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    Winter van life

    Safety 3 h 12 slides

    Stay warm and safe off-grid

    Learning objectives

    By the end of this module you'll be able to:

    • Insulate the 3 critical areas of a van (floor, walls, doors) with the right materials and R-values.
    • Control condensation (2-4 L/night) with ventilation and a vapour barrier.
    • Choose and size a diesel parking heater (uses 1.2-2.5 L/night at -5°C).
    • Anticipate the winter drop in solar production (-60 to -70% in the North) and make up the deficit.
    • Protect the water circuit from freezing (9% expansion) and react if the tank freezes.
    • Prevent the 3 deadly gases (CO, CO2, bottled gas) with detectors and ventilation.

    Slide 1 of 12

    Introduction

    Van life in winter: cold, little sun — here's how to prepare

    Module 7 — 4-season van life | Azimut AI Nomad

    Winter van life is the real test of autonomy. In summer, everything is forgiving. In winter, every watt-hour counts. This module covers the 4 critical systems: insulation, heating, energy and water.

    -60 to -70%

    Drop in solar production in winter in the North

    1.2-2.5 L

    Diesel per night for a diesel heater at -5°C

    2-4 L/night

    Moisture produced by 2 people (condensation)

    Slide 2 of 12

    Insulation

    Without proper insulation, your heater is useless

    Materials and the 3 critical areas

    MaterialR-value/cmRecommended thicknessPrice/m2
    Sheep's wool0.356-8 cm12-20 EUR
    Expanded cork0.255-7 cm8-15 EUR
    Spray PU foam0.404-6 cm30-50 EUR
    Armaflex (nitrile)0.382-3 cm20-35 EUR
    3M Thinsulate0.484 cm25-40 EUR
    Floor: thermal bridge through the floor — -50% heating efficiency if bare. At least 4cm of insulation.
    Side walls — The main cold bridge. Armaflex + sheep's wool recommended.
    Rear and side doors — 30% of heat loss. Thermal curtains at the very least.

    Slide 3 of 12

    Condensation

    Condensation destroys a conversion in 2 winters

    How it works and how to fix it

    2-4 L/nightof moisture produced by 2 people breathing — it settles on cold walls
    Roof fan (Maxxair, Fan-Tastic) — Extract mode for 5-10 min before going to sleep. 1-2W at low speed. Essential.
    Vapour barrier on the warm side — Aluminium or polyethylene between the wool and the interior lining.
    Passive dehumidifier — Silica gel granules, regenerable crystals. A top-up, not the main solution.

    Golden rule: good ventilation beats the best insulation.

    The rest of the module is waiting for you

    9 more slides, quizzes and a badge to earn.

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