I tend not to use the side door for getting in and out of the van at night, its louder and makes a distinct noise, going in and out of the cab door just sounds like a regular car door! 👍
In Seattle you can park on the street for 3 days before you have to move if there’s no hourly limit. There’s also a law that if your vehicle is your home, they can’t tow it!
Homeless in DC are in tents now too so I can’t imagine getting into much trouble caught sleeping in a vehicle in a legal parking spot but I’d have to check.
In Vancouver WA, the laws have changed to make it 100% legal to sleep/camp in a vehicle on public land/streets. Can you guys make a video about this and perhaps plant the seeds of awareness in our community so that many other cities may also adopt this law change to allow more freedom for people who want to live a mobile lifestyle? Please like this comment to keep it pinned at the top. If you google about it, they essentially decided that it was unfair and unconstitutional to prohibit sleeping in a vehicle. It would be so nice to remove the stress/hiding aspect of mobile living and be more relaxed and perhaps step out in the morning, go for a walk, and say hi to the people walking around the neighborhood you are visiting for the day.
That's a very good point!! If we blast it on the internet you may have a huge influx of vanlifers flooding the streets of your town though haha!! Regardless i'll pin this comment :)
They've made the law to only allow legal overnight sleeping between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., which would keep the vanlifers on the move, and keep the home owners hardly even noticing. This would be fantastic if the law was adopted nationwide. It would give people the chance to build out a van as a tiny home they can afford and pay off and own, versus the burdens of perpetual rent and unaffordable mortgages.
I've been looking at living out of a van because it's impossible to find a nice place on SSI here and being outdoors keeps my health up. It's nice to know that a city not to far from me allows this ♥️
You can get take magnetic signs that make people think that your a parked commercial vehicle. Stuff like A-1 Sprinklers Repair, Gold Crown Coffee Service or 1 hour Dry Cleaning. Nobody would sleep in one of those.
one solo woman suggested having a work vest, hard hat and clipboard in the front seat at all times. That way it's assumed to be a work vehicle. I would add a large pair of men's work boots lol. (You can get all this at a thrift store so it's an inexpensive disguise and you are also all ready for halloween)
I've been watching several of your videos, and you two really tackle a lot of important tiny details that one wouldn't think of right off the bat. Like, designing the van so you sleep with heads on the driver's side because most roads slant toward the passenger side when parked at the curb. Should be a total "DUH" concept, but not completely obvious. Thank you for taking the time to share awesome, informative content!
If you are sleeping in a van in a residential area or city street you might want to consider sleeping with your head on the passenger side of the van. If you get side swiped in your van while sleeping, your feet will be at the driver side wall of the van. Your head will be safe on the passenger side wall of the van. This idea came from a paramedic. Just something to think about and consider.
Personally, I stay away from residential areas entirely. My preference is industrial areas. The most common vehicle used among freight expediters is a white cargo van. Many (but not all) are marked with a company name or logo. Mine is just plain white, with red/white reflective conspicuity tape on the bumpers. Basically, it looks like it is used as a commercial vehicle, thus I park in commercial areas, never having any problems. More than once I've been bothered by law enforcement when parked near a residential area parked at the curb in front of a vacant lot. Apparently neighbors notice the van as a vehicle that's not common to that neighborhood, and call the law. Walmart is too busy and to loud for my liking. If in a larger city, a Walgreen's ot Planet Fitness parking lot is much quieter. If traveling near a truck stop, the front car lot works well too. Though it can also be a bit noisey sometimes, it's nowhere near the noise level of a Walmart.
Michael I’ve always wondered why more van lifers don’t do this. Seems like an obvious solution.. If you park behind a plaza I would think no one would second guess it and businesses wouldn’t know which business you might belong to.
Your free suggestions & learned insights are such a blessing to many others. You sow thoughtfulness & kindness & reap same. Kudos to T & A & even Frank for never barking!
We 'semi-stealthed' one night in a Cornwall beach car park, stunning views of the bay and the Milky Way, so perfect. My beloved - the driver- went straight off into a deep sleep, then the wind came up and a beach flag pole clanged relentlessly like the bells of doom aaaaalllll night. Up until then I had wondered why we were the only ones there...
Thank you Trent and Allie! Not only were the suggestions helpful but the play by play looking for the spot, reading the signs and videoing how you look from the outside then stepping in made me feel more comfortable and confident. Great tip on leaving early then going to a park to let Frank romp around while you get let loose!
I live in my car and I find my sleeping locations almost the identical ways that U2 have explained 😍. The #1 is to find the spot late and leave by 7am, no later than 8am. And my morning routine is usually at a park or supermarket (since I got to get my coffee🤪). Thanks U2❣️ OH, I just remembered something: I also look for apartment complexes especially the weekend because the parking on the street is usually open late at night and since most renters are young they sleep in on Saturday morning 🤪😂😎
Thanks for sharing n great ideas for your parking place at night n morning time.. I really enjoy all ur videos keep it up 👌 I always see people park very close to police station areas bc it is always safe n no body bother you at night! 🍾
This was great. So many people talk about it, but it was nice to see it in action. I think stealth camping is one of the things we're most apprehensive about. Love how respectful some people are too. that's very important to keep it going for all of us! Have a great day!
In the video.... I noticed a red tower. I highly recommend if it's a cell/ microwave tower you bypass that location as they put off a tremendous amount of ELF microwave radiation. Even on a short exposure can cause serious health concerns. A microwave oven puts out around 1000 watts of power. A tower puts out 2.5 kilowatts of power. Not only does it affect your health it also affects your sleep patterns. Just my 2 cents as I am a alternative lifestyle camper myself.
If you are ever in the North Ogden, Utah area...you can park overnight in my driveway or in front of our house. Heck, I'll even make you breakfast (my Detroit Polish roots...we have to feed everyone we meet ha), you two are great!
I stay in hotel parking lots 90% of the time.. pull up anytime of day, leave whenever I feel like getting up in the morning. I live in a large cargo van and no one has ever bothered me or asked me to leave.
Appreciate how considerate you are of others. Because others are not is why more and more city's and making ordinances so that there is no over night parking in Wal-marts.
Great video....good information! You answered some questions that I have had...I mean, I know about parking at Walmart but from what I've gathered from other "nomads," it is usually a last resort.
when I traveled I would always look up the local dealership and park there If anyone was to ask why your there, simply tell them your traveling and having engine trouble and you are waiting for service to open.
While talking to our local PM dealer. We both agreed just park as close. Maybe even the in the service parking lot if open at the Dodge stealership Another good place would be at a tire shop or to get the oil change . Any place that does auto repairs. They normally close at 6pm
Look for cemeteries, parks, churches (on the weekdays), and schools (on the weekends). Being able to search for a spot (that is usually on a large flat plot) on Google Maps when you're in an unfamiliar or hilly place is very useful.
Trent & Allie Hi Guys, Following your 'stealth camping' video I've been trying to contact Simon at vanmadegear. Do you have contact details as no reply from emails. Many thanks, Keep turning out the brilliant vid's. Regards Rory
SEARCH TIME WELL SPENT i spend an hour searching for a spot like that retired van dweller who spends all day hanging with my dog.then around 4 pm start my parking search. i use your tips and IT WORKS- Thanks!
... nice job on the urban stealth vid... having done much of this over many years I have found opportunities in industrial areas very rewarding. Also, service garages (vehicle repair, tire shops, transmission and others (after they have closed of course) with a scheduled early departure. I do like to scout while daylight, and have a back-up location prepared. Out of town locations can be just as challenging... probably good for another vid lol. Good that u r not both sick at the same time... speedy recovery... All the Best ~ S
You guys are great! My boyfriend and I have been inspired by you guys! We are looking at a ProMaster on Monday, and planning on converting it. I can't wait to hit the road!
I only have a fantastic fan with sliding door window and haven't got the knock, so far. All good points - especially parking at the border of wider lots were the owners may assume you belong to the other house - that's gold!! My 02č- I put 3 - 3" tall numbers on top of the rear driver's side door more as a deflection to possibly appear more like a work van.
We were the “corner house” growing up and my mom always noticed vehicles with dark tint parked nearby and was always sketched out. I always told her wait til morning and see if they were just looking for a place to stay for the night. Majority of the time they were gone before we woke up lol.
Yeah when i lived in a house I would see stealth campers on our street constantly and we would always think of leaving them cookies or something but they leave early in the morning to not be detected ;)
That's how my boyfriends mom is, any suspicious or different vehicle is a thing for her people she does not know walking around her street are a thing. She even noticed two teenage boys walking down to the lake behind her house and immediately assumed they were up to no good
This video was exceptionally helpful for me because I live in the DC MD VA area and while I live in the suburbs I was worried about finding parking in the surrounding cities
Other great parking spots are near large apartment complexes, hospitals, and at 24-hour restaurants/stores (ask first). If it's midnight or after, motels can also be good in a pinch.
I second the apartment complexes and add parks and churches. Basically I look for places considered public spaces. Best combo- many apartments or multi-plex and a park! Winning combo. But always do pay attention to the signage in the whole block. I also look to see if it’s on a bus route (been shook awake by a few passing at 5am)
I always try to go for more lit up places. Maybe because I’m on my own but it makes me feel like someone wouldn’t try to break in when it would be easily visible. Also I have a theory that hiding in plain sight really does wonders because no one really expects it. This all depends on what the outside of your rig looks like tho!
Adventure Time Loui, Consider parking in the "line of sight" of security cameras. Banks and credit unions have lots of cameras...don't park there! But park in the area next-door to them. Criminals know that the cameras extend beyond the actual bank area. When you are in that "umbrella" they leave you alone. Other businesses that usually have working cameras: jewelry stores, cellphone stores, "smoke shops." I would stay away from gun shops and bars/liquor stores. Don't park real close to the business or you make them nervous. Instead, park next door or across the street. You're still in camera range.
State law varies a lot - in Missouri it is illegal to park in front of/beside a house without the homeowner's permission. In Texas, I noticed many state-owned roadside picnic areas have signs saying "no more than 24 hours" so they would be perfectly legal for overnight parling. Btw, the Texas hill country is spectacular - many lakes, Enchanted Rock, the Guadalupe River, Fredericksburg, Kerrville - and of course Austin! San Antonio is loads of fun too. Come on down!
@shane It isn't a matter of 'agree among ourselves what's right & wrong - it's a matter of keeping regulations at the lowest level possible. Do we really need the Federal government issuing parking regulations for the entire country?!? States have different laws, counties have different laws, towns have different laws. It is up to each individual to find out the laws governing what they are doing in any particular area. With the internet, that's pretty easy to do. It's call personal responsibility, which is WAY more appealing than government control/regulation - and if more people practiced it, we'd have way less government control & regulation to begin with. :-)
@shane If you are driving "county to county", the driving laws are the same - they are state regulated. Driving laws are posted on every state's DMV website. Is it a bit of a pain? Yes - but imagine how much easier driving would be if A) everyone bothered to pay attention to the laws of the state they are driving in, and B) people actually adhered to the laws of the state they are driving in. As far as parking goes, most places post the parking regulations right there - but, if there are state specific regulations, they will be in the driver's handbook for the state you are in, and hopefully, you have already at least taken a glance at it. If you want to be spoon fed, none of the above applies to you. However, I suggest you don't drive in Europe, where distances of "state to state" here become "country to country" there. If your excuse to not bother finding out laws for the area you are visiting is "do you understand how many laws are out there", there isn't any easy answer for you.
@shane Honestly, I don't know what to say if you think ALL laws in the country should be the same, state to state, county to county, town to town. BTW, I looked up Missouri's laws, and no where is there a law that it is "illegal to park in front of/beside a house without the homeowner's permission". If there was, it would be in the driver's handbook as a state law. Perhaps that is law in the town, or county, where J Joy lives, but it is NOT a Missouri wide law. There is however, a state law against blocking a driveway. But even various cities/towns trump that with laws that stipulate that you can block a driveway for loading/unloading and/or with the property owner's permission. It was wicked easy to find that info, btw.
@shaneI understand your point, and I'm glad I proved it. One of the beautiful things about the USA is you can live where you want, and make that selection based on people having the same ideals and values as yourself. What flies in some places, won't fly in others - the people vote, and sway the direction of the laws in their area. I think that is one of the very best things about the USA. I hope you have a good day as well, and that the laws in the area where you live are in line with what you believe in. It's a good reason to research laws, btw, to know the areas that may be an alternate new home if the area where you are has some crazy ass laws with which you don't agree. Of course, it's all about taking the good with the bad, and how things align with your own personal priorities. I wasn't trying to be confrontational, and if I came across that way, my sincere apologies. I think the dialog has been great, I'm sorry if you don't feel the same.
I live and work on the road, remodeling existing Was Mart's, all over the country. Download an app called RV Parky. It will give you all Wal-Mart locations. Wart-Mart's rule is you can camp overnight in their parking lots, but its the city or town it's located in, that sets the rule of no overnight camping. RV Parky will tell you if other people have been told no overnight camping. I just finished a remodel in upstate New York, People had been living full time in motor homes in the parking lot for months and no one kicked them out. You just never know.
I live in upstate NY and never realized there were so many people living in rvs etc at wal mart.. But seems like the wal mart near me always has several at least...
I live just outside of downtown Rochester, NY. There is a couple who visits their daughter in a van like yours. They park on our street and are very quiet and respectful. All the neighbors have no problem with them.
For a long time I worked as a teacher in prisons. This reminds me of a day when one of the 'boys' was giving the class a lesson on how to conduct a burglary! For assessment purposes the outcome was "giving clear instructions". :-) You passed Trent.
I loved this so much! It is so exciting parking in secret and keeping safe! Hope you feel better soon Trent and I know Allie will be taking good care of you! Loads of love Jackie x❤️❤️❤️🤒🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️❤️
As an ex-street living person, you guys are on the money! Come in late, leave early, leave NO trace & keep moving! Some places will figure you out, if you want to stay there, & will let you stay. Weasels, we're little weasels, surviving, until we have to move on. Thank God you have a van!!!!😁👌💜💚💙💟🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
Hope you feel better ..Love watching you guys your always having something to teach me or something I didn't knoe about van living rv living ect.thanks 😁showing you some warm love here in MESA ARIZONA
Very thorough and enjoyable; thank you! Love the comments about the business sign or construction gear in the front seat Haha :) great ideas for stealth
Knock, knock "oh- it's Trent and Allie!" (The 2 most respectful van dwellers on earth). Maybe you could ckeckout small municipal and county airports. Lovely people and many would be supportive of your lifestyle.
Thanks for the info and tips on parking in a city /suburban environment. Thanks again for the videos, plz, keep them coming? Eric Sulen, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Olive Leaf Extract - capsules with olive colored power in them. The reviews on Amazon say they cleared up flu symptoms overnight. We tried it - it worked for us too. Might help Trent.
Excellent vid. Virtually no van looks "stealth" anymore. Law enforcement all know about the old white van ruse. They know they're all campers. Out of state plates are a giveaway too. Also know that people can see the light from your rooftop vent easily. Best to keep it shut until all your lights off
That would be easily fixed by adding say a normal black vent filter on the inside. However, the vent is so high up in the air that most people aren't really going to notice.
You should consider sleeping with your heads on the passenger side of the van when you're stealth camping. Sleeping with your heads on the driver/street side leaves them exposed to direct impact if another driver hits your van while it's parked.
Valid point, but most streets have a crown in the middle to help runoff of rain water. Having your head on the passenger side would have your head lower than your feet, not good. OTR truck team drivers have their head on the driver's side which is required by law.
My mother's neighbor was a traveling pastor and he said a hospital parking lot was a pretty good spot. Especially if they have an emergency room. If anyone (e.g. guard) comes knocking you can act scared and ask if your mother has been admitted to the hospital.
Excellent videos! I love watching your Van life experience! I live in France and travel a lot in Europe. Here we have much liberty to park on the streets. European laws are more flexible and generally speaking, cities are much safer than in the US. The best place anywhere in Europa is in the city Hall or Church parking lots after 18:30. No body bothers you and all long quiet parking until the next day 08:30, when the City hall staff come back to work. Good luck guys,,
I work at an airport in Vegas .I lived in my van in the parking lot for 4 months (not the summer season) while i looked for housing for my wife and i. It was the employee parking lot though, But now daily i see folks in the long term over sized parking lot in their vans. It is $10.00 a day and security does not bother them and no jet noise way out there..You just can do it in summer unless you have A/C. Thank you for the great video.and info.
If you make it to virginia beach you can park here we are a block from the beach next to a state park. My homeschooling family would love to learn more about van life! My kids love your videos, inspired my teen to save for a van, thanks for all you do!
Great video! Tons of questions answered. I do want to know where you got the fabric, what you do to make the window coverings stay. Feel better Trent. Whisky, lemon and honey right before bed, warm. That’s my cure. Take care.
love that remedy! we use blackout media curtain from home depot for our curtain and reflectix insulation wrapped in black auto carpet with magnets around the perimeter for the window coverings. they just magnetize to the metal frame around the windows
I’m thinking a graphic on the sides for a plumbing company, and a couple 4” PVC pipes mounted along the outer edges of the roof with some 1/2” and 3/4” PVC fastened in them for effect and no one would question it parked on Madison Avenue! Bare bones white van seems to be the giveaway to me...
Floral delivery sign. No one would risk it for a floral delivery van because they don't leave the inventory in a van overnight and it would probably be empty with no tools to steal. Same with a bakery sign.
Feel better Trent. Next time ya feel like something is coming on mix 4 oz of honey and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, warm it slightly. Take a tablespoon in morning and one in evening for 3 days.... Gotta catch it when u first get the signs of a cold or flu, but it works every time. Been using this method on my grandchildren all of their lives. They never miss any school when they are living with me. LOL
@@TrentandAllie I use unfiltered local honey, my father in law was a bee keeper and it helps with allergies. Also, other nomad vlogs suggest Red lights so when you are in there or you open the door it's not all that WHITE BRIGHT LIGHT.
To disguise your solar, install white trim board on the perimeter so they don't see the sides. Edit: or paint the black frame of the solar white. So they think it's a part of the cargo rack.
I tend not to use the side door for getting in and out of the van at night, its louder and makes a distinct noise, going in and out of the cab door just sounds like a regular car door! 👍
Excellent point!
In Seattle you can park on the street for 3 days before you have to move if there’s no hourly limit. There’s also a law that if your vehicle is your home, they can’t tow it!
That's convenient!!
Because of all the homeless people.
Homeless in DC are in tents now too so I can’t imagine getting into much trouble caught sleeping in a vehicle in a legal parking spot but I’d have to check.
In Vancouver WA, the laws have changed to make it 100% legal to sleep/camp in a vehicle on public land/streets. Can you guys make a video about this and perhaps plant the seeds of awareness in our community so that many other cities may also adopt this law change to allow more freedom for people who want to live a mobile lifestyle? Please like this comment to keep it pinned at the top. If you google about it, they essentially decided that it was unfair and unconstitutional to prohibit sleeping in a vehicle. It would be so nice to remove the stress/hiding aspect of mobile living and be more relaxed and perhaps step out in the morning, go for a walk, and say hi to the people walking around the neighborhood you are visiting for the day.
That's a very good point!! If we blast it on the internet you may have a huge influx of vanlifers flooding the streets of your town though haha!! Regardless i'll pin this comment :)
They've made the law to only allow legal overnight sleeping between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., which would keep the vanlifers on the move, and keep the home owners hardly even noticing. This would be fantastic if the law was adopted nationwide. It would give people the chance to build out a van as a tiny home they can afford and pay off and own, versus the burdens of perpetual rent and unaffordable mortgages.
I've been looking at living out of a van because it's impossible to find a nice place on SSI here and being outdoors keeps my health up. It's nice to know that a city not to far from me allows this ♥️
They made this law because of all the homeless.
Nice video
You can get take magnetic signs that make people think that your a parked commercial vehicle. Stuff like A-1 Sprinklers Repair, Gold Crown Coffee Service or 1 hour Dry Cleaning. Nobody would sleep in one of those.
That’s some next level stealthiness
one solo woman suggested having a work vest, hard hat and clipboard in the front seat at all times. That way it's assumed to be a work vehicle. I would add a large pair of men's work boots lol. (You can get all this at a thrift store so it's an inexpensive disguise and you are also all ready for halloween)
Paula LeRose Has morning
Yes
only problem is work vans have tools so expect to be broken into. I prefer Cloth Diaper Laundry, Biohazard Containment or something like that
I've been watching several of your videos, and you two really tackle a lot of important tiny details that one wouldn't think of right off the bat. Like, designing the van so you sleep with heads on the driver's side because most roads slant toward the passenger side when parked at the curb. Should be a total "DUH" concept, but not completely obvious. Thank you for taking the time to share awesome, informative content!
If you are sleeping in a van in a residential area or city street you might want to consider sleeping with your head on the passenger side of the van. If you get side swiped in your van while sleeping, your feet will be at the driver side wall of the van. Your head will be safe on the passenger side wall of the van. This idea came from a paramedic. Just something to think about and consider.
Personally, I stay away from residential areas entirely. My preference is industrial areas. The most common vehicle used among freight expediters is a white cargo van. Many (but not all) are marked with a company name or logo. Mine is just plain white, with red/white reflective conspicuity tape on the bumpers. Basically, it looks like it is used as a commercial vehicle, thus I park in commercial areas, never having any problems. More than once I've been bothered by law enforcement when parked near a residential area parked at the curb in front of a vacant lot. Apparently neighbors notice the van as a vehicle that's not common to that neighborhood, and call the law. Walmart is too busy and to loud for my liking. If in a larger city, a Walgreen's ot Planet Fitness parking lot is much quieter. If traveling near a truck stop, the front car lot works well too. Though it can also be a bit noisey sometimes, it's nowhere near the noise level of a Walmart.
Michael I’ve always wondered why more van lifers don’t do this. Seems like an obvious solution.. If you park behind a plaza I would think no one would second guess it and businesses wouldn’t know which business you might belong to.
Your free suggestions & learned insights are such a blessing to many others. You sow thoughtfulness & kindness & reap same. Kudos to T & A & even Frank for never barking!
Come to park in front of my house all year long, I like you guys 😊😊😊😊
We 'semi-stealthed' one night in a Cornwall beach car park, stunning views of the bay and the Milky Way, so perfect. My beloved - the driver- went straight off into a deep sleep, then the wind came up and a beach flag pole clanged relentlessly like the bells of doom aaaaalllll night. Up until then I had wondered why we were the only ones there...
Haha! That’s funny! Sometimes things are a little too good lol
Thank you Trent and Allie! Not only were the suggestions helpful but the play by play looking for the spot, reading the signs and videoing how you look from the outside then stepping in made me feel more comfortable and confident. Great tip on leaving early then going to a park to let Frank romp around while you get let loose!
I live in my car and I find my sleeping locations almost the identical ways that U2 have explained 😍. The #1 is to find the spot late and leave by 7am, no later than 8am. And my morning routine is usually at a park or supermarket (since I got to get my coffee🤪). Thanks U2❣️ OH, I just remembered something: I also look for apartment complexes especially the weekend because the parking on the street is usually open late at night and since most renters are young they sleep in on Saturday morning 🤪😂😎
Thanks for sharing n great ideas for your parking place at night n morning time.. I really enjoy all ur videos keep it up 👌 I always see people park very close to police station areas bc it is always safe n no body bother you at night! 🍾
You did an awesome job on not letting light seep out of cracks. That was a perfect demonstration and thanks for sharing.
This was great. So many people talk about it, but it was nice to see it in action. I think stealth camping is one of the things we're most apprehensive about. Love how respectful some people are too. that's very important to keep it going for all of us! Have a great day!
Trents smile when Allie talks about going to the park in the morning, he loves that time I can feel it
Very helpful!! Thank you for taking the time to show some real examples & how your van looks from the outside with all the lights on inside :-)
Your thoughtfulness & being respectful to everyone brings heaps of goodwill upon yourselves. Love you 3 ❤️
In the video.... I noticed a red tower. I highly recommend if it's a cell/ microwave tower you bypass that location as they put off a tremendous amount of ELF microwave radiation. Even on a short exposure can cause serious health concerns. A microwave oven puts out around 1000 watts of power. A tower puts out 2.5 kilowatts of power. Not only does it affect your health it also affects your sleep patterns. Just my 2 cents as I am a alternative lifestyle camper myself.
If you are ever in the North Ogden, Utah area...you can park overnight in my driveway or in front of our house. Heck, I'll even make you breakfast (my Detroit Polish roots...we have to feed everyone we meet ha), you two are great!
Love your guys' routine and how well you get along. Thumbs up and enjoy life on the road together!
Thank you!! We appreciate that and we will :)
I stay in hotel parking lots 90% of the time.. pull up anytime of day, leave whenever I feel like getting up in the morning. I live in a large cargo van and no one has ever bothered me or asked me to leave.
yeah, hotel parking lots work well!
Appreciate how considerate you are of others. Because others are not is why more and more city's and making ordinances so that there is no over night parking in Wal-marts.
we try not to rustle any feathers and be as courteous as possible!
Caught you segment off of Sara & Alex channel, and you two have a phenomenal van. Everything the way it is laid out is 👌🏼 perfect
Thank you Miguel!!
I used McDonalds across the USA often even in town street traffic dies down for hours and behind the store is free Wifi....YEAH!!!
Also a good spot, but not can be noisy
Lilly Bee Hello! If u don’t mind answering my question I’d appreciate it, I heard u have to have their pass word to access their WiFi? Thank u
Player 2 Hello! As the saying goes “better late than never” I’ll give it a shot, thank u for letting me know! Have a wonderful day
Hey Trent & Allie!!! You guys ALWAYS give good and useful information. Be SAFE out there and Thank You for sharing. 😎
Great video....good information! You answered some questions that I have had...I mean, I know about parking at Walmart but from what I've gathered from other "nomads," it is usually a last resort.
when I traveled I would always look up the local dealership and park there If anyone was to ask why your there, simply tell them your traveling and having engine trouble and you are waiting for service to open.
That's very smart!!
While talking to our local PM dealer. We both agreed just park as close. Maybe even the in the service parking lot if open at the Dodge stealership
Another good place would be at a tire shop or to get the oil change .
Any place that does auto repairs. They normally close at 6pm
@@drmachinewerke1 Wow, that is a great idea!! All though, you probably really do want to make sure you leave before the place opens.
High hedges in front of houses that are on the corner are my favourite in England x love your channel
Yeah that's a great location! seems to be much more hedges in the UK for some reason
Trent & Allie come to England x I can show you the ropes. Hope Trent is feeling better
Look for cemeteries, parks, churches (on the weekdays), and schools (on the weekends). Being able to search for a spot (that is usually on a large flat plot) on Google Maps when you're in an unfamiliar or hilly place is very useful.
If you can pull stealth camping off in DC I believe you could do it anywhere!
Ain’t that the truth
Best van channel on the net,,,,,,,,full stop
Thanks Ted!! You’re too kind 😊
Campervan Kevin is a close 2nd.
Trent & Allie
Hi Guys,
Following your 'stealth camping' video I've been trying to contact Simon at vanmadegear. Do you have contact details as no reply from emails.
Many thanks,
Keep turning out the brilliant vid's.
Regards
Rory
SEARCH TIME WELL SPENT i spend an hour searching for a spot like that retired van dweller who spends all day hanging with my dog.then around 4 pm start my parking search. i use your tips and IT WORKS- Thanks!
Awe. I hope you feel better real soon, Trent.
This was a perfect explanation. I see SO many people asking van lifers how they find somewhere to sleep!
Glad you found it useful Megan!! It's so simple that people complicate it haha
Trent & Allie totally agree!
Good to see you guys. Hope you both Stay well, prayers for speedy recovery Trent.
Thanks Lori! I need it :)
Get well Trent & Allie ..... Thank you for the tour!
Great lessons. Thank you. Trent, by now Im sure you are feeling much better.
Yeah i'm doing pretty well now :)
... nice job on the urban stealth vid... having done much of this over many years I have found opportunities in industrial areas very rewarding. Also, service garages (vehicle repair, tire shops, transmission and others (after they have closed of course) with a scheduled early departure. I do like to scout while daylight, and have a back-up location prepared. Out of town locations can be just as challenging... probably good for another vid lol. Good that u r not both sick at the same time... speedy recovery... All the Best ~ S
Yeah we take turns being sick haha!!
You've got a good point with auto repair places as well.
You guys are great! My boyfriend and I have been inspired by you guys! We are looking at a ProMaster on Monday, and planning on converting it. I can't wait to hit the road!
I only have a fantastic fan with sliding door window and haven't got the knock, so far. All good points - especially parking at the border of wider lots were the owners may assume you belong to the other house - that's gold!! My 02č- I put 3 - 3" tall numbers on top of the rear driver's side door more as a deflection to possibly appear more like a work van.
That's a very clever ploy!!
@@TrentandAllie idea came when I was omw to SLC - passed a work van a/w #s. Figured what the heck!!
Praying For You Get Well Soon Trent. ..!
Thank you so much Angela
A window into Trent's puberty. I think that cracking voice cracked the 50K mark for you guys! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Feel better Trent. That was a great video!! Love your van its so homey.
Thanks Victoria :) Really appreciate that
Very cool. I don’t have a van, but I enjoy living vancariously through you two!
We were the “corner house” growing up and my mom always noticed vehicles with dark tint parked nearby and was always sketched out. I always told her wait til morning and see if they were just looking for a place to stay for the night. Majority of the time they were gone before we woke up lol.
Yeah when i lived in a house I would see stealth campers on our street constantly and we would always think of leaving them cookies or something but they leave early in the morning to not be detected ;)
That's how my boyfriends mom is, any suspicious or different vehicle is a thing for her people she does not know walking around her street are a thing. She even noticed two teenage boys walking down to the lake behind her house and immediately assumed they were up to no good
This video was exceptionally helpful for me because I live in the DC MD VA area and while I live in the suburbs I was worried about finding parking in the surrounding cities
Allie looks at Trent so lovingly. it's very wholesome
Other great parking spots are near large apartment complexes, hospitals, and at 24-hour restaurants/stores (ask first). If it's midnight or after, motels can also be good in a pinch.
Yeah those places can be great too!
I second the apartment complexes and add parks and churches. Basically I look for places considered public spaces. Best combo- many apartments or multi-plex and a park! Winning combo. But always do pay attention to the signage in the whole block. I also look to see if it’s on a bus route (been shook awake by a few passing at 5am)
Great video, appreciate the real life examples guys! Much easier to visualise and imagine.
don't park beside a church on a Saturday night unless you want to be woken up by church goers early on Sunday lol.
@@paulalerose1546 not interested in having a Pretty in Pink moment? Me either!
I always try to go for more lit up places. Maybe because I’m on my own but it makes me feel like someone wouldn’t try to break in when it would be easily visible. Also I have a theory that hiding in plain sight really does wonders because no one really expects it. This all depends on what the outside of your rig looks like tho!
hey hannah, if I were alone I'd definitely take the same tactic. also, hiding in plain sight works really well!
Adventure Time Loui,
Consider parking in the "line of sight" of security cameras. Banks and credit unions have lots of cameras...don't park there! But park in the area next-door to them. Criminals know that the cameras extend beyond the actual bank area. When you are in that "umbrella" they leave you alone. Other businesses that usually have working cameras: jewelry stores, cellphone stores, "smoke shops." I would stay away from gun shops and bars/liquor stores. Don't park real close to the business or you make them nervous. Instead, park next door or across the street. You're still in camera range.
Nice video on the dwindling art of urban camping. Better than any I have seen.
Thank you!! That makes us both very happy to hear 😊
@@TrentandAllie I reckon there could be a number of vids in this topic ;-) Hint hint.
Great info guys!! Thanks!!
Glad to help spread our experience and know how!!
I love the layout of your van. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for being so pleasant.
Your voice was just fine you worry too much about it you guys are wonderful
State law varies a lot - in Missouri it is illegal to park in front of/beside a house without the homeowner's permission. In Texas, I noticed many state-owned roadside picnic areas have signs saying "no more than 24 hours" so they would be perfectly legal for overnight parling. Btw, the Texas hill country is spectacular - many lakes, Enchanted Rock, the Guadalupe River, Fredericksburg, Kerrville - and of course Austin! San Antonio is loads of fun too. Come on down!
This is true!! You have to be careful of where you are practicing these methods for sure.
@shane It isn't a matter of 'agree among ourselves what's right & wrong - it's a matter of keeping regulations at the lowest level possible. Do we really need the Federal government issuing parking regulations for the entire country?!? States have different laws, counties have different laws, towns have different laws. It is up to each individual to find out the laws governing what they are doing in any particular area. With the internet, that's pretty easy to do. It's call personal responsibility, which is WAY more appealing than government control/regulation - and if more people practiced it, we'd have way less government control & regulation to begin with. :-)
@shane If you are driving "county to county", the driving laws are the same - they are state regulated. Driving laws are posted on every state's DMV website. Is it a bit of a pain? Yes - but imagine how much easier driving would be if A) everyone bothered to pay attention to the laws of the state they are driving in, and B) people actually adhered to the laws of the state they are driving in. As far as parking goes, most places post the parking regulations right there - but, if there are state specific regulations, they will be in the driver's handbook for the state you are in, and hopefully, you have already at least taken a glance at it. If you want to be spoon fed, none of the above applies to you. However, I suggest you don't drive in Europe, where distances of "state to state" here become "country to country" there. If your excuse to not bother finding out laws for the area you are visiting is "do you understand how many laws are out there", there isn't any easy answer for you.
@shane Honestly, I don't know what to say if you think ALL laws in the country should be the same, state to state, county to county, town to town. BTW, I looked up Missouri's laws, and no where is there a law that it is "illegal to park in front of/beside a house without the homeowner's permission". If there was, it would be in the driver's handbook as a state law. Perhaps that is law in the town, or county, where J Joy lives, but it is NOT a Missouri wide law. There is however, a state law against blocking a driveway. But even various cities/towns trump that with laws that stipulate that you can block a driveway for loading/unloading and/or with the property owner's permission. It was wicked easy to find that info, btw.
@shaneI understand your point, and I'm glad I proved it. One of the beautiful things about the USA is you can live where you want, and make that selection based on people having the same ideals and values as yourself. What flies in some places, won't fly in others - the people vote, and sway the direction of the laws in their area. I think that is one of the very best things about the USA. I hope you have a good day as well, and that the laws in the area where you live are in line with what you believe in. It's a good reason to research laws, btw, to know the areas that may be an alternate new home if the area where you are has some crazy ass laws with which you don't agree. Of course, it's all about taking the good with the bad, and how things align with your own personal priorities. I wasn't trying to be confrontational, and if I came across that way, my sincere apologies. I think the dialog has been great, I'm sorry if you don't feel the same.
I live and work on the road, remodeling existing Was Mart's, all over the country. Download an app called RV Parky. It will give you all Wal-Mart locations. Wart-Mart's rule is you can camp overnight in their parking lots, but its the city or town it's located in, that sets the rule of no overnight camping. RV Parky will tell you if other people have been told no overnight camping. I just finished a remodel in upstate New York, People had been living full time in motor homes in the parking lot for months and no one kicked them out. You just never know.
That’s interesting I’ll have to check it out. Thanks
I live in upstate NY and never realized there were so many people living in rvs etc at wal mart.. But seems like the wal mart near me always has several at least...
I live just outside of downtown Rochester, NY. There is a couple who visits their daughter in a van like yours. They park on our street and are very quiet and respectful. All the neighbors have no problem with them.
For a long time I worked as a teacher in prisons. This reminds me of a day when one of the 'boys' was giving the class a lesson on how to conduct a burglary! For assessment purposes the outcome was "giving clear instructions". :-) You passed Trent.
haha that's priceless Jaahda!! Thanks for sharing
Hello you two.
Thank you for the tips.
Feel better soon Trent
Thank you so much Alvara!!
Great video! Man U guys give great advice on where to park !! 👌👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
You guys are fun to watch and listen too. You got a new sub.
This is awesome guys!! We are current urban van lifers and so this is great.
Awesome!! Hopefully you found it useful then :)
Love how cool you can looked at night watch all your vids love the bike trail vids get well trent
glad you like the videos, the trail ones as well! getting healthier little by little every day!
I loved this so much! It is so exciting parking in secret and keeping safe! Hope you feel better soon Trent and I know Allie will be taking good care of you! Loads of love Jackie x❤️❤️❤️🤒🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Jackie :) I feel a lot better now
As an ex-street living person, you guys are on the money! Come in late, leave early, leave NO trace & keep moving! Some places will figure you out, if you want to stay there, & will let you stay. Weasels, we're little weasels, surviving, until we have to move on. Thank God you have a van!!!!😁👌💜💚💙💟🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
You understand :)
Hope you feel better ..Love watching you guys your always having something to teach me or something I didn't knoe about van living rv living ect.thanks 😁showing you some warm love here in MESA ARIZONA
Thanks Jacquelyn!! Really appreciate that :)
Every time I watch your videos, I say out loud to myself “I just love them”.
Thank you :)
I forgot to mention that I’m an “old woman”, lol!
Trent and Ali your video's are always good. Hope you feel better. Hot chicken soup if possible and rest. Stay safe
Thanks Genevieve!! I appreciate your good wishes and soup reco's :)
Very thorough and enjoyable; thank you! Love the comments about the business sign or construction gear in the front seat Haha :) great ideas for stealth
Knock, knock "oh- it's Trent and Allie!" (The 2 most respectful van dwellers on earth). Maybe you could ckeckout small municipal and county airports. Lovely people and many would be supportive of your lifestyle.
Haha Thank You Hong Shi
Thanks for the info and tips on parking in a city /suburban environment. Thanks again for the videos, plz, keep them coming? Eric Sulen, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Olive Leaf Extract - capsules with olive colored power in them. The reviews on Amazon say they cleared up flu symptoms overnight. We tried it - it worked for us too. Might help Trent.
Thanks for the recommendation!! I’ll have to try that
Excellent vid. Virtually no van looks "stealth" anymore. Law enforcement all know about the old white van ruse. They know they're all campers. Out of state plates are a giveaway too. Also know that people can see the light from your rooftop vent easily. Best to keep it shut until all your lights off
very true, good tip on the roof vent light!
That would be easily fixed by adding say a normal black vent filter on the inside. However, the vent is so high up in the air that most people aren't really going to notice.
I've never seen the dining table from under the bed! Sweet Details.
Awesome tips! Seen many using parking lots as camp grounds instead of sleep, up and leave to a park to start their morning.
Thank you for sharing! :)
Thanks for watching 😊
It was very helpful. I'm looking at building a campervan to do some traveling. I love your videos.
You should consider sleeping with your heads on the passenger side of the van when you're stealth camping. Sleeping with your heads on the driver/street side leaves them exposed to direct impact if another driver hits your van while it's parked.
Valid point, but most streets have a crown in the middle to help runoff of rain water. Having your head on the passenger side would have your head lower than your feet, not good. OTR truck team drivers have their head on the driver's side which is required by law.
This was a super cute and helpful video. I am thinking about living in a van maybe next year sometime.
Love DC 🖤 eat at Hip City Veg😋
I also love all of your tips, as we just purchased a Pro Master & are currently converting it.
My mother's neighbor was a traveling pastor and he said a hospital parking lot was a pretty good spot. Especially if they have an emergency room. If anyone (e.g. guard) comes knocking you can act scared and ask if your mother has been admitted to the hospital.
interesting to see you before the house build
Sorry your not feeling well Trent.. love all the info you put into the videos... a lot of people don’t think of some of those details
Glad you found it useful Julie!! Thanks :)
Excellent videos! I love watching your Van life experience! I live in France and travel a lot in Europe. Here we have much liberty to park on the streets. European laws are more flexible and generally speaking, cities are much safer than in the US. The best place anywhere in Europa is in the city Hall or Church parking lots after 18:30. No body bothers you and all long quiet parking until the next day 08:30, when the City hall staff come back to work. Good luck guys,,
Hi there - A huge "Get well soon" from Germany, you guys rock, sick or not (half of my family has a cold, too, so...)
Thank you so much :)
Great advice guys thanks for sharing and safe travels ♥️🚌👍😎🎶
I work at an airport in Vegas .I lived in my van in the parking lot for 4 months (not the summer season) while i looked for housing for my wife and i. It was the employee parking lot though, But now daily i see folks in the long term over sized parking lot in their vans. It is $10.00 a day and security does not bother them and no jet noise way out there..You just can do it in summer unless you have A/C. Thank you for the great video.and info.
that's a great tip! would never have considered that before. glad you like the video!
If you make it to virginia beach you can park here we are a block from the beach next to a state park. My homeschooling family would love to learn more about van life! My kids love your videos, inspired my teen to save for a van, thanks for all you do!
Great video! Tons of questions answered. I do want to know where you got the fabric, what you do to make the window coverings stay.
Feel better Trent. Whisky, lemon and honey right before bed, warm. That’s my cure. Take care.
love that remedy! we use blackout media curtain from home depot for our curtain and reflectix insulation wrapped in black auto carpet with magnets around the perimeter for the window coverings. they just magnetize to the metal frame around the windows
You can also put work men vests on the front seats and a builders manual? Everything helps! Great vid guys! Very helpful to me :) Kat xxx
I’m thinking a graphic on the sides for a plumbing company, and a couple 4” PVC pipes mounted along the outer edges of the roof with some 1/2” and 3/4” PVC fastened in them for effect and no one would question it parked on Madison Avenue! Bare bones white van seems to be the giveaway to me...
Only a giveaway because you know what to look for! The graphics is a great idea though
B Miller someone will try and break in to steal the tools
Floral delivery sign. No one would risk it for a floral delivery van because they don't leave the inventory in a van overnight and it would probably be empty with no tools to steal. Same with a bakery sign.
Feel better Trent. Next time ya feel like something is coming on mix 4 oz of honey and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, warm it slightly. Take a tablespoon in morning and one in evening for 3 days.... Gotta catch it when u first get the signs of a cold or flu, but it works every time. Been using this method on my grandchildren all of their lives. They never miss any school when they are living with me. LOL
That’s awesome Kathy!! I’ll try that next Time I feel something coming on!! Thanks
@@TrentandAllie I use unfiltered local honey, my father in law was a bee keeper and it helps with allergies. Also, other nomad vlogs suggest Red
lights so when you are in there or you open the door it's not all that WHITE BRIGHT LIGHT.
Good video guys 👍Sorry your sick. Stay warm .
To disguise your solar, install white trim board on the perimeter so they don't see the sides.
Edit: or paint the black frame of the solar white. So they think it's a part of the cargo rack.
Thank you. That was interesting.
Hope you make another one just like it. In a small town
Great video! Hope you feel better Trent. 🤒🤧😊
Thank you so much Claudine!!
Interesting and good info, ty! Hope you are feeling better, Trent!
Thank you so much!! I’m starting to recover
This is brilliant stuff. You guys are amazing!
Get well soon and thanks for the video
Thats awesome!!! Thanks for taking the time to do these.....
Magnetic Business Signs for the sides of the van sound like a good idea to me... "Bobby Builder, LLC" :-)
I have an idea to use Zillow and scope out homes for sale that from pictures look empty. This way I can look like a service van in an empty driveway.