Fall Van Camping Essentials: Stay Warm and Make Room for Winter Gear

We recently took our van on a fall leaf-peeping trip near Rico, Colorado, camping out at 10,000 feet. The quaking aspens were bathed in gold, the mountain asters were blooming, and we spent the day exploring an old mining cabin. By 8:30 p.m. the outside temperature had already dropped to 36°F. Brrr! After stepping outside to gaze at the stars, we were very happy to retreat inside our van, cook up some warm curry, and crank up our parking heater.

Staying cozy when temperatures plunge comes down to three things: a reliable heat source, high-quality thermal window insulation, and smart exterior gear storage.

1. A Reliable Heat Source: The VELIT Air Heater

Cold mornings are easier to enjoy when getting out of bed doesn't feel like the hardest part of the trip. For off-grid heat, the VELIT Gasoline/Diesel Air Heater is our go-to option.

Living and camping in the Rockies means elevation matters. Standard heaters often struggle at high altitude, but the VELIT features an automatic barometer that tunes the air-fuel ratio on the fly to prevent carbon buildup at high altitudes (tested reliable at 11,000+ feet).

Two features make this unit stand out for van builds:

• Integrated Safety Sensors: Built-in carbon monoxide and flammable gas sensors automatically shut the heater down if a leak is detected, giving you total peace of mind while sleeping.

• Complete Installation Kit: Unlike other parking heaters where you have to purchase expensive installation kits separately and spend time figuring out which specific kit fits your rig, the VELIT includes a complete installation kit and auxiliary fuel port connector right out of the box.

2. Hold Onto the Heat: VanEssential Insulated Window Covers

Glass is the primary source of heat loss in any van. During our night in Rico, our VanEssential Insulated Window Covers kept all that warm air trapped inside after we settled in for the night.

These covers use double-walled thermal insulation and high-strength magnets that snap directly into the window frames for a tight seal with zero light leaks.

• Stealth vs. Reflective: Choose Stealth (black exterior fabric) if you want to fly under the radar while town camping, or Reflective (reflective laminate exterior) for maximum heat deflection during sunny days.

• Storage Solution: To keep your living space uncluttered, fold your window covers, slip them into their storage bags, and stow them away in a headliner shelf. RAM ProMasters come from the factory equipped with a shelf above the cab, while Sprinter and Transit owners can easily add a VanEssential Headliner Shelf. You can also pair it with the VanEssential Headliner Shelf Cover, which zips shut to keep all your stowed gear out of sight.

3. Clear Out the Living Space: Exterior Storage & Tire Carriers

As fall transitions into ski season, bulky coats, boots, and extra layers start taking over your interior. Moving heavy or dirty gear to the outside of the rig keeps your living space open and comfortable.

• Exterior Storage Boxes: Stash bulky recovery equipment, tools, and winter gear outside so you have plenty of room inside the van for your warm jackets and everyday layers.

• Rear Tire Carrier & Ladder: High-country backroads and dispersed campsites are full of sharp rocks, hidden debris, and unexpected hazards. Having a rear tire carrier and ladder keeps your spare tire accessible right at chest height so you never have to crawl underneath van on the side of a muddy mountain pass.

Fall camping is all about enjoying crisp air and golden views without freezing once the sun goes down. Getting your heat, insulation, and storage sorted now sets you up for a seamless transition into winter adventures.

👉 Shop VELIT Heaters, VanEssential Window Covers & Exterior Storage at Out There Vans 

Call or text us at 970-644-7692 to schedule a component installation.

Have questions about these products? Drop a comment below or visit us in Grand Junction. We’d love to help you get your build Out There!