PARKING TIPS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS. Living Without The Dreaded KNOCK ON THE VAN

PARKING TIPS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS. NO STEALTH VAN NEEDED
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[@Srqbay]

Find at least 30 places to sleep and only go to each one once a month. Make your bed and do your preparations before you arrived where you're going to sleep. Pull up, dark, crawl in bed, sleep all night, get up and leave. Do your morning wake-up routine after you arrive at your next spot

[@saltwatertaffy7020]

@@Srqbay ,👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@andrewlaubi4448]

I concur, also I like one way streets

[@richardkelly9768]

This mite sound weird but i get in the habit of pulling up somewhere for the night and opening my driver's door then closing it and locking myself inside. So people may hear me pull up and believe I've exited my van and locked the van.when I haven't left my van at all. It helps remove suspicion.

[@madmouse7915]

Makes sense to me 🤷‍♂️.

[@greenidguy9292]

* might

[@dianeshore625]

I think that is smart thinking.👍

[@zackerygillard8225]

Literally did that every single time! Haha

[@cucmoneyy]

Veryyy smart thinking might have to keep this in mind I see where you’re coming from try to throw the people off👍🏽

[@ExploringTheWestCoast]

*Pull in, go to sleep, get up and LEAVE! *👍👍

[@bartman898]

@ExploringTheWestCoast Finally someone else who gets it!

[@PeterHonline]

Finally, a video that's REALLY about van life, and not just another "tourist" video from people who happened to be doing it in a van.

[@nomaderic]

I've been a nomad for 3 years now. This is by far the best advice for sleeping of any video I've ever seen. I almost exactly mirror how you sleep. I tell everyone the same exact advice. Sleeping areas are for sleeping only. Go "live" somewhere else. I see so many people come places and basically act like they are at home. Then the spot gets blown up. I dont even think about where I'm gonna sleep because I can sleep pretty much anywhere within reason just as you described. Don't draw any attention to yourself, pull up when it's dark and time to sleep, and wake up early and leave. You follow that and you can pretty much sleep anywhere. I've slept literally under signs that say "no overnight parking" and have been told nothing, simply because I don't draw any attention. I'm not saying to park in these places but just showing how easy it is to sleep as a nomad. It's so over thought by everyone when it's so easy. Ask yourself "if I was just a random person driving by would I even notice my vehicle was here or even care". Most of the time that answer would be no, and if so, you can sleep there

[@w2385-i2s]

If you move your vehicle every night, that use a lot of gas. It would be cheaper to rent a place.

[@nomaderic]

@w23857980 alot of gas? To go where? I maybe put 10 bucks in gas in a day and I drive all day every day

[@nomaderic]

@Jim McD not only do I drive around all day, I do deliveries. At max I put 15. I drive a corolla, I get 40 plus mpg. 15 dollars will get me over 4 gallons of gas and that's over 150 miles of driving per day.

[@joeblow8206]

@@nomaderic yeah jim mcd I'm sure driver's an American pos. 150k mis, junkyard. And your Corolla will go 500k mis with just oil changes. Last car you will ever buy. Domestics are used to being replaced every five yrs.

[@nomaderic]

@Joe Blow yep that's why I bought it. Only maintenance I pretty much have to do is oil changes and tires. I plan on getting hundreds of thousands of miles out of my car

[@MikeS-7]

That's the thing that I think would wear most folks down in terms of van life. Every day it is logistics... Logistics... Logistics...

[@brianmi40]

I travel 3 months, then 3 at home. Finding a place to park free doesn't even come CLOSE to the enjoyment of traveling and seeing new places, eating in new restaurants, meeting new people. People focus on the negatives to talk themselves out of things.

[@dennyj8650]

I'd have to have made a thermos of hot coffee the previous night! To sip while I move on from the night's parking spot.

[@rawspace1212]

I started my vanlife on the island of Maui Hawaii. Let me tell you, your tip is spot on. Sleeping in different locations every night is key for not getting the dreaded knock knock. Stagnation is the van lifer's enemy. Aloha 🤙🤙

[@maylin1986]

Dude!! Do you have a tictoc & puppy? I think I watch your lives. 🤔 Also, did you buy your van and transfer the van from the US to Maui? Or buy your van in Maui once you moved there? I think it would be hard to find a van in Maui to buy.

[@slickwilly4613]

I did it in the 70's in Kailua Oahu. Just had to keep the windows up cus of mosquitoes

[@thepatsyfamily]

I don’t know why but there’s something calm and comforting about those early morning Tim Horton’s coffee runs.

[@yeshappynomad7510]

I work at an apartment complex rn. One court, the police would be called before the diesel heater had your tootsies warm. Two courts down, you could post up for months, cook outside, and throw a block party. You're right - trust the vibe!

[@jeffnorbert1871]

There is only one "problem", people can't mind their own business. Way too interested in what someone else MIGHT be doing with no reason to be "suspicious". If it isn't illegal to park somewhere then you have as much right to be there as anyone else. Questions like "what are you doing"? or "do you live in your van"? don't even deserve an answer because no one needs to know. Nor do they have a "right" to know. Generally that even includes law enforcement. Generally.

[@katvandu8110]

I completely agree. I never could stand these "busybody" types. Way too many of them out there.

[@elainec2577]

Been there done that

[@rainsofhealing]

The new culture in America of “see something, say something” has really gone off the deep end. This is much like a totalitarian type rulership that fosters this atmosphere. History repeating itself unfortunately. It’s actually very dangerous where it leads to.

[@itssecure]

As a block watch captain in Nanaimo, residents are told to be aware of who is in the neighborhood, to politely challenge strangers. I fully support Chrome comments about coffee and breakfast. BE RESPECTFUL

[@49WWFcobianfan]

If I'm a home owner and I see a large Van outside my home that I've never seen before I'm obviously am gonna be a little worried about a potential burglary. That type of attitude is what's gonna give you problems. You are a guest staying in other people's community.

[@east5871]

Situational awareness is important in every aspect of life.

[@marketdetective]

When I was living van life I hated driving before “waking up fully” even though it was necessary.

[@slptp]

To me, there really is nothing more beautiful and pure on this planet than the image of a person snuggling their well loved dog.

[@nicodekker1373]

vanlife.i've been doing it for 40 years now and no problem now my van is a truck so it's a bit more difficult to find a place.have fun in vanning ,greetings from latvia

[@lolly1405]

You’re 100% correct. I don’t care what any of these people say in the comments. If they see some stranger living out of their van parking in front of their home, they are going to have a problem with it. You’re out cooking breakfast in front of somebody’s home and making it clear you’re living out of your van then you’re gonna get the cops called on you. If they just see you in the evening and you’re gone in the morning, they’ll just assume it’s somebody that lives there’s work vehicle.

[@mark38699]

We are all gonna be living in vans soon.

[@MsSoozy]

Another good one about not over thinking things but be considerate and if it doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and move.

[@smellslikethinice1107]

Amen...

[@papasmurf1904]

Sorry I have been away for awhile Chrome......I have had some serious personal issues to deal with. But umm, I just want you to know that I am still here and a huge fan!!! 😃😉

[@lumiwilde1022]

I started with a big sprinter type van called a Renault Master when I lived in England. Then went to a Nissan NV 200 and now a Kia Soul ( couldn't find an affordable Honda Element at the time). Although way less space, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my stealth capability in almost ANY neighborhood :-) just pull up right behind any other normal car put my window covers up and sleep. No one EVER suspects someone living in the Kia 🤣😁🙏🏾.

[@michelleevans9474]

That's right.. so sneaky, its funny..😁🤣

[@RoxRevanharte]

I do think this video should be made by all van life KZbinrs often as all new comers need to know. So they don’t screw it up for the rest of us.

[@C.Church]

Yeah. I saw a box van video titled with the words "stealth box truck". Watched it.... guy has windows, hookup panel, it's painted all black and you can see the water tank just by bending over. His truck cab has cushions on the passenger seat for a pet and just general daily life clutter in the cab. I did a kind "lol stealth?" comment. He admitted it wasn't but he knows where to go. I said sure, if you know your local audience that works but just so noobs watching don't get any false ideas, that isn't stealth. Lol. Chrome is right. Stealth isn't so much about the vehicle (as long as it's clean and not shanty). It's about your habits. That other channel should have talked about stealrh habits not the truck being stealth (not really stealth).

[@RoxRevanharte]

@@C.Church yeah my bus stands out but is all blacked out. Still a bus. So hard to take it. However I don’t camp outside it when just trying to rest. Save that for when I can get some place where it’s ok.

[@MapleMarmite]

Sleeping spots can be determined by other factors, too. For me, my dog is not yet used to the sound of people outside and will bark sometimes. This will trigger people even more as they will be concerned a dog is shut in the van on its own. That will get a call to the cops quicker than if they think a person is inside. Rightly so but not what you want. Hopefully he’ll get more used to the sounds in time. 👍🏻

[@ChrisW228]

The “rest of you” were beginners at some point, too. Please have as much patience with beginners as I’m sure people had with you.

[@mr.skipper4544]

I have another great peice of advice for van lifers, get rid of your generators,, or at least have some respect for others that are parked beside you and in that general area, we can all enjoy this lifestyle 👍🇺🇲 Thanks Chrome

[@SystemofaDowns]

Waaaaaah

[@nicktw8688]

This is the perfect chrome video. Running monologue while driving around the deserted streets of van Island in the twilight hours. 🙏

[@susanstebila8707]

🤷🏼‍♀️You have helped me a lot about the way u live…..I feel my comfort ZONE as well….I live in the wealthiest areas at the beach…..USA I have a nice apt in AZ then 3 or 4 months in my SUV up early off to the coffee shop @ 5 or 6…..spend time in the harbor or oceanfront…..❤MY LIFE….I’m a painter, artist…set up is sweet with a well known artist…..then we paint people love it….😊🐬🐬🐬

[@aquious953]

If costs keep going up, everyone will be living in a van.

[@ginamartindale8095]

I feel the same way.

[@mamakevgaming7093]

With the prices of vans now of days, people going living in civics.

[@Adventure_Food_Fun_US]

Let’s bring daddy Trump back

[@gregabrams5792]

So true!

[@krozareq]

@@Adventure_Food_Fun_US He's back!

[@hufficag]

You can also sleep when you get sleepy after dark, then wake up at midnight, biphasic sleep, drive to a new location, sleep until dawn.

[@mikaeleriksson9176]

Im so impressed by you because you seem to know so many things about most things. Im 57 years old carpenter living and working in Sweden and i wish i had your knowledge. Give yourself a Tao on the shoulder and a hug and a kiss to cruise. Be well my friend. Best regards Mike

[@hughwolfe1176]

Chrome this was excellent advice. I’m not currently a van lifer, but if you put yourself in the eyes of the sticks and bricks home dwellers it’s easy to understand their feelings on the strange vehicle parked in their hood… Think before you act.

[@hazratmuhazmat8831]

Have several places and rotate, look for bushes to block views to houses, After dark park and early morning leave. Keep your vehicle looking stock. Take off any antennas if you can. Your movement inside gets telegraphed by aerials.

[@seanapplewhite9077]

I currently live out of a 2013 Toyota Prius in a major metropolitan area. I DoorDash full-time to support my lifestyle (which is pretty boring). I have about 5-6 sleeping locations that I rotate and never stay two night nights in a row. Like you, I arrive late and depart early-ish. I love living out of my Prius. I have a 1999 Dodge conversion van but it's in storage and not a priority since I got the Prius. It's all about the climate control. In Texas, all rear glass can be blacked out, so that's a bonus... I used black vinyl sign material.

[@anneholden9908]

I know it's highly unlikely, but if you find yourself in Florida, you can sleep in my driveway anytime!

[@NeillWylie]

You're so respectful dude.

[@jessesasaki3191]

In Phoenix Az the cops don’t care if you stay in your car I had people call the cops on me all the time and the cops said it’s not against the law and I didn’t have to move.

[@livefreevinnie]

My first night was no worries at all. It’s when I came back to the same spot a week later. I was a bit nervous the second time around. Now, I am constantly changing spots.

[@Kay.in.FL.HI.SA.JP.OZ.NZ.RIO..]

I agree; a stealth sleeping spot is overnight only! At bedtime, I drive to my breakfast spot, then find a sleeping spot nearby, so I have quick access to a morning bathroom & coffee (and a place to flush & discard my nightime pee cup [yesterdays coffee cup]).

[@somedegreeofsundown2338]

serious question: what about the nighttime poop cup?

[@Mr_Spliffy]

​​@@somedegreeofsundown2338 blobbed in the trash

[@ricknielson8934]

Really pretty simple,just keep moving and people will leave you alone. I think that’s the hardest thing for people to get there isn’t any long term parking on the street.

[@matthewosborne221]

Here in Portland there’s a lot of vanlifers that don’t move. They park in my neighborhood all the time. We had one guy in a box van rig stayed outside my apartments for 10 days.

[@patrickhaug1157]

Same here in Longview/Kelso

[@carlosespinal1434]

😅😂

[@HockeyDudeJames]

Try 6 months and counting.😅

[@cyntiaspadafore1457]

I once told someone that I was looking for a van to live in and she told me she had a list of social services that could help me keep my home bahahaha who said I could not afford my house. I just don’t need my big house all by my self!! You are so right some people just don’t get it.

[@totorishop]

Hahahaha something similar happened to me too

[@davidhunternyc1]

It's not just your instinct that's gotten you by but your consideration of others around you. Nomads forget that people in houses and apartments can't move. That's their home. They are captive every night in the same place. Respect that. You do.

[@MichiStacker]

Unfortunately, a lot of places have posted “No Overnight Parking” signs just because of this issue. Sadly, even a lot of Rest Stops along our Interstate Highways have done the same. I’ll echo what Chrome is saying about parking.

[@joblessalex]

These signs are for a 24hr period usually. The rest stops are for exactly that, rest. If you're unable to safely drive, you're supposed to sleep at them. It's almost encouraged. But it's a one and done thing. That's it.

[@madforje]

Mindfulness and discretion is the true meaning of stealth. In my opinion. Window coverings help too.

[@scottcarder9543]

What you got for window coverings??

[@scottcarder9543]

I really do need window coverings

[@andykumar4103]

@@scottcarder9543 I use think black sheet in winter and thin black sheet in summer time. I just hang along the windows.

[@mehameha4453]

@@scottcarder9543 I bought some black paper from Walmart, cut them a bit larger than my windows, and Velcro to the inside window frame. Easy to store flat on your bed. Use a charcoal colored insulated sun visor for the front. If anyone knocks hit your alarm on your key chain. It will cause more racket than they want to deal with. If they have a right to break in let them. If not they won’t attempt it and will leave. If they come back, repeat it. I had to use this once and it worked. Of course that spot was no longer on my sleep night list. But I never had to interact with them. That’s always a safe thing to do. Not talk to others about yourself. Get them talking about themselves. You just never know about people these days. Whenever you sense something isn’t right, leave. Nomading for 8 years now.

[@itsasecret2298]

@@madforje To be honest the idea of "stealth" car camping is kind of nonsense for the most part. Maybe if you park a blank white van somewhere for a day nobody will catch on. Otherwise, there's no reason for someone to have full window coverings unless they're living in their vehicle, same for curtains. People know the vehicles on their neighborhoods, you just can't get away with it. But you're right, mindfulness and discretion are key. Park legally and out of the way and don't draw attention to yourself. You'll be fine for the most part.

[@RoxRevanharte]

I have a e350 shuttle bus and still building it out. I’m concerned that when I begin full time how am I going to “stealth” this video was a nice reminder. Just sleep where I fit, leave and live elsewhere.

[@Creaserunner]

Next to a bus barn :) they will think u are overflow 😅

[@rrhopewell]

Get in get out. The best tips comes from your channel.

[@Ambohouse]

Gotta wonder if having all the advertising on the van gives you less problems. I mean if I see a van with logo's all over it. I dont expect that person to be a problem. Now unmarked van in a dark spot makes you think.. why is that here. People with bad intnetions dont usually advertise who they are all over over there van.

[@kekistanirefugee]

You could put business logos on your van like redbull etc. if you don't have your own business to advertise. That's hiding in plain sight.

[@noras.5355]

Thanks for the smart advice, Chrome. your expertise is always welcome. Have a great day. much love to you, Cruz, Emi and Kelly~

[@stuartlee7201]

All I want to say chrome ..thankyou, thankyou. Thankyou. Honesty and infotmative stuff is what I like about your channel best wishes from Australia 🇦🇺 downunder. 😎

[@rainalagatt6717]

I am going to be starting van life in the spring starting out part time. I just got a van last week.

[@sixgunmiller6198]

Camping overnight in a city has always been shopping centers walmarts or better in a truck stop. That's in my camper or just the van or even my former life in a big rig. I spent and spend most of my drives on I 40 over the years ive met farmers and ranchers and gotten permission to camp pretty easily, of course if they need a hand on a short project i'd toss in just to say thanks

[@theresewheeler1498]

Thank you chrome for sharing . We really appreciate your ideas on parkings in the city Learned a lot from you . Stay safe and warm. Big hugs to cruizie

[@TravelinBoneSC]

I called my city police friend and asked him where one of the safest places to park would be. He told me. I went there months later and parked there. It is a huge parking lot with several hundred spots. I was the only one in there that night. With lights out I could tell others coming and going from an apartment complex nearby. But about 11:00 at night someone's headlights stopped near me. I peeked out and it was a city cop likely running my tags. I have no background if you know what I mean. The cops moved on and I stayed there until the wee hours of the morning. Hardly any foot traffic. I will go back there if needed but park in a different part of the lot. These are superb reminders to us "stealthers" who have been doing it for a while. Yours are pro tips and there are other tips as well. I think one of the problems is getting the message out there to the right people who are willing to listen and learn and act upon the information. Thank you for all you do!

[@mehameha4453]

In small cities, I have asked the police where I can park. I have a toy hauler converted with solar to an RV and everything looks new and shiny. I don’t look like a nomad, just a traveler. I get their business card if possible tape it on my windshield, park where they tell me and black out my windows. I’ve never been bothered. 8 years out here. Of course no record not even a traffic ticket in 47 years. Disability caused my inability to work and pay rent. No other options. One time the cops had me park in their lot. I figured It was safe. Lol. Best wishes. Blend, move, and never answer a knock hit your panic button on the key chain. It drives them away. I sleep in the trailer but black out my truck. Even if they break in the truck, (Not legal) they will find no one, as I’m in the trailer. With my panic button. But they always just leave.

[@Dan-hb5iy]

Hey Chrome spot on. Most people are programmed that you must live in a house but the truth is far from that. Yes there are some who didnt have a choice but there are more that choose to live out of their vans or rvs. Thank you for great videos

[@deanchartier2663]

❤it maybe a simple video, what it is is a load learned knowledge made available so you don’t make mistakes. Mistakes cause other vehicle dwellers more problems as cities and towns start to place ordinances to prevent overnight parking, be thankful for Chrome imparting van life knowledge.

[@Trichick]

I’m not a morning person so hats off to you getting up that early daily I couldn’t do it

[@dannykr1223]

Hello Elizabeth, Happy Newyear Can I ask you a question?

[@KatieCatWalker]

I used to be the same way till I had to change, now I love being a morning person.

[@kevincrozier8625]

I have always used truck stops. I have never been kicked out of one. I like it because your close to a bathroom and can grab something to snack on or get some coffee. I drove truck for 30 years and truckstops have always had people sleeping in their vehicles there. Also I have slept in a big motel parking lot. Usually the back row. Never had a problem there either.

[@tracynichol356]

Turn onto Birch Ave at 7:49. Super quiet street. 4 plex and apt block across from each other and McDonalds for coffee in morning LOL

[@crjmoto]

I work overnights and sleep in the van during the day - it's a challenge! I have found some perfect weekend spots, weekdays are a challenge.

[@brianmi40]

Other than heat from the sun while day sleeping, can't imagine dozens of places where no one could raise an eye at all during the day. From Walmarts, to City Parks, to Libraries, Malls, One way streets with daytime parking.

[@crjmoto]

@@brianmi40 Nose is a huge factor.

[@brianmi40]

@@crjmoto noise cancelling earbuds

[@crjmoto]

@@brianmi40 I've tried everything man. Best thing I've found is a trailhead, mostly just car doors slamming. More Subaru's than diesels lol

[@krozareq]

@@crjmoto Don't know how anyone does it in the cities anyways. I am a country camper.

[@RoxRevanharte]

I’m with you Chrome in this subject. Sleep only in the comfy stop. Just to rest. Then bounce and do your living in daylight parking lots. Not breaking Walmart rules when not doing over night.

[@jonseres]

I thought Walmart specifically has a policy in place that allows overnight parking for RVers?

[@1946luke]

Or just drive around aimlessly all night, and then do your sleeping during the day, right ? 🤔

[@sharonoldham4374]

Chrome you are so right ! Thanks for reinforcing thus.

[@thebackroadstoo7147]

I’m readying my ride for car camp living again, somewhere down the road, in my future. There is an apartment complex across from the condos my son and his family used to live in, that is a perfect and quiet stealth option and I’ve tried it before with no problems. There are multiple parking spots adjacent to the apartment buildings, on both sides of the road in front of them, and the parking lot in the back of the apartments is never full, with some moderate security lighting, (fine for me) and an long open alley access to it, great for my convenience…lol. Additionally, it’s a hop, skip and a jump from the gym I’ll use for my showers and work outs and also a convenience store, even closer, for bathroom use, if need be, or to easily fuel up with gas or a snack. My choices are to park near convenience stores, in the residential hoods surrounding them, and there are so many in my town, that the options are endless. Thanks for the tips, Chrome. 😎

[@Rubyredacted]

You're about the warmest vibe I get from a vanlifer so I need to ask you. What's the best advice you have for people that are forced into vanlife or their car in general to avoid being demoralized or resenting your new way of living? Thanks for all the advice I'll be moving into my jeep here soon and Michigan is cold AF

[@TheRealScooterGuy]

The worst thing some people do is make the area around their vehicle look like a slum. Crap stacked outside or on top of the vehicle, bikes leaning on it, litter, etc. are all ways to become unwelcome in a place you want to sleep.

[@susanstebila8707]

It’s so easy to live in a car compared to a van people now people live in vans but cars if it’s a nice one like I have, they don’t think twice. They’re busy with their own lives. Just park and leave early…. Park somewhere different every night and when people leave for work, they will not see you if you’re out at a coffee shop that’s what I do.

[@jasoncolahan3340]

Love the channel bro. Long time subscriber. Being forced into van life or actually, pickup truck life. Headed to Miami Florida from Phoenix Arizona tomorrow. Crew cab life for the unseeable future.

[@slickwilly4613]

Great advise, thanks. when I was younger I use to sleep in my car. almost never got busted till I returned to the same place for multiple nights

[@michellenelson7899]

Thanks Chrome Enjoy your week much love and blessings

[@tomjakobs328]

Dude I'm gonna keep all the advice on those things in my head and remember get up and leave early.

[@richardherrington2852]

I am glad for you that you are enjoying your van life and seem evidently quiet content and happy. U.S. Army, (ret) TX

[@toadstooltarot]

I've long admired tiny house and van living. The biggest deterrent for me is all the extra fees and hassles with finding a place to park your home. It seems like half my life would be spent in maintaining my residence and the other half in searching for a place to park. That feels to me to offset the joys of the lifestyle.

[@toadstooltarot]

When the costs compete with the rent I'm paying in a city where I don't need to own a car, I may reconsider.

[@lilvalentine545]

I guess if you're happy to look at the same view every day and pay to rent a house that you will never own then sure , knowing exactly where you will sleep at night and having endless hot and cold water on tap is certainly comforting.

[@Lunarstruck1]

Same here and I can't imagine being able to sleep worrying about intruders or the cop knocks.

[@achesonkambato8916]

Thats what makes it interesting its probably not for you if you think like that..

[@Lunarstruck1]

@@achesonkambato8916 worrying about knocks and intruders is not an interesting life

[@Randy-hg5pi]

Sound advice Chrome, I think residents of an area have their senses on high alert cause of all the homeless that will take over a street with Rv’s that are run down and won’t move. More and more parking permit neighborhoods are popping up. Happy New Year’s.

[@RicardoGomez-nt3fs]

Great job with this video crome I love it sleeping at night is a headache sometimes

[@driver8M3]

I frequently sleep in the backseat area of my pickup truck (after blocking all the windows). I use hotel parking lots, Walmarts, Loves, etc. Never had an issue. I usually arrive late (11pm or later) and move on early.

[@billparker244]

I recently found myself in between housing accommodations and started sleeping in the cab of my pickup truck. Working on getting a cap for the bed and converting it into a sleeping space, though I'm concerned about people observing my entry into the back of the vehicle at the beginning of the night. I've been parking overnight in hotel lots and that seems to be working well despite the fact that I'm not entirely stealthy (the truck is tall enough that nobody can see me laying down unless they walk right up and look in). I go to a health club every morning to swim laps and shower, and I spend the day in the veteran's office that my school provides for us. Thanks for the video and the helpful info!

[@FRZNTYM1]

Agree with what a lot of what you say. Apartment building complex's and industrial parks vs. residential all day long. Residential areas have cameras on all most every house now. Community officials will inevitably be pressured to have those nasty "no overnight parking" put up before long. People in homes do not like strange vehicles parked in front of their homes. I don't care what anyone says about that. Before long this van life living in residential areas will get shutdown.

[@deanwilliams433]

I agree. My first home was burglarized by people scoping it out for hours in a car. You pull up in a van that can hold a lot of stuff and people will assume you have bad intentions.

[@sew_gal7340]

This is the most depressing thing i ever seen , bless you and hope you have a wonderful day

[@sashanealand8315]

me too basically you live in parking lots and spend most of your day in a little tin box, cabin fever! I gotta spend my days walking in nature, rather sleep in a bush tent than a van

[@JasonON]

I prefer places near apartments as well, simply because there are so many cars that no one can keep track of who's supposed to be there and who's not. However, if I have a choice, I tend to park in business parks. Lots of cars coming and going, no one knows who belongs where, no dog walkers at 5am and little to no traffic after 9pm. Yes, don't "live" where you sleep. I get up, hit the gym, shower and generally spend my days in libraries or parks. I do disagree with you on being seen frequently. I choose to be so common of a sight that no one notices anymore. When you're around every once in a while you stick out to nosy neighbors. If you're there all the time, people are like: they must live/work around here.

[@Smile-j5p]

Same

[@jimnunya1253]

I'm knowing this already but I really enjoy the relaxing but complacency leads to issues every time!

[@kat4animals004]

Wonderful video. Great advice. Common sense. Common sense for many to be more specific however not everybody has this common sense about parking for the night to sleep.

[@KEVINWILLIAMS1017]

You’ve inspired me brother, new chapter, Alaska bound. Love your videos thank you!

[@karlheinzvansteen5748]

Great comments on go with flow overnight parking. I like your comments about the number of people who live in their vehicles - I'm one of them, either on my sailboat (32') or in my van (19').

[@rob2may60]

Great advice, could not agree with you more! I to get up early and move on. Best regards, Bob

[@billyflood2430]

1. You HAVE to have stock in Tim Horton's 2. If NOT are they sponsoring you yet? 3. LOVE your videos

[@irisgreene4175]

I get out regularly in the morning (not if it’s a sketchy/potentially or “persnickety”/high class area) for my dog all the time because sometimes I sleep too long and I don’t want him to suffer. I’ll easily sleep in til 9 or 10am no problem. As long as you don’t come back for a while, I feel it adds an element of “oh, it’s just that lady” if people do catch seeing me. It takes some of the mystery out of a strange van occasionally camping there and, IMO, lessens the odds of being called on to the cops. But as a single person, esp as a woman, make the stop irregular so bad people recognizing you don’t have an easy time of waiting for and jumping you, always change your schedule. Also, park in residential areas, but right at the end where you can find a business so you’re not personally irritating a Karen who may call on you, but also have the safety in numbers of residents close by. Living in my van 4yrs in Los Angeles. I’m super unstealth.

[@kathyhatfield9649]

Great advice, thanks Chrome. Have a blessed day!

[@klasmova2771]

tips on maintaining income and lessening expenses that are common like the gym, eating out, laundromat etc? Also how do you generate sufficient income so that you aren't stuck in the van without an option to even buy a permanent residence?

[@kekistanirefugee]

Gym memberships are like $20 a month, get a freezer and don't spend your entire savings on a van.

[@piperlynne1]

I wish all van life people lived the way you do. We have a bunch of people who live in their vehicles in our small town and it's fine if they didn't always stay in the same places and dump garbage and do drug deals in those areas. No one wants these people living on the street outside their homes. Now a random van life person who is respectful of others is fine it's the crappy ones who wreck it for others.

[@pauljs75]

It's not just being discrete and avoiding disturbance, keep it clean and tidy too. You can sour people to the idea of what you're doing really fast if you leave your trash on their curb. Gas stations and some restaurants or public places like parks have their trash bins, use them.

[@Witness_Testify]

Great, direct and practical do's and don'ts. I have been in situations at least a few times in my life when I had to figure out the most simple things like how/where to fall asleep and how to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Hopefully without being detected and with just slightly tented windows. Rest areas are becoming less accommidating, as well as business/hotel/abandoned parking lots- mainly due to the rise in crime and homelessness. It can be a very mentally exhausting life just finding a safe place to sleep from day to day.

[@hanjihyungngab4268]

Watching this tips without having a van 😎

[@jerryweaver2247]

The only thing better than the stress free vanlife sleeping is stress free vanlife sleep in a forest by the ocean. I’m a tree hugger .

[@fidawild8564]

Thank you so much! Great advice. I think residential parking is a bit easier in North America than here in Europe. You don't know how much I envy you for that Timmie's right now 🤗

[@jeff051]

Have a blessed year safe travel friend! 😀

[@nothingspecific.8119]

I'm a van lifer from NY, now in Arizona! As a van lifer draw as little attention to yourself as possible! Use common sense! And don't over stay your welcome in rural places! Mix things up!

[@BigDaddyDru]

I’m thinking of moving to Arizona myself. Just bought a van for the process. Best wishes to you.

[@leegoddard2618]

I didn't Start living in my van by choice. I've always been a wanderer. I must say I am happy to not be tied to an area because I have to be. I have skills and a clean record so that helps, some. I am a trained auto/diesel tech so I can get paid anywhere vehicles exist. That need repairs.

[@billyflood2430]

I am not an official van lifer but I sleep in my car often on long road trips. Your tips were perfect. Be quiet and get the heck out. I dont have an issue and I have been doing this for years also. I arrive at dusk and leave in the wee hour of the mornings without a trace.

[@misanthropic168]

Great advice. Stealth camp tips are always welcome to me

[@krzysztofhurbiszewski6539]

Intresting. I planning to retire soon and I hope this advice will be still current when I'm going to build (or buy) my camper van ;)

[@christinamann3640]

That gives a new meaning to ‘bedroom community’ 😂

[@367scotty]

Great info. Just purchased a box van for conversion and it will defiantly look like a camper . I only plan on traveling for a month at a time.

[@trentl3492]

Granted, I do not watch a lot of van life itself, i watch more the construction side of it; you are the first I have heard touch on the "get in-get out, don't draw attention" aspect of it.

[@andrewrichey7374]

Happy new year buddy you and Crewse, I’ll be watching for the next one. I appreciate all the information you give us about living in a van.

[@alyssaoconnor]

When I see these videos I appreciate the positive view my country has for the motorhome/camping lifestyle, most businesses are happy to have motorhome/rv’s in their parking lots after hours as long as they are self contained 😊

[@mehameha4453]

8 years and only one issue when I overslept and didn’t leave before 7am. In most jurisdictions it isn’t illegal if there is no open bed at a shelter. Shelters are full every night. But yes only sleep there. Travel or truck stops are the best place to do your chores as everyone is doing theirs at the same time. You don’t look out of place. But don’t use a truck stop too many nights and become an issue to them either. I use industrial areas a lot and leave before 6am before any workers or security arrive. Then go to a truck stop, then to a park or local disc golf course. Then the gym for a workout and shower, then find a spot to cook, then leave again to your sleep spot. It’s a lot of moving around and if you stay clean and normal in your activities, no one even thinks you are a nomad. I have a toy hauler conversion which is why industrial locations are more stealthy than a residential area for me. But I have found some residential areas where I can blend and leave early.