What makes good stealth?

stude53 · Jan 8, 2012

What makes good stealth? In the future, I envision moving around between urban,suburban and country locations, while living on the road with no home base, and seeing the USA and Canada.  I will seek interesting locations (based somewhat on comfort, weather and season, and decent access to healthcare and the Internet. My minimum requirements include standup height, comfortable bed, toilet, provision for heating and storing food,  etc.Right now I am considering high top van, step van, or cargotrailer with tow vehicle.I'm looking for opinions here, as well as practical knowledge. I know there is no one answer for everyone1. What type of vehicle?2. What color(s) are best?3. Signage/No signage?4. What else do you think needs to be considered?

rvwandering · Jan 8, 2012

I could be wrong but I think that stealth is overrated. We've been living on the road for a long time in a little class C and although we do stay in campground occasionally most of our overnight stays are in parking lots , on public lands ,on the street or at some type of pull off. We're in Florida now so that necessitates more campground stays but in the last few days we've stayed at Target , Home Depot and now Cracker Barrel. As long as you don't make a mess , overstay or cause some kind of problem all is good.  A few other people who do the same type of thing are Tioga George ,Glenn from To Simplify and Mobile Kodgers. So go with what you really like and want. Make it comfortable for your needs. The rest will come easily.

Charlie · Jan 9, 2012

a Dodge Sprinter van

akrvbob · Jan 9, 2012

Charlies right, a Dodge Sprinter would be a very good choice, but they are very expensive, even used. If they are out of your price range, then I think the next best choice would be a hightop conversion van. Vehicle choice is a balancing act of <ul><li>stealth, </li><li>comfort, </li><li>fuel mileage, </li><li>reliability/repair costs</li><li>initial cost.</li></ul>To my mind a hightop cargo van does all those things very well, by far the best all-around, balanced choice. After that I think a cargo van has better stealth but much less comfort. But for a traveler like you, I'd gladly give up a little bit of stealth for a lot more comfort. I think the best color is as light as you can find so it will be cooler in summer. You will also want the back/side windows tinted as dark as is legal in your home state. Bob

stude53 · Jan 10, 2012

So far, no one has mentioned signage vs. no signage ... I have seen some thoughtful, clever signage by some, either to alleviate neighborhood concern over an out of place parker, or to lessen the probability of break-in or theft. Any one have an opinion?

rvwandering · Jan 10, 2012

If you are trying to be stealth some type of signage and a white van would probably be a good idea. White, because like Bob mentioned you want a light color for comfort in the summer , and also because a lot of work vans are white. We spot many people who are stealthing in vans and one give away is the lack of any company logo but keep in mind that a sign will also make you more noticeable especially if it's unusual. People may wonder why the same van has been hanging around for days.

Ryan24 · Jan 12, 2012

If the place you park is<div>-Open 24s or late into the night</div><div>-Has a big parking lot with lights</div><div>-Not in an inner city area</div><div>-Connected to other stores (strip malls and the like)</div><div> </div><div>You should be ok no matter what you are driving.</div>

akblack10 · Jan 12, 2012

My Truck and Camper are not stealth and after boon-docking for 90 days last Summer I can tell you "what" you drive is less important than "how you act."  As mentioned before, act as low key as possible, be respectful and don't bother businesses and more than likely cops won't bother you.  I personally patronize the businesses I park in front of or overnight in front of.  I keep my vehicle clean and I don't pull out the lawn chairs etc... mostly common sense! 

Stillwater · Jan 12, 2012

What akblack10 said. Having boondocked in both commercial vehicles and personal vans, how you behave adds / detracts from stealth more than your decision in the purchase. Personal style van: minivan (loved my AWD Previa,) or conversion van. Park in 24 hour lots with traffic (Walmarts, truck stops, rest stops), communities with lots of transient folks (college areas,) and avoid overuse of interior lighting, letting your motor run, entering/exiting the side/back doors and DON'T think you're being sly by taking a whiz in a dark spot. Suddenly you appear as a prowler or vagrant. Don't park in closed business areas, office parks, etc.. Then you stick out. Cargo vans. Usually OK in those 24-hour areas as long as the exterior looks pristine. More likely to be in fine in closed business areas / downtowns where a cargo van doesn't stick out. NOT a good idea for those neighborhoods of transients... that white cargo van suddenly looks like the pedo-candy-mobile. I've not had luck in closed office/industrial parks, though others have. Those areas often have private security who are looking for traffic engaged in theft, vandalism or illicit sex hookups. RVs / A/B/Cs. I had an A. Family had a C growing up. In-laws have a B now. They stick out, no doubt. Best bet is places they are welcomed. Don't stay more than a night in one spot, arrive late, leave early. Spend LITTLE time wandering around the outside. Patronize the business if you're on their property. You're not fooling anyone with the vehicles purpose - best bet is to work to not be a nuisance. Simply not sticking out visually, not drawing attention to yourself by your behavior, being respectful of the area and people: these are stealth. * Previa. I've made some trips with a Yakima Rocket Box on the roof, a 17.5' sea kayak and a mountain bike on the rack. Note that you'll stick out as a vacationing traveler just as much as driving a RV *unless* you're in an college area that has a high percentage of outdoor sport enthusiasts. (Asheville, NC as an example.) Go for middle of the road:  your stealth is shot if you're boondocking in a high-crime, low-income area since the local LEOs are looking for *any* suspicious behavior/movement/vehicles in the area. Flipside, very nice areas have an unofficial mandate to the police to keep it nice... ultra nice neighborhoods, resort areas like Hilton Head Island. As a matter of common sense, you are more likely to be hassled in destination areas where folks come to vacation.

MK7 · Jan 13, 2012

Seems like people who don't need to worry about stealth, are the ones that are mostly exploring the USA. Most towns & cities would welcome such travelers as they bring money into their economy. While those that need stealth are the ones that are living in one town or city...where their job or desired home base is. Most counties forbids vandwelling. Especially in the warmer states such as Florida, Cali, etc. where vandwellers flock to and are associated with the homeless. If you haven't got hassled much or even at all, it's probably due to your out-of-state tags....which helps identifies you as a tourist that's passing through and won't likely be setting up camp somewhere and stay for months to even years. But states such as FL and CA are cracking down hard on vandwellers because people are parking gigantic RV's and such on prime, beach real estate and/or taking up tons of business parking spaces as well as residential spaces.....taking away from paying customers, residents, etc.  Then there's the trash, dirty water, etc... and junky eyesore of old RV's and such everywhere. Drive around in a nice, newer RV with out of state tags, no problem usually....but a 1980's RV that's peeling paint and parked in the same spot for months....will certain cause residents to complain to the cops.

stude53 · Jan 13, 2012

Thanks, everyone for some thoughtful answers. I'm archiving all the ideas for future use. There has been discussion here before about security issues. Since my rolling home will be everything I own to live comfortably, I'm concerned about safety of my possessions and my vehicle if I'm away from the van.  I've planned on security for when I am inside. What ideas do you have about locks, alarms, etc. for when I'm out? Bob

judycmomx6 · Jan 13, 2012

It depends on what your driving. If you have a van, just put a curtain up between the seats and the back and make sure your back windows are covered so no one can see anything inside and you should be o.k. I wouldn't leave my vehicle for a long time if I were you, but just for an outing or something should be o.k. If your going to be living in some city, that will be another story, there are no guarantees then. Your taking somewhat of a risk just being out in the world anyway, just take the normal precautions and I'm sure you will be alright.

rvwandering · Jan 13, 2012

We've never had any problems when we've been away from our motorhome. We often park on big city streets or parking lots to visit museums or just wander around so we could be gone for hours. We usually leave our curtains opened to the back so anyone looking in can see that there's nothing worth stealing. Anything of value is hidden out of view.

WanderingRonin · Jan 14, 2012

Black curtains behind tinted glass is best in my experience. Against a white van exterior, people are usually too busy with their lives to give a second glance. Never clutter your dashboard with anything. I also keep the driver and passenger seats clean and presentable with minimal clutter to make it look like nothing's going on. Behind the curtains is another matter but what isn't seen cannot be noticed.<div>I take my prized possessions with me at all times when I can.</div>

MK7 · Jan 21, 2012

If you go with a white cargo van in the city, they seem to be a big target for theft due to the likelihood of carrying valuable tools. Contractors can easily have $2000-5000 worth of equipment...and considering that crackheads are desperate for just about anything....that's a killer score for them right there. I would have some nice looking business signs that's says something like "pet walker" or other services that aren't known to have nice tools & equipment. Plumbers, mechanics, etc. are bad IMO.  Another plus is that if cops questions what you're doing, it's harder to explain why you're impersonation a plumber or mechanic w/o any tools nor know-how vs. being a dog walker for hire. Even maid service might be good, although vacuum cleaners, etc. can be targeted for for theft. Another cheap security would be a Club steering wheel lock and a second one to lock the brake pedal. I can attest that they certainly do work against the casual thief and/or crackhead.....and for me personally, foiled a gang that targeted specifically modified cars for parts.... but still not guaranteed.  Then there are the free, simple things such as disconnecting your spark plug wires or removing your distributor cap and such.....when you're leaving your van for a while.  But I think the out-of-state tag will be a big attraction for all, including cops.

billybob200138 · Jan 21, 2012

MMMMMMMM   A couple of things to point out. Not sure where you are located but if out west park on BLM land. No charge. 14 then you are supposed to move at least 25 miles but thats if anybody notices you. As for stealthing in a cargo trailer? Envision? You get that late night knock. Now what? Where do you retreat to? One of the bad things about trailers besides sticking out like a sore thumb. If inside your cargo van go to the drivers seat and avoid a confrontation if possible. Remote start would be good also.While inside keep a container of Pepper Spray handy and carry with you when you go out. Be prepared. Also make sure you check out dispersed camping and free camping. Lots of places to camp you don"t have to worry about stealth..Happy camping. Put another log on the fire...HoboJoe

magentawave · Jul 12, 2012

After reading this entire thread and others on this forum the last few days about stealth, one thing I've learned is that everyone has a different opinion of what works and what doesn't! <img src="../images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />

livelyzach · Oct 14, 2012

I have the perfect stealth van for the urban enviroment, blue...no windows ,save for the windshield/cab....and my lil (legitimate)company logo  discretely placed on the rear door and both cab doors.Here in my home state ,one can obtain a business license inexpensively ($35). Once properly registered with the state ,its a simple matter to register your vehicles under your company name as well.In my case" L*** Security Consultants/Investigations" or LSCI.Should any LEO's run the tag....<img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" />The roof of my van is bristling with ambigous looking hardware and antennaes.Anyone who closely examines my van will automatically assume it is some kind of surveilance van and in most cases stay far away from it once thats established.The few encounters I've had from the curious or nosy ,have been positive .Its truly amazing the "dirt" the Mrs. Kravitzes (Bewitched nosy neighbor)of the world will reveal about their nieghbors to a stranger once they believe you are a cop or private investigator...Once "discovered" though ,I'll just move on...

VanLifeCrisis · Oct 14, 2012

I guess that works as long as you dont have to pay some higher registration, tax or insurance as a business.

livelyzach · Oct 14, 2012

Theres no cost of fees/tax  differential until the vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs ,at which point its either registered as commercial or recreational.Insurance of course is a different issue.One can choose the basic minimium liaibility to the sky's the limit.

What makes good stealth?

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