Cones

[MrNoodly]

The guy next door works for the cable company part time. (His wife works for them full time.) Sometimes he brings a company van home. Since there's no room in their driveway, he parks in the street, illegally, and just puts safety cones at the front and back. No problem.&nbsp;Of course, his van is covered with cable company graphics, so it looks more official.&nbsp;<br /><br />Also, driving around town, I'll encounter all sorts of tradesmen who've blocked off lanes of traffic or squatted in various places with no more authority than their magical safety cones. "I'm parking the truck here. Deal with it."<br /><br />So it got me wondering about the possibilities for vandwellers, particularly those with ladder racks. I doubt cones would do ay good for overnight parking/stealth camping, but what about when you just want a parking spot for a couple of hours in a city where free legal parking is scarce? Or maybe you want to charge your house batteries with a portable generator. Just pull up somewhere, put up your cones and put out the generator.<br /><br />You could step up the ruse with one of those Workmen Ahead or Lane Closed signs. If you can't find the roll-up kind (which you could store in the big tube on your ladder rack), then there are ones that clip onto the top of cones.<br /><br />http://unitedsafetyauthority.com/Traffic_Cones___Signs.html<br />(scroll down that page)<br /><br />None of this is endorsed by authorities, of course, but neither is stealth camping.<br /><br /><br />

 

[Van Tripper]

It's one thing to be a legit utility worker taking advantage, quite another if you are not and block a lane with signage. &nbsp;Utilities have recognition from the public and municipalities, plus proper insurance if an accident is caused.<br /><br /> &nbsp;I have a utility van, don't think I would take it that far to park, just a couple hours wouldn't cause any problems in any parking lot, they usually say no over night. &nbsp;Stealth camping, not parked to create dangerous situation, just taking up a spot. &nbsp;Main complaint that cities have is RV camp grounds want you to spend money with them. &nbsp;Most KOAs+ don't want work vans.

 

[LucidPhotographer]

I would not want to be your neighbor if a car flies up and rear ends that van, killing someone in the car. He could legally be prosecuted for homicide I would think.

 

[Seraphim]

1. There are laws against that.

2. PDs are generally advised in advance of any work that will close lanes and possibly cause traffic problems. That info is relayed to the area car at the beginning of shift.

3. You can be criminally charged and held civilly responsible for damages or loss of life incurred by your actions.

 

[MrNoodly]

I guess my sense of humor is too twisted to be obvious. I often propose ridiculous or outrageous things wondering if they'll lead to something usable. Forgive me, I'm new here and haven't developed a feel yet for the prevailing vibe.&nbsp;

 

[Van Tripper]

Fact is someone will see that and might think it's a good idea(some folks don't think things through), so some of us point out the possible problems and let people decide for themselves. &nbsp;This was a good topic, I'm sure someone has entertained this idea before. I come here because I have found several great ideas on this and other forums.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Watched a tv show where a cop was giving a guy who did the same thing a ticket.&nbsp; He argued he was working there but she told him he should have a permit to do it.&nbsp; I think utility workers probably have some form of general permit or exemptions for this kinda stuff.

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

MrNoodly, we come here to bounce around ideas. Never take anything here personal. I'm glad you started this, now I know not to do something like that and why.<br />Dragonfly

 

[Seraphim]

There was no problem in making the suggestion or asking a question, semi- humorously or not. My answer seemed curt as I was rushed. Nothing else was intended...