Stealth Van Dwelling

[Elwar]

http://www.stealthvandweller.com/

So I got bored and tried to figure out what I would do if I just dropped all of the property ownership stuff and just up and lived out of my vehicle.

I would still be working, likely at the same office but instead of the 2+ hours per day commute, I would park somewhere and ride a motorcycle into work.

This means I would need a shower in the vehicle.

I was looking at this:
http://sportsmobile.com/2_sr_vaninfo10.html

It has a shower, bed, extendable roof, A/C and solar panels.

There is an option to make room for a small motorcycle:
http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-s/

This is a motorcycle that takes 9kWh to fully charge to allow for up to 115 mile range.

I checked out the dimensions of the most efficient solar panels out there:
http://us.sunpowercorp.com/homes/products-services/solar-panels/
I would be able to fit 4 330W panels on the roof giving about 7-9kWh of electricity on a sunny day which could run most of the appliances and charge the bike up most of the way.

I could park the motorcycle outside the van most nights and if I needed to relocate or drive into work it could pop right up into the van while I drive.


Just dreaming a bit.

My options are all pretty expensive though. Not really the mentality of most who choose to live out of their vans.

And I would be tied to one location which is also counter to the whole reason to live in something that can move around freely.

I do have a buddy who lives out of his van with solar panels and he is able to enjoy a lot of free time. But he lives mainly off of the government.

 

[Dr.3D]

I would be able to fit 4 330W panels on the roof giving about 7-9kWh of electricity on a sunny day which could run most of the appliances and charge the bike up most of the way.

Don't forget, if it's charging the motorcycle, it won't be charging any other batteries or running any appliances. You would need more panels if you wanted to run anything at night or during the time you are charging the motorcycle.

 

[kathy88]

I can work anywhere there's an internet connection. A camper would suit me fine, if I were single.

 

[Acala]

At first I thought the title of the post was a person's name.

 

[RDM]

Might want to check out this sight for solar.

http://www.campingworld.com/category/rv-solar-power/221

 

[Lindsey]

I have been looking at Sportsmobiles lately too. New, they are in the $80K+ range for a Sprinter and in the $50K+ range for a Ford/Chevy. On top of that, when I priced insurance it was over $400/month; so for me that would still mean a lot of obligation. Personally, I think finding a low-mileage used cargo van in the $7-10K range and doing the build myself, is an option that would allow much more freedom.

Why do you need a motorcycle, why not just drive the van to your work location? The Sprinter's get 20ish mpg. No one has to know you are living in there, unless you tell them.

The sportsmobiles do seem awesome, but there are a lot of other options too. Currently on Sportsmobile Forum there is a thread there by a poster named Chumley, detailing a harrowing build experience. You may also want to check out OutsideVan for some cool Sprinter Conversions. If it's the penthouse that is drawing you to Sportsmobile, there's another company that is supposedly comparable, Colorado Camper Van. And there are lots of companies that do the 4x4 conversions, such as Quigley in PA. For a more RV-like feel, Leisure Travel Van, Great West Vans, Roadtrek, etc offer comparable options. You can also rent a van to test out whether you'd like van living. A company that has Great West/Roadtrek vans for rent is Good to U Auto Center in Lancaster County, PA. Campervan NorthAmerica is a company in Vegas & Utah/Idaho that rents Sportsmobile-converted Sprinters.

You may also want to join the Yahoo Van Dweller's group - there is a lot of full-timing van dwellers on there. There's lots of videos on YouTube of full-time van dwellers showing off their vans too.

Whatever you decide, have fun and enjoy the freedom of a lack of a homestead!

 

[Elwar]

I have been looking at Sportsmobiles lately too. New, they are in the $80K+ range for a Sprinter and in the $50K+ range for a Ford/Chevy. On top of that, when I priced insurance it was over $400/month; so for me that would still mean a lot of obligation. Personally, I think finding a low-mileage used cargo van in the $7-10K range and doing the build myself, is an option that would allow much more freedom.

Why do you need a motorcycle, why not just drive the van to your work location? The Sprinter's get 20ish mpg. No one has to know you are living in there, unless you tell them.

I figured that a motorcycle would allow for settling in a bit easier for a few days so I do not have to pack everything up every night for a road trip, I can just hop on the motorcycle in the morning and come back. Also if I want to go out for the evening to a restaurant or into town it would be more convenient.


I did read Chumley's thread. Seemed exciting to be able to customize from the ground up.

My friend who converted his van did it all on his own. He was able to learn a lot about solar. He said just two panels was plenty for him.

As far as the 4 panels not being able to charge everything including a full charge on the motorcycle, the full charge is required for 114 miles on the motorcycle. Like I said, I would park close to work so I would imagine there would only be a small amount the motorcycle would need to be charged.

But they also mention that the A/C can not run very long on solar and you would have to switch to the generator.

Like I said, mainly just dreaming at this point. It would seem like a better idea if I had a job working online. Doing it while having a day job is sorta like trying to put a square peg in a round hole.

 

[Origanalist]

I would probably start out with something like this

and end up with something like this

 

[Tod]

That could work in some places, but in other areas it would be very difficult.

On a trip to the northeast, I was dismayed by the difficulty in finding a place to park a van overnight. Everywhere, signs "no parking 11 pm to 6 am" and stuff like that. This was especially the case in Massachussettes.

In Connecticut and New Hampshire on two different occasions I spent the night in a used car lot because I couldn't find anywhere else to park.

 

[Elwar]

That could work in some places, but in other areas it would be very difficult.

On a trip to the northeast, I was dismayed by the difficulty in finding a place to park a van overnight. Everywhere, signs "no parking 11 pm to 6 am" and stuff like that. This was especially the case in Massachussettes.

In Connecticut and New Hampshire on two different occasions I spent the night in a used car lot because I couldn't find anywhere else to park.

From what I have seen, Walmart is very welcoming to people staying the night in their parking lots. The only time this is not the case is when local ordinances do not allow it.

 

[Expatriate]

At first I thought the title of the post was a person's name.

Same here... I was picturing some guy with a monocle who was an expert on sneaking into places.

 

[pcosmar]

At first I thought the title of the post was a person's name.

VanDwelling,, wasn't he the hero in a Zombie Hunter movie?

 

[youngbuck]

I figured that a motorcycle would allow for settling in a bit easier for a few days so I do not have to pack everything up every night for a road trip, I can just hop on the motorcycle in the morning and come back.

I definitely agree with you on this. Do you have your motorcycle license/endorsement (whatever it's called in FL)?

 

[Dr.3D]

VanDwelling,, wasn't he the hero in a Zombie Hunter movie?

That that was some guy driving a diesel van.

 

[Simple]

Why the van? Buy a used truck and find a camper for it unless you just want to buy that bling bling Mercedes for low income housing.

 

[Elwar]

I definitely agree with you on this. Do you have your motorcycle license/endorsement (whatever it's called in FL)?

I do not have a license but could probably get one easy enough. A little "garage" like this would be very convenient.

 

[youngbuck]

I do not have a license but could probably get one easy enough.

Yea, they're easy to get, but if you plan on following through with something like this, you might as well get the ball rolling. You just don't want to get caught riding without one.

 

[flailer]

Hi, i have successfully lived much like Elwar covered in his opening post.

Key Points (that I read): Sell everything; Stealth living; Status still Important; Job, but Simple low-cost Living; Freedom of road; Space for toys/motorcycle; shower, toilet, bed, kitchen, & solar panels.

Factual starting points:
1. Expensive hardware (van etc) helps stealthiness on public streets as it lends Status & Credibility; it also makes one a HUGE target among the homeless.
2. Hanging Motorcycles, Bicycles, BBQ, Rope, ladders, etc, on the outside of your van GREATLY *decreases stealthiness, & status. It also greatly *increases one as a target.
3. a small solar panel is a very good idea, if the amount of sunshine in your area allows you to keep from having to plug in and recharge van / rv batteries.

My Personal Facts:
1. i have lived in a small small RV for up to 4 months at a time, several times, by choice, over the last few years, and it was GREAT!!!
2. a bed is first and foremost. a toilet is more important than a cooking kitchen, and believe it or not, a cooking kitchen is more important than a shower to me.
3. Elwar is correct; another mode of transport is an EXCELLENT EXCELLENT idea. But a Zero brand motorcycle is a BAD idea, in my opinion, for my case. P.C. business (job) issues may dictate otherwise (and yes i rode my motorcycle, from my parked RV, to Zero showroom, parked gas powered bike, and test rode their battery powered units, which are very impressive by the way, but really suck on distance and recharging issues). If a bicycle, or moped, does not lend enough status, then consider looking towards the "Enduro" (supermoto) style of motorcycle as they load well inside or outside your van.
4. a health club membership is a WONDERFUL thing to have in these situations!! Look for one with generous open hours, showers, lockerooms, towel service, a lounge with TV, a hot tub, steam room, classes, coffee service, maybe food bar too, spin class, basketball courts, swimming pool.... and you get the idea: *They are frickin country clubs* costing only a buck a day!!
5. food storage is easy. The trick is to stay organized (in a small space) and to buy stuff that is healthy, easy to prepare and clean-up after. I have a Freezer and Reefer, but limit food stuff that is stored in them.
6. clothes, tools, toys, books, headlamp, self-defense, cell phone, notebook computer, internet, movies, wifi are all VERY do-able.

Peace and Joy to all my brothers and lovers of Freedom,
f

 

[Elwar]

Hi, i have successfully lived much like Elwar covered in his opening post.

Thank you for the input and welcome to the forums!

 

[flailer]

Thank you for the input and welcome to the forums!

You are more than welcome, Brother.

I lurked here, joining to post on your thread. I'm hoping others post their ideas that i can learn from them, too.