Early Retirement Extreme Forums

Early Retirement Extreme Forums » Housing Questions

1. 

   akratic
   

   Master
   Joined: Jul '10
   Posts: 480

   I've been tossing around the idea of living in a cargo van in the city. What makes a cargo van particularly appealing to me is:
   1) you could be fairly inconspicuous -- these vans are already everywhere in the city and have almost no windows
   2) this would be ridiculously cheap, and in the beginning would be really fun I think

   Here's two examples of what I'm talking about:
   - normal size, $2800
   - extended size, $1300

   The van would solely be for sleeping and storing clothes. My work provides a lot of the other amenities I need: a shower, bathroom, laundry (!), microwave, electricity, internet access. I could also use a coffee shop, etc., in a pinch.

   I would just park in free parking as close to work as possible, and lock up my bike nearby. If I'm close enough to work to walk I'd walk, otherwise I'd bike. I'd probably only move the van on street cleaning days and otherwise stay put.

   It's probably not going to work in the winter (although I do have a winter camping sleeping bag...), but in the other three seasons, why not?

   Anyone thought about this before? Any reasons this wouldn't work? Any tips?

   - akratic

   PS: My girlfriend is teaching abroad for the next six months, which means all checks on my extremeness have been temporarily removed...

   Posted 2 years ago #
2. 

   Marius
   

   Journeyman
   Joined: Jul '10
   Posts: 258

   A great idea.

   It reminds me of Todd Lappin's wonderful "Telstar Logistics" vehicles:
   http://telstarlogistics.typepad.com/telstarlogistics/2006/09/what_is_telstar.html

   Posted 2 years ago #
3. 

   GetLaidOff
   

   Novice
   Joined: Jul '10
   Posts: 8

   And then there's the conspicuous approach! http://www.wickedcampers.com/

   Posted 2 years ago #
4. 

   shawn
   

   Novice
   Joined: Jul '10
   Posts: 9

   This guy blogs about living in a van

   http://tosimplify.blogspot.com/

   So does this guy.

   http://spartanstudent.blogspot.com/

   Posted 2 years ago #
5. 

   George the original one
   

   Expert
   Joined: Jul '10
   Posts: 1,938

   Most cities have codes about parking on the street, so make sure you're not running afoul of them. People tend not to want "your kind" parked in front of their home/business and are quite quick to find authorities who will make you move. Wal-Mart parking lots will let you stay for up to 5 days, though you should check with the store security (the better dressed you are, the easier it should be).

   Posted 2 years ago #
6. 

   The Dude
   

   Master
   Joined: Jul '10
   Posts: 392

   I have always loved this idea. It might work great, but it also might stress you out wondering if people are reporting you to the authorities. A lot of people are very aware of what is "normal" around their living area. This might not be as big of a problem in a big city where many people don't talk to their neighbors, or it might be a larger problem since parking is more limited.

   Posted 2 years ago #
7. 

   jacob
   

   Expert
   Joined: Jul '10
   Posts: 3,297

   In addition to the two blogs above (one is on campus, the other is driving around), check out http://cheaprvliving.com/ for how to make an inconspicuous camper.

   The key words are: city camping and stealth camping.

   Posted 2 years ago #
8. 

   Q
   

   Master
   Joined: Jul '10
   Posts: 346

   What about the rare mishap someone reports you as a *ahem* terrorist, since your van is camped out at an odd time in a not so odd area.

   Or worse, vandals! I remember I was working at the local police department, and this guy was trying to report his bike being stolen while he was sleeping - in his van. Oddly, the cops said he could file a report, but, if he mentions he was sleeping in his car, he would be cited, as that is illegal in the city.

   Posted 2 years ago #
9. 

   jacob
   

   Expert
   Joined: Jul '10
   Posts: 3,297

   There are some tricks. Park on the curb between houses --- then each neighbor believes you belong to the other one.

   Or park in industrial areas (if your van looks industrial --- put a "Joe's Plumbing Services" sticker on it).

   Posted 2 years ago #
10. 

    KevinW
    

    Master
    Joined: Aug '10
    Posts: 576

    Another worthy blog on this subject:
    http://www.stealthvandweller.com/

    Posted 2 years ago #
11. 

    JohnnyH
    

    Expert
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 1,363

    LOL, I have lived in my van for short periods... The biggest hassle is finding a place to park. It was a pain to find places and stress about being told to move along.

    Best is to find someone you can trust, or pay, to give you an electrical outlet and leave you alone. Then it works great.

    Worked very well in college; shower at the gym, read at the library, then just use the van as a place to sleep.

    It was fun, but "livin' in a van down by the river!" had a stigma to it and I was still drinking the coolaid.

    If I had an office somewhere I would have no problem doing this again.

    My van has an ice chest, sink and near full sized bed, btw.:)

    Posted 2 years ago #
12. 

    Kevin M
    

    Journeyman
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 211

    Jacob was that an intentional "Joe the Plumber" reference? He's currently advertising for a local (St Louis) politician, extending his 15 minutes.

    Posted 2 years ago #
13. 

    jacob
    

    Expert
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 3,297

    Wait, Joe the Plumber is actually a real person?

    Posted 2 years ago #
14. 

    Kevin M
    

    Journeyman
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 211

    http://www.icetforauditor.com/

    Watch the video.

    Posted 2 years ago #
15. 

    ktn
    

    Journeyman
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 116

    What if someone tries to steal or break into the van while you are in it? Would you have to carry a gun? :-o Also, what about food?

    Safety would be my biggest concern. How about parking in someone's yard and paying them for the privilege? It can't cost that much. Besides, like JohnnyH said, maybe you could get electricity and access to a kitchen this way.

    Posted 2 years ago #
16. 

    jacob
    

    Expert
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 3,297

    @ktn - It's similar to someone breaking into your house except you can drive the van away while holding the horn down. Try that with your house :-)

    Posted 2 years ago #
17. 

    futuredoctor
    

    Apprentice
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 34

    I have seriously considered doing this. I don't need to right now because my dorm is covered by my college but in the summers if I travel/work away from home I'd definitely consider it. It's a great way to save money short or even long term.

    Posted 2 years ago #
18. 

    S
    

    Journeyman
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 288

    I'd love to try van living. Station wagon living is a little tight for two. This or an RV is something DH and I have been seriously considering if it looks like we'll stay mobile more than a year. For the short term couch crashing and tent camping is working ok.

    Posted 2 years ago #
19. 

    Anonymous
    

    
    
    Posts: 20

    I have often thought about living in a van and travelling across the country odd-job-hopping, all the while recording the culture along the way. I still have the roadtrek brouchure that I requested some 8 or so years ago. http://www.roadtrek.com/
    Pricey little things. Probably why I never pursued it further. Nice to hear the adventures of those already going this route.

    Posted 2 years ago #
20. 

    jacob
    

    Expert
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 3,297

    Truck + truck camper can be had for much less than a class B. Also consider a small class C.

    Posted 2 years ago #
21. 

    Checking Carly
    

    Novice
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 27

    I think its great to give it a try for awhile (read: while your gf is gone).
    My only negative thoughts are that
    a) Those vans looks like the ones that child molesters drive around in handing out candy... stay away from family neighborhoods?
    b) Moving your van around to meet parking regulations etc... maybe you should find a friend with an extra parking space?

    Posted 2 years ago #
22. 

    jacob
    

    Expert
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 3,297

    I think in terms of parking, it definitely depends on one's personality. Some people enjoy seeing what they can get away with. I'd personally pay money to avoid the hassle, that is, either find a park or rent someone's driveway (where zoning approves).

    Keep in mind that many state parks allow free stays for up to 14 days for RVs under a certain length (I think 27').

    Posted 2 years ago #
23. 

    Elmo
    

    Novice
    Joined: Aug '10
    Posts: 7

    If you're not afraid to stand out in the crowd, you could try the old-fashioned housetruck. Not exactly stealthy vandwelling, but guaranteed to make you some non-conventional friends. :) http://www.housetrucks.com/maindex.html
    (The book is awesome, by the way. I recommend it.)

    Posted 2 years ago #
24. 

    Elmo
    

    Novice
    Joined: Aug '10
    Posts: 7

    And if you ARE interested in stealthy vandwelling, check out http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/VanDwellers/

    Lots of good info if you're patient enough to dig through it.

    Here is the method I used years ago: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/VanDwellers/message/1752

    Posted 2 years ago #
25. 

    futuredoctor
    

    Apprentice
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 34

    I knew someone who would rent a minivan when he went on vacation, put the seats down, and stick a mattress in the back. It's probably not the most frugal ways of traveling but it beats staying at hotels.

    Posted 2 years ago #
26. 

    The Dude
    

    Master
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 392

    Elmo,

    I haven't checked out all you links, but I appreciate them!

    Posted 2 years ago #
27. 

    Somnambulist
    

    Novice
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 7

    Unicat makes some awesome and easily disguisable RVs:

    http://www.unicatamericas.com/index.html

    Posted 2 years ago #
28. 

    steveo
    

    Novice
    Joined: Jun '11
    Posts: 3

    I lived in a cargo van for a while when I was saving cash for a house. It's not as fun as you may think. First, finding a place to park consistently is tough, since people are very aware of people and changes in their surroundings. You stick out almost everywhere.

    I had a generic white van and parked at a local auto-auction, so I blended in pretty well. Tinted windows help a lot, but consider how to cover the windows at night so nobody can see you when you turn on a flashlight or computer. Nothing wants to stay on the windows for long and anything with paper or tape falls off the moment condensation happens.

    You will trip over everything in the van for about a week. Be prepared for stubbed toes until you learn how to move in the van. Cooking is extraordinarily inconvenient. Finding water is a challenge, but there will be a grocery store with filtered water in bulk somewhere. I showered at the gym or would occasionally bum free shower tickets off truckers who didn't use them, like dump truck guys who are usually local. A smile goes a long way. I used a 5-day cooler for food.

    Use a cup or jug to pee into while in the van, then discreetly empty this. Save plastic bags and line a bucket with them for other business, or form a trough with the bag so you can more easily squat. Make sure to eat a high-fiber diet so things are quick, clean and predictable.

    Heating and cooling are impossible. Opening windows can blow your cover. Cooling takes energy which isn't available and heating with propane could kill you in your sleep if anything goes wrong. I used a hammock, then added a roll-up sleeping mat, which is absolutely necessary in winter, then wrapped up in a huge comforter. This worked down to almost 5f degree temperatures. You could try a -15f sleeping bag, but they're expensive.

    I held a 9-5 job under these conditions for a year so I could pay cash for a little house. It was worth it in pursuit of my worthy goal, but certainly no way to live indefinitely.

    Posted 1 year ago #
29. 

    dot_com_vet
    

    Master
    Joined: Jan '11
    Posts: 376

    A coworker has been doing this for years in a trunk camper.

    He doesn't "make himself a regular" by parking in one spot. He alternates between campgrounds, the work parking lot, friends that have land, and public parking lots.

    It seems like a good strategy and keeps things stealthy.

    Posted 1 year ago #
30. 

    Piper
    

    Journeyman
    Joined: Jan '11
    Posts: 138

    The Van living for me is for the future, for when I no longer have need for the city. When I'm all retired and no longer need to work, I want to get a nice van and drive around seeing the country. I will stealth camp on forest service or BLM land or stay in cheap BLM campgrounds. I will avoid expensive RV parks where there's electricity and all that. I will visit the Eastern Sierra in the summer and go backpacking for weeks at a time. I will hike the Pacific Crest Trail again or I will follow the hikers in my van, camping out near the trail and handing out help or sodas as needed. Perhaps do the same for the Continental Divide trail. This would be my dream come true.

    Posted 1 year ago #
31. 

    EMJ
    

    Journeyman
    Joined: Nov '10
    Posts: 171

    Here's someone who lives in his box van:
    http://waldenonwheels.blogspot.com/

    and here's a stealth camper:
    http://www.tosimplify.net/

    It's possible, you just have to be adaptable, discreet and choose the right climate.

    Posted 1 year ago #
32. 

    js
    

    Novice
    Joined: Sep '10
    Posts: 7

    Another blog of a guy who lives in his van:

    http://campatwork.blogspot.com/

    Posted 1 year ago #
33. 

    AnneBentham
    

    Apprentice
    Joined: Nov '10
    Posts: 53

    @akratic: Did you end up getting a van?

    I'm in the process of downsizing from the mobile condo + trailer to a smaller step van. Still a little bigger than a cargo van, but not much.

    @Piper: That sounds really fun. :)

    Posted 1 year ago #
34. 

    Beaudacious
    

    Apprentice
    Joined: Jul '10
    Posts: 56

    I've toyed with the van idea, but I'd want to mod it so that it runs on something other than gas. Also, I'd travel to avoid weather extremes (I'm not a cold weather person... so northern winters are out of the question).

    I wonder how successful making contacts through Craigslist or Couchsurfing has helped with being stealthy?

    Posted 1 year ago #

RSS feed for this topic

Reply

You must log in to post.