… If I were to do this project over again, I’d change a few things. The best material for making templates is a fine paper that holds its shape when folded. A good light blocking material – I prefer the type with vinyl on one side, black. The window covers provide privacy and blocks light for stealth camping any time of day. $rfsn_creative.generate('refersion_client/23994/creatives/dynamic/33325-a71e29940b6cef6bf77afc37f5405d15.json', { This step comes in handy so you can just go to your stealth camping spot … ... Cover your windows with a curtain or something dark and inconspicuous. See more ideas about Stealth camping, Camping, Camper conversion. Privacy curtain build: https://youtu.be/zLK2_FaR5qc Handmade fabrics. Tips For Building A Stealth Camper Van. ... a couple of large washers to the back corners of the rear "dashboard" so that the sheet covers the rear window really well. I've played around with four types of window covers in my Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and have learned a thing or two. Pressurized Water System Build: https://youtu.be/bCaUQWowaU4 Even better is something that absorbs any light being shown from the outside (i.e. Here is what I learned. Check. Using the photos I shot while making the panels, I will try to illustrate the steps in the captions below each picture. The curtains: Provide privacy Block out unwanted light for sleeping Provide some insulation for cold (or … (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Aug 6, 2018 - Having the right curtains for van life is essential. It has a coating that prevents paint from seeping through which makes the paper hold it’s shape when formed, great for molding into a template. Why Do You Need Van Window Covers? But on top of that, there are other safety regulations that you to follow to be more on the safer side. There are a few things I’d do differently the second time around. Stealth camping can also be done almost anywhere, from busy cities to remote land. When I’m not boondocking for free, I use my Passport America membership to save 50% on campgrounds. No one likes surprise midnight visitors! Hand sewn in Southern California. Curtains can give you privacy, enable you to stealth camp in the city, add to your overall comfort, insulate your vehicle, and improve your quality of life. Questions about Stealth Camping? What is Odyssey Camper watching on YouTube? These window covers are the perfect addition to any Sprinter van conversion and will have you so happy you made your own custom window covers. Stealth camping … However, I wanted the panels to be reversible so they would keep out the daytime sun in hot weather. You might get caught or asked to leave, so being able to pack up in a moments notice is important. This is not the time to sit in bed and watch TV or try to cook food. Rushmore Resort and Lodge, at Palmer Gulch, 6000 Miles in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van. we dont have rain deflectors on our promaster van. Due to COVID-19, or current production time is 5-6 weeks. 1 reply 0. josh waynemanor. It should be time for bed when you go to the park. ... Cover your windows and keep the lights out. –I don’t think it’s completely necessary to cover the entire surface with an adhesive. Best of times, worst of times, etc. Hope you enjoy them! So, I went back to my first generation Sequoia, 14 years old and still running strong, and incorporated the best elements of vanlife. An important consideration is what type of material to use. Covers Fully (2-Pack) 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,025. The reason should be obvious, but if you don’t want to be discovered, it is critical that no light passes from the inside of the vehicle to the outside. I used one roll of Reflectix and two 4 x 8 ft sheets of foam sheathing board. Do You Really Need Solar Panels and a Battery Bank? RVMasking Heavy Duty 300D Top Windproof Travel Trailer Cover for RV Camper Motorhome with 4 Tire Covers, Tongue Jack Cover, 24.1-26 ft 4.4 out of 5 stars 117 $369.99 $ 369 . Car Window Screens for Camping. Here are tips, benefits, and helpful info about stealth camping. Orders placed with items in … How to Make Reflectix Hyper-Insulated Custom Fit Window Covers This is a two-part video series that gives you step by step instructions on how to build the ultimate Reflectix privacy window inserts. Often new van lifers think it’s necessary to build a stealth camper/adventure mobile hybrid. Blackout window covers are essential for this to block any light from inside the van being vis In fact, most campers wouldn’t sleep in areas that stealth campers frequent. We encourage you to choose one or the other. I've played around with four types of window covers in my Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and have learned a thing or two. It took a full can for two panels and so, I switched to the paint on type. Our deluxe insulated Ford Econoline van front cab driver and passenger window covers keep the van's interior temperature constant by keeping heat from escaping and cold temperature from entering through the front windows and windshield. 99 99. –After you punch the holes through the panel, put a length of drinking straw in the hole and glue in place with silicone sealant. Stealth camping is best done in cargo vans, mini vans, and basically any vehicle that could pass as a work van/car that doesn’t look like someone could be sleeping in it. Stealth camping is a form of camping that requires you to stay in places where you may not be allowed to be in. Oh, and I lost a LOT of brain cells from the fumes! May 11, 2016 - Most people will want curtains or shades of some kind for their RV or camper van. When building the van the term, “stealth camping” popped up. So make sure to use plenty of them all around (we used 9 round magnets per cover for the rear doors, 12 for the slider door, 3 for each driver/passenger door) and make sure not to use a thick fabric over the magnets (we wished we used a slightly thinner fabric, the black border you see on our insulated window covers is quite thick). Best places to park, what van to live in, how to build a stealth camper van conversion. Just enter your email address below and I'll send the updates straight to your inbox. This is the MOST important “do” of car camping. Serape, from Mexico. Legality: Always be ready to get yelled at or get a knock on the door late at night. There are many materials that are vinyl based but have a fabric type material on the main side. There’s nothing “Stealth” about camping in a Sprinter People often refer to parking overnight in an inhabited area as “stealth camping.” Unless your Sprinter has no exterior adornments, no condensation on the window glass, local license plates, and absolutely no light showing through the window covers, it’s unlikely you’ve gone unnoticed. In today's video I show how I made the Reflectix Window Covers for my 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4. The cardinal rule of stealth camping. When two layers are separated by a static air barrier, the R-value increases dramatically. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); If you are doing more campground camping or boondocking then it doesn’t matter if they are blacked out but you will still want something to cover your windows so no one sees you getting dressed or using the bathroom, and even just relaxing in privacy is nice. No spam and I won't share your info. If I put in the window covers … Reply Sadie on April 19, 2020 at 11:00 am Don’t open the doors or pull any objects out of the van. odysseycamper.com/.../diy-insulated-window-panels-stealth-camping Police or other law enforcement can also get tipped off by window covers if you’re sleeping somewhere you shouldn’t be. Get Prepared Prior To Your Stealth Spot. Most towns have city ordinances against overnight parking/ camping/ sleeping in … Blackout window covers are essential for this to … Good and Better. How we Urban Stealth Camp In the City Part 1 || DIY Window Covers || Van Life There are tinted side windows or none at all. If you plan to frequently stealth camp in cities, you’ll want your vehicle to be as non-suspect as possible. Stealth camping is over nighting somewhere illegal or frowned upon so campers try to be as subtle as possible about living or sleeping in a van. Camping Tool, Wind Cave National Park and Elk Mountain Campground, How to Truck Stop Shower Like a Man (or a Woman!). It didn’t eat the Reflectix, but it did eat into the other materials. Reflectix (reflects solar radiation when used on the outside, reflects light when used on the inside), Foam Insulation (Reflectix is a poor insulator by itself), Faux leather (Black to absorb the sun, or the illumination of a flashlight). We're working as quickly as possible. Gorgeous, vibrant, inspiring patterns that set the tone for a happy van. How to Build Light Blocking Camper Privacy Curtains, Electrical system build: https://youtu.be/yvq6ObcdFtY Stealth camping is camping without being noticed. Insulated van window covers that are insulated and secured by magnets. See link below. Window covers work wonders, but sometimes people will undoubtedly wonder what it is that you’re covering up. These window covers are the perfect addition to any Sprin... More information Custom Magnetic Window Covers for Stealth Camping #VANLIFE | The Hungry Health Coach - YouTube Police or other law enforcement can also get tipped off by window covers if you’re sleeping somewhere you shouldn’t be. Custom tailored curtains retain warmth in the winter and block heat when its hot. Convenience. Reflectix is a great material but if you look at the label, it is a terrible insulator when used as a single layer. This isn’t … }); Don’t get stuck buying a separate membership for each campground chain, join Passport America instead! In this video you will learn how to put together a window cover that will be light tight and extremely insulated . Our shades fit snugly to the metal frame for stealth camping and no morning light in the eyes. ... Cover every window… The tight fit will keep the moisture out but if some should work in from a corner, it won’t work its way into the material and cause stains or mildew. ... I’ve found that even in what I consider an obvious rig that putting in the front window covers is a dead giveaway. Stealth camping is camping without being noticed. Hopefully, going through this how-to gives you some ideas and you can come up with something even better. When I built my DIY camper van earlier this year one main accessory I needed to feel comfortable was blackout window covers. Custom Bed build: https://youtu.be/a_83eRuOhmU Plus, insulation works both ways and at night, in hot weather, you are sitting in a well-insulated box. Many stealth camping folks will repaint used vans a solid color to cover up any previous signage that faded into the previous paint. STEALTH CAMPING TIPS (FOR TENT CAMPING IN FORESTED AREAS) Here are some tips for stealth camping out in the woods. I usually will stop drinking water or just take tiny sips about an hour prior to stealth camping. The cardinal rule of stealth camping. It is a masking paper that comes on a roll about 12″ high. 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