Boat top van

[DannyB1954]

I was thinking about a stealth camper van using a used aluminium boat turned upside down for a pop top.
Something like http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/boa/5525191242.html  Once attached to the roof, the roof of the van could then be opened up and  the seats could be cut out and insulation added. From the outside it would look like someone who liked to fish had parked there. This being considered a wholesome activity, it would not set off alarms in the minds of people. 

Anyone been there, done that?

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Might be doable. I saw an older van that a guy used a wooden boat but it did not pop up

 

[LeeRevell]

I have seen it done.  Guy used a square-nosed Jon Boat.  He didn't do a very good finishing job where the van and boat met, but that was his lack of skill showing.  Properly done, it should work.

 

[VJG1977]

I have seen several like this.

 

[highdesertranger]

seems to me if you shop around you could find a regular high top for that price. actually Debit a member here needs to sell his high top van quick. make him an offer remove the high top and call the junk man to haul off the van. highdesertranger

 

[Hippiechk]

It's stealthy if you are near a fishing hole.

As for it serving as character assessment... fishing is a good place to dump a body... [emoji12]

Sent from my Z850 using Tapatalk

 

[BigT]

I'm a little confused... How would using a boat in place of the roof make the vehicle *more* stealthy?
I would think it would have the opposite effect, making it look that much more like a camper, a vehicle commonly lived in.

Interesting idea, though. Good luck with it!

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

I'm a little confused...  How would using a boat in place of the roof make the vehicle *more* stealthy?  
I would think it would have the opposite effect, making it look that much more like a camper, a vehicle commonly lived in.  

Interesting idea, though.  Good luck with it!  

I agree,  it draws attention and attention and stealth aren't a good mix.

 

[DannyB1954]

Thanks for the input. I never considered that social deviates might like to fish. When I see someone with a row boat on top of their rig, I don't think boondocker or bad guy. So it is just an impression thing. How will the casual observer react. There is no way that anything with a top high enough to stand up in is going to be stealthy. Maybe a cargo trailer, but then city parking is problematic. My thinking was I would prefer to have a casual look at the van appear to be a sportsman parked. Law enforcement respond to calls from private individuals. I thought I might reduce the number of calls made. If LE does want to inquire about me, I can prove I am an old retired guy with a steady income and have a clean record. I don't foresee any real negative thing that would happen besides a "move along now". If they do not come knock on my door, that would be even better.
I have a home in Southern Nv, but was thinking about exploring a cooler climate this summer, maybe Flagstaff Az. I think most of my nights would be spent in the woods, but occasionally I might urban camp. Lets say I wanted to see an event in town, I might drive in the night before.
I have a 30' rv, but want something a lot smaller. I still haven't decided what to go with, (a camper made for my flat bed pickup, a van, or even a 22' or less Class C). I do know that I do not want to crawl around inside of something, so it will be tall.