how do folks keep warm in a teardrop at nights.

[Shadow Catcher]

SC from what he has said does not camp in sites with electricity so electric heaters are out. You might be able to find a Eberspacher/Espar diesel heater from a truck/tractor... 12V low power consumption. My set up


There have been a couple of wood fired external boiler ideas posted but you could also very easily use a propane water heater and a automotive heater core with a computer case fan!

[KennethW]

As a kid my folks would heat rocks on the wood stove(camp fire?). Then when us kids would go to bed my mom would wrap the rock in a towel and place the rock at the bottom of the bed so we could put are feet on it to keep warm(we were poor and the bed rooms were cold).
But at that time mattress were not make of foam. But one could heat grain bags(http://voices.yahoo.com/diy-microwaveab ... 29491.html) carefully in a oven. I would just get a couple of good warm quilts. In 10 minutes or so you will be as snug as a bug in a bed(old humor)

[S. Heisley]

First, insulate the new trailer that you're building, Slow: top, bottom, and sides. Use 3/4" Styrofoam or thicker.

Second, you may need a new sleeping bag. When they start to pack down, they don't keep you warm as well because the air spaces inside have become too small to trap much warmth.

Third, lay an extra blanket at the end of your bed so you can pull it up over you in the middle of the night, should you need it.

Fourth, get a sleeping buddy, either a dog or a person.

Fifth, don't sleep naked! Seriously, get yourself some long johns or at least wear a large sweatshirt to bed, if it's cold. You can probably get a used fleece sweatshirt at a local thrift shop and who cares what it looks like if it's only to sleep in!

I've slept in my trailer on 28 degree nights (so far) and have been very comfortable. You've seen my trailer and know that it has a high ceiling and that heat rises and that I don't have a heater for boondock-style camps. In fact, I've yet to even need my electric heater. However, every wall, ceiling and floor is insulated and I have a four-legged fur-buddy!

[Backroads4me]

Best way? A good 2-person sleeping bag, and another warm body.

I have 2 identical sleeping bags from years ago that I can unzip each of them completely, and then zip them together to make one big one. It works pretty well.

Same here Throw in two border collies as foot warmers, and we've got plenty of heat!

[ElectronGuru]

Preheat with something like this to break the chill:

http://electrowarmth.com/12-volt-bunk-w ... d-36-x-60/

Then go with bags or feathers to stay warm. Sub 0 rated sleeping bags can handle tent camping right on the snow. Extra thick comforters do nearly as well and give a home cozy feeling. And neither option adds much weight or requires any kind of heat source.

[Shadow Catcher]

Have you considered a variation on a theme with a side door and being able to bring the rear down during the night so that all is insulated? Or one of the other designs that folds. Wher you are from kind of needs insulation

[Bogo]

well part of the new teardrop is canvas

Two layers of canvas with a layer of flexible closed cell foam in between. Use the same type of foam that is used in the thin sleeping bag pads. Where it needs to fold, run a stitched line, or make a gap in the foam and stitch down the middle of it. You can offset the stitched seam to make folding easier. It likely would be best if the inside canvas is breathable so the interiors of the walls can dry out. To hold the foam in place so it doesn't migrate, flexible foam to cloth glue could be used. I don't know any brands, but I know it is available.



Years ago I read some comments made by a guy who did this for his pop up camper. It cut the furnace run time by over 70% on cold winter nights. He only used 1/2" closed cell foam. If it wasn't for my hard sided requirement, I'd use this method.

BTW, this should also cut down on flapping in the wind. Especially if the foam is glued to the canvas.

[S. Heisley]

well part of the new teardrop is canvas

Two layers of canvas with a layer of flexible closed cell foam in between. Use the same type of foam that is used in the thin sleeping bag pads. Where it needs to fold, run a stitched line, or make a gap in the foam and stitch down the middle of it. You can offset the stitched seam to make folding easier. It likely would be best if the inside canvas is breathable so the interiors of the walls can dry out. To hold the foam in place so it doesn't migrate, flexible foam to cloth glue could be used. I don't know any brands, but I know it is available.



Years ago I read some comments made by a guy who did this for his pop up camper. It cut the furnace run time by over 70% on cold winter nights. He only used 1/2" closed cell foam. If it wasn't for my hard sided requirement, I'd use this method.

BTW, this should also cut down on flapping in the wind. Especially if the foam is glued to the canvas.

That's a terrific idea!

Also, one can always fall back on an old pioneer idea and simply hang quilted fabric over the chilly areas, such as where the canvas walls are.

[stumphugger]

When I had the Little Guy, I had a 12 volt mattress heater to heat up the mattress. Then I had an appropriate sleeping bag plus a Chocolate Lab to keep warm.
That's all I did.

[rebapuck]

The old VW campers used the Propex type of heaters. They are an appropriate size for a tear.

[doug hodder]

Maybe I'm the only one that thinks this, however, if you wear little clothes and especially no socks, your body temperature will heat the bed and coverings. It's been my experience that a lot of clothes keep your body heat from radiating and warming the bed. Any latent moisture in a pair of socks will only keep your feet cold. I've camped down to the mid teens in my tears with only an insulated ceiling and been quite comfortable. For those of you that were at one of the early spring Glyphs gatherings, you know what I'm talking about. It always amazes me that someone will complain about being cold and then follow it up with...."I was wearing 2 pairs of socks, long underwear, undershirt etc...." As a side note...alcohol isn't your friend when doing cold weather camping when it comes to sleeping.

Having done lots of camping in my forts (both wood and snow) down well below 0 as a kid in Alaska...we found this out at an early age. As a side note...always watch your late night fluid intake and for sure take a leak before going to bed. Your body won't be putting in a lot of energy to keep that unwanted amount of liquid warm...If you want socks...make them loose fitting more like a slipper, so that your body heat radiates.

A ceiling vent is a real plus in a tear, as it releases moisture. If you camp a number of nights in your tear and it isn't ventilated properly, moisture can remain on the inside. A damp ceiling is a major indicator. If it can't vent...guess what, all that moisture goes into the bedding and can make for a very cold clammy night. If your bedding gets damp...there's no comfortable camping till it's thoroughly dried out.

2 people in a tear should be no problem for heat, my dog was a great heater...by myself...it's still no issue down into the teens in a bed that is foam and just blankets. Much colder than that...get some down bags. Others opinions may vary. FWIW. Doug

[coop74]

I can agree a lot of restrictive clothing in a sleeping bag is not the way to go. Get a good zero degree bag and sleep in long sleeve t-shirt, drawers and a cap and you will stay warm inside most any tear ....

[Miriam C.]

What not to do: Do not get a memory foam mattress. They will sap your body heat. You can get 12 volt mattress warmers at truck stops. I am pretty sure Slow can get one up there. You don't have to use it all night but they are wonderful.

Second, no flame! There are propane heaters for inside small spaces but I would be very careful with them. Never sleep with the heat on and never use electric lighting on any fabric....

[bobhenry]

This concept still works well also.......

[bc toys]

I use a Mr Buddy heater in my cargo only used it 1 time in 3 yrs. Wife lights a unscented candle in pie pan it keeps chill out in big cargo but that was Vegas winter 32* at night. most of time we are just fine with a big blanket.