Last updated: 30 Apr 2023
Being stealthy means you can sleep/stay overnight almost everywhere without being bothered. Usually, nobody even notices a van parked in a neighborhood. That’s why I decided to go with a (Ford E-series) van versus a small RV.
To keep you van stealth, here are some of the things you may want to consider:
- If you have propane on board, you need to vent your propane bottle. Instead of venting it through the side of the van body, vent it through the floor.
- If you have a permanently installed water tank, you don’t need to go through the van’s sidewall to fill it up with fresh water. You can place the tank, or just the hookup, right behind either side of the rear doors. Another option is to go with a few big Jerry cans that you can take out of the van to fill up.
- Stickers of where you have been should be avoided of course. Other than making it obvious that you are a camper, nobody cares about that anyway.
- One of the things that cries’s “I’m a camper” is an awning. If you can’t live without an awning, try the Kelty carport as seen in this post for example. Then use simple clamps to attach the awning to your vehicle’s rain gutter.
Maintaining a stealthy presence is key to a peaceful night’s rest when camping or traveling in a van. To achieve this, it’s important to blend in with your surroundings and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Some tactics for staying stealthy include parking in inconspicuous areas, minimizing noise and light, and keeping a low profile. By following these strategies, you can enjoy a restful and uninterrupted sleep without worrying about unwanted attention. Please tell me – what do you do to stay stealthy?
By Paul Trepin
Ian B says
From experience if you are still dressed then you are classed as a driver (by the cops) who is “resting” …if you are in your Jim Jams 😉 then obviously you are classed as a camper!
Andrew S says
Hi Ian,
that’s another good tip. thanks!
Tim R. says
For my money, you can do this faster and easier….Go to most any large craft store and buy rolls of thin, foam rubber in black. Just cut them to fit your windows, and use velcro to mount them and remove them as you need. Most tinting will still give you away in the middle of the night if someone shines a flashlight in….Not the case with this stuff- completely light blocking….
Between this and a black sheet hung across the width of the van on an adjustable curtain rod to prevent prying eyes from the front windshield, you should be just fine- worked great for me, and for under $75….
Andrew S says
Hey Tim,
thanks for your input!
Blackout curtain variations and velcro sure are options to play with.
I also heard of people who just rattle can their windows from the inside – not that classy and not removable either tho 😉
Cheers,
Andrew