van. I thought a 12 inch mattress was overkill… until I slept in it.
It’s sooooooo comfy and cozy. My back also loves it!
Staying warm in 30 degrees…
The nighttime temps have been in the 30’s - dipping into the upper 20’s.
I can’t use propane heat (it sets off an MCS reaction) so I use an electric heater.
My van is minimally insulated. When temps are in the 30s, the heater can only take the chill out of the air. At these lower temperatures, the inside air is around 10-15 degrees higher than the outside air.
Even at those temps, I just add a second comforter and I stay toasty warm in my 12 inch thick bed.
If needed, I can add my Merino wool blanket - but I haven’t needed to break it out since I got the new mattress.
Parting thoughts…
I started this post to write about the beautiful fall morning at my campsite. But I went down a bunny trail.
Maybe it’s just a bunny trail kinda day 🐇
Connie 🌼
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