Old Private Investigator trick: in the morning when you climb into the cab from the back of your Van, open and then close your driver’s door. The noise will subconsciously connect with Neighbours that someone (even if unseen) has just climbed into the vehicle. Driving off then, doesn’t lead them to the idea that someone was onboard all of the time.
In 1975 I spent 2 months stealth living in the back streets of Earls Court in a 1960 CA Bedford van while working at Brentwood Lucozade factory had a bath couple times a week at Victoria station now 47 year later back in a van cruising round Western Australia & I still love it!
@@annychest718 As late as the early 90s you could still get something like 15 mins to shower for a couple of quid(?) in some of the mainline stations. I think the idea was to facilitate people who had to 'come up to town' for interviews, meetings, etc. so they could freshen up. Then again, there was a time when it was said that 'you could eat your dinner off of the floor' of a London toilet (which was a bit of a stretch, admittedly...) Obviously, that was when London _had_ public toilets..!
@Donna E I no longer live in London(or the UK ) Donna,but I was born there&still have family&friends living there (who I don't see very often admittedly-the last time I was there was in 2011) but wth all that said,I'm curious ur take on the place of my birth!
I've unfortunately been stealth camping in London, for the last 5 years during weekdays. I use a Unibond 360 moisture remover, which lasts for around a month or 2. I use doubled up black bin liners as curtains, A double folded blanket to separate front seats from the back. I don't really eat after 2pm so that I don't get caught short at night. Never have been. I shower each morning at one of the branches of TheGym. I have weather deflectors for all the windows. Almost all my gear in the back is black. Every time I sleep, I have to roll over from the front seat to the rear, having checked 3 directions. Same in the morning when I awake, but roll over onto the front seats instead, after checking and listening. Always pull the central locking fuse out. Sometimes have foxes walking over my vehicle at night. Sometimes squirrels dancing on the roof. Only once did a chancer try the door handle. Only woken a few times when people have sat on the bonnet.
Forget the Rainex "anti-fog" .....Polish the inside of your windows with "Hair Conditioner" [leave it slightly greasy] we do this for classic car racing in the rain [they get hot inside] Put a roof rack on your van with a ladder.... Then add some "bullshit" tradesman signwriting to the inside of your window blackouts [these get removed when you remove the blackouts]
It’s such a shame that the UK has such anti camper van laws that stop you sleeping in your van over night. Here if France they embrase camper vans and you can park just about anywhere and sleep in your van. Most towns provide municipal camp sites with water and waste disposal for free. Some charge a nominal fee.
@@dianndranewman2350 They are friendly when you look friendly and white, anything outside the box isn’t welcoming That’s my country Btw just got back from 3 days in France and got my solar panels stolen When last winter I left my van in London in my ghetto car park for 6 month without any issues It can happen anytime but honestly my country is just pretty when you don’t understand people and what is going on
@@HamburgerHelperDeath France It’s a beautiful, beautiful place unfortunately such a paradox, but you know nothing is black or white, we can find beauty anywhere we go even in chaos
I stay in my van 5 nights a week working all around London, I’ve done this for 7 years and have had someone attempt to break in a few times when I went “stealth” I now put my reflective covers on and have never been bothered with, I’d rather people think someone’s in there rather than a wrong in thinking it’s empty!
I watch a lot of van build vids and am toying with doing some van life next summer. I think the best thing (for me) would be to create a thermal fabric bulk head, that seals you from cold and light. I would construct a border part that's fixed and have a square piece that velcros all around. Then, I would get the wind reflectors and crack the windows in the cab for fresh air and condensation reduction. Alternatively (and I've seen some people do this), I would fit inconspicuous vents with laptop fans to circulate the air in the cab.
I used to stealth camp on the Welsh coast. When approached I would just say my husband was night fishing and name a local campsite where we were 'staying' always got away with it as they never expected a single woman to be stealth camping. Miss my van so much
Being stealthy stopped the moment you pulled up guys. Outside someone's home, in and out of the van, filming out in the middle of the road, taking down curtain in the morning with side door open on full view of someones home. Apart from that very good lol.
London resident here. I think in some ways you’re less likely to get hassle stealthing it in London than some rural locations. People in campers aren’t a problem in London, people won’t even be looking for people sleeping in vans. People in popular beauty spots are far more likely to be looking and be annoyed by vans because they’ll have a negative view due to rubbish and crowded car parks. As long as you’re considerate and respectful, as I’m sure you guys are, you’ll have no problems in London.
Take and old wool sock. The larger the better. Put as much RAW rice inside as you can and just leave it on the front seat. It will suck up like 90% of moisture from the air inside the van preventing fogging and condensation.
We’ve stealth camped for years and wind deflectors (as mentioned by many) are a must for us. Having the windows open an inch each side helps massively with condensation in the cab but also helps ensure you’re breathing in decent air. We’ve both felt the effects of not doing this in our old T4 with violent headaches. It’s a must for us every time. Next top tip is shaving gel (not foam) on for the windscreen. Smear it on (it’s a fun job, definitely worth filming it!) and keep smearing until it’s all clear. This will keep those droplets off and also makes the cab smell funky fresh. Along with the cab sheet and blacked windows that you’ve already started doing, you’ll be stealthier than a stealthy thing on a stealthy day 👍🏼
@@eahannan No. It's like doing it on the bathroom mirror when you have a steamy shower. You put the soap/shower gel on the surface you want to keep free from fogging up.
I would want a thicker curtain, any lights you have on will show thru that one you used here. scent free cat litter works to absorb moisture, a sock or stocking filled and laid on the dash will suck up moisture at night and either be dried by the sun or the vehicles defroster vent, a cotton bag of salt will also help
I used a heavy duty tent groundsheet as a screen behind the front seats. It was totally blacked out but more importantly it acted as a vapour barrier so that no moist air reached the front windows. No steamed up windows. It needed to be closely and tightly fitted around the edges.
Great video as always. What I have is some Heko wind deflectors on the front windows, then I can leave the windows open just a cm or so and no rain can get in and you can’t tell from the outside. The ventilation helps prevent condensation. As long as you aren’t snoring when someone walks past!
Halfords used to sell big silica bags for cars dehumidify it and since you're so tight you can heat them up/cook them to dry them out in theory like a biscuit tub
The condensation problem could be addressed by leaving one or two of the windows a crack open for the air to move and renew. You’ll probably say now someone could see this from the outside and you’re right, that’s where the wind and rain shields for the windows come in! They are also just super handy for driving with an open window because they shield you which is a lot more convenient than without. I went with the tinted ones for my T4 and it really covers my open window crack quite nicely! Cheers and save travels!
Oh tough 2:40 you got the 1.9 diesel? what you want is the 2.5 TD benefits, Smooth 5 cylinder engine 60 mpg on the open road Top speed 110 mph Lifting tailgate can be used as veranda in rainy conditions Alloy wheels But 900 a pop for the catalytic.
Love the Idea. There is something so romantic about being able to wake up anywhere in the world of British car parks. Together. You could go one better and sleep in Doorways.
As a truck driver from across the pond we here use those bottles of dish washer additives that keep your glasses from getting spots on them, it also works at keeping the fog off the windows. Put some on a rag and wipe your windows when dry just polish it clear should work for about a week. N Joy Mates
In regards to a misty windscreen we have fitted on our t4 wind deflectors and then open our windows down about 1 inch, this makes an insane difference in the morning and when cooking. We have fitted a curtain rail and some thermal curtains so the cold doesn’t effect us too much with the windows open slightly. Let us know how the anti fog goes!
I think you’ll want a proper black out curtain to separate the front cab area from the back. Just as you can easily see through the black sheet in the day, people outside will be able to easily see through it at night, when you have the light on.
I stealth camp almost every night in a city. You won't get rid of the condensation in the winter unfortunately. Next time park with a vehicle behind you, then you are protected if there was an accident especially if you sleep with your heads by the rear doors. I park down cul-de-sacs and quiet roads.
I saw someone use a magnetic company logo on their van so they don’t get parking tickets they also put a hard hat on the dash with a clipboard with papers or “work orders”. So it looks like a work van
to put your black plastic on use a rubber squeegee it takes out all bubbles and it doesn't scratch your plastic. humidity inside crack the window a hair to let out humidity. or stop by a sports shop for divers. underwater divers. they have a spray they use on their goggles. so when underwater they never fog up.
You need a silent exhaust fan to draw out the moisture and bad air whilst getting clean fresh air into the van. Improve your air quality and get rid of moisture and exhale waste products.
A bucket of road salt (or sea salt packs) in the front seats will help reduce or eliminate humidity or moisture. I keep it in my trunk during the winter and it was noticeably dryer in my car when I have snow on my boots bringing in moisture. From Calgary, Alberta :D
Salt is the no. 1 enemy of steel-bodied cars, especially when there is any moisture around. So it's a really bad idea to take it inside a van that's going to get damp!
here on the wirral you can sleep overnight in your van for free. the best places are harrison drive , from new brighton to the coast guard tower fort perch rock car park . new brighton caldy west kirby thirseston common hoylake parkgate
Shaving Foam against foggy windows. Leave it on the inside of the windows for a few minutes then rub it off with a dry cloth. XXX Also a sock filled with cat sand helps for extra absorption.
Hi Beans,Great film.Condesation pots,They use them in caravans.If not bye a heavy duty car battery,Charge it up,Use it to plug a heater in.Just an idear,Keep safe.One love X.
I recognised the Halfords in Staines you stopped at, you could have parked up in the little lay-by just outside the barrier to that carpark right next to the river thames and stayed there too, its a 20 min walk to train station along the river and a 45 min train trip to Waterloo.
For condensation try white rice in an old sock. It may take a few but it should keep the van a bit drier. It's also great for storing clothing long term.
Someday I hope to do what you're doing and beating the high cost of London. Two suggestions: 1. For that moisture, look into crystals that pull water out of the air. They have names like "DampRid." Boaters use them. 2. To look less conspicuous, particularly with an old van, add roof racks with a ladder or two. Then get a sign shop to make a magnetic sign for a business.
In order to get rid of condesation you need a rooftop with a fan and wind deflectors in your windows, that way you can keep your windows a bit open enabling good air flow
London for stealth much easier than people often believe. So ubiquitous and busy, you can remain anonymous in so many ways. And then the buses and trains are just brilliant to get around. Ive heard many frustrated campers irritated about condensation, we found the only thing for us was when we had good air-con, soon clears when you start up.
Den James, I tink I need your help , as I am picking up my french van next week and bring it back to london where I need to work for a week , any recommendation on where to hide ;) close from a tube :) would be very welcome
blackout windows are essential for stealth . I dont even have windows in the back of my sprinter van. but when I had my Toyota Previa I did exactly as you did with the blackout curtain and stick black for the windows. Never had a prob in years
The best stealth vehicle is a beaten up white van (sign painted?) with no windows and the bulkhead. A small ventilator on top should be OK so long as it's not making any noise.
I had two little re chargeable dehumidifier squares that removed all the moisture from my super damp windows. Got them on Amazon and love them, you could place them on the front seats. Love the black wet window covers, great idea!
Glad to see you got a steering wheel lock, I use one too, especially in big cities where car break-ins are more common. Make your van look like a work van. Leave a yellow vest, a hard hat and a clipboard in the front. I've never seen that spray on vinyl sheeting used before....good idea! They do make those moisture absorbing products you can place on the dashboard or you can make one by taking an old sock and filling it with kitty litter. Also, just keeping the inside of the windows as clean as possible helps, so there is nothing for the moisture to cling to. Good to see you having a fun time in London and cheers to stealth camping.
If you’re not stealth camping, I think external window covers are good for preventing internal fogging of the windscreen. Like a full cover that sort of hooks around thew tops of the doors.
You can buy demister bags which can lay in the front by the window, however the cheapest and works a treat is a pair of socks, some You cat litter, the silica crystals one, only a few quid. Pour into said socks, knot the end and lay on the dash underneath the window, sorted. You could get ingenious and do some for the other windows if you can find a way of attaching them to the bottom of the windows. Good luck.
We have been upto scotland and back to Lincolnshire and stealth camped around Lincolnshire in ower 2001 berlingo car with the panoramic roof and a custom built teardrop camper! All setup for wild camping with a rib boat!!!!
The one thing to be very VERY careful of when doing this is that if someone does phone the Police and they turn up at the van and you are both over the legal drink-drive alcohol limit then you can be charged with being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the limit. Even if you don't intend to drive anywhere... If only one of you is then the other is "in charge of the vehicle" when the Police ask...
London is relatively easy for sleeping in a vehicle, as long as you avoid the stuffy ultra respectable areas. A bit like Cambridge, there is a long established history of people doing it. To be a bit safer, I'd have a daytime parking spot, and a night time one too. When I did it, cooking was easiest in recreation ground car parks (leave by mid afternoon to avoid the 'yoofs'). To be fair, I avoided 1930's streets, preferring the 1960's / 70's areas. Easier to find somewhere with less than 3 or 4 houses that can see you. A few metres into a cul de sac, drive in at 9 pm, dive over the seats into the already prepared sleeping area, and off again before 5 am. Admittedly, I'm not as middle class as you, so have to be more careful.
A Ti p.....Always buy aa van with no windows ....Windows are a Dead Giveaway...Remove the bulkhead ..A good curtain to replace the bulkhead...Cab looks unoccupied...Stealth Camping I love It!!!!
If you can see them through a sheet they will see light through it aswell, need to get a black out curtain and some velcro or net curtain wire to stick Curtain to roof and sides of van to ensure no light leakage
Lovely video thanks. Not sure if it has been mentioned but kitty litter tied in a double sock eliminates fog and condensation in vehicles. Cheap and effective. Just leave it on the dashboard of a night. You can just change it out after several weeks when it gets too saturated.
Kitty litter absorbs condensation, spread it out as much as you can in the cab in low boxes, and fill some socks with it and put on the dashboard over night. Also, temporary pull the rubber seal on the front doors back corner (and wedge a little gap with something it still doesnt gap)
I Stealth camp everywhere, I use reflectix in my windows, I didn't know that this film exists! I'll be buying some as soon as I've measured my windows tomorrow. As others said, wind deflectors are a must but they don't completely solve the issue. You do see vehicles with steamed up windows so don't worry too much about that. I carefully place a small light such that the source can't be seen through my cab curtains. I even use my diesel heater in built up areas, most people have no idea what the sound is so might stop and be puzzled but move along when they don't see anything of interest.
If you can see out through your blackout curtain, you can see in when there is more light inside than out. You need proper blackout curtain lining and it needs to seal properly along the roof with no gaps for light spill. I DO like that vinyl stuff tho!
The condensation solution is either don’t breath ( not practical) or ventilation. easy to achieve! To maintain stealth and security a roof vent is a help but if you have wind deflectors you can have the cab windows cracked to get some wind assisted ventilation and no one will notice the ‘security breach’ the downside will be sound transmission in and out, but as you are sleeping not partying and are on a residential street not a main drag it shouldn’t be an issue.
Tackle condensation by placing moisture-absorbing items in your car. One effective measure is filling an old sock or pair of tights with cat litter. The clay particles in cat litter are excellent at absorbing excess moisture
Trying reusable orange silica gel desiccant beads in a tube sock to dehumidify and control condensation inside a minivan camper. Haven't given it a real test but seems to work.
I have the same steering lock and it prevented the theft of my van, the thieves who tried to steel it cut through the steering wheel trying to remove it, when you fit it you have to lock it with the two hooks either side of one of the steering wheel spokes, if they cut the wheel it leaves a tee shape so you still can't remove it,
Brilliant video. I love that you make a game out of finding free spots to camp, that's ace. We are moving from our lovely Kev T5 to a big burly Crafter next year and have already blocked off our bulk head so that we can essentially camp anywhere. Here's a tip for you. When you put your rock and roll bed away just roll up your mattress topper and duvet into the back of the van. Then push your seat up and throw your pillows into the back. When you want to make the bed just pull out unroll and tuck it in. Saved us loads of time and hassle messing around with stuff. Basically a rock and roll bedding set.
You didn’t test the rainx or mistx whatever it’s called but a cheap alternative put a couple of drops of washing up liquid on a damp cloth only a couple mins and wipe over the inside of your windows leave it to self dry that works. Also get some of those moisture traps and crystals leave in the van when not using keeps everything dry and fresh mind the liquid afterwards it’s nasty stuff but good for killing weeds. What’s that film called looks really handy.
I do stealth camping all over UK and inside the M25 area a lot for work. Have a basic set up in back. But so far never had problems. Just one train station car park in London that my van got a lot of attention with from youths ( Only parking in London I found for free from 6pm till 8am lol). An one spot where I had a man walking up and down all night checking the van out. Expecting he was after my DPF. Think my night heater on trickle all night, is why he wouldn't approach. The app park4night gives some useful places to park and sleep in London too.
For condensation, I recommend a solar power, ceiling fan , zero condensation, Plus a window deflectors and open the window, a tiny bit on each side for airflow
Hi I have an idea that beeswax will stop your windows misting up. I was in the Territorial Army in the 80s, and when we wore gas masks in NBC training, we were given a tiny bottle of beeswax each, to smear a thin film of it on the glass eye holes on the inside of the respirator. This was supposed to stop the glass steaming up from your breath, and it worked perfectly!
For added security (against theft of the van itself), you might want to invest in a Bearlock. This is a mechanical lock that securely locks the vehicle in reverse gear. Not cheap, but effective... The girls from camper vibe have a video on this.
Another great video - Steering wheel lock is a great addition, we use on all our cars, just gives a visual deterrent that might put someone off and move on.
Rain X, Dry Z air is non mechanical dehumidifier. Just crystals in a plastic basket compartment that grab moisture from air and water collects in container below.
Hi. Just take a toothpaste on a cloth and rub over all windscreen from inside. At start it looks toothpaste marks but keep rubbing and then toothpaste settled in windscreen micro holes which eye can’t see. Actually all vapours appear because of these micro holes in windscreen. You will see the difference next morning.
Get a thermal blackout curtain - or make one yourself! The fabric is pretty cheap on ebay. It completely blocks the light from outside and in, so you can't be seen at all. Your bedsheet is basically see through if you have a light on! The thermal curtain also keeps the back pretty warm, I find if I stick my head into the cab its freezing in comparison.
Condensation: simply do nothing, other than open the windows about 1 - 2cm. Cover seat bases with Towels in case of rain (it'll wake you if it rains hard and you can close windows). The condensation itself forms a privacy barrier and nobody looks closely enough at the van to notice; remember most people are quite wrapped up in their own world. Partner & I have stealth camped in my Peugeot 405 Estate in this way for over 10 years. Security: Steering Lock is good, but a Wheel Clamp is better.
I lived around Hampstead and Golders green for years, There were loads who camped in landies, vans, cars with no issues. As for condensation you need something like a flettner ventilator..
We love our T4 (30 years old 92 reg) and find it extremely easy to park up in sneaky urban spots as it’s SWB, the only problem is it’s a high top so stands out far more if you’re looking down the street. Love the video.
You really don't have to stealth camp in London. Been loving in mine for 2 years looks like a camper van never had a problem. As long as its taxed and MOTed no worries.
Old Private Investigator trick: in the morning when you climb into the cab from the back of your Van, open and then close your driver’s door. The noise will subconsciously connect with Neighbours that someone (even if unseen) has just climbed into the vehicle.
Driving off then, doesn’t lead them to the idea that someone was onboard all of the time.
In 1975 I spent 2 months stealth living in the back streets of Earls Court in a 1960 CA Bedford van while working at Brentwood Lucozade factory had a bath couple times a week at Victoria station now 47 year later back in a van cruising round Western Australia & I still love it!
Hah had the Neat of the bottle on the side of the building, lived in EC myself for a few years in Nevern Place.
Bath at Victoria station ?
@Donna E
Lol are you a Londoner ?
@@annychest718 As late as the early 90s you could still get something like 15 mins to shower for a couple of quid(?) in some of the mainline stations. I think the idea was to facilitate people who had to 'come up to town' for interviews, meetings, etc. so they could freshen up. Then again, there was a time when it was said that 'you could eat your dinner off of the floor' of a London toilet (which was a bit of a stretch, admittedly...) Obviously, that was when London _had_ public toilets..!
@Donna E I no longer live in London(or the UK ) Donna,but I was born there&still have family&friends living there (who I don't see very often admittedly-the last time I was there was in 2011) but wth all that said,I'm curious ur take on the place of my birth!
I've unfortunately been stealth camping in London, for the last 5 years during weekdays. I use a Unibond 360 moisture remover, which lasts for around a month or 2. I use doubled up black bin liners as curtains, A double folded blanket to separate front seats from the back. I don't really eat after 2pm so that I don't get caught short at night. Never have been. I shower each morning at one of the branches of TheGym. I have weather deflectors for all the windows. Almost all my gear in the back is black. Every time I sleep, I have to roll over from the front seat to the rear, having checked 3 directions. Same in the morning when I awake, but roll over onto the front seats instead, after checking and listening. Always pull the central locking fuse out. Sometimes have foxes walking over my vehicle at night. Sometimes squirrels dancing on the roof. Only once did a chancer try the door handle. Only woken a few times when people have sat on the bonnet.
thanks for sharing 👌, any tips for parking spots 🤔? thanks in advance ! 👍
Forget the Rainex "anti-fog" .....Polish the inside of your windows with "Hair Conditioner" [leave it slightly greasy]
we do this for classic car racing in the rain [they get hot inside]
Put a roof rack on your van with a ladder.... Then add some "bullshit" tradesman signwriting to the inside of your window blackouts [these get removed when you remove the blackouts]
It’s such a shame that the UK has such anti camper van laws that stop you sleeping in your van over night. Here if France they embrase camper vans and you can park just about anywhere and sleep in your van. Most towns provide municipal camp sites with water and waste disposal for free. Some charge a nominal fee.
for now , cos we are retarded !! wait a bit longer it's starting
Really?? Next stop France!
@@dianndranewman2350
They are friendly when you look friendly and white, anything outside the box isn’t welcoming
That’s my country
Btw just got back from 3 days in France and got my solar panels stolen
When last winter I left my van in London
in my ghetto car park for 6 month without any issues
It can happen anytime but honestly my country is just pretty when you don’t understand people and what is going on
@@TamaraVagabonde what’s your country?
@@HamburgerHelperDeath France
It’s a beautiful, beautiful place unfortunately such a paradox, but you know nothing is black or white, we can find beauty anywhere we go even in chaos
I stay in my van 5 nights a week working all around London, I’ve done this for 7 years and have had someone attempt to break in a few times when I went “stealth” I now put my reflective covers on and have never been bothered with, I’d rather people think someone’s in there rather than a wrong in thinking it’s empty!
Interesting perspective
Any location tips you’d like to give?
thanks for sharing 👌, any tips for parking spots 🤔? thanks in advance ! 👍
Awsome.. But get some rain guards and leave the windows open at the front about 1/2 inch
I watch a lot of van build vids and am toying with doing some van life next summer. I think the best thing (for me) would be to create a thermal fabric bulk head, that seals you from cold and light. I would construct a border part that's fixed and have a square piece that velcros all around. Then, I would get the wind reflectors and crack the windows in the cab for fresh air and condensation reduction. Alternatively (and I've seen some people do this), I would fit inconspicuous vents with laptop fans to circulate the air in the cab.
I used to stealth camp on the Welsh coast. When approached I would just say my husband was night fishing and name a local campsite where we were 'staying' always got away with it as they never expected a single woman to be stealth camping. Miss my van so much
This is utterly brilliant, I'll be doing that for sure. Thanks.
Being stealthy stopped the moment you pulled up guys. Outside someone's home, in and out of the van, filming out in the middle of the road, taking down curtain in the morning with side door open on full view of someones home. Apart from that very good lol.
London resident here. I think in some ways you’re less likely to get hassle stealthing it in London than some rural locations. People in campers aren’t a problem in London, people won’t even be looking for people sleeping in vans. People in popular beauty spots are far more likely to be looking and be annoyed by vans because they’ll have a negative view due to rubbish and crowded car parks. As long as you’re considerate and respectful, as I’m sure you guys are, you’ll have no problems in London.
Take and old wool sock. The larger the better. Put as much RAW rice inside as you can and just leave it on the front seat. It will suck up like 90% of moisture from the air inside the van preventing fogging and condensation.
We use a Karcher window vacuum to dry the condensation off the windows - obviously didn’t stop the condensation but was so easy to get rid of
We’ve stealth camped for years and wind deflectors (as mentioned by many) are a must for us. Having the windows open an inch each side helps massively with condensation in the cab but also helps ensure you’re breathing in decent air. We’ve both felt the effects of not doing this in our old T4 with violent headaches. It’s a must for us every time.
Next top tip is shaving gel (not foam) on for the windscreen. Smear it on (it’s a fun job, definitely worth filming it!) and keep smearing until it’s all clear. This will keep those droplets off and also makes the cab smell funky fresh. Along with the cab sheet and blacked windows that you’ve already started doing, you’ll be stealthier than a stealthy thing on a stealthy day 👍🏼
Probably be better with windows closed..have you sampled Lndn air? Not that fresh.. especially with all these diesel's
@@annychest718 Just curious how long have u lived (or maybe u were born) in London?
Thanks. Obviously on the outside of the windscreen?
@@eahannan No. It's like doing it on the bathroom mirror when you have a steamy shower. You put the soap/shower gel on the surface you want to keep free from fogging up.
The air in London is clean, stop falling for the BS @@annychest718
I would want a thicker curtain, any lights you have on will show thru that one you used here. scent free cat litter works to absorb moisture, a sock or stocking filled and laid on the dash will suck up moisture at night and either be dried by the sun or the vehicles defroster vent, a cotton bag of salt will also help
Barbasol shaving cream is relatively ok for condensation. Put it on the windshield, rub it in, then whipe it off.
I used a heavy duty tent groundsheet as a screen behind the front seats. It was totally blacked out but more importantly it acted as a vapour barrier so that no moist air reached the front windows. No steamed up windows. It needed to be closely and tightly fitted around the edges.
Great video as always. What I have is some Heko wind deflectors on the front windows, then I can leave the windows open just a cm or so and no rain can get in and you can’t tell from the outside. The ventilation helps prevent condensation. As long as you aren’t snoring when someone walks past!
Had these too for my little vito years ago, great for ventilation and they look good too!
Halfords used to sell big silica bags for cars dehumidify it and since you're so tight you can heat them up/cook them to dry them out in theory like a biscuit tub
The condensation problem could be addressed by leaving one or two of the windows a crack open for the air to move and renew. You’ll probably say now someone could see this from the outside and you’re right, that’s where the wind and rain shields for the windows come in! They are also just super handy for driving with an open window because they shield you which is a lot more convenient than without. I went with the tinted ones for my T4 and it really covers my open window crack quite nicely!
Cheers and save travels!
Oh tough 2:40 you got the 1.9 diesel? what you want is the 2.5 TD benefits,
Smooth 5 cylinder engine
60 mpg on the open road
Top speed 110 mph
Lifting tailgate can be used as veranda in rainy conditions
Alloy wheels
But 900 a pop for the catalytic.
Love the Idea.
There is something so romantic about being able to wake up anywhere in the world of British car parks.
Together.
You could go one better and sleep in Doorways.
As a truck driver from across the pond we here use those bottles of dish washer additives that keep your glasses from getting spots on them, it also works at keeping the fog off the windows. Put some on a rag and wipe your windows when dry just polish it clear should work for about a week. N Joy Mates
Get a small dehumidifier. That would sort the front out. Plus separate the cab from the back. Hang a couple of dry towels up to absorb the moisture.
In regards to a misty windscreen we have fitted on our t4 wind deflectors and then open our windows down about 1 inch, this makes an insane difference in the morning and when cooking. We have fitted a curtain rail and some thermal curtains so the cold doesn’t effect us too much with the windows open slightly.
Let us know how the anti fog goes!
I think you’ll want a proper black out curtain to separate the front cab area from the back. Just as you can easily see through the black sheet in the day, people outside will be able to easily see through it at night, when you have the light on.
You can put a little kitty litter in a mesh bag and hang from the rear view mirror. That will help absorb all the water in the air.
I stealth camp almost every night in a city. You won't get rid of the condensation in the winter unfortunately. Next time park with a vehicle behind you, then you are protected if there was an accident especially if you sleep with your heads by the rear doors. I park down cul-de-sacs and quiet roads.
Your making me remember when a recovery truck tried to steal my van in L’pool 👍 good idea , park in the middle of a row .
I saw someone use a magnetic company logo on their van so they don’t get parking tickets they also put a hard hat on the dash with a clipboard with papers or “work orders”. So it looks like a work van
Brilliant idea but I’d also add some opened crisp packets and empty drink bottles to add some tradesman ‘authenticity’.
to put your black plastic on use a rubber squeegee it takes out all bubbles and it doesn't scratch your plastic. humidity inside crack the window a hair to let out humidity. or stop by a sports shop for divers. underwater divers. they have a spray they use on their goggles. so when underwater they never fog up.
You need a silent exhaust fan to draw out the moisture and bad air whilst getting clean fresh air into the van. Improve your air quality and get rid of moisture and exhale waste products.
A bucket of road salt (or sea salt packs) in the front seats will help reduce or eliminate humidity or moisture. I keep it in my trunk during the winter and it was noticeably dryer in my car when I have snow on my boots bringing in moisture. From Calgary, Alberta :D
Another option believe it or not, is to put cat litter into old socks.
Nah they don't wanto do that
Hack saw 6 second the steering wheel locks don't work. Get the peddle locking one. Love the channel.
Salt is the no. 1 enemy of steel-bodied cars, especially when there is any moisture around.
So it's a really bad idea to take it inside a van that's going to get damp!
@@RupertReynolds1962 in a bucket with a cotton cloth or mesh on top, not on the floor or carpet or on the steel surfaces.
here on the wirral you can sleep overnight in your van for free. the best places are
harrison drive , from new brighton to the coast guard tower
fort perch rock car park . new brighton
caldy
west kirby
thirseston common
hoylake
parkgate
any more than one night and the council are a bit iffy . anti gypsy laws .
Shaving Foam against foggy windows. Leave it on the inside of the windows for a few minutes then rub it off with a dry cloth. XXX Also a sock filled with cat sand helps for extra absorption.
Hi Beans,Great film.Condesation pots,They use them in caravans.If not bye a heavy duty car battery,Charge it up,Use it to plug a heater in.Just an idear,Keep safe.One love X.
I recognised the Halfords in Staines you stopped at, you could have parked up in the little lay-by just outside the barrier to that carpark right next to the river thames and stayed there too, its a 20 min walk to train station along the river and a 45 min train trip to Waterloo.
Shaving foam, micro cloth, wipe all over windows & polish till all clear, Tryed and tested... 👍
Put a small quiet air vent fan on ceiling to prevent condensation....
To avoid condensation can I suggets a net bag of schoolroom chalk. Break it up increase the surface area. Chalk is very good at absorbing moisture.
For condensation try white rice in an old sock. It may take a few but it should keep the van a bit drier. It's also great for storing clothing long term.
Someday I hope to do what you're doing and beating the high cost of London. Two suggestions: 1. For that moisture, look into crystals that pull water out of the air. They have names like "DampRid." Boaters use them. 2. To look less conspicuous, particularly with an old van, add roof racks with a ladder or two. Then get a sign shop to make a magnetic sign for a business.
A couple of socks full of dishwasher salt on the dashboard will cure that problem of condensation, we use it in our Dougalthecampervan.
Been stealth camping for about 11 years, I love it me and the dogs, open road and off we go lol. Enjoy the vids 👌
Try shaving cream on a window. I've had it on half a bathroom mirror and no fogging of the treated mirror. Just try a side window first.
In order to get rid of condesation you need a rooftop with a fan and wind deflectors in your windows, that way you can keep your windows a bit open enabling good air flow
London for stealth much easier than people often believe. So ubiquitous and busy, you can remain anonymous in so many ways. And then the buses and trains are just brilliant to get around. Ive heard many frustrated campers irritated about condensation, we found the only thing for us was when we had good air-con, soon clears when you start up.
Den James, I tink I need your help , as I am picking up my french van next week and bring it back to london where I need to work for a week , any recommendation on where to hide ;) close from a tube :) would be very welcome
blackout windows are essential for stealth . I dont even have windows in the back of my sprinter van. but when I had my Toyota Previa I did exactly as you did with the blackout curtain and stick black for the windows. Never had a prob in years
The best stealth vehicle is a beaten up white van (sign painted?) with no windows and the bulkhead. A small ventilator on top should be OK so long as it's not making any noise.
A chain connecting the two front doors is also effective at preventing burglary. Need to leave/enter via side door tho.
I had two little re chargeable dehumidifier squares that removed all the moisture from my super damp windows. Got them on Amazon and love them, you could place them on the front seats. Love the black wet window covers, great idea!
Glad to see you got a steering wheel lock, I use one too, especially in big cities where car break-ins are more common. Make your van look like a work van. Leave a yellow vest, a hard hat and a clipboard in the front. I've never seen that spray on vinyl sheeting used before....good idea! They do make those moisture absorbing products you can place on the dashboard or you can make one by taking an old sock and filling it with kitty litter. Also, just keeping the inside of the windows as clean as possible helps, so there is nothing for the moisture to cling to. Good to see you having a fun time in London and cheers to stealth camping.
Then theives would think there's loads of tools in the back... Duhhh
The kitty litter is a specific kind. More like crystals. I’ve not tried this but folks say that it works. Best of luck!
make it look like a moving business van, because why would there be something in the back
@@passkat in finnish ur name is rude lmao
I'd never stealth camp in such a high crime city as London.
If you’re not stealth camping, I think external window covers are good for preventing internal fogging of the windscreen. Like a full cover that sort of hooks around thew tops of the doors.
You can buy demister bags which can lay in the front by the window, however the cheapest and works a treat is a pair of socks, some You cat litter, the silica crystals one, only a few quid. Pour into said socks, knot the end and lay on the dash underneath the window, sorted. You could get ingenious and do some for the other windows if you can find a way of attaching them to the bottom of the windows. Good luck.
Get an old sock fill it with cat litter, tie it off and leave it on your dashboard that will stop condensation.
We have been upto scotland and back to Lincolnshire and stealth camped around Lincolnshire in ower 2001 berlingo car with the panoramic roof and a custom built teardrop camper! All setup for wild camping with a rib boat!!!!
The one thing to be very VERY careful of when doing this is that if someone does phone the Police and they turn up at the van and you are both over the legal drink-drive alcohol limit then you can be charged with being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the limit. Even if you don't intend to drive anywhere... If only one of you is then the other is "in charge of the vehicle" when the Police ask...
London is relatively easy for sleeping in a vehicle, as long as you avoid the stuffy ultra respectable areas. A bit like Cambridge, there is a long established history of people doing it. To be a bit safer, I'd have a daytime parking spot, and a night time one too. When I did it, cooking was easiest in recreation ground car parks (leave by mid afternoon to avoid the 'yoofs'). To be fair, I avoided 1930's streets, preferring the 1960's / 70's areas. Easier to find somewhere with less than 3 or 4 houses that can see you. A few metres into a cul de sac, drive in at 9 pm, dive over the seats into the already prepared sleeping area, and off again before 5 am. Admittedly, I'm not as middle class as you, so have to be more careful.
A Ti p.....Always buy aa van with no windows ....Windows are a Dead Giveaway...Remove the bulkhead ..A good curtain to replace the bulkhead...Cab looks unoccupied...Stealth Camping I love It!!!!
plus condensation. get a bag of kitty litter and fill two long socks with it and place them under the front windscreen
If you can see them through a sheet they will see light through it aswell, need to get a black out curtain and some velcro or net curtain wire to stick Curtain to roof and sides of van to ensure no light leakage
Cat litter should help or stop condensation. I read about it in a Toyota Prius camping forum. hope this may help
Lovely video thanks. Not sure if it has been mentioned but kitty litter tied in a double sock eliminates fog and condensation in vehicles. Cheap and effective. Just leave it on the dashboard of a night. You can just change it out after several weeks when it gets too saturated.
Kitty litter absorbs condensation, spread it out as much as you can in the cab in low boxes, and fill some socks with it and put on the dashboard over night.
Also, temporary pull the rubber seal on the front doors back corner (and wedge a little gap with something it still doesnt gap)
Shaving foam works as a cheap but effective anti-fog. Give it a good rub over the glass, then buff it off.
Also for keeping the fog low, you can buy a dry dehumidifier made for rvs OR a couple of socks full of rice set on your dash will help a ton.
I Stealth camp everywhere, I use reflectix in my windows, I didn't know that this film exists! I'll be buying some as soon as I've measured my windows tomorrow. As others said, wind deflectors are a must but they don't completely solve the issue. You do see vehicles with steamed up windows so don't worry too much about that. I carefully place a small light such that the source can't be seen through my cab curtains. I even use my diesel heater in built up areas, most people have no idea what the sound is so might stop and be puzzled but move along when they don't see anything of interest.
If you can see out through your blackout curtain, you can see in when there is more light inside than out. You need proper blackout curtain lining and it needs to seal properly along the roof with no gaps for light spill. I DO like that vinyl stuff tho!
Hi guys get yourself a hand held karcher vacuum black/yellow this will sort your condensation there brilliant.
The condensation solution is either don’t breath ( not practical) or ventilation. easy to achieve! To maintain stealth and security a roof vent is a help but if you have wind deflectors you can have the cab windows cracked to get some wind assisted ventilation and no one will notice the ‘security breach’ the downside will be sound transmission in and out, but as you are sleeping not partying and are on a residential street not a main drag it shouldn’t be an issue.
Yes have slept on the promenade at Aberystwyth a couple of times…no problem. Also on the outskirts of Bruges on the way back from Brussels.
Used to stealth camp when I had a van, down The Lizard Cornwall and got away with it - no campsite fees just parked up on Lizard Green every night!
Tackle condensation by placing moisture-absorbing items in your car. One effective measure is filling an old sock or pair of tights with cat litter. The clay particles in cat litter are excellent at absorbing excess moisture
Came here to say this. Just don't use any cat litter but the crystal kind. It works like a charm.
@@ssebb2020 Thanks
Not too much though, else you wont be able to get your shoes on.
Trying reusable orange silica gel desiccant beads in a tube sock to dehumidify and control condensation inside a minivan camper. Haven't given it a real test but seems to work.
you can easily modify and instal a pull up (or pull down) black curtain. use it when you want eliminates the need for preparation
I have the same steering lock and it prevented the theft of my van, the thieves who tried to steel it cut through the steering wheel trying to remove it, when you fit it you have to lock it with the two hooks either side of one of the steering wheel spokes, if they cut the wheel it leaves a tee shape so you still can't remove it,
Brilliant video. I love that you make a game out of finding free spots to camp, that's ace. We are moving from our lovely Kev T5 to a big burly Crafter next year and have already blocked off our bulk head so that we can essentially camp anywhere. Here's a tip for you. When you put your rock and roll bed away just roll up your mattress topper and duvet into the back of the van. Then push your seat up and throw your pillows into the back. When you want to make the bed just pull out unroll and tuck it in. Saved us loads of time and hassle messing around with stuff. Basically a rock and roll bedding set.
You didn’t test the rainx or mistx whatever it’s called but a cheap alternative put a couple of drops of washing up liquid on a damp cloth only a couple mins and wipe over the inside of your windows leave it to self dry that works.
Also get some of those moisture traps and crystals leave in the van when not using keeps everything dry and fresh mind the liquid afterwards it’s nasty stuff but good for killing weeds.
What’s that film called looks really handy.
Try hanging dehumidifiers for wardrobes from any poundshop. Works for us also just crack open the front windows a few millimetres to let the air flow.
I do stealth camping all over UK and inside the M25 area a lot for work. Have a basic set up in back. But so far never had problems.
Just one train station car park in London that my van got a lot of attention with from youths ( Only parking in London I found for free from 6pm till 8am lol).
An one spot where I had a man walking up and down all night checking the van out. Expecting he was after my DPF. Think my night heater on trickle all night, is why he wouldn't approach.
The app park4night gives some useful places to park and sleep in London too.
Here in Canada there is a product called Drizair. Pellets that absorb ambient moisture. I used them in my travel trailer for the few years I had it.
For condensation, I recommend a solar power, ceiling fan , zero condensation, Plus a window deflectors and open the window, a tiny bit on each side for airflow
Bloody legend of a couple!! Total goals. Cool stealth camp vid too 😎
Condensation can be addressed with small packets of crystals. They absorb moisture in the air and are small and cheap. Buy a few.
They make cans of absorbent dehumidifier stuff for rvs, that's what a lot of car campers use
Hi
I have an idea that beeswax will stop your windows misting up.
I was in the Territorial Army in the 80s, and when we wore gas masks in NBC training, we were given a tiny bottle of beeswax each, to smear a thin film of it on the glass eye holes on the inside of the respirator. This was supposed to stop the glass steaming up from your breath, and it worked perfectly!
For added security (against theft of the van itself), you might want to invest in a Bearlock. This is a mechanical lock that securely locks the vehicle in reverse gear. Not cheap, but effective...
The girls from camper vibe have a video on this.
Yorkshire poptop adventures has also just got one fitted. Get in touch with them, I'm sure they'll give you a discount. 😉
Another great video - Steering wheel lock is a great addition, we use on all our cars, just gives a visual deterrent that might put someone off and move on.
This is awesome, I want one,,,,, I had one in NZ and I miss it like crazy (2004)
Rain X, Dry Z air is non mechanical dehumidifier. Just crystals in a plastic basket compartment that grab moisture from air and water collects in container below.
If you put rainguards on the outside of your windows...then you can crack them a wee bit to get fresh air and have no condensation
Stealth camper, Steve Wallis, always cracks the windows just a tiny tiny bit to prevent the fogging.
and make sure to have plenty of step number 2
Hi. Just take a toothpaste on a cloth and rub over all windscreen from inside. At start it looks toothpaste marks but keep rubbing and then toothpaste settled in windscreen micro holes which eye can’t see. Actually all vapours appear because of these micro holes in windscreen. You will see the difference next morning.
Hi you can get a usb dehumidifier 10w 5v £25 eBay. Glad the van going ok you must have put a lot of miles on the clock. 😀
Get a thermal blackout curtain - or make one yourself! The fabric is pretty cheap on ebay. It completely blocks the light from outside and in, so you can't be seen at all. Your bedsheet is basically see through if you have a light on! The thermal curtain also keeps the back pretty warm, I find if I stick my head into the cab its freezing in comparison.
Id recommend a black out curtain behind the front seats. I also used black construction paper and magnets to block my windows
Condensation: simply do nothing, other than open the windows about 1 - 2cm. Cover seat bases with Towels in case of rain (it'll wake you if it rains hard and you can close windows). The condensation itself forms a privacy barrier and nobody looks closely enough at the van to notice; remember most people are quite wrapped up in their own world. Partner & I have stealth camped in my Peugeot 405 Estate in this way for over 10 years. Security: Steering Lock is good, but a Wheel Clamp is better.
I lived around Hampstead and Golders green for years, There were loads who camped in landies, vans, cars with no issues.
As for condensation you need something like a flettner ventilator..
We love our T4 (30 years old 92 reg) and find it extremely easy to park up in sneaky urban spots as it’s SWB, the only problem is it’s a high top so stands out far more if you’re looking down the street. Love the video.
You really don't have to stealth camp in London. Been loving in mine for 2 years looks like a camper van never had a problem. As long as its taxed and MOTed no worries.
thanks for sharing 👌, any tips for parking spots 🤔? thanks in advance ! 👍
If you use tinted wind deflectors on your front windows you can open them slightly to help with condensation and people can’t see they’re open.