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Comment by GuB-42 | Hacker News Reader

That's why a white van may be a better choice than an obvious RV.

A white van can go and park anywhere a delivery truck can go, whereas RVs may get unwanted attention.

I don't think most people care enough to bother you, but there's very little "stealth" about a Sprinter/ProMaster van. They used to go unnoticed but they don't anymore. It's a dead giveaway when there is a MaxxAir roof vent and solar panel(s).

Something that the massive volume of "urban campers" in the Bay Area has taught me is that if you're not being hassled by the cops/locals for sleeping in your vehicle, its not that you've somehow gone without notice, its that nobody cares enough to do anything about it. Folks who put a lot of effort into "stealth" are optimizing for a problem that's comparatively easy to solve (just park somewhere else) if you somehow manage to avoid the worst possible consequence (a parking ticket), while also making themselves more attractive to thieves (who are looking for work vans that have tools they can fence).

I draw the line at not having a private shower and toilet. Yeah, a lot of van dwellers utilize gyms for this, but I don't want to tie my basic hygiene to external sources.

Port-a-potties and portable showers are a thing. They are cheap, lightweight and don't take much space. Not as good as gym showers but sufficient if you want the option not to rely on them.

Also keep a map of truck stops around, all of them have restrooms and most have showers.

I don't read parent as saying not to have a shower and toilet, I think they are just saying make the vehicle appear more utilitarian so as to not draw attention.

Just use a converted moving truck ;)

White vans used to attract a different kind of attention after 9/11. I guess it's passed now.

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