when i lived in northern alberta, we would drive thru the walmart parking lot @ 230 or 3 in the morning blaring our horns, waking up all the campers too cheap to get a camp site LOL! Lots of angry people would yell at us, and it was like music to our ears!
I don’t believe there is any such thing as stealth camping anymore. As soon as you see a van parked in the Walmart parking lot after hours, you know someone sleeping in there. Great video👍
Excellent tip. Or, amazon parking lot. Most don't have "parking passes" and all have staggering shifts so ppl constantly coming n going 24/7, so EVERYBODY blends in
From 6:13 to 6:21 I saw the red light show through the far edge of the passenger side of the van then as you walk around I see the red light at the top of the van. This is the part where you were showing that the blackout curtain blocks any light from coming through outside the van. Enjoyed the content and will be watching. Take care
I've been stealth camping for a couple years! Some recommendations that I do! It's a very nice rig that you have and nice build out.. For me I decided to go with a solid white 07 E350 Ford cargo van and fitted with a roof rack. On that roof rack I conceal my vent and solar panels with a 6ft ladder on top of one side and 5 inch PCV piping on the other side. I have construction hard hat on the dash with clipboard, neon Bright safety vest hung over the passenger seat, so from the outside and looking in from the front windshield IT'S TOTALLY A CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTOR'S VEHICLE😊 Personally I would never go to a Walmart or Big box store, just find yourself local hotesl and you'll be fine.
Great video. I like Cracker Barrel because there are usually other campers there. They always welcome travelers. Big hotel parking lots or loves/pilot truck stops stay armed!!
Worst place to be because they are in business for people to sleep and you will get there to take a space to sleep think about that. Hotel is a business 😊not for us to park overnight
When I’m in a pinch and I need a place to sleep, I go to the hospital…. I’ve never been told to leave or anything in the hospital parking because I think they assume that you’re there for medical treatment or you’re just waiting for your appointment.
Came across your video, saw your skinny puppy T-shirt and needed to subscribe. lol it’s been awhile since I saw any reference of them. Made my evening. And your video was good too!
National chain auto parts store, park in the parking spot furthest away from the building and close to the road 1 hour after closing. If anyone asks, you are passing through town and your check engine light keeps turning on and off for some reason and you're waiting for the store to open at 7 AM to see If they will scan the vehicle computer and tell you what's wrong. Don't do nutty things like grilling outside, no fireworks or pole dancing.
@@adamcrary1602 Yes, most national auto part chain stores will scan a vehicle for problem codes and they will also test a car battery, both for free, IT's in the auto parts stores best interest to do those two things for free because odds are you will buy the replacement part from the same store. Either way, that's two very legit excuses to overnight park for free and there are over 18,000 auto parts stores in the US.
@@adamcrary1602 Most national chain auto parts stores close at 9 PM and open at 7 AM. Park at 10 PM and leave at 6 AM. That's 8 hours of sleep. Another tip is don't park at stores that have sidewalks along the street. That reduces the odds anyone will ever walk by the vehicle at night.
@@outoftime788No - if it's a Cracker Barrel that has a separate lot (usually located behind their building), no permission is needed. It's specifically there for folk who need a place to park overnight (cars, vans, RVs, campers, and even busses.)
Those curtains worked very well. I was looking at some from these Vanlife builders and they want $400 and above just for the 3 set in the front. Good show.
If I were you, I would search those large apartments complexes. Park it in the street. Also, you should try those rest stops. There are rest stops that doesn't have a bathroom. Your van doesn't look like an RV, so you should be fine blending in with the other vehicles out there.
I suggest a 2024 or 2023 Ford E-Trasit EV Van. Rwd, 200+ mile range, 89 kWh battery. (2022/2023 has a simpler 68kWh Battery. 150+ mile range. 2024 is the improved van. Includes a 2.4kW inverter operating off the big traction battery. 2024 level charges up to 19.2kW and DCFC up to 186kW. (22/23 11kW and DCFC 118 kW). Specs are for the tall height mid height improves about +5% range Short height +10% range.
Where to sleep is the easy part. I sleep in industrial areas or by apartment buildings. As long as you stay in your van and don’t bring attention to yourself,you’ll be fine. And leave in the morning.
I live in Hawaii, the cost of renting is ridiculous. Living out of your vehicle is "illegal" here, but i see car dwellers around regularly. I'm tempted to do so myself 🤞🏽
New subscriber here! When I arrive at a new area job one is finding the spot. Once I found it I park and sit and observe. After about half an hour or so I get out and walk around. If it checks out I come back later like you do. So far it’s working. I enjoy your channel.
Why not use a hospital or airport parking lot, or a bus or train station parking? Or even a hotel parking lot? Those places expect to see cars parked overnight because people are inside.
airports are usually great, especially if you use the free arrival lots. also, 24 hour emergency vet clinics, Human clinics, gyms, cracker barrels, wawa/quikcheck/gas stations, BLM lands, National Forest Parks
Walmart used to be RV friendly until about 20 years ago. Sam Walton himself slept in his RV at Walmart lots when he visited his sites. Unfortunately too many people abused the generosity and these No Overnight signs went up everywhere
Walmart still allows overight camping. Its just that some cities have banned it and some stores have had people abuse the courtesy. I work for the company and my store still allows it but Ive seen some stupid stuff over the years.
Howdy doody...SoCal ghostwriter music Producer here who hates rent doing vanlife as well ...I like your style...hope to bump into ya someday...cheers ...
You seem a lot as me, working still but just starting out, if your got solar don't go the 12 volt icebox freezer m been their it's a huge cash lost even brought the very best 1,500 box they all don't last, if your ibterested let me know as I need to search for the part , a totally new way to do it and it's cheap and reliable.
I’ve got a 30 gallon water tank that fits over the wheel well that I never fill all the way, and a 5 gallon water heater that draws 110A @ 12V, but it only needs to be run for 5 minutes.
@@Nateawa with the quintessential van with solar panels on the roof, blacked out windows with curtains....reflectix in the windshield..........so , "stealth"......... nobody has ever appeared to look like that..🤪🤪🤪
I love how you've adopted "leave no trace" to urban overnights! That's fantastic - hopefully we can spread this message far and wide. I would suggest parking in the midst of the overnight crew. I've had luck with this before and for some reason, nobody seems to do it. All of the dwellers seem to congregate in one or more areas, where it's obvious what they're doing. As long as you aren't out of your vehicle after you park, nobody should bother you there.
I had a question: I'm interested in Van life. In the state I live in, it is legal to park for no more than 24 hours on a road in like a residential community that does not have any signs posted saying otherwise. If in a pinch, could you park on the road in front of a home just to sleep and move the vehicle in the morning? Is that something that vanlifers do?
Park anywhere overnight is legal. Look for signs. As long as no one calls cops on you nothing should happen. I recommend growing a large rotation of spots so you can park at a different spot every night for two weeks.
The answer is always no if you do that, and now they will be aware people are trying to camp in their lot whereas before they may not have noticed. That’s not a good idea.
Our Walmart has a 24/7 security guard driving around with flashing lights. No more van lifers. The city kicked them out of abandoned properties they were using and made parks out of them. Look at the euphemisms for crime: "stealth camping" instead of trespass. There are places you can pay to stay... but crime is cheaper, right?
@@amylee6038 your life must be absolute shit, if this is what you're worried about. Trying to ruin things for other people is a sure sign that you're miserable.
Why not just call and ask if they accept discreet overnight parking? I do. Most tell me which part of the lot they’d like me in. (It does vary once in a while.) Some locations even ask what brand my vehicle is, and what state issued my plate. They’ll give that info to security so they’ll make sure I’m ok. I’m not a Vanlifer but I am on the road a lot for my job. I’ve used that method above for probably 20 years with no issue. Yet.
And.....pick up a bag of trash and throw it away as well as pick up supplies there. The bag of trash is also a thank you to walmart for overnight staying.
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
when i lived in northern alberta, we would drive thru the walmart parking lot @ 230 or 3 in the morning blaring our horns, waking up all the campers too cheap to get a camp site LOL! Lots of angry people would yell at us, and it was like music to our ears!
wow man that sounds hilarious
Well, aren't you just a wonderful human being.
i beat the shit out of ya
Muppet!
How rude. I hope you've grown up since then.
I don’t believe there is any such thing as stealth camping anymore. As soon as you see a van parked in the Walmart parking lot after hours, you know someone sleeping in there. Great video👍
Pro tip- Find a Best Buy then park next the Geek Squad vans. That’s where I spend the night when in the city
Excellent tip.
Or, amazon parking lot. Most don't have "parking passes" and all have staggering shifts so ppl constantly coming n going 24/7, so EVERYBODY blends in
From 6:13 to 6:21 I saw the red light show through the far edge of the passenger side of the van then as you walk around I see the red light at the top of the van. This is the part where you were showing that the blackout curtain blocks any light from coming through outside the van. Enjoyed the content and will be watching. Take care
Yes hospital parking spots are good .Nearly allways you have no problem their.
I've been stealth camping for a couple years! Some recommendations that I do!
It's a very nice rig that you have and nice build out.. For me I decided to go with a solid white 07 E350 Ford cargo van and fitted with a roof rack. On that roof rack I conceal my vent and solar panels with a 6ft ladder on top of one side and 5 inch PCV piping on the other side. I have construction hard hat on the dash with clipboard, neon Bright safety vest hung over the passenger seat, so from the outside and looking in from the front windshield IT'S TOTALLY A CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTOR'S VEHICLE😊
Personally I would never go to a Walmart or Big box store, just find yourself local hotesl and you'll be fine.
that’s all very smart… haven’t come across ur strategy in other videos.👍🏻
hotels that have patrol is tricky getting in to park and staying stealthy cause any big van is tell tell sign for sleeping in car.. .
Mr. Under the Radar Van, I really dig your videos.....I think it's your honesty. Keep doing you!
I appreciate that
Great video. I like Cracker Barrel because there are usually other campers there. They always welcome travelers. Big hotel parking lots or loves/pilot truck stops stay armed!!
Most of the Cracker Barrel’s are going out of business
@@NotMe-st8qc not true. They were in financial trouble awhile back but are making a comeback. Maybe ones in high crime cities I would think.
Also a good place to park is at big hotel chains because they don't really check parking and you can use the restroom nice and clean hotel lobby R/R
WoW😂 , now they all be on alert for about , 5 days ,,
Some do check what's parked in their lots legally...
Worst place to be because they are in business for people to sleep and you will get there to take a space to sleep think about that. Hotel is a business 😊not for us to park overnight
When I’m in a pinch and I need a place to sleep, I go to the hospital…. I’ve never been told to leave or anything in the hospital parking because I think they assume that you’re there for medical treatment or you’re just waiting for your appointment.
So do i😅
That’s smart. Or you can be waiting for a loved one or be inside the hospital itself.
Good idea.
Yea one of my favourite places is the road next to a hospital. Feels safe as well.
So how do you avoid the hospital's parking fee?
You are very respectful.
Anyone who watches stealth vids, know a stealth build when they see one.
Yours is good!
i like this guy, he seems very pleasant when he talks. that's helps a lot when interaction with many diverse people from different backgrounds.
Thank you for sharing your stealth tips.
HELLOOOOO, I'm a new subscriber from Atlanta Ga. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. STAY BLESSED AND SAFE 😊
Thanks for subbing! I’ll be down there in October!
Skinny Puppy cheers from Boston i'm a fan as well.
🤟
Came across your video, saw your skinny puppy T-shirt and needed to subscribe. lol it’s been awhile since I saw any reference of them. Made my evening. And your video was good too!
I have had good luck parking at large apartments because no one knows their neighbors as people are always moving in and out.
National chain auto parts store, park in the parking spot furthest away from the building and close to the road 1 hour after closing. If anyone asks, you are passing through town and your check engine light keeps turning on and off for some reason and you're waiting for the store to open at 7 AM to see If they will scan the vehicle computer and tell you what's wrong. Don't do nutty things like grilling outside, no fireworks or pole dancing.
Interesting idea
smart tip. def.
@@adamcrary1602 Yes, most national auto part chain stores will scan a vehicle for problem codes and they will also test a car battery, both for free, IT's in the auto parts stores best interest to do those two things for free because odds are you will buy the replacement part from the same store. Either way, that's two very legit excuses to overnight park for free and there are over 18,000 auto parts stores in the US.
😂❤😊
@@adamcrary1602 Most national chain auto parts stores close at 9 PM and open at 7 AM. Park at 10 PM and leave at 6 AM. That's 8 hours of sleep. Another tip is don't park at stores that have sidewalks along the street. That reduces the odds anyone will ever walk by the vehicle at night.
This video seemed pretty normal until it became Buffalo Bill’s house in “Silence of the Lambs” 😂
Just having fun. A very unique van interior 👍🏻
Haha
Good video! I usually park my van at Cracker Barrel, or truck stops. Never any problems
u hav to get permision for craker barel?
@@outoftime788no Cracker B puts in parking for over nighters..
@@outoftime788No - if it's a Cracker Barrel that has a separate lot (usually located behind their building), no permission is needed. It's specifically there for folk who need a place to park overnight (cars, vans, RVs, campers, and even busses.)
@@dianenc thanks
The inside of the van I never see that one coming nice :)
I heard that you could ask the Walmart manager to see if you could park over night. I also heard that most Walmart managers are very generous.
Those curtains worked very well. I was looking at some from these Vanlife builders and they want $400 and above just for the 3 set in the front. Good show.
Just buy the blackouts at Walmart/target, the trick is you have to kind of cut it into the right shape because a rectangle doesn’t fit.
If I were you, I would search those large apartments complexes. Park it in the street. Also, you should try those rest stops. There are rest stops that doesn't have a bathroom. Your van doesn't look like an RV, so you should be fine blending in with the other vehicles out there.
Park at a truck stop, enjoy the food, safety and a shower. Why be so difficult?
I dig that Skinny Puppy shirt. Saw them in the 90s with Frontline Assembly, killer show.
Saw both last year, FLA toured with ministry
I suggest a 2024 or 2023 Ford E-Trasit EV Van. Rwd, 200+ mile range, 89 kWh battery. (2022/2023 has a simpler 68kWh Battery. 150+ mile range. 2024 is the improved van. Includes a 2.4kW inverter operating off the big traction battery. 2024 level charges up to 19.2kW and DCFC up to 186kW. (22/23 11kW and DCFC 118 kW). Specs are for the tall height mid height improves about +5% range Short height +10% range.
6:14 6:17 sorry I do see light leaking from your curtains…. I see the red light.
😂
I will be 67 this month, and I would still have fun sneaking around for a free place to park overnight. Lol
The thrill of sneaking around never get's old, hey brother!! Hello and respect from Australia
It’s fun for sure 👍
I will be 67 next month and I plan to mark it in Chile in my Promaster wild camping the fjords of South America.
I recently acquired a van, as i plan to build it. Having a shower is on top of the list
You won’t regret it
I'm a newbie and I love your video. Van is gorgeous ❤. Be safe 💗
Thank you! Will do!
You can't be "stealth" in a giant sprinter van.
Good thing that’s not a sprinter
Yay, another Skinny Puppy fan van lifer. Cool van interior!
🎚️👍
Where to sleep is the easy part. I sleep in industrial areas or by apartment buildings. As long as you stay in your van and don’t bring attention to yourself,you’ll be fine. And leave in the morning.
Ive slept in apt complex parking lots yrs ago. Left very early
This is the way 👌
I live in Hawaii, the cost of renting is ridiculous. Living out of your vehicle is "illegal" here, but i see car dwellers around regularly.
I'm tempted to do so myself 🤞🏽
I’m saving a wild amount of money here in MA!
Love Walmart for its convenience and good prices
Enjoyed your video. You have really decked out your van for all your comforts (lights, shower, refrigerator?) Thank you. Subscribed.
Judging by your shirts, you have great taste in music.
🎚️
Love Skinny Puppy!!
🤟
I'm glad it was a good night for you.
I slept ok, but sleeping without fear of getting a knock is vastly preferred!
Stoked to see the Skinny Puppy shirt. Love them.
Very nice . If they knock though I'd answer. Sometimes they get the tow trucks out . Good video my friend
New subscriber here in Massachusetts. You're very easy to listen to..First video I've watched.
Thanks and welcome
New subscriber here! When I arrive at a new area job one is finding the spot. Once I found it I park and sit and observe. After about half an hour or so I get out and walk around. If it checks out I come back later like you do. So far it’s working. I enjoy your channel.
Thanks yup that’s the way to do it
I’m a new subscriber watching from Honolulu Hawaii 2.2k good luck 🍀
Used to be, Americans could live where they wanted....three cheers for you dude!
that is a nice setup! you need to find 24 hr stores. safe travels!!
Thanks 👍
I seen one of these............down by the river!!!!
Like seeing the vids!
Why not use a hospital or airport parking lot, or a bus or train station parking? Or even a hotel parking lot? Those places expect to see cars parked overnight because people are inside.
airports are usually great, especially if you use the free arrival lots.
also, 24 hour emergency vet clinics, Human clinics, gyms, cracker barrels, wawa/quikcheck/gas stations, BLM lands, National Forest Parks
Great nice cooool video😎 THANKS!
Thanks for watching!
There’s red light leaking out above your passenger seat when you were showing the front saying no light was showing lol
lol 😂
Safe travels ✌️
thanks!
Sorry that you have to feel like a trespassing criminal worrying for the 3:00am Billy club Knock. It’s supposed to be and fell safe.
Walmart used to be RV friendly until about 20 years ago. Sam Walton himself slept in his RV at Walmart lots when he visited his sites. Unfortunately too many people abused the generosity and these No Overnight signs went up everywhere
That's because he is a trespassing criminal.
I never thought about emptying gray water
I love the military red light or is that red walls.
Both
Walmart still allows overight camping. Its just that some cities have banned it and some stores have had people abuse the courtesy. I work for the company and my store still allows it but Ive seen some stupid stuff over the years.
It seems every year fewer and fewer stores tolerate it, people def wear out their welcome abusing it.
Howdy doody...SoCal ghostwriter music Producer here who hates rent doing vanlife as well ...I like your style...hope to bump into ya someday...cheers ...
👊
Loved the video. Subbed
Thanks 🤟
You seem a lot as me, working still but just starting out, if your got solar don't go the 12 volt icebox freezer m been their it's a huge cash lost even brought the very best 1,500 box they all don't last, if your ibterested let me know as I need to search for the part , a totally new way to do it and it's cheap and reliable.
Does your crib double as a night club/disco?
I sing in the shower stall
Good video! What's your shower setup?
I’ve got a 30 gallon water tank that fits over the wheel well that I never fill all the way, and a 5 gallon water heater that draws 110A @ 12V, but it only needs to be run for 5 minutes.
If you see police cars it should tell you their there to pickup a shoplifter
Where do they arrest shoplifters?
can anyone really claim, " stealth" these days?
What do you mean
@@Nateawa with the quintessential van with solar panels on the roof, blacked out windows with curtains....reflectix in the windshield..........so , "stealth"......... nobody has ever appeared to look like that..🤪🤪🤪
U.T.R., do you wver visit state/ fed parks ?
2 w e eks stay then you have to move to a different area.
Wish I could but there is next to no federal land in New England
You are super stealth?
AGREED!!!
I practice arrive later and leave early just as day LIGHT. Stay SAFE💪😎
I love how you've adopted "leave no trace" to urban overnights! That's fantastic - hopefully we can spread this message far and wide.
I would suggest parking in the midst of the overnight crew. I've had luck with this before and for some reason, nobody seems to do it. All of the dwellers seem to congregate in one or more areas, where it's obvious what they're doing. As long as you aren't out of your vehicle after you park, nobody should bother you there.
I’ll probably do that should I ever need to do it again
Skinny Puppy shirt…nice
🎚️
Good job with your "Stealth" Camping.. You had fun making this video and I enjoyed watching it..😀
I seen light on top passenger side
You're not causing any trouble you didn't mess anything up you'll be fine
Light leak behind the passenger chair, red and white light. All Along the side wall.
BE SAFE PRAYERS
Thanks
Good video
Thanks for the visit
I had a question: I'm interested in Van life. In the state I live in, it is legal to park for no more than 24 hours on a road in like a residential community that does not have any signs posted saying otherwise. If in a pinch, could you park on the road in front of a home just to sleep and move the vehicle in the morning? Is that something that vanlifers do?
Park anywhere overnight is legal. Look for signs. As long as no one calls cops on you nothing should happen. I recommend growing a large rotation of spots so you can park at a different spot every night for two weeks.
going in and asking if you can stay there the night would save a lot of time...
The answer is always no if you do that, and now they will be aware people are trying to camp in their lot whereas before they may not have noticed. That’s not a good idea.
American dream life 😢😢😢
Oh my god the inside of that van is hideous like fright night😮
This guy is a Goth Punk.
walmarts bin crakin down on overnite parkin wen covid hit. before covid it was my for sure spot to liv.......
They cracked down because people were living in it. Not staying one night then moving on.
@@undertheradarvan no
I thought Walmart was totally cool with overnight camping. The one by my place has campers there all the time.
Maybe it's a Canadian thing?
They used to be but more and more have an official policy of no overnight parking now.
Definitely not the case in northeast US
Our Walmart has a 24/7 security guard driving around with flashing lights. No more van lifers. The city kicked them out of abandoned properties they were using and made parks out of them.
Look at the euphemisms for crime: "stealth camping" instead of trespass. There are places you can pay to stay... but crime is cheaper, right?
@@amylee6038 your life must be absolute shit, if this is what you're worried about. Trying to ruin things for other people is a sure sign that you're miserable.
Just sleep at Truckstop’s , problem solved 🤷🏽♂️……….open 24hrs , lots of movement, showers and food etc
McDonald’s has truck parking in a lot of places
How much would it cost to set up a simple van life
The cost of the van plus maybe 500 dollars
Next time, try hospital parking lots...or casino parking lots.... or college dormitory parking lots... ..
Actually my man you can see a bit of light when you were moving left to right across the front of the van you saw red lighting
Wow, it seems like living in a van is about constantly escaping, it seems a little stressful.
Nah
Why not just call and ask if they accept discreet overnight parking? I do. Most tell me which part of the lot they’d like me in. (It does vary once in a while.) Some locations even ask what brand my vehicle is, and what state issued my plate. They’ll give that info to security so they’ll make sure I’m ok.
I’m not a Vanlifer but I am on the road a lot for my job. I’ve used that method above for probably 20 years with no issue. Yet.
Because they might say no, then what are you gonna do?
@@undertheradarvan I look other places. (e.g. Bass Pro, casinos, Cracker Barrel, etc.)
You need to dowse those noisy crisps, mate. :)
Lol
I Subscribe
thanks
30 waist!? I havent had that in 20 years
How often does someone tell you that you look like Rob Lowe?
Pretty sure you’re the first
If you can find me a vehicle like you have, I would try van life for 1 year and report everything, doing a youtube channel.
Good luck in your hunt they are expensive, even used
With so many vehicles
, I dont think you had to leave by 6 30
That’s just when I get up ⬆️
If your in a decent neighborhood you can ask people at Waffle House if you can park over night they allowed me to do it in a bobtail tractor
Too bad there are none in New England, but I’ll keep that in mind when I travel
And.....pick up a bag of trash and throw it away as well as pick up supplies there. The bag of trash is also a thank you to walmart for overnight staying.
It’s weird to dictate what exactly he should do. He already said what he was gonna do .
Soooo, I won´t call parking in a Walmart parking lot "stealth". everybody knows, that somebody is sleeping there. ....
No such thing as stealth camping at Walmart. Security is well aware of your presence.