I'm brand spanking new to van life as of Feb 6. I have not hit the stereotypes yet but coming from the NY area, I too am glad to get away from those attitudes. Im in a BLM area in AZ and have only met a few people so far but those I've met all seem to be genuinely nice people.
Started my van life 10 days ago. It was 60 in CT when I left which is warm for February. Overnight in a truck stop it was 30 inside van in Ohio. Next night it was -11 in Iowa and a blizzard so i stayed in a motel. Next night I was in Gooseneck State park in Utah and it was 18 outside and windy...