Sprinter/Van Wrap Idea

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

I happen to be living in my van right now, and have done so for many years, and I think there are some factors you have not considered on the urban boondocking thing.

1. It sucks. You are breaking the law in most places.
2. Trying to sleep inside with cars going by constantly, or even sporadically significantly reduces the quality of sleep.
3. You are always expecting 'The Knock' of either law enforcement, or an angry homeowner telling you to move on, or a criminal with sinister motives.
4. Unlevel parking. It affects ease of movement and quality of sleep
5. Constantly searching for a new spot, and trying to remain stealthy once there. Not moving around inside so that street lights, or your antenna do not reflect light, and wobble and give you away.
6. Remaining silent. Phone calls? Forget it.
7. Bathroom activities. The best and biggest Pee bottle still needs to be dumped, and the smell can knock you out in an enclosed space. I've never used a porta potty, but do not imagine emptying one is fun or convenient. Using public facilities is a last but necessary resort at times.
8. Climate control. An exhaust fan on the roof reduces the stealth factor, and fresh air has to be allowed to enter somewhere for there to be any recirculation. This equates to more noise transferring inside and out, and less security. In the winter, you sleep under a ton of blankets fully clothed, or keep your clothes under the sheets with you. The inside air gets very stale, and you can wake up with a headache.
9. Vanxiety. Even with all your stuff locked up, and hidden, whenever you are away from your home, there is the worry factor. I constantly have nightmares that I can't find my Van, or that it has been broken into, or I'm watching tattooed gang members driving it away while drinking my beer and laughing.
10. 'Down by the river' Jokes. People and friends might say they admire your lifestyle and freedom, but you become the guy who lives in his van. It is how people will refer to you. It does not matter if you have twice the intelligence, and prospects as someone else. The stigma of being the Guy who lives in his Van, will lead to bitterness, anger, self imposed isolation, and a general hatred of humanity, despite awareness of it and attempts to mitigate it.
11. Give up any prospects of a meaningful relationship with a woman. She could never impress her friends with you, will never think about staying with you while burbdocking. If you do find one granola enough to accept your lifestyle, can you accept hers?

The only reason I still live like this is because I have a level parking spot on private property in a safe neighborhood. I have access to my own shower and bathroom, and this negates most of the inconveniences of this lifestyle.
But there is still the social stigma, and Vanxiety when parking elsewhere.

If you are to remain in any one area, I urge you to seek a private secure parking spot. It makes a Huge difference. If You are just passing through an area, then it is easier to get away with this lifestyle, but you are still considered an undesirable, no matter your motives and education.

Solid! That is ********** hilarious, if not only for the truths that are written.

By the time I got to 11, I was almost in tears.

 

[ihatemybike]

Contractor/Business/Sprinter van scream I have tools that can be sold for crack. I'd want something that looks like a passenger van and wouldn't go bigger than an Express van.

As far as no rent history for a couple years, you say your were living with family or friends. Helps to have a number to call where someone will verify this. Sure they'll be lying, but that's what people that care for you will do.

I'm not too far from you. Might be able to offer a safe haven for maintenance/repairs.

 

[Momrocks]

Off topic but related since it was in your link to the artist...I LOVE the camper cart!

 

[tylerdurden]

yea he actually built that camper. its functional. pretty rad idea if you could make it for cheap for homeless people.

i agree that having a contractor style van makes you a target. but like i said space is a big issue with my equipment.

i used to work in elgin at Feeny. I also went to UCLA for about a year. I may ask for your services when it comes time to build if you are available. thanks man!

 

[r_w]

Do you like hammocks? Best thing I did when working from a van or cargo trailer was put hooks front and rear to hang a hammock on the diagonal. I could sleep over the top of my tools and junk on the floor and unlevel didn't matter. Barely enough room in a normal van, but should be no problem in a Sprinter.

 

[tylerdurden]

you know what i actually have a hammock option drawn up in some of my plans. more as a guest stay situation for when i have friends or family along for a trip. great minds think alike.

 

[thecriscokid]

Great thread! I too have lived in a van DBTR. Well actually behind the bike shop that I was working at while my van was both running and not. I even had a Argentinian neighbor, he had cable tv, microwave, Fridge, hot plate, all full size appliances and all in a teal interiored Ford luxy cruiser. Winter was plug-in, the rest of the year was semi mobile, campspots, whatever trail head that I rode. It's good to keep it movin'
Many of the facts on the list are sad but true. I had a block walk to a gym that I would get a work out and shower daily.

Some of the bonuses!
#1 NO Commute=extra time
#2 Knowing exactly where everything is
#3 some chics dig vans, Seriously, or at least for a couple nights...
Just listen to Beenie Man "dude" listen to the lyrics :sombrero:


Well that's only 3 pluses. There are still plenty of minuses

I would think about getting a small business going, Something that could be legit for you in your field. Something veg like "Mark's Lighting" or "Flash Delivery"
Legit phone #'s. Keep it official but low key always!

 

[blackheart]

My Sprinter
Pleasureway

Does all I ask and then some more

 

[KHJPHOTO]

My Sprinter
Pleasureway

Does all I ask and then some more

DITTO:

 

[dzzz]

A van and a high roof sprinter are two different things. I suggest a used 5 cylinder high roof sprinter. That size vehicle can be a small stand up RV. A van will make things like a cassette toilet hard to install.
I suggest you join forums that you can use to find parking spaces in the future. Like RV.net. Then in the future you can post requests like "Traveling photographer looking for a flat spot in the bay area".
If you plan to stay rural parking may only be a moderate hassle. But if you want to stay urban I believe you will want help as opposed to trying to stay anonymus.
A white sprinter with a couple of beware of dog signs is my suggestion.