Van Stealth Camping Florida Keys W/ Portable AC

[@titaniumismagical8643]

Ryan, whenever you lock your bike up, you always need to lock it through the triangle part of the frame, and through the rear tire as well if possible. And remember almost every bike lock can be cut with a portable angle grinder in minutes. Just a heads up.

[@teddymartinii1979]

Yeah. it looks like Ryan just locked the handlebars to the bike rack. That would be easy to steal.

[@aaronslaughter6897]

Check wills whereabouts

[@rebirth_mishap]

yeah, in downtown st pete

[@MrLandslide84]

Shiiiet, seconds. 3/8th rod in 8 seconds. 1/2" maybe 10-15 seconds. (Commerical refrigeration, not a thief lol) Grinders kinda make every lock pointless. You would need basically a block of steel to stop them. That way its minutes of grinding.

[@keywestjackson]

Any cable or thin chain. Gone ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SPIN THE ENTIRE BIKR FRAME 10 TIMES. BYR BYE LOCK AND CABLE. THEY JUST SNAP. POP ..

[@fire58372001]

I did the same trip back in '05. I circumnavigated the USA. It took me 1 month to do this & about $10K in cost. Mostly in food & gas, every 3 days I'd get a motel room to get proper rest & a shower. Do this in the summer. Bring extra spare tires! An assortment of spare parts & hand tools. Switch your clocks to the 24:00 hr. system, it will be easier to tell if it's day or night. Good luck, drive safe. 🤠

[@FreshBro8]

Ryan is one of the only few Van vloggers who show us the real side of Stealth Camping

[@BobBobbyIsReallyThatDudeFR]

What is the real side? If you dont mind me asking

[@FreshBro8]

@@BobBobbyIsReallyThatDudeFR a lot of KZbinrs only post the best parts of van life. Ryan here is showing aspects that they don’t show like making sure you park in a spot that the locals won’t get mad at. Having to dissect whether he can stay or need to move to avoid getting ticketed by cops. I think it’s very genuine. Also reminding us that he needs to adapt to the environment he’s in thus having to break out the AC the first time in months, and having to use wipes to clean himself instead of getting a real shower.

[@ladyc659]

I agree

[@agoodnight1050]

But it's a rooster not a chicken

[@mirlandluldede9450]

Only real one is Mav 😭

[@sweettina2]

Thank you for being respectful of people with homes near where you stealth park. You stated their case perfectly. Happy trails!

[@TexasPanhandler]

These videos are like a moment of zen when they come out; feels great to live vicariously through your journey twenty minutes at a time.

[@jackiemartling]

WELL SAID TP

[@stephenmcelroy1179]

Me and my wife spent a week in Key West and loved every minute of it. We walked to the beach he was at. The place he got his burger is where we took cover from the , clockwork, afternoon storm. We stood under the overhang and watched lightning zip almost sideways through the palms, some of the most terrifying and exciting time we ever had. You could feel the heat, and the electrical charge from the lightning. We had a great burger and just as fast as it began the storm was over. So we had a very humid walk back to Duval to the truck. Great trip, I recommend it to anyone who ever give it a single thought.

[@shannonking6328]

I really enjoyed your tour of Key West and the visit to the beach. Haven't been to Key West since the early 60s. I was about 10 years old and riding in the back seat of my parents' big Chrysler sedan. My parents did not have air conditioning in it, and so had the windows rolled down as we drove south over the bridge to Key West. I remember it being so windy on the bridge that my mother's tube of lipstick flew out of her hand and out the car's passenger window when she was trying to apply lipstick as we drove.

[@amischair]

Welcome to Florida in January Ryan! Great views of our beautiful Sunshine state. ☀️

[@3dognite]

We got the same exact e bike. I love mine. Why such a short time in the Keys. If you think 84 is warm, you haven’t lived in the south. I’m excited you are going to Alaska. How cool. Take care and safe travels. 😎

[@lisaann9751]

I have that bike too.. only about 3 months now. Ryan is encouraging me to take a day trip down to Key West and bring my bike along.

[@klamerjeremy]

What a beautiful place. Thank you for documenting this and allowing us to live vicariously through you. It is greatly appreciate and super entertaining. Also, behind the bed looks good for the surfboard

[@alphadragongamingFTW]

I am from the west coast of Florida in Sarasota, more specifically Siesta Key. I can say that the beaches and water is much nicer on the west coast of FL. If you have the opportunity to go up the west coast you can catch US 41 ( Tamiami Trail) in Miami which cuts west over the the west coast and takes you up along the coast past Naples, Sanibel, up to Sarasota to Siesta Key. Sarasota is a great little town. Siesta Key is really nice. They have a great place called the Village which is shopping and bars and outdoor eating. Then if you get the chance continue up north and catch I-275 which goes over the Skyway Bridge across to Tampa. The west coast driving is beautiful in Florida.

[@momiami7974]

Ddnt they hve a reality show called siesta key, btw what's up neighbor

[@Jack-russell103]

Water quality is terrible on west coast florida with all,the oil rigs and chemicals polluting the gulf

[@alphadragongamingFTW]

@@Jack-russell103 LMAO no it is not. It is some of the clearest and best beaches in the states. Quit makin stuff up

[@jrock293]

I lived in Sarasota too. It's best of Florida

[@jrock293]

@@Jack-russell103 wrong ain't no oil rigs in Florida west coast.

[@ScienceofLifeMS]

Hi Ryan! You should get an oscillating fan to put in front of the a/c. It should spread the air around the van. Thanks for the ride It was nice to visit Florida with you. Publix has great key lime pie too. Safe travels❤

[@rono33]

Nice suggestion BUT there's just not enough BTU's in that small AC to cool that whole space it's only like 2500-3000 BTU's. it would just spread the little bit of cool air too thin. Most van and even standard car AC's are like 10x or even 20x the capacity of that tiny unit.

[@ebikeengineer]

Publix when Kermits is just about a mile away?

[@Florida_Man_Robb]

@@rono33 Car AC’s are 25000 BTU? That’s big.

[@measnick8]

Love your videos. Your van is awesome. A suggestion about keeping the van cooler: Try putting a windshield sun visor up and cut some reflectix to fit the front side windows. I think that will help keep some of the heat from accumulating due to sunlight, at least during the day.

[@jemme8468]

Most van owners typically have a full set of those. The problem is that when you put them up they scream "smart person maybe SLEEPING in here"... which turns into a knock. He's in stealrh camp mode.

[@scottstempmail9045]

Also, don't drive a black van to Florida in the Summer.

[@MaryamBonillla]

I'm from Colombia and I've worked with American companies for the past 8 years, I thought I knew a lot about America but you have shown me so much more, love it. Best of luck with this adventure, I'll be looking out for your videos 🤍

[@jrock293]

What part? Had a friend drive a motorcycle from Washington to Colombia

[@TermanusMagg]

That ebike is not only clutch but looks like a lot of fun

[@orapronobis2149]

Nice to have a friend to visit with and help with a/c. Nice weather there. While in Maryland it is typical winter weather…cold. 🌬☔️

[@adventureswithlily6104]

You absolutely scored on that parking spot! I was just down there and spent $70 in a parking lot for the day!🤪

[@MichaelKeith]

Awesomeness, I grew up in Miami, currently in Philadelphia. Can’t wait to get back.

[@urbannuance5151]

The E Bike was such a DOPE IDEA, it adds another dimension to the content.

[@marior.4145]

Been watching since you started and I can’t wait for the nice scenic scenes that Alaska is going to have!

[@alaskanlocal907]

Thanks for the video. My husband and I traveled all the way to Key West in our van from Alaska. Looking forward to watching your adventure unfold.

[@ethanshelafoe535]

I just joined a week ago! I’m sooo glad to be apart of this journey. I’ll be watching the whole way man! Safe travels. :)

[@ScienceofLifeMS]

Welcome! Ryan is awesome!

[@izifaddag8221]

You were lucky. I lived in south florida for a couple of decades and it has always been hard to overnight in a vehicle in the keys let alone Key West. The police are all over that place. I started going there in 1985. It has always been like that. Once I stayed in the Seashell Hostel when it was part of the IYHA (now virtually defunct). It was $10 a night. Now it is $99 / night. INSANE. Personally I think KW is way overhyped. But then I have been there so many times I have lost count. I have visited just about everywhere there is to visit. East Martello is my favorite with the creepy Robert the doll. I have my secret spots there but it is soooo difficult. Best way is to go out of town and find a bridge with parking. Then put a 5 gallon bucket outside your door with an old fishing rod or two. The cops will assume you are overnight fishing and leave you alone. KW is a money extraction zone. One visit in your life should be enough. Or not. I mean how many $10 beers can you want in Captain Tony's or Sloppy Joe's? Then there is the expensive art galleries. Plenty of Keys like places in Florida don't get hung up on KW. It is super expensive for most people. Mallory Square has turned into a freak show all about money. It used to be a hippy deal. People are often very nasty and territorial and money is their only concern. In fact the whole of Florida is a pain. The only thing good about iot is they get a bit more sun. It really isn't that different in Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. As for KW I would say New Orleans is about 100 times better.

[@dennisss3974]

I used to camp down in the keys when I was going to school in the 70's. I had an old station wagon I slept in. Before they widened the highway there was a spot by Missouri and Ohio key on the water, I'd sleep at. I always had a fishing line in the water. About half the time around 3am a cop car would come down. It was always the same drill. "Are you camping or fishing?" "Fishing" "OK, have a good evening" Times have changed

[@freddyflazh]

Hell yessss brother we're ready for the road trip!!!!

[@astrophilosophe]

2 uploads 2 days in a row lets go! That daily uploading in December really grew on you ey? Lol, no complaints these videos brighten mine and many others day. Much love and omg that E bike is so perfect for key west it reminds me of those old Electric scooters I used to have but on steroids I need one. Shrimp and Key lime pie for dinner, that is the perfect fit for the location.

[@SK-zt2lx]

Right? After he said he was going to upload less, he provides us another one. 😃

[@laudalady61]

You did it! Boondocking in Key West is next to impossible! WTG!

[@fudogwhisperer3590]

Good to see how that zero breeze performs in a van. I guess its not enough just to cool down the interior, you have to put it under the sheets. Have you ever thought about putting up a curtain between the bed area and the living area to see if it will cool that whole space?

[@AmyC28713]

Florida has some of the most lax homeless laws in the country. I "stelth camped" (before it was a thing) in a publix parking lot in 2011 and even with security roving by.....they let me sleep all night. Florida also has public showers along the coast line, regardless of which coast side you are at.

[@TheAatupaatu]

Great video again. And now we will offically start the roadtrip of the year. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@anthonymarcano2974]

If you're going to Alaska, pick up a copy of The Milepost. It's a comprehensive travel guide to the northwest. Even last years issue would work. The '23 edition won't be out till late Feb.

[@markkusler3604]

Ryan...your videos are THE BEST. I look forward to them every day.

[@ericpark9710]

Good luck on the rest of your trip! It's fun keeping up with your journey

[@badasstutorials1489]

Super cool video!!! Keywest is super expensive. You did it right!!! Although there are a couple camp grounds a couple miles just before Keywest $70-$100 a night. But you did it honorably and super stealth!! Cheers!

[@BriansGarageTV]

You’re living my (and my wife’s) dream. This video popped up on my feed, we love Florida and hope to soon build a van so I had to watch. Definitely subscribing!

[@urbannuance5151]

WOW Ryan's channel is really BLOWING UP, He had 60K subscribers when I first started watching. The algorithm Gods are showering there blessings on Ryan's platform 😂 He's gonna be able to buy a house and some property, and live in the van just for content, like Mav!

[@jaimeaceves2326]

Hey bud love the content …… one piece of advice when stealth camping like this is having some mountain house meals that can be made with hot water …. Good thing to have as a just in case

[@JayWuOfficial]

You have become one of my favorite channels to watch, keep at it Ryan!

[@delibakerytravel]

Key West Is Beautiful And Fun, Back In The Day. But The Heat And Humidity Is To Much. And The Winters Are Even Warmer Than Years Ago.Have Fun!! Glad To See You On The Road Again.

[@leahandjessica]

So cool! We love the keys and are excited to be back in a couple weeks!

[@varmooo]

This series gonna be legennn..wait for it... Yeah.

[@taylorcuthrell4123]

I stealth camp when I work 12 hour night shifts. I too have the zerobreeze mkii, but just recently ordered a 24v parking AC mini split from aliexpress. Wish I had gone minisplit to begin with. Since I sleep during the day the zerobreeze just doesn't cut it in my van. If you're concerned about energy I recomend tying the AC into the DC system to save a little bit so it doesn't have to convert DC to AC back to DC. The mkii runs on 24v. and you can buy barrel connectors or order the cable from zerobreeze. Cheers to the adventure.

[@MrLandslide84]

Gimme a bed, broadband, and a truck stop. I am good. I'm an HVAC guy and I like your cooling setup. Obviously park in the shade when you can. It's way less load. 13:00 Do Walmarts still let you chill in their lot? And I use rags, bucket of water, scrubs WAY better.Then you can dump, hit the laundry next day.

[@gheerock4077]

you living the good life, sir. thanks for the video. please upload and do more videos of van-living in Florida, particularly Miami and Tampa. appreciate you sir.

[@Lisakaylindsay256]

Such a cool portable A/C unit. Definitely will look into that. Not needed as much in the Pacific Northwest but sometimes we get surprised here and get over 90 degree weather in summer.

[@AquaTech225]

Did he say what kind that is

[@Lisakaylindsay256]

I guess not, I thought he said but I’m not seeing it in his description

[@tedfort1698]

​@@AquaTech225it is a ZeroBreeze

[@pacolapala]

You should invest in a skid plate for that van if going to alaska. I drove a 98 promaster 3500 and many times in Minnesota, Iowa and North Dakota I had to take dirt and gravel trails. Both engine and transmission oil pans sit low. I put a skid plate and saved the engine and trans numerous times. You should also throw some all terrain tires once there. I had regular LT street tires. Threw cooper A/T tires and even in snow, it handled great.

[@Jkimmelblackface]

I wish when I was younger and without a family I could do what you do. Something about changing scenery driving wherever you want seems so fun. Keep up the good work

[@kimperkins6144]

It is fun...it's a free way of living...I've lived in my van for 10 years...there's a lot of hardships but it's so worth it..I wouldn't have it any other way...hopefully one day u will b a van dweller too!

[@carltonthepug]

I have a family and live on the road lol

[@Jkimmelblackface]

@carltonthepug you must have mistaken me for someone who actually cares about your situation. Now squeak away

[@donovanfelton]

Love your videos man! Excited to live vicariously through your videos 🖤

[@starblazer64]

Been all over America except Alaska, Hawaii and Key West. They are on my bucket list. I enjoyed your vieo and subbed to your channel.

[@binkleroy9723]

Hey Ryan the water in south Florida (west palm thru Miami and the keys) is actually probably the clearest water in the state. North of that on the east coast it gets real murky, and there are definitely some clear spots near the Tampa area but for the most part south Florida is actually the clearest water

[@binkleroy9723]

To add to this, specifically boca raton has some of, if not the most consistent clear beautiful water in the entire state

[@stephenkrus]

Key West, Florida is beautiful!💎✨👌

[@urbannuance5151]

Ryan's LIVING THE LIFE!

[@gregyohngy]

I have the same bike and lock. You may need a cable lock around large poles. I use a small disc lock too, but sometimes I forget to bring them, so I use the folding lock.

[@RealProVanR]

Hey Ryan. Loved seeing Key West. That electric bike is the way to see the Key. Best of luck in your journey.

[@RonInAVan]

👍🏻great video, I stayed in my van for 3 weeks in the keys with no issues at all, I parked on the street by that big hotel every night, can’t remember the name of it but I was able to walk out on the Pier and take a dip late at night to cool down before bed, I loved the Keys. Best of luck on your adventures and safe travels.

[@travelguy1564]

I've stealth camped for the last 5 years, and I can guarantee that you don't get a good nights sleep if your "iffy" about your location. I ONLY stay where it's 90% or better to stealth camp safely, without getting "The Knock". And because there are now too many stealth camping people around the many places in America, I'm gonna keep the safest and best spots to myself. Word is getting out and cities are passing ordinances of No Sleeping in your vehicles. Plus, my vehicle doesn't even look like a Van or Camping vehicle so it's way less conspicuous, which helps me a lot. Best of Luck, folks!

[@choiceblade]

Best time ever, dude. Great ride. Your solitude now becomes the gift to another you could never have acquired in the company of others. You don't get to be or become that guy any other way. Not just a little jelly over here, man. Bov V!

[@RoamingOutward]

Awesome video! That E bike is sweet, dude!

[@arielfetters5662]

The condensed water from the AC, if you ran it through a purifier you could add it to your potable or grey water tanks.

[@MillerReactz]

I’ve been binge watching these videos from the beginning for two weeks trying to catch up! RYAN IS THE GOAT!

[@rubytuby6369]

I lived in Marathon for 2 1/2 years. I was 19 when I flew down to Orlando, walk the coast to Cocoa Beach. Worked at a hotel for a month, then hitchhike down to the keys. Got a job the next day working with the crew building houses. Later, I was a security guard at night watching the equipment on the new 7 mile bridge that was being built.

[@michaelclark9134]

Hey Ryan, Great work on another video! I may cross your path when I head over to the VanLife campout outside of Tampa. I will wave or give you a light flick when we pass one another! Thanks for showing the Coast Guard Cutter, as a Coast Guard veteran, I appreciate it!

[@itszandirr]

Yo Ryan, can't wait to watch your adventure from the Keys to Alaska!

[@DrumCoversbyBill]

That is one really well equipped van. Very cool!

[@nchris41]

You really did it right. Perfect Key West experience!

[@adluna7098]

Really like the detail flat black out, and led lights, plants, ac etc…

[@ClownBaked420]

Awesome video bro glad u made it safely to the gunshinestate lol safe travels homie n hope u show more of Florida one day whoop whoop

[@hihoney1122]

Hey Ryan, why don't you invite your friends to go as far as they can with you, and catch an flight or train back at said points they need to turn back on, and meet you same way.. I think it would be a cool set of videos. Hope you stay in each spot a few days Andale some good videos for us to see each spot you visit. Glad you posted again. Safe journey.

[@Vic-dog]

As you were unloading your bike I was wondering if you mark where you park!

[@nevysadventuresllc9074]

One last thing there is 200 miles of beach on the west coast and if your lucky some beach parking allows for over night and the beaches are littered with hotels you can probably park there parking lots most will allow you if you ask and they have big lots.

[@picklemetimbers3003]

"There is a chicken in the road just screaming at people." Lol. That made me laugh. BTW it was a rooster doing the yelling. They are all over the Keys. Thanks for posting.

[@rebm7505]

04:37 "and this is actually a pretty nice spot". Imagine being able to park your house wherever you want. Sounds sooo cool 😍

[@breeethompson]

yay i’m early !!!! love your content always can’t wait to watch this ! 😊😊😊😊

[@ljrouse5]

The keys are my happy place. We have a couple houses about an hour from the keys in Marathon. Love driving over the 7 Mile bridge it's such a beautiful place. Actually just spent two weeks there back in December

[@stephtraveler7378]

Parking ticket in KW is $45. Camping starts at $90 and goes up from there and that's if you can get a spot.... Take the ticket. If a tow truck backs up to your vehicle, get out and greet them then get back in your vehicle. Its against the law to tow a vehicle with someone in it.... Its then just a waiting game and the tow guy will usually go find an easier target....

[@wandadenison3427]

I love your videos.. your videos and your voice is so clear. You are am original vanlifer...you have what it takes....❤

[@Dla0004]

So glad I found your channel before you started this journey. Can’t wait to see everything. 👍🏼

[@jonchaney7417]

Love the videos u show some really neat places I would love to travel to and explore great videos keep it up!

[@milan90ful]

You have a soothing voice, at least to me 👊 also thanks for the videos I really love watching these. One of my dreams is to get one of these vans and build it so I can travel all over Canada. Thanks again 👊

[@debbiemurphy4813]

That's the only thing left on my list. Just came up to N.Y. from FLA. Gave my car away. But I'm looking at a campervan. Have fun !!!

[@GoHerp]

Hey man you have to stop at bahia honda bridge on the southside. then check out the park if you have time on the north end!

[@czexybeast]

How’re you liking Key West? Headed that way for a couple of days in March.

[@jacobsmithjr]

I was just there last November exploring as and stealth camping.

[@marjpatten3541]

You can always stop by Ormond beach Florida for a visit

[@Opie4469]

great job keep up the great work Ryan!

[@chrism4452]

Dope vid man! I just scooped a Van yesterday. Just trying to get educated before I head out this week. Thanks for the good content.

[@nicholas2057]

So the way you counteract that is book a fishing trip and tell them you are coming down overnight and then just arrive whenever you arrive in their parking lot and stay. Most of these marinas that have fisherman coming out of them are expecting vehicles to be there super early in the morning.so you can just let them know that you are a paying customer. It works every time.

[@rajonrondo78]

Stayed a week in the keys last may in my short bus and didn’t have a problem staying over night. I’ve also heard it’s very tough to stay

[@adventures_with_brokemom]

Dang this made me homesick. From the Florida keys (big pine ) haven't been home in a while. Thanks for the ride

[@rob101101]

I did this in an '87 vanagon back in 2010 or so. Kayak on the roof helps for stealth camping at 24 hour boat ramps. Just say you're waiting on the tide to change etc.. if anyone asks.

[@MrAMunoz]

Rob, what a solid tip! Thanks 👍

[@michaelhogan2256]

I did that in my Jeep Wrangler back in the late 90’s. Wish I had an AC unit. Definitely hot and muggy making sleeping a bit uncomfortable. I went for Fantasy Fest and it wasn’t too terrible most nights

[@SheepHillCoffee]

Keep on doing what you doing man Love your content. this my first time watching your video I love it :)

[@tomtimmons5334]

This channel continues to get better and better. This guy is super cool. Would you consider a bike helmet?

[@pandorasbox8380]

Cool Ryan! Good luck with your journey!

[@Tucker11111111]

Being in Missouri in January it's so relaxing to see Florida right now. Wish I could be down there more often.

[@toz1214]

Hey mate . Just came across your channel. Like your content. We have a spot in Naples if you need to plug in for a day or 2. We also have a self converted promaster 😃 Looking forward to seeing more vids from you. Cheers, Toz

[@darrellboggess4954]

on your AC, why do you use the intake to cool off hot outside air when you can pull the air from inside and let it recycle the cool air...if the unit has a thermostat then it would shut off, and save battery once it reaches temp...your van's heater/AC might have the same feature with a button that switches its intake duct to inside air instead of outside air...it has a curved arrow (similar to stereo control) on the button if you do...just figure you could keep cooler by positioning the intake hose up high in the van about 4-6 inches from the top to pull any hot INSIDE air through the AC to cool off the entire van more efficiently

[@joblessalex]

11:00 I've done the same.... Parked and ebiked around Seattle. Forgot where I parked. For sure thought I was screwed. Luckily I paid for parking and my statement told me where I parked.... Lol

[@MotoMiles]

Thanks Brian I really appreciate your videos. I know you’re probably not gonna get a chance to read this but I’ve used quite a bit of things you’ve used in my bill. I’ve been struggling with trying to find portable AC options. I don’t want to install anything that’s going to intrude in my vans design but I would like something I can just mount and using so far I think what you’re using is probably right up my alley..

[@CDShavinMurphy]

I love watching these...i also, like others, to look forward to watching them every day

[@asommer518]

Big Pine Key - Plenty of area that are remote. 1/2 hour North of Key West