Hello - I'm looking at buying my 1st micro campervan. My shortlist includes a Citreon C15 HYLO. I just wonder if It's possible to occassionally sleep in these mini campers in winter or if this is frankly, a crazy idea? (Smaller space, easier to warm up?)
Can't see why not, maybe not at -10'C, but otherwise should be OK.
You may find it a bit cold due to the fabric sides on the rising roof, and I would suggest a pitch with EHU to run a fan heater if van doesn't have heating.
Depending on temperature be aware that tanks/taps can freeze and cause leeks, but a 5L container is easy to fill and keep inside.
If you are on a campsite on ehu with a fan heater you will be as warm as toast, although you will need a vent open or you will wake up with a dry throat. If the van has a gas heater make sure it is serviced & safe & you have a red propane gas bottle. If you use van all yr you might as well just stick with propane.
Not all winter nights are that cold & I doubt you would be going in really bad weather. If you want to sleep without heating take good sleeping bag & a quilt to go on top & you will be warm enough.
We use our small camper all year round. We rarely have the heater on at night, but often need it in the evening. Some folk even take an electric blanket, but we just have good sleeping bags, and if it's really cold, shut the roof down. And remember to close the cab dashboard vents ( top tip from UKCS). We tend to not have the fresh water tank full but just use a big (6pt) milk bottle ffor water as it's easy to store. Never had an issue with the (blue)gas "freezing".
We camped in Winter in our Romahome same size as a C15 Hylo. But a word of warning about fan heaters, in a small space there is a risk of fire if bedding or cloth or garments fall on it so best to use an oil radiator or at least be very careful.
We were woken by the smoke alarm one night because the bedding had fallen slightly over the fan which was in the floor in back door step area.
Lovely little vans though and if you have heating all the better.
The insulation in my Danbury Dynamic isn't great but I managed to spend several nights last winter in it without a problem after some trial and error. The Hylo should be better so not all of the following need apply...
When I'm on EHU I have a small oil-filled radiator (even these should be kept away from flammable materials). Failing that I accept the 'van is going to get cold and make sure I'm wearing enough layers.
Very important - something for your head to stop heat loss. I've forgotten a couple of times and woken up because of it. My solution - a bobble-less bobble-hat (beanie?)
And my secret weapon - the good old hot water bottle
I have had the Campingaz stop working several times with the temperature in the gas locker approaching freezing. Not good when you're not on EHU and want to boil the kettle first thing in the morning to warm yourself and the 'van up!
Worth it though - I've woken up to some beautiful winter mornings on deserted sites.
Hottie bottles well reccomended with a good sleeping bag. If you have the roof up why not use some fabric,such as fake fur to make an inner skin to the fabric roof, heavier curtains would also help. Also if it is possible and safe to do so,heat an upturned clay plant pot on the top of the stove and turn off gas before retiring,the residual heat in the pot will radiate like a storage heater.