How "stealthy" are cargo trailers?

[WanderingCanuck]

For my plan, I've ruled out an RV because it will really stand out as a dwelling where I plan to be.  I want something that blends in, which has had me leaning toward a large modern van more than anything else.

However, some of you may have seen my thread on kayak storage and a 16-20' cargo trailer would easily resolve this issue for me.  Not to mention being less expensive, easier to find with lots of headroom, and more space overall to allow for generous insulation.

So why am I not already looking for one?  It's because you need to get out of the tow vehicle and into the trailer to access your living space.  Any time someone sees you do this, especially at night, it's a red flag that you're living inside.  I'd rather people not know this, or at least leave considerable room for doubt.

Any suggestions to overcome this limitation of a vehicle/trailer combination in an urban (but not insanely so) environment?

 

[MrNoodly]

Also, the tow vehicle can affect stealth, depending on what it is.

 

[WanderingCanuck]

Also, the tow vehicle can affect stealth, depending on what it is.

This is a good point.  I'm thinking either a smaller van with low roof (consider this "the shed") or a pickup truck.  Both are frequently seen attached to cargo trailers.

The vehicle/trailer combination limits where I can go for sure, but the intention with this setup would be to stay mostly on pavement with a some graded gravel from time to time.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Have you thought about a folding kayak?

Yeah I know it's not the same, but everything is a compromise.

 

[WanderingCanuck]

Have you thought about a folding kayak?

Yeah I know it's not the same, but everything is a compromise.

I have, and it's still on the short list.  I would prefer a hard sided boat though.  I'm a big guy and finding a kayak that's a really good fit, while not being a sluggish bathtub is quite the challenge.  It's also the reason why renting isn't much of an option.  There just aren't many boats that work for me.

The other thing is that there aren't any folders I've been able to find locally to test paddle.  I wouldn't think of purchasing something without paddling it first.

I'm thinking that in the long term after I have a home on wheels I might take a long trip and test paddle some of the more compact options.  It might result in replacing the hard-sided boat.

 

[tx2sturgis]

I've only been in one folding kayak and it was a friend's Folbot, this was 20 years ago so I sure don't remember the model, but it worked well for the two of us, and we ain't small guys either.

 

[Minivanmotoman]

Cloak of invisibility. Underground tunnel passageway.
What you're asking for may not be realistic. Getting in and out of a trailer with stealth on a regular basis?
You may have to look at this from another objective aspect. Like place the kayak in storage when not in use, avoid the trailer and get a stealth vehicle only. You're probably going to stealth camp much more than kayak. And when you kayak, don't need stealth and it only takes up precious space. What you save on hauling the trailer would pay for storage. Or keep it at a friend's place.
Inflatable kayak, some of the expensive ones apparently are quite performing.
Beam me up Scotty.

 

[WanderingCanuck]

Cloak of invisibility. Underground tunnel passageway.

Ahah! (slapping forehead) Invisibility cloak!  Why didn't I think of that?

Sarcasm aside, I know what I'm trying to achieve isn't easy and I'm still open to lots of different options.  I appreciate your input.

 

[AJ452]

I don't know how easy they are to find or how many are out there, but I've worked in an industrial park that catered to small/medium businesses that utilized loading docks. They all had their own trucks and trailers parked there so the place was littered with them.

There were enough businesses that there were always strange trucks and trailers coming through that nobody ever gave them a second glance. A security service made rounds at night but just drove through, making a show of shining a spotlight around, they weren't noting license plates or anything.

Park between a couple businesses and each will assume it's associated with the other and not raise a fuss.

Surely good for a night or two at a time and then rotate out, nobody would know the difference, I would think.

 

[LMTLMT]

In my own opinion, if you are going to be living in an urban setting, stealth/blending-in is number one priority. When I read your post it kinda reminded me of my own dilemma few years ago. I started out in a Van but wanted more room and storage and changed into a truck/trailer (6 foot) combo. Well . . with the trailer, it was hard to park, find parking, maneuver in narrow streets and most of all TOTALLY NOT STEALTHY!

In Urban setting pretty much no one drives their "trailer" daily and its easily spotted and remembered. And as far as getting out of the truck and into the trailer to sleep, man at times I had to wait either for a while until to coast is clear but by that time people already see me sitting in the truck in waiting mode. And for sure to spot me going into the trailer. Because of that I had to evaluate whats important to me and adjust and sacrifice. My number one most important is stealth so I went back to the Cargo Van setting.

Its whole lot easier to just park and go thru the cage door and into my sleeping courters. If in the middle of the night something doesn't feel right, I can also smoothly get into the driver seat and leave.

If you are dead set of keeping the kayak with you 247, how about a stealthy box van instead? I think you should have enough room to build a platform as Kayak on the bottom and bed on top. The box van will do ok on streets with storefronts or in commercial areas but chancing it in residential.

My van is just plain white and nothing special. I rotate sleeping spots and developed like a schedule but for the most part a plain white van blends in very well in a lot of places.

 

[WanderingCanuck]

At this point it just seems like I keep going in circles while considering what type of vehicle or combination is right for me. Not being able to fit a kayak inside isn't a deal breaker, but it sure would be nice to be able to keep the kind of boat I want and not have to worry about storage somewhere else. One advantage to storage space is that I could store the boat much closer to where I use it, thus saving some fuel by not transporting it on the roof. I'm sure the money saved by living in a van would offset the cost of a storage unit, but it wasn't in my initial plans. I can't think of anywhere I'd be able to safely store a boat for free.

I'm thinking the trailer idea is out though. It would be great for all the reasons I mentioned but there are some definite issues with urban use.

 

[SalsaDog]

No matter how you go about it? Almost everyone will see "stealth" as just skulking around. No one will
appreciate it and it gives converted cargo trailers a bad rep. Have you actually thought about asking
someone to stay. I have a few times. Only turned down once by a guy who had a fish on his car and
entrance door.

 

[John61CT]

Answer to title: not at all.

Furthermore, true stealth requires moving very frequently, always finding new spots.

And no movement or noise at the sleeping spot, eat, brush your teeth before you head there say 8-9pm, once parked in the overnight spot, complete silence.

The head out by 7-8am, don't return for a few days if ever.

Just can't see it with a trailer.

 

[WanderingCanuck]

Have you actually thought about asking someone to stay?

I tried putting out an online classified for a while.  People were looking at the ad but I never received any responses.

My situation is rather fluid at the moment and my base location could change any day, so having one place to park with permission might not be the ticket right now.

 

[WanderingCanuck]

Answer to title: not at all.

Furthermore,  true stealth requires moving very frequently,  always finding new spots.

And no movement or noise at the sleeping spot, eat, brush your teeth before you head there say 8-9pm, once parked in the overnight spot, complete silence.

The head out by 7-8am, don't return for a few days if ever.

Just can't see it with a trailer.

I'm not seeing it with a trailer either at this point.  Even a large van as a "daily driver" is going to raise some eyebrows with co-workers.  Less, though, than a 20' cargo trailer seemingly hauled around just for the heck of it.

 

[John61CT]

Do coworkers need to know how you get to work? Find a spot around the corner, or a stop or two away on public transport.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Here ya go:

https://www.google.com/search?q=cam...5pTYAhWG0YMKHZN1BSwQ_AUICygC&biw=1390&bih=762

 

[WanderingCanuck]

Here ya go:

https://www.google.com/search?q=cam...5pTYAhWG0YMKHZN1BSwQ_AUICygC&biw=1390&bih=762

LOL.. not bad, except I think the "cinder block" motif would blend better.

 

[WanderingCanuck]

Do coworkers need to know how you get to work? Find a spot around the corner,  or a stop or two away on public transport.

I've considered that as an option as well.  The question that remains for me is where to park and how much it would cost, versus free parking in a work parking lot.

I have to do some research on the surrounding area.  If I came in on a bike there would be even fewer questions, I could park farther away, and I'd get some exercise too.  Of course, I might also get run over en route.

I'm still leaning away from the trailer though.  Maybe some day when I'm not working full time, or if I've been a place long enough that I'm pretty sure of the reaction by employers and co-workers.

 

[tx2sturgis]

LOL.. not bad, except I think the "cinder block" motif would blend better.

Cinder Block Cammo....

Shh....dont tell Bob...he'll make a video about it.