HELP PLEASE: I am still deciding if a van would be the right vehicle for me to travel the US, Canada, Mexico, and maybe

[magentawave]

Hi,<br /><br />I plan on living in my vehicle for as long as I feel like it. I think I'll do this in a full size extended 3/4 ton Ford, Chevy, or Dodge van. I plan on traveling all over the US, Canada, Mexico, and maybe go farther south. I need room for myself, a mountain bike, a 9' standup paddleboard, and two 6' to 7' surfboards. Since I'm new at this I don't know yet how much I'll be moving around or how long I'll stay in certain areas.&nbsp;I'll be doing this on the cheap so I'm thinking being able to blend into urban areas is key.<br /><br /><strong>Here are my questions please...</strong><br /><br />1)&nbsp;I'm new to this but am I correct in thinking that being able to park at a moments notice and blend into an area is a HUGE plus for living on the road? <br /><br />2) Would you consider a stock white full size extended 3/4 ton Ford, Chevy, or Dodge van to be the perfect stealth vehicle?<br /><br />3) Are there any other vehicles <span style="text-decoration: underline;">with as much or more room than a full size van</span> that could be considered stealth vehicles<br /><br />4) If you were going to travel in Mexico, would you rule out getting a vehicle with a brain?<br /><br />5) How much of a bust would it be to try and stealth camp in a 20' motorhome compared to stealth camping in a plain van? (I'm amazed how many decent looking motorhomes are on Craigslist for around $3000.)<br /><br />6) Is it important for you to have a stealth vehicle? Please tell me why it is or isn't.<br /><br />I'm really looking forward to your response and thank you very much!&nbsp;<img src="../images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />Stephen

 

[VanTrekker]

<p><strong>Howdy....&nbsp; Here are some thoughts in reference to your questions.&nbsp; These are my opinions and are not necessarily correct...&nbsp; <br /><br /></strong>1) I'm new to this but am I correct in thinking that being able to park at a moments notice and blend into an area is a HUGE plus for living on the road? <br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color: #0000ff;">It depends on where you are.&nbsp; I think in general, YES.&nbsp; Stealth is a plus.&nbsp; No vehicle is 100% stealthy, particularly to a trained eye, but many will never even notice depending on where you are parked and what you drive.</span></em></strong><br /><br /><br />2) Would you consider a stock white full size extended 3/4 ton Ford, Chevy, or Dodge van to be the perfect stealth vehicle?<br /><br /><span style="color: #333399;"><strong><em>It depends on a few things.&nbsp; It's would not be too stealthy in front of a nosey neighbor's house on a surburban street.&nbsp; Don't park it in front of&nbsp;a federal&nbsp;court house and wear certain ethnic garb.&nbsp; deon't park it in front of an elementary school and loiter.&nbsp; In those cases it would have the opposite effect.<br /><br />But in front of the Home Depot or perhaps by an industrial area (where it is legal to park), it might blend in perfectly.&nbsp; Nobody really cars at Walmart.&nbsp; For my Express van I like to use a motel parking lot near construction vans.&nbsp; Another great place is in the common parking lots behind a group of&nbsp;connected buildings in a small town...&nbsp; a.ka. "Smallville"&nbsp;&nbsp; In general though, white vans are more stealthy than most other options.</em></strong></span><br /><br /><br />3) Are there any other vehicles <span style="text-decoration: underline;">with as much or more room than a full size van</span> that could be considered stealth vehicles<br /><br /><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Not sure...&nbsp; I think&nbsp;bigger would tend to be less stealthy unless living in a renovated garbage truck or semi-tractor.</strong></em></span></p><p><strong><em><span style="color: #333399;">Some of the most stealthy vehicles are a little smaller such as passenger mini vans and Astro delivery vans, etc.</span></em></strong><br /><br />4) If you were going to travel in Mexico, would you rule out getting a vehicle with a brain?<br /><br /><span style="color: #333399;"><strong><em>I would love to go to Mexico but am too afraid in this day and age....&nbsp;</em> </strong></span><br /><br /><br />5) How much of a bust would it be to try and stealth camp in a 20' motorhome compared to stealth camping in a plain van? (I'm amazed how many decent looking motorhomes are on Craigslist for around $3000.)<br /><br /><span style="color: #000080;"><strong><em>A motorhome would likely be a dead giveaway in a lot of places although it's sometimes more acceptable... People know you're not trying to do something that might be perceived as sneaky.</em></strong></span><br /><br />6) Is it important for you to have a stealth vehicle? Please tell me why it is or isn't.<br /><br /><span style="color: #000080;"><strong><em>I like having a stealthy vehicle.&nbsp; If offers a lot of flexibility.&nbsp; If I am in a college town, it blends in with the vehicles around rental properties.&nbsp; It adds one more dimension of flexibility to camping and can save money.&nbsp; It can also mean immediate camping without having to look to hard for a place to blend in...&nbsp;<br /><br />If you go stealthy with a white van, you might consider having some slap-on magnetic signs printed up.&nbsp; I use a set labeled "Farm and City Handyman Service"... It has my unlisted cell number on it.&nbsp; If someone calls, all he or she gets is a "You have reached...." recording.&nbsp; The signs help the van to blend in better.</em></strong></span><br /><br /><br />I'm really looking forward to your response and thank you very much! <img src="../images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /></p>

 

[mockturtle]

JMHO:&nbsp; A 4WD truck with camper might be an even better choice because of the road clearance and 4X4 capability.&nbsp; And as for stealth, a truck and camper can park about anywhere a truck <em>without</em> a camper can park.&nbsp; No, it would not look like a service vehicle but is that important?&nbsp; Another plus is the increased tank capacities in a truck camper.&nbsp; I'm only thinking of what might be best for a trip to Mexico and beyond.&nbsp;

 

[magentawave]

Thanks for your input Bradford! <br /><br />I was thinking of the magnetic sign idea too but wondered if that might invite busy body control freak bureaucrat types to ask me if I had a permit for the sign??<br /><br /><br /><br />

 

[magentawave]

Yes I have considered a truck with camper because I like how much more accessible the engine compartment is over a van.<br /><br />Is it important that my stealth vehicle look like a "service vehicle"? Well, that is kind of why I posted this because I just don't know. I don't personally know how hard-core the busy bodies are that like to bust people for living in their vehicles. I've read that its illegal to park an RV in a residential neighborhood in some towns so I'm wondering if you slipped in after dark but left early if that would be an issue, or should I avoid residential neighborhoods?? This is all new to me and this is one of the things I'm hoping to learn from others about.&nbsp;<img src="../images/boards/smilies/crazy.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />

JMHO:&nbsp; A 4WD truck with camper might be an even better choice because of the road clearance and 4X4 capability.&nbsp; And as for stealth, a truck and camper can park about anywhere a truck <em>without</em> a camper can park.&nbsp; No, it would not look like a service vehicle but is that important?&nbsp; Another plus is the increased tank capacities in a truck camper.&nbsp; I'm only thinking of what might be best for a trip to Mexico and beyond.&nbsp;

 

[VanTrekker]

<p>I did quite a bit of research and thankfully no permit is required in the state I live in (Iowa).&nbsp; <br /><br />There would be a lot of "lose weight now, ask me how" cars pulled over...&nbsp; *smile*<br /><br />It will vary from state to state, I would imagine.</p><p>V.T.</p>

 

[magentawave]

Is that because they have been used as mobile meth labs?<br /><br /><br />

Since the beginning of the year when I was in a different area, what I understand from certain law enforcement the "white" full size cargo van is a van dwellers thing of the past. They have even started to verbally call them a target. For drugs and drug making. I think this would mainly apply to the big cities and along the Mexico border.

 

[vokus]

I am personally saving for a Nissan NV High Top. I think its the best combo of stealth and comfort. All the features in that van are built around people that spend lots of time in the van, and use it as a work vehicle and an office. The downside of course is price.<br /><br />[video]

 

[Guest]

I think the NV helps because it's new and screams service rather than creepy.

 

[magentawave]

I am personally saving for a Nissan NV High Top. I think its the best combo of stealth and comfort. All the features in that van are built around people that spend lots of time in the van, and use it as a work vehicle and an office. The downside of course is price.

<br /><br />That Nissan van is really nice and well thought out but I don't want to wait forever to save up to get one.

 

[VanGirl]

I have traveled all over the US and Canada in my van. I don't go south of the border, not safe as far as I'm concerned. Folks I know say to stay out of Mexico with the nice dually pickups. I have never heard anything about vans.<br /><br />VanGirl

 

[thinker]

I am personally saving for a Nissan NV High Top. I think its the best combo of stealth and comfort. All the features in that van are built around people that spend lots of time in the van, and use it as a work vehicle and an office. The downside of course is price.<br /><br />[video]

if you're going to spend that kind of money, go for a sprinter.&nbsp;<br />i'm convinced the nv is [dollar for dollar] the worst van on the road.

 

[magentawave]

I haven't heard of gringos being killed in Mexico due to the narco stuff. The narcos usually like to take out a bunch of people at one time to make their point (whatever that is) and most of the violence is in the border towns. Its such a beautiful and cheap place to travel so I'm willing to take the risk as I suspect its not really any more risky than traveling anywhere else. If the US legalized drugs then the violence would end overnight but we all know that won't happen. I might even continue all the way to Central America too.&nbsp;<img src="../images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />

I have traveled all over the US and Canada in my van. I don't go south of the border, not safe as far as I'm concerned. Folks I know say to stay out of Mexico with the nice dually pickups. I have never heard anything about vans.<br /><br />VanGirl

 

[Seraphim]

&nbsp;If the US legalized drugs then the violence would end overnight but we all know that won't happen.

<br /><br />I doubt violent people are going to give up violence just because one excuse has been removed. &nbsp;They would still murder their competition to increase their own profits, merely because they can. &nbsp;Murderers who have gotten away with horrendous acts for decades are not going to become model citizens - ever - especially not overnight. &nbsp;Legalizing dangerous drugs would merely give them a larger customer base, lower prices, and more reason to murder the competition. Violence is its own drug, equally addictive.<br /><br />Should we then make slavery legal on the excuse that it would make sex traffickers more humane people?<br /><br />I think travelling south of the border would be relatively safe if one were careful to avoid the violent hotspots. &nbsp;Still, you never know who you may run across inadvertently. &nbsp;I don't have that strong an urge to travel in Mexico lol.<br /><br />I think though, a van would be an ideal choice for travel there. &nbsp;Easy acces to the drivers seat quickly, without the need to pack up before driving off.

 

[adi]

JMHO:&nbsp; A 4WD truck with camper might be an even better choice because of the road clearance and 4X4 capability.&nbsp; And as for stealth, a truck and camper can park about anywhere a truck &lt;em&gt;without&lt;/em&gt; a camper can park.&nbsp; No, it would not look like a service vehicle but is that important?&nbsp; Another plus is the increased tank capacities in a truck camper.&nbsp; I'm only thinking of what might be best for a trip to Mexico and beyond.&nbsp;

One option is either buy a van already converted to 4x4, or convert the van you buy. There are a few kits and lots of information on the process if you have the money.

You will lose some stealth, however a few government agencies and utility companies had 4x4 vans in their fleet.

 

[magentawave]

Seraphim, I really don't want to get into a big discussion because I don't think this forum is the appropriate place for it, but prohibition created gangsters like Al Capone because of the huge profits involved in selling illegal booze and prohibition has done the same thing this time around.&nbsp;A pharmacist told me that pure pharmaceutical cocaine for dentists cost her $15 an OUNCE (an ounce!), whereas nasty stepped on coke off the streets costs about $80 a GRAM.&nbsp;When something becomes contraband the price skyrockets because of the risk involved for those selling it. Remove the profit from selling drugs and the entire drug dealing world collapses overnight. That is basic supply and demand Econonomics 101. Except for enjoying a good beer, I don't use legal or illegal drugs but its none of my business what others choose to ingest as long as they aren't violating my rights. And besides, filling up the prisons by criminalizing something that humans have been doing for centuries is expensive, immoral, totally counterproductive, and unconstitutional as hell. Slavery is a brutal violation of the Non-Aggression Principle so please don't compare it to what some humans choose to do with their own bodies.<br /><br /><br />

&nbsp;If the US legalized drugs then the violence would end overnight but we all know that won't happen.

<br /><br />I doubt violent people are going to give up violence just because one excuse has been removed. &nbsp;They would still murder their competition to increase their own profits, merely because they can. &nbsp;Murderers who have gotten away with horrendous acts for decades are not going to become model citizens - ever - especially not overnight. &nbsp;Legalizing dangerous drugs would merely give them a larger customer base, lower prices, and more reason to murder the competition. Violence is its own drug, equally addictive.<br /><br />Should we then make slavery legal on the excuse that it would make sex traffickers more humane people?<br /><br />I think travelling south of the border would be relatively safe if one were careful to avoid the violent hotspots. &nbsp;Still, you never know who you may run across inadvertently. &nbsp;I don't have that strong an urge to travel in Mexico lol.<br /><br />I think though, a van would be an ideal choice for travel there. &nbsp;Easy acces to the drivers seat quickly, without the need to pack up before driving off.

 

[magentawave]

Here are a couple interesting sites about driving south...<br /><br />http://www.drivetheamericas.com/roadtripper-profiles<br /><br />http://99daystopanama.com

 

[magentawave]

Nice photo.&nbsp;<img src="../images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />As far as south of the border, so far I've traveled quite a bit in Baja and a little on mainland Mexico. You're right because some of the nicest and genuinely down to earth people I've met were Latinos. Uruguay has been on my radar for quite a while so if I drive that far then I will definitely go there too.<br /><br />What kind of vehicle did you take when you drove south? Do you think I need a 4x4? I have never needed one in Baja even though I've been on some pretty nasty roads at times. I'm hoping I don't need one since they cost so much more.<br /><br />Thank you for the tips.<br /><br /><br />

There are people that are acquainted with this website that go to the Baja. But a better trip would be to hug the eastern coast down around and back up into the Yucatan to a town called Merida. It is 200 miles west of Cancun. Then go to Belize but stay out of Belize City. From there Guatemala, Honduras, and on. The heavy drug activity is around the Panama Colombia border. And say, Buenos Aries is only 5700 miles as the crow flies haha. A trip like that would call for many insurances and so forth but it would be worth it. I promise you that you would meet some of the most beautiful people in the world. The Latino people have so much old culture and class. Uruguay would remind you exactly of the midwest in the USA.<br /><br />Here is a photo that I took of one of my no one knows where I am at spots:

 

[BigBlue]

just my 2 cents because my girl and i had the same idea. we were going to start with the U.S make our way up into Canada and when we have a little but more experience van dwelling we would head south to Mexico. <br /><br />I bought a 1993 chevy 3/4 ton van. I found a few companies that offer 4x4 conversion kits for these but its far easier to find conversion kits for a ford van. also the Pre-runner kits are a lot more available for the Econoline. On the other hand from what i heard Chevrolet parts are more readily available in Mexico especially anything Pre 95.&nbsp; they have a farily simple computer that controls the fuel system and ABS breaks that you should be able to learn before you leave. i wouldn't recommend anything carburated because if your driving a lot and constantly changing elevation you will have to re-jet your carburetor and its hard to find anyone that really knows how to work on a carburator.<br /><br />for your height problem you can always add an extended top or i there are a few places that will install a pop top on any van for around $6,000.<br /><br />I also plan on learning Spanish so i can talk to the locals properly. hope i helped a little

 

[wandering mike]

I spent last winter in Mexico. I was in a 22 foot Class C. &nbsp;Went as far south as Manzanillo in the state of Colima. &nbsp;Crossed over in Laredo. &nbsp;Also spent &nbsp;time south of Guadalajara, came up the west side of the mainland to Hermosillo and then across the Sierra Madres to Chiuahua and out at Presidio in Big Bend area of Texas. &nbsp;I saw a lot more vans and Class B units than in the states. &nbsp;If a van, you may want to avoid dually's if you can as the toll roads tax all dual axel rigs at the commercial rate, about twice as much. &nbsp;I think as you get farther south into central america a smaller rig is better. &nbsp;It would also be cheaper if you were to take the ferry from Panama to Colombia. &nbsp;But I don't have good info on that. &nbsp;There is a guy posting about doing the trip on the Escapees site and also in the Mexico forum on RV.net.<br /><br />FWIW, I plan on entering again about October. &nbsp;Probably down through Sonora to Mazatlan. &nbsp;Not sure after that. &nbsp;Hopefully all the way to Chiapas. Last year I saw no violence of any kind. Zero. &nbsp;I actually felt safer than in the US due to the strong gun control laws that most must abide by. &nbsp;And if you look at the current homicide rates, the worst rate in Mexico, Ciudad Juarez, is on a track to be less violent than New Orleans. &nbsp;And the homicide rate in Mexico City is less than Washington DC. &nbsp;It is a media thing. &nbsp;And it is focused on the trade routes, not retired guys in RV's. &nbsp;Then again, I try not to be in bad neighborhoods in any country.