How about living in a Cargo Van?

[akratic]

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...

[Marius]

A great idea.
It reminds me of Todd Lappin's wonderful "Telstar Logistics" vehicles:

http://telstarlogistics.typepad.com/tel ... lstar.html

[GetLaidOff]

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

[shawn]

This guy blogs about living in a van
http://tosimplify.blogspot.com/
So does this guy.
http://spartanstudent.blogspot.com/

[George the original one]

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).

[Matthew]

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.

[jacob]

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.

[Q]

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.

[jacob]

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).

[KevinW]

Another worthy blog on this subject:

http://www.stealthvandweller.com/

[JohnnyH]

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.

[Kevin M]

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

[jacob]

Wait, Joe the Plumber is actually a real person?

[Kevin M]

http://www.icetforauditor.com/
Watch the video.

[ktn]

What if someone tries to steal or break into the van while you are in it? Would you have to carry a gun? 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.

[jacob]

@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

[futuredoctor]

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.

[S]

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.

[jacob]

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