Staying warm while sleeping in T4R

[jharpphoto]

I’ll be taking the maiden voyage with my sleep platform soon. I’m getting a3” foam mattress for the back. I’m curious how you stay warm overnight while sleeping in your T4R. I’ve got a good sleeping bag and expect temperatures in the mid 30’s. Do you have any auxiliary heating that you use while camping?

 

[Nobody Special]

Foil blanket.
Wool Blankets. "Moving blankets".
Electric blanket.

I made it thru a ~-20° night:wow: with the truck off except starting once.
Used my dogs wool blankets and the moving blankets I use for the rear floor (freshly cleaned) to hang with bungees wherever I could hook them across to make "walls" to isolate windows and trap a 2nd heat layer. Picture hanging a shirt or jacket on the hooks in the rear.

They also have the portable propane heaters people use in tents, but I don't trust that whole idea. At least the cold will be more likely to wake you up.

 

[mrblah]

get a dog...

 

[Nobody Special]

Forgot to mention, but there is a LOT of aftermarket sound damping, foam and "wool" in that 4R. 200 st ft of butyl/foil, doors, floor, ceiling...
Not sure it makes a difference or not, but the foil backing *should* reflect heat back in, but I also did have the blankets hung.

 

[Nobody Special]

get a dog...

:nod::nod::nod::nod::nod::nod::nod::nod:

Better yet, 2 or 3!

 

[Nobody Special]

get a dog...

Or, He can go THIS route
(and sleep on the ground)
:hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry:

:hatsoff::hatsoff:

 

[cccolin]

I’ve slept in mine down to -5. You want a pad or mattress that isn’t an air pad, or is very insulated. I sleep with a 20 degree sleeping pad, and blankets, and wear thermals if it’s cold. I also have a 90 pound dog. I sleep cozy. Be careful with adding a heater. If it’s not a webasto, it can add moisture to the air, which will make you less warm.

 

[AgentKooper]

You indicated you have a good sleeping bag. If it's rated to 32 degrees at least, you should be fine. The main concern when camping out is getting yourself off the ground, and in your truck that won't be an issue. Bring a warm hat to put on if your head gets cold. Overnight temperature in the 30s is not too bad.

I would not use an external heat source in an enclosed space.

 

[ElectroBoy]

Sleeping in a 4R is similar to sleeping in a tent. Besides your good sleeping bag you need a good pad system. You can lose a lot of heat by conduction to the cold ground or truck floor.
Winter campers use two pads, a closed cell foam pad on the bottom and an inflatable pad on top for comfort.
Searching the forum you will find lots of recommendations.

Try the REI site for ideas. Be aware that good gear costs big $ but you’ll get many years of service from it. I use an Exped mat over a closed cell rollup mat.

https://www.rei.com/search?q=Sleeping+pads&t=articles

Good advice in the posts above.
Plus, you should crack some windows for ventilation, and maybe run a battery operated fan. Otherwise you’ll have a foggy drippy interior by morning.

 

[delloro]

You can get a 2nd battery or a battery pack for an electric blanket.

You can get a chinese amazon webasto-type heater and fab some ducting to your window.

Or you can get a big, heavy, 0-rated sleeping bag.

New bag is cheapest.

I slept in freezing temps on the Mojave Road, just started it up once when the cold woke me up. I should have had a better bag.

 

[Nobody Special]

Hand warmers do go a long way...
You can buy them in bulk, cheap, or make your own.

Don't ask why I know, but if you have enough hand warmers, and your blower fan stops working, and "fresh mode" doesn't work well to push the heat thru to the windshield because of low speed, stacking hand warmers on the dash can keep you seeing enough by heating wipers and the lower windshield. (Before the heated wiper rests)

 

[3kushn]

I have a n older version of this. Then I put a thinsolate sleeve over it. This one might not need the cover. Then a 20deg bag with cotton liner inside.
Camped with the Scouts for about 10 years and the Troop always did a "Freeze Out" campout in January.

My only problem was my face, but that's just me. I don't like face coverings or having my head inside of the bag. Other than that I never got cold. Actually would get down to skivvies cause it was too warm with other body layers.

Talking around 0-15 degrees F for this setup.

Oops, forgot the link
NeoAir(R) XTherm™ | Lightweight Air Sleeping Pad | Therm-a-Rest(R)

 

[Nobody Special]

I have a n older version of this. Then I put a thinsolate sleeve over it. This one might not need the cover. Then a 20deg bag with cotton liner inside.
Camped with the Scouts for about 10 years and the Troop always did a "Freeze Out" campout in January.

My only problem was my face, but that's just me. I don't like face coverings or having my head inside of the bag. Other than that I never got cold. Actually would get down to skivvies cause it was too warm with other body layers.

Talking around 0-15 degrees F for this setup.

Oops, forgot the link
NeoAir(R) XTherm™ | Lightweight Air Sleeping Pad | Therm-a-Rest(R)

I am the same way with my face, and I like the cold, but too cold and that is why I used blankets to wall-off the windows and front seats.
It traps some heat in.

 

[ruff4runner]

I’ll be taking the maiden voyage with my sleep platform soon. I’m getting a3” foam mattress for the back. I’m curious how you stay warm overnight while sleeping in your T4R. I’ve got a good sleeping bag and expect temperatures in the mid 30’s. Do you have any auxiliary heating that you use while camping?

In snow country a lot of people carry a coffee can heater in their car in case they get stuck. It's just a tea light or candle to burn in a coffee can to keep the flame safely contained. They put out just enough heat to keep it above freezing without producing carbon monoxide. Uco Gear sells a candle, the "CANDLELIER" that they claim puts out 5000 BTU.( Candlelier - Candle Lantern - Aluminum )Then of course there is the Mr heater buddy which many people swear by.

 

[Bassturd]

I like to use a foam pad I bought from Walmart. I fold it in half then I throw a cheap blanket on top of that. I then roll my 0 degree down REI bag out on top of that and finish it off with a wool blanket on top if needed. Costco sells these cheep down or synthetic down throws I have one in my drawers just in case. If that’s not enough the dog goes into the bag with me and I steal his wool blanket covering his kennel. Good luck and stay warm!!

 

[yardsale]

DO NOT use Mr. Buddy or any other propane heater in a closed vehicle. I had two friends die doing this in the back of an enclosed trailer. The CO2 build up will put you in a sleep you will never wake up from.

 

[oljedi11950]

Sleeping in 4r

Beanie & a fleece gaitor ! And have a very good plan for doing #1 , thongs, sandals , or standing on steps, skids !

 

[Nobody Special]

DO NOT use Mr. Buddy or any other propane heater in a closed vehicle. I had two friends die doing this in the back of an enclosed trailer. The CO2 build up will put you in a sleep you will never wake up from.

Were they using the "right" models?

I don't suggest it either, but *supposedly* some are safe for enclosed areas.

 

[smeerun]

Lots of great recommendations in here. When I started camping in the T4R I wanted a way to block out light from windows and came across this company: Window Covers: Toyota 4runner 5th Gen. 2010-Current – Strawfoot Handmade

I bought a full set and love them. Blocks out the light and it was nice and warm in the truck due to the window insulation. There is a great review of these here: Trail Impressions: Strawfoot Handmade Window Covers - Trail4R.com

Pricey, but if your ever stealth camping in a neighborhood/city with street lights beaming in the windows it really makes a difference. I've got pics from my build log here: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3572104-post26.html

 

[Nobody Special]

Lots of great recommendations in here. When I started camping in the T4R I wanted a way to block out light from windows and came across this company: Window Covers: Toyota 4runner 5th Gen. 2010-Current – Strawfoot Handmade

I bought a full set and love them. Blocks out the light and it was nice and warm in the truck due to the window insulation. There is a great review of these here: Trail Impressions: Strawfoot Handmade Window Covers - Trail4R.com

Pricey, but if your ever stealth camping in a neighborhood/city with street lights beaming in the windows it really makes a difference. I've got pics from my build log here: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3572104-post26.html

Wow! Dude! I LIKE those!
Where were they 8-14 years ago!?!