When looking at heating options for your van conversion, a propane heater is certainly one of the cheapest and most enticing options, but you might be left wondering: is it safe to use a propane heater in a van?

While there’s certain considerations to be made, using a propane heater in a camper van is a safe and affordable option, but only if used correctly. Let’s look at some of the key safety points when heating your camper van with a propane heater.

#1 Ventilation

While it may seem counterproductive, ventilation is actually key for using a propane heater inside a van, as it exhales potentially deadly carbon monoxide and prevents a build-up of condensation (more on that below). Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless gas which can cause loss of consciousness when inhaled and, eventually, death. For this reason, it’s important to open a window or door, even if it’s minus degrees outside, to ensure proper air circulation.

Cracking open a window is key for ventilation when using a propane heater. Photo by Phil Aicken on Unsplash

#2 Monitoring

As with any heat source, a propane heater requires careful monitoring to ensure your safety. The easiest way to do this is to install a carbon monoxide detector in your van, which will alert you to potentially dangerous levels of the deadly gas. You should also regularly inspect your gas lines for damage or leaks, and replace any worn or perished hoses. Never leave your propane heater running overnight, or when you’re not in your van.

Be sure to get a portable carbon monoxide detector (on Amazon)

Even if you’re not using a heater, this is still an important safety measure to have in your van.

portable Carbon Monoxide Detector

#3 Condensation

If you’re using a portable propane heater like the Mr Buddy ones, this will quickly cause a build-up of condensation inside your van. Burning hydrocarbons releases water which fills the air in the form of vapor, landing on every available surface and causing damp, so it’s important to provide adequate airflow when using one of these. If you have an integrated propane heater which exhausts outside then you’re in luck, as this will blow most of the moisture away, leaving you with warm, dry air.

Airflow will keep your windows from steaming up with a propane heater running. Photo by Alex Geerts on Unsplash

Mr. Heater Big Buddy on Amazon

The Mr Heater Buddy has an auto shut-off if it’s tipped over or if oxygen levels get too low.

Mr heater big buddy

#4 Safety features

Most propane heaters come with built-in safety features, but never rely on these fully and always use your own intuition. Many heaters will have a feature that switches them off automatically if tipped over, or they will shut off if detecting low oxygen levels, although factors such as high altitude can cause this to happen sooner. Even so, beware of flammable objects in close proximity to your heater like rugs on the floor, and pay attention to bodily symptoms that may arise such as headaches and tiredness which could indicate unsafe levels of carbon monoxide.

Now you know how to safely use a propane heater inside a van, check out our top 10 tips for winter van life for other ways to keep warm.

Some other ways to stay warm in your van

Reflectix Insulation – On Amazon

Cover your windows with Reflectix – this can lower the temperature in your van by up to 10 degrees when it’s cold.

Reflectix double reflective insulation for windows

Wool Socks (on Amazon)

Wool socks are my go-to in the winter. They keep me warm and I can wear them a few times before they get smelly.

wool socks

12V Heated Blanket on Amazon

A heated blanket is my savior when it’s cold. This blanket from Trillium has a safety timer, auto shut off and reset button.

12v heated blanket

Wool Blanket on Amazon

Pair this wool blanket with your wool socks and you will be toasty. This blanket is 4.4 pounds, comfortable, soft, and non-scratchy.

Wool blanket