Living on the road and being stealthy...Paging JR

#1
This thread made me think of you haha.

I thought this was pretty crazy that he was able to do this, he basically travels around the US in a box truck exploring.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...rnight-Parking-and-Building-a-Stealth-Vehicle



So, why do it?

- Cost. I get very tired paying for a parking place for the night when all I want is a few hours rest in peace.

- Convenience. There are places everywhere without having to find a campground or RV park when you are already tired.

- Being a rebel. Yes, I admit it. I like the idea of being different. Not breaking any laws, just doing what others say is not allowed.

Where to park?

Don't try to hide! They will find you! I guarantee it. I like a place in plain sight, just unnoticed. I like to park under a steet or parking lot lamp post so everyone can see me, but no one notices just another old work truck.

The more people around the better! Yes, it can be noisy at times, especially on a weekend or a holiday night. But, there is safety in numbers.

I like to park in some truck stops. Yes, the trucks are noisy. But they watch out for each other. I carry ear plugs or listen to music early in the evening, then crash. Usually, restaurant on sight, bathrooms 24 hours, showers at many. A few food or health supplies.

One of my all time favorite places are casino parking lots. Yes, they have RV parks there also, but I just park for free in the general parking area near the back. Usually food is reasonably priced. Open 24 years. Clean bathrooms. Many offer free beer and drinks if you just put a few bucks in a slot machine! 24 hour security at night. Big and well lit parking lots. They are all over the U.S. now. Great!
 
#2
What kind of vehicles make the best "stealth" vehicles?

By far the best is a standard white van. They are literally everywhere and used in the millions by construction people, commercial companies and just everyday personal use.

School buses, even though they are a great expedition base vehicle, stick out like a sore thumb when it comes to stealth. They still have that old "hippie" stigma I'm afraid.

Mini vans are perfect also. Just have a limited amount of room without being seen by others. It isn't that easy to stay inside with the curtains closed and door shut for long. In my cube van I can stand up and walk around inside if I need to. But, this is a great stealth vehicle.

Medium duty trucks and box trucks are great. They are just a little frowned on in smaller parking lots or shopping centers.

Converted ambulances are great if left plain and look like a construction truck on the outside..

Things that stick out and EVERYONE takes notice of:

Bikes, motorcycles or canoes/kayaks on the vehicle. Running an external generator. Custom paint or decals. Flashy paint or fancy rims. Satellite dishes on the roof.

Unusual type vehicles from other countries or custom built. I'm NOT saying that this is a bad thing, just not very stealthy.

Please understand. I am NOT saying that this approach is right for everyone! But, many like to travel without a huge expense of paying for campgrounds or RV parks. They are getting EXPENSIVE. Even state and national parks are getting outrageous. I would rather travel where I want, sleep for free and then eat good food.

The choice is yours, of course.




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#3
For example, this week I have been stealth camping in a large strip shopping area near Ocala, FL staying out of the cold weather up north. I am currently parked in front of a Target store. I am inside right now at their Starbucks Coffee shop having a coffee using their free wi-fi. I parked last night next to a local store's box truck that they use for deliveries, under a parking lot lamp post.

I don't use my own truck pottie so I don't have to worry about emptying it. I use local public bathrooms. I keep a pee bottle in the truck and empty it in the bushes as required or carry it in to the store in my backpack and empty it in their public toilet.

I usually spend the day window shopping through the stores. Go for lunch at some cheaper place (Five Guys Burgers) and then cook at night in my truck. I get in my truck early, close the black curtains so no one knows I'm there and I'm home for the evening. I then surf the web or watch a movie on my laptop.

This lifestyle works for me at this point in my life. After a week or so, I move on down the road.
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#4
So, what makes a stealth vehicle?

- First Glance. - What people notice first. Especially the local cops. Toys hung all over the outside of the vehicle. This is a sure give away that this is an RV in disguise. Plus, it is a temptation to stupid local thieves.

- Looking cheap is good. - Not dirty or nasty, but cheap. If the vehicle looks used, older or a commercial truck, then few take notice. NOTE: I am not talking about dirty or junky. I don't want to be viewed as a bum or as homeless. I keep my truck clean, well maintained and in great shape. Any body damage is repaired or replaced quickly. Tires are maintained. I keep my truck washed and waxed. What I mean here is not worth trying to break into or steal.

- Keep your opinions to yourself. - I don't have any signs or bumper stickers on my truck. I am not into advertising my views to the public. I am a private person and I prefer to keep my views and opinions private and personal.

- Looking like everyone else around you. - As I said, in front of everyone, but unseen... In this instance, looking different is not a good thing.

- What you personally look like. - Yes, for better or worse people take note of other people. If you are dirty, smell or have long greasy hair, people will watch you and take note of you. I'm not trying to fool anyone, but I like to keep my truck clean and maintained and to do the same for my own appearance and personal hygiene. I keep my hair short to help me keep it clean. I bathe (sponge bathe with wash cloth) daily. I wash my clothes often and keep the inside of my camper clean and the bed made. If I am hassled by the local cop, I want to appear as a traveller and not a bum.

I'm NOT making judgements here, just how others will view you.

Just my personal opinions.
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