Winter Campervan Trip in Japan: How to Stay Warm Safely
Winter Campervan Trip in Japan: How to Stay Warm and Safe Overnight (FF Heaters, Electric Heaters and Insulation)
Heading to Hokkaido's powder snow or Japan's winter hot springs by campervan? Heating is the one thing you cannot skip.
Unlike a house, a parked vehicle has no built-in heating once the engine is off. Staying warm comes down to three things working together: insulation, keeping your body warm, and a safe heater.
In this guide, you will learn:
- Why heating matters for winter car camping in Japan
- How to use heaters safely, and what never to do
- The types of heaters found in rental campervans, and how to choose a heated campervan
▶ Find campervans with an FF heater on Carstay
How Cold Does a Campervan Get on a Winter Night?
Colder than you might expect. The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) tested how fast the inside of a minivan cools down in winter. With the cabin heated to 25°C, it dropped to 10°C just one hour after the engine was turned off, and fell below freezing after three hours. (Source: JAF)
To avoid a freezing night, prepare in three ways: block the cold from outside, keep your body warm, and heat the cabin.
1. Block the cold from outside
To keep the cabin warm, you first need to stop cold air from getting in.
Windows let in the most cold air, so cover them with insulated window shades or aluminum thermal sheets. Many rental campervans come with window shades, so check the vehicle page before you book.
In minivans and vans with sliding doors, the step area by the door is another source of cold air. Fill it with bags of clothing or luggage to insulate it.
2. Keep your body warm
Even with good insulation, it will still be cold. The human body gives off about 100W of heat, and the key is to keep that heat from escaping.
In the same JAF test, a person in a sleeping bag lasted until morning, while a person using only a thin aluminum emergency blanket gave up partway through the night.
Bring or rent a winter sleeping bag, and wear layers to hold in your body heat.
3. Heat the cabin, without the engine
Raising the cabin temperature makes winter car camping far more comfortable. But do not leave the engine running to use the car's heater while you sleep.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: In heavy snow, the exhaust pipe can get buried while you sleep. Exhaust gas then flows into the cabin and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.
- Noise: Engine noise disturbs others staying nearby. Many RV parks and campsites in Japan do not allow idling at night.
Use a heater that works with the engine off instead. It produces no exhaust inside the cabin and runs quietly.
Types of Heaters That Work with the Engine Off
There are two main types of heaters you can use with the engine off.
Electric heaters
Electric heaters produce heat from electricity. Open flames are not allowed inside the vehicle, but electric heaters are safe to use because they do not burn fuel or pollute the air, so they cannot cause carbon monoxide poisoning. They are also quiet.
They do need a power source, such as a portable power station or the campervan's sub-battery. Electric heaters use a lot of power, so they work best for short periods, or at RV parks with an electrical hookup.
FF heaters
An FF heater (forced-draft balanced flue heater) is a heater installed in the vehicle that runs on the vehicle's own fuel, gasoline or diesel. It works with the engine off and warms the cabin quickly.
It draws in outside air for combustion and sends the exhaust outside through its own pipe, so it is far safer than idling the engine to run the car's heater. Common FF heater brands found in campervans include Webasto and Eberspächer. They are fuel-efficient: a model such as the Webasto Air Top 2000 STC uses only about 1.5 liters of gasoline in one night.
FF heaters must be professionally installed, so for travelers the easiest option is to rent a campervan that already has one.
How to Choose a Warm Campervan for Your Winter Trip
When you search for a campervan for winter on Carstay, check these points on the vehicle page:
- FF heater: The most reliable heat for overnight stays. Filter by FF heater.
- Sub-battery or portable power station: Needed for electric blankets and electric heaters. Check the capacity if you plan to stay several nights.
- Window shades and bedding: Insulated shades and winter-rated bedding make a big difference.
- Winter tires and 4WD: Essential if you are driving on snowy roads in Hokkaido or the mountains.
FAQ
Can I keep the engine running for heat while I sleep in a campervan? No. In snow, the exhaust pipe can be blocked and carbon monoxide can enter the cabin. Many RV parks and campsites in Japan also prohibit idling at night. Use an FF heater or an electric heater instead.
What is an FF heater? An FF heater is a built-in heater that runs on the vehicle's fuel and works with the engine off. It vents its exhaust outside, so it can be used safely overnight.
Can I use a gas or kerosene heater inside a campervan? No. Open flames are not allowed inside the vehicle. Use an electric heater or an FF heater.
Stay Warm and Enjoy Winter in Japan by Campervan
On a winter night, a campervan cools down quickly, so insulation inside and out is a must. A heater makes a huge difference to your comfort, but using the wrong heater, or using it the wrong way, can put your health at risk.
Combine insulation, warm bedding and a safe heater, and enjoy Japan's snowy landscapes at your own pace.
Planning a winter road trip in Hokkaido? Read Where to Sleep in a Campervan in Hokkaido: 5 Michi-no-Eki, 10 etiquette rules for sleeping in your car in Japan, and The Complete Guide to Renting a Campervan in Japan.
▶ Find campervans with an FF heater on Carstay
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