Hi

TrueStealther · Dec 25, 2016

Hi all,

Recently bought a brand new Cargo Van that I am planning on moving into in a few weeks. I live in Australia in a City where it is illegal to sleep in your Car so I am going full stealth - no solar, no Fantastic fan, no permanent bed, everything as stealth as possible.

I've been watching most of the vids of one awesome inch, rollingearthship, elementvanlife, adventurevanman, wanderlust, living free, van living, will burson, vince etc youtube videos. I heard about Bob (Hi Bob) and this forum on those channels.

So once again hi.

hepcat · Dec 25, 2016

Hi there! You're going to have quite the adventure!

I'd reconsider your decision not to put in a fantastic fan. You can get along without solar. You can get along without a lot of 'stuff' but you need ventilation in such a confined space... and a way to let heat and moisture out by convection. There really isn't a better way to do that than having a roof vent. As far as the permanent bed... you'll find in short order that a) NOT having a permanent bed in a vehicle you're living in gets really tedious; and b) nothing is as comfortable as a purpose-built bed. Remember, it's not unlawful to possess a bed in your van... it's only illegal to sleep on it, so you're not risking anything except your comfort if you're going to sleep in the van anyway.

Good luck!

TrueStealther · Dec 25, 2016

Thanks hepcat. I'll be leaving the windows slightly cracked at night as I've got the rain guards on the front windows. I also intend to run two small fans at night - both in different directions to (hopefully) circulate the air.

Your concern is a valid one though, considering it is Summer here!

jimindenver · Dec 25, 2016

Welcome to the forum!

highdesertranger · Dec 25, 2016

Welcome TrueStealther to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you. highdesertranger

Every Road Leads Home · Dec 25, 2016

I also 2nd installing a roof vent. Rain guards and cracked windows help but are no substitute for a roof vent. I can't speak for Australia, but I don't think a roof vent in a van would look out of place or draw suspicion.