I’ve recently switched to a latex bed mattress for my van setup — super comfy, but as the nights get colder, I’m looking to add a heated mattress pad for warmth.
I’m currently using a BLUETTI AC200MAX and was wondering what’s the most efficient way to power a heated latex bed mattress pad overnight without draining the battery too quickly.
Has anyone here tried this setup? Would love to hear what wattage settings you use, any recommendations on low-power heating options, or general tips for staying warm while off-grid.
I use a layered strategy of a 15 degree sleeping bag plus a 12V DC heated blanket (to avoid inverter losses) with a timer. They all use around 120-150 Wh an hour. USB ones are pointless. The idea is to heat yourself up enough before bed and utilize the low tech sleeping bag to trap your body heat in for the rest of the night. I did at first just buy the 15 degree sleeping bag, but then I found it was nice to warm up the toesies before I go to bed During the day I utilize a simple Wave 3 heater for heat. I just feel safer with it off at night.
There are a number of ways to stay warm, here are 2 options;
1, I have a queen size electric blanket. (Here in Australia we use 240VAC) I’ve put a power meter on it running from my AC180. On low it uses 15W, medium 30W and on high 60W. That is per side as it has duel control. I put it on high an hour before bed and turn it to low for the rest of the night. The 1152Wh of the AC180 consume approx 400Wh over 8 hours, inverter consumption is around 200Wh. So I would use a little over 1/2 capacity.
2. I have a diesel heater installed. I run it at around 22-23C (72F) whilst awake and turn it down to around 15C (60F) when in bed, the bedding takes care of the rest. It uses around 2lt of diesel for a total runtime of around 12-13 hours and approx 1.5 to 2.5Ah (20-35Wh) from my RV house 12V batteries. (I have 200Ah of LFP).
I’m currently out prospecting, last night was -2C (28F) I was not cold and only used the diesel heater.
Bedding and clothing including thermals also help. I use my RV shower and with the heater, there’s no condensation.