Windows & Stealth

[MacRaven]

I am still deliberating the question of windows vs cargo van. It I choose to go with a van full of windows, I've been looking at the many "treatments" people have used to deal with their windows, with a view to stealth and presenting the smallest "radar cross-section".<br><br>Would love to get some input on this line of thought:<br><br>I do not plan to add aftermarket tint - I would like to leave myself open to drive through pretty much any state, and I am pretty sure that if I stick with factory, this should not be a concern.<br><br>My concern about blocking out windows with reflectix or paint, or black painted cardboard, is this: The human eye, when looking at glass, expects to be able to see through it. Even at night, there is ambient light (especially in a lighted lot) and the human eye eye expects to see something behind a sheet of glass, maybe not anything clearly but at least <em>something</em>. &nbsp;If it does not it registers that the window is covered.<br><br>Here is my idea. &nbsp;Many vans have slatted blinds behind there windows. &nbsp;That is commonplace. &nbsp;The blinds by themselves are inadequate for privacy, light-blocking and insulation, of course. &nbsp;My plan would be to leave the blinds in place and then construct an appropriate black out/insulation system behind the blinds. &nbsp;This leaves the wandering eye seeing a window with a blind - the blind "explains" the absence of something behind it, and it is more apt to move on to something else.<br><br>Of course this does not prevent one from being spotted if you park in a "hostile" location, or act stupidly.

 

[wrcsixeight]

I found that the window frames on conversion vans bulk out the interior, and waste space. &nbsp;In my case, since I sleep side to side, valuable head and foot room.<br><br>I think as van dwellers we notice other vans more than the average joe, and whether the windows are blacked out.<br><br>I do agree the stock blinds covered with blackout curtains will be more stealth, but anybody determined on knowing whether the Van is a dweller can easily determine it by the lack of light being able to pass from window to window through the van.<br><br><br>The Windows in the rear do not have much restrictions, it is the windows up front which are restricted in most states.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

I think having blinds or curtains in a van screams someone is living in there personally.&nbsp; I think people look at a dark tinted window and if they can't see in they just move on, figuring nothing inside to see or they'd be able to make something out.&nbsp; <br><br>Vans aren't even required to have windows in the cargo area, I don't think tinting them opaque would even be a problem.&nbsp; The passenger area is a different story, but you can partition that whole area off.&nbsp; Also, vehicle safety requirements (inspection requirements) go by the location your vehicle is registered, not by the area you were in as far as I know.&nbsp; They can't enforce a ticket on window tinting of your vehicle if it is legal in your home state.&nbsp; Otherwise people would have to stop on the side of the road and make repairs to vehicles, then do so again on exiting the state.&nbsp; They might cite you, but it won't hold up.<br><br>But im not a lawyer so don't quote me or anything in court <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif" class="bbc_img"><br><br>Edit:&nbsp; I did some reading and it seems it depends on how the state words their laws, since there is no overruling federal standard for tint.&nbsp; Some states classify it as a safety issue, meaning they can cite you (but you might beat it in court) as a danger on their roadways, but some states classify it as equipment issue (for example, requiring another plate when your home state doesnt), which fall under your states rules.&nbsp; For example, in NY you will be ok (their law makes a clear exception), but I think in Va you will have a tougher time (their law says anything traveling on their roads must comply with their rules).&nbsp; Every leo forum i tried they all say they can, but rarely do unless they see your vehicle multiple times ie:&nbsp; you aren't just passing thru or vacationing.<br><br>I still think this only applies to passenger area windows tho.

 

[MacRaven]

Thank you for your insights -<br><br>I'm decided on factory tint - correct me if I am wrong, but as far as I have been able to tell, if it is factory, it would be legal anywhere - doesn't make sense for a manufacturer to produce vehicles that are legal only in certain states.<br><br>I had an 04 Chevy Blazer - had quite dark rear and rear-side windows, most every later model blazers have this. (of course, front windows do not have this).<br><br>I may just opt to side step that whole problem by going with the cargo van. That will be more work to insulate. &nbsp;Ideally I will find one that someone has already fitted with vents!<br><br><br><br><br>