Hidden in plain sight
Stealth campervans
Not all campers are obvious. All camper vans start as some form of the base model, then turn into a camper van. There is a huge range of vehicles to choose from. Obvious additions such as stickers, windows make a camper van easy to spot at a glance. However, some camper vans evolve massively internally. They don’t change a bit externally. This gives the impression that they are just a van. This is exactly what a stealth campervan is. A camper van that doesn’t look like one. What exactly is the draw of this? The growing number of stealth campers illustrates its growing popularity. Maybe it suits more private people; I mean, who wants to fit in anyway?
How is a stealth camper different from a standard camper van?
Internally they can be a like for like. Fitting in whatever space allows them to. They can have the same layout and appliances. However, the chances are if you walked past one, you wouldn’t notice, so it’s the exterior that hides a stealth camper in plain sight. It’s improbable that you could see into one in the first place. However, they’re highly likely not to have windows in the first place, but they would be tinted if they did. Obviously, this massively reduces the airflow, and in some cases, it could be nothing. So, popular additions include air vents and even an air conditioning unit. You’re unlikely to see the likes of a stealth sprinter van on suspension with off-road tires. It’s all about making the van externally look normal. You won’t see any internal screens on the front either. It simply looks like a vacant parked van or car in some cases. Often they can get away with solar panels on the roof, which are a discrete and wonderful power source.
What’s the motivation to create or buy a stealth campervan?
To deter thieves
Why wouldn’t you want people to know you are in a campervan? Being under the radar has its advantages and is a huge perk of stealth campervans. It can be a great way to deter thieves. Image the likes of a branded building van being parked up. Chances are it’s full of tools unless the owner decided to empty it. Regardless the van will attract thieves. The same goes for a camper van or motorhome. They are easy to spot and target for thieves. Imagine pulling up in a scenic countryside spot. Then you go for a walk to find you have been broken into on your return. Now compare the chances of that happening to a white transit van unbranded in the same location. The only attention that van will draw is the message to stay away. There could be anything in that van, so staying away is the idea that stealth campers operate on.
To live in
An increasing amount of people live in stealth campers. They are a particularly great idea in places that are expensive to live in, for example, London. If you do it successfully, you could live rent-free in your stealth camper. £1000 a month is the going rate for a one-bed flat in London broadly speaking. That’s £12000 a year. However, for £12000, you could build a stealth camper and have very minimal outgoings in comparison. Of course, finding parking in London takes exploration and know-how, but with an increasing amount of people doing it, it’s becoming more accessible than ever. Of course, it causes a divided opinion. Stealth campers are embracing an innovative way to survive in a city. However, some people see it as a nuisance. Some people think that stealth campers leave rubbish and take up parking that isn’t theirs. Regardless of opinion, there is a growing community of off-grid campers. Click here to see some of London’s Stealth Campers.
How to create your own stealth camper van in 4 steps
Step one; Source an inconspicuous base vehicle
You will want a popular vehicle in your country where there are many of them on the road. In the United Kingdom, the likes of a Ford Transfit will fit the bill; however, they have a somewhat dodgy reputation. Maybe something like a black or white Mercedes van will work well. It won’t stand out and is common. The van’s whole point is to fit in, so the more normal you can get, the better. Ideally, a van will suit with no windows to truly blend in or tinted at a push. You want to have a basic appearance.
Step two; Create the internal layout for the inside of the stealth campervan.
Just because it will look basic on the outside doesn’t mean it has to be basic on the inside. I’m not suggesting it has to be to a secret service level of the advanced inside, but you will want to figure this out if you plan to live in it. This is totally individualistic to the creator’s needs and what you want from your stealth campervan. Maybe a simple bed, a toilet, and a few appliances are enough for some individuals. However, if you have the space of the back of a Luton van, for example, who’s to say you can’t have a shower in there, a little sofa, a kitchen even. It makes sense to have more facilities and appliances the longer you intend to be in the stealth camper. Of course, you will need to have a van with enough space to fit it. Regardless a great idea is substantial soundproofing and noise dampening. Both for your benefit of blocking exterior sound out and making sure you can’t be heard or at least not too obviously. For the best business name and soundproofing, click here.
Step three; Stealth campervan power supply
Of course, solar panels would be ideal. Given plenty of sunlight, you could essentially have free electricity forever. Practically they may not be as useful as you think. For a start, they could make it clear it isn’t just a van. They may not deliver much, if any, power depending on the weather, for example, cold winter or if you are in a car park. A much better alternative would be to use a leisure battery in conjunction with a pure sine power inverter. This would give you the electricity you get at a socket in a home. Enough to power all your electrical needs without an external indicator that this is happening. Furthermore, as long as you often drive or at least run the engine frequently, you could use the alternator not only to recharge your car battery but the leisure battery also. It’s a trusted way to get power, and it’s perfect for a stealth camper. A complete electrical kit like this would convert any base vehicle to stealth electric in addition to a leisure battery.
Step 4; Additional extras
Like any campervan conversion, you can add anything you like. Of course, a portable toilet would be a great addition as it would save you the hassle of finding local services whenever you needed the toilet. Toilets also bring up the matter of ventilation. Assuming the van has no windows, airflow will be limited to almost nothing. This is why the addition of a roof vent could be great to circulate air. They are discrete and won’t be too obvious. The ultimate addition could be some form of ventilation like an air-con system. Imagine being in a black van in the middle of summer with no air conditioning. These installations are more expensive but may earn their value on a hot summer’s day. You can add anything to your stealth campervan as long as it doesn’t give it away.
A summary of stealth camping
This blog has given an overview of exactly what stealth camping is and how you can create your very own stealth camper. However, there is more to consider when stealth camping. A great start would be to check the legalities of where you park up. For example, private land isn’t your property, so the owner has every right to kick you off. Double yellow lines, of course, come with a fine, as would outstaying your allotted time at free parking for 2 hours service station set up. You don’t want to get noticed, so it is wise to rotate your parking spot frequently as you are not upset the neighbour if there is any. You could even come to favourable terms with somebody to park on their property or land.
The van can be stealthy; however, you could give yourself away if you are not somewhat stealthy. Obvious things such as playing music loud or leaving your van running while you are in it could give you away—another issue regardless of where your camp is rubbish. It would help if you always dispose of waste responsibly. The ‘leave no trace’ approach is always best for you and the environment. A van with black bin liners outside will always draw the wrong kind of attention. Stealth camping is about not being spotted and not leaving a trace.
To conclude, stealth camping is an exciting new evolution of the camper van lifestyle. You have to decide if it is for you, then you can go about building your stealth camper—the real test of how stealthy your camper is if you get caught. Stealth you out there!