As a solo woman who's wild camped in a large motorhome both here and in Europe, I can second all the points. In 6 years I only had one incident in Portugal when I had to drive away in the small hours, but I think he was after my bicycle on the back, not me! I learned to trust my gut about a place, and there certainly were a couple of times where I pulled up somewhere, tired and ready to sleep, but I didn't have a good feeling about the place, so drove on. In residential areas as a woman alone, I would be very watchful that no-one saw me getting into the van if Id left it to go to the shop, even walking right past my van if there were men walking behind me, and doubling back later, when they'd gone. Over 6 years of living in my van, there were only a handful of incidents - in Europe mostly people hooting their horns as they drove past, and in UK only once did someone thump on the door as he walked past. No one ever tried the door handles! The point I most agree with, particularly if you're parking in a built up area, is to get ready for bed, cook dinner etc somewhere else, and only go to your sleeping spot at the last minute. You'll be asleep all night, so it won't matter if there isn't a view, you won't see it!
You are clearly street wise and have learned to trust your gut feeling. A lot of people think its superstitious nonsense but during my 30 years in the police it never let me down once and still serves me well 👍
I just posted about my experience and then happened to read yours - and yours is so eerily similar to mine! Just goes to show the general trend. I too will pretend the van isn't mine and keep walking on if necessary. And I've also had someone thump the van late at night which made me jump out my skin, but it was just some kids walking past on the way back from the pub and I didn't let it bother me. Very occasionally someone will sit on the bumper to change out of their wellies which is mildly annoying, and people often check out their reflection in my tinted window, not realising I'm sat inside 2 feet away, which is hilarious. Moral of that story: don't ever assume that you're alone on a street just because you can't visibly see anyone! Lol. Stay safe and happy travels xx
My rule is sound or activity outside the van is no reason to become alarmed. Save that adrenaline for if someone actually tries to get inside and then make a lot of noise. In all my years as a policeman it was very rare to have people attacked in vehicles, in fact I can only remember it happening once. Contrast that to how many get attacked in the high street after closing time. You obviously have tuned your senses to only react when necessary which is good 👍
Thanks, it was something I had to actively work on and definitely didn't come naturally...I think that as a woman, you already have a heightened sense of awareness and anxiety ingrained in you which can tip into paranoia territory if you don't keep a check on it. Paranoia = poor judgement, which is the opposite of what's needed when putting yourself in potentially higher-risk situations such as vanlife. It doesn't help to be on the receiving end of friends and family's shocked expressions, "you're sleeping in your van? By CHOICE?! That's so dangerous!!" etc...you've basically got to tell yourself to buck up or else stop doing it if you're going to let every noise and worry infiltrate. I've loved every minute personally, but I do believe much of that is down to how I prep for night stops, having decent privacy screens, acting on my gut instinct and watching/reading as much as I can to stay knowledgeable. Thanks for the vote of confidence - coming from an ex-police officer that means a lot :)
As a previously employed Health and Safety expert this advice is second to none Thank you both for the not only entertaining but extremely informative videos, you should be commended for your professional approach to the whole subject of safer camping for all.
Cheers David. Every channel we watch has its down voters. Down votes come for all sorts of reasons but they don’t actually hurt a channel provided they are out weighed by positive votes.
Perhaps the thumbs downers were landowners who have had wild campers on their land when they didn't want them on it? Wild camping is illegal after all.....
@@Brian-om2hh only in England and Wales, no issues anywhere else, to be honest there are few places in England worth seeing anyway most of the year because of the weather and greedy landowners who inherited the land anyway, who won’t let you near the place, about time we took it back. This country is turning into North Korea a little more as each day passes, and I’m not including farmers and private businesses and home owners who make a living or worked hard for there land, I’m talking about the lords and ladies who were handed it to them many moons ago of the backs of the working man. That land needs given back to the people.
As a 'wild camper' for the last 12 years I just want to lend my agreement to all the advice you have given, it is spot on. In my experience I learnt not to choose beauty spots at night after being surrounded lakeside in Sweden by youths, who proved troublesome...always face the exit! Thoroughly recommend watching this if you are just starting out with van life. Excellent!
Thank you...as a senior,solo female..traveler.for two year..I,ve practiced every single piece of advice that you gave.Excellent advice,especially for the new folks
Thank you so much! This is truly excellent advice! Some things I already knew but a lot of others I didn't! As a solo female retiree this is good info for me. And yeah! I've chased off a few would be opportunists who tried getting into a caravan I had several years ago, with my regular choice of expletives when unduly challenged! Ha! Hell hath no fury like a woman in a van needing to sleep safely and peacefully! Oh and the bubble wrap video was great too! Who knew! Cheers me dears. Safe travels. 🙋🇮🇪🏴🙏🫡
This is the best parking instruction video I have ever seen anywhere on the internet for Van life period . Bravo! Well done excellent presentation! Thank you so much. so grateful
I stealth camped for a year in the UK, two things l would add are: have a black hand towel in the front to wipe away condensation in the Autumn, and line your foot wells with double floor mats, they can act as traction if you experience excessive slip, the weather can change whilst you are asleep, such as when it snows in the night.
Thank you Ken and Carol for another very informative Vlog. Nothing less than I would expect from your years of experience as a police officer. Lots of information here to help everyone. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent video! Wonderful tips for stealth parking and (as it's called in North America) boondocking. Your breakdown of the risk assessment procedure is tremendously helpful any may very well save someone a good deal of unnecessary grief. Thanks and greetings from Washington state in the US.
In the 80s, I bought a minibus. I took out some of the rear seats. I fitted a worktop at the rear with a sink cooker and water supply. I built it this way so I could open the rear doors for ventilation and added a tarp for those rainy days. My daughters and wife would never come with me. However, my son was always ready. We were constantly loaded, ready for the off. For 8 years, I never stayed on a camp site. The first few times, I was anxious, but after that, no problems. In all those years, we never had a problem. Some nights we even parked up right in the town centre because of the toilet facilities but most times it was in the countryside. I'm now 68 years old, and my son is married with his own children . He still has that spirit of adventure, and so do his children. We went abroad a few times, but he always said his best time was in the van.
I really loved watching this video and both of you have put so much work into it. I think it really helps that you were a policeman and have a lot of knowledge and some really good pointers for others who might not have considered a lot of issues that might occur. Certainly not getting out of the car when someone is asking you to, is an excellent one and not one I think that people would think about. Thank you I really enjoyed it 👍🏻🚘
Everything you need to know in one video! Perfect! On my van I have a panic button that switches on a very loud alarm siren just incase anyone tries to break in and there are six spotlights around the van on the roof rack which I can switch on from the side of the bed. The roof rack hides the solar panel and sunroof for even stealthier camping and I have a blackout curtain across the back of the cab so it looks like the van is empty when we're sleeping. 👍
Thanks so much for this. I am in the U.S. prepping a minivan for occasional extended travel, and your advice rings very true and helpful here “across the pond!” Greetings from Pennsylvania!💐
Very good movie but you forget one thing: - when you stay in the car to sleep put your keys is a metal box (metal coffee pot) or a special pouch to protect your car key 🔑. Thief's can open your door with special equipment without using the car key. They using just the signal of your car key. With a metal box or pouch you block the signal for them.
This is SUCH a great and informative video. It's how I discovered you guys and my wife and I have now binged watched almost all of your content. We're actively looking to buy a van here in the states to start part-time van life. Keep up the great work Ken & Carol (Charlie Brown)!
@@LifeistooshortCK Thanks Ken! I'm rather intrigued by the Sussex vans, specifically the VW, but it doesn't look like they have a US operation. Would you have any suggestions for something similar in the states?
@@BradLongCo there are very few reasons to get something so small anywhere in north America, stick with what you think of as a small van, a minivan, you'll be much more comfortable. In the British Isles everything is small, roads, parking bays, everything, Ken's choice of a tiny van makes more sense but it's a heavy compromise that you don't have to make.
I just found this video on my feed. Your voice is so soothing and advice is very sound. It’s just in the States it seems you are not safe anywhere. It looks like you two have a wonderful life. God bless and stay safe.
One tip to add - when locking your van to sleep in it deactivate the deadlock. I do this on my (Volkswagen) van by double clicking the lock button on the key fob. This means if there's a fire, or some other reason why I need to escape in an emergency, I can simply open the door from the inside, rather than figuring out how to unlock it first.
Just watched this one again and must say it's excellent advice. Sit in the driver's seat and relax a while have saved me from hassle a few times. I was i France a few weeks ago and found a great park up. At around midnight a car pulled up right next to me which worried me. But then the noices from that car indicated that something more to do with love was going on there. So I went back to sleep!
This video is excellent and I've saved it to re watch again. As a new stealth camper, the advice in the video was priceless. Thank you for putting this together.
Such good advice - just what I needed - the down to earth practicality of living in a smallish mobile home. Well done - the advice, from a mature perspective; surviving in this troubled world and passing on valuable knowledge. A useful introduction for the freedoms seeker.
This is the best video presentation on the subject I have encountered. Kudos on your voice over and editing skills. The wonderful information is made all the better by your high production quality. Thank you for contributing to the community in such a thoughtful way.
You are welcome Daniel. Loads of people have helped me learn new skills on youtube so it’s nice to be able to pay that back on something. Thanks for your kind words 👍
I concur with all the positive comments! I found I wanted to replay this video with pad and pen in hand so I could have a list to keep with me on my travels. One of the best parts, so quietly positive in nature and singing with common sense, came in the end at 19:24 with your Final points: - don't litter - don't empty your toilet in inappropriate places - don't outstay your welcome - be considerate of other people - don't spoil it for everyone else You deserve kudos! BTW, the comment regarding weapons & premeditation surprised me - while we may be thinking self-defense, the law may be thinking aggression. - what a challenge....
This is so clear and the illustrative footage is extremely helpful. You must have put an inordinate amount of time into it to make it this polished. I’m sure it will make a difference to our safety and confidence. Thank you SO much!
Thanks for this, doing my first trip next week on my own not using campsites, so like you say pretty nervous, but this has helped with many things I had running around my mind. Some great tips.
Hi Carol and Ken, I'm a huge fan of yours since the beginning! Because of you, a few weeks ago I got my first vehicle... an NV200 van!! It is really good as you described it and I'm willing to convert it into a campervan. I'm sure I'll have a wonderful time and experience many adventures with it. You're amazing guys, you never stop inspiring me! :))
Wow, thanks Fede that is quite an honour. Congratulations on getting your NV200 and good luck with the conversion. You have many amazing adventures waiting to be experienced. All the best 🙂👍
My most frightening time wild camping in my van happened a few years ago. whilst staying over night on remote Unst the most northern of the Shetland isles. My van started moving early morning. I looked out and found free range cows 🐮 using my van as a scratch post! I like walking in Scotland often , heading up hills / mountains , staying nearby in my van is more convenient. Can head off early.
I used to wild camp in my van in BC Canada, while camping in a friend's driveway I kept getting woken up during the night by my van rocking, thought my friends were playing tricks, this went on for a few nights in a row, however after it rained heavily one night in the morning I discovered large muddy paw prints on my vans windows... The place was full of black bears that would wonder into the outskirts of town at night.. 😂
This is a fantastic video. My husband and I will be picking up our new van tomorrow. We will be using every one of these tips. I will be honest, I do have some fears about staying overnight in the van. This video does put everything into perspective. Thank you ❤
Thank you for giving good advice, we in the Netherlands, do stealth camping on a similar way, sometimes I choose for staying an night in a village or small city aswel, but we are looking for a average residential area, arrive late, and get up and drive early on
Thank you! This is one of the most thoughtful and complete videos on stealth parking I have ever seen. I have just started doing this and I realize that most people are busy with whatever is going on their own lives and will not pay attention to you if you follow the suggestions in this video.
Thank you so very much for all the great tips and advice, from the states and looking to travel stealth like. ...one day I really do enjoy you and your wife, your views, your passion shines. Happy travels
Something else to consider when parking or driving on your side of the pond, is to steer clear of the Royal Estates. It's common knowledge that Prince Philip surrendered his license but he's still allowed to drive on the Royal Estate roads and he still has that giant Land Rover.
great advice i use pub car parks in return i buy food and drink ive only had one say no due to space from some other that book a table with 2 vans witch were turning up later on but she said a pub a few mile away had a bit more space and nice food and owned by them and as im a single person traveling round its nice to meet new people from all over the place and ive been doing this for years now
@@LifeistooshortCK They are expensive - around £30 although for an extra £2 you usually get a £10 meal voucher. Motorway Services do have free showers though without having to stay the night and I find them usually clean with lashings of hot water.
Great to hear advice from a former policeman, and your responses are so kind. One foolish vlogger titled a video, "Getting harassed by the cops at a Walmart" when the poor woman was just doing her job, starting with asking for ID, and he belligerently retorted with, "Am I being charged the something?!? Why do I have to show you anything?" etc. She wound up having to call for backup - an incredible waste of resources, when all he had to do was CHECK FIRST with Walmart (not all allow overnight parking) and having failed that, show his license/registration and MOVE ON!
Hi, I had a campervan many years ago, and I had it painted dark green and it seemed to blend in well with nature. Lovely converted van. Greetings from Denmark.
Your van sounds great and ideal for stealth camping. Greetings to you in Denmark, we will be editing our videos from our trip there in the coming months 🙂
Or just trying to get people NOT dent the sides of his/hers car they paid for due to careless noobs trowing doors open onto other people cars. Not my choise of parking,but i can understand
M Slagter Yes, it’s obvious why they do it - that’s why I said they’re demonstrating their consideration for others. Anyone can sprawl across two spaces (occasionally some do it across four!). Most don’t for good reason.
I know this is a couple of years old now, but thank you for sharing your tips on this. I've beem very hesitant about the idea of wild camping but I am definitely coming round to the idea as campsite costs go up and up.
Great insight for those with safety issues of Vanlife , Off grid and Wildcamps. Im sure many will find this video a confidence boost. Must admit Ken Google Earth is my go too Park for night. ATB to you and Lyndsey xx Stephen
What a beautifully worded and informative video. As a truck driver I would recommended people take the opportunity to park up with HGV's where possible. Safety in numbers and truckers know the risks. Not only that, a trucker has your back if you sound your horn for a length of time. A few head lights coming on and the bad guys start running. To be honest, in all the years I've been tramping ( sleeping in my cab ) I've only ever had my curtains cut. Be sensible, stay safe.
That was extremely interesting Ken & Carol. Carrying out a risk assessment I would agree is vital to successful wild camping. Points all noted and hopefully we might have the opportunity next year to try it!! Best wishes Sue, Brian and The Westies👍🐶🐾😀
Glad you found it interesting. Hope you get the opportunity to give it a go. We certainly find it so much fun being able to stop in some remote places away from the crowds. Best wishes to you both and The Westies 🙂👍
Awesome tips. I noticed a picture of new Brighton on the wirral in this vid. It's my local beach lol. The council has unfortunately started charging vans to park up for the night, I can't remember the price but it either £20 or £30 😢. A number of vans ruined it by staying for VERY long periods of time. And I believe they where leaving a mess. I wish the few would ruin it for the rest of us too. Love your channel, I always look forward to your next one.
Sir, the safety tips shared are amazingly useful and extremely well explained. Although I have been adopting a risk assessment all the time when stealthy camping in urban areas, the many most valuable evaluation criteria for identifying a safe sleeping spot you provided are going to massively improve my procedure. I would definitely consolidate your tips into my "safety vanlife checklist". Thank you, Ken! My Best, Federico from Bergamo, Italy. Also, whenever you will be driving around in northern Italy, please feel free to ping me for tips and suggestions you might need. Take care.
Best thing to do is get a van that doesn't look like a camper if you can, and pull up into a residential area after dark then get up early...park under a street light.
Better still, look for big churches in side roads to park outside, or medium sized light industrial premises. Either way, there are fewer residents who can see you and complain. And take advantage of psycology. People in private apartment blocks are much less likely to be bothered about who parks in the street outside than house dwellers. And they are less likely to have children you may be perceived to pose a threat to. Be very wary of large social housing schemes. Some near here have sentries posted at the end of streets to challenge you, or even chase you off, pelting the van with bricks as you go.
@@freeganjustin6699 this is all good advice. We have parked the night in industrial estates a couple of times and outside appartment blocks. Luckily we have not been pelted with bricks 😊
Excellent advice 👍🏻. Thank you Ken and Carol. This was actually the very first "Life is too short" video I watched, and I just watched it again for the 4th time. I'm gathering all the information before I start wild camping later this year. Thanks again, I can't wait to see your next video. Stay safe.
Normally when I'm at home or staying in a hotel iIwet shave , but when I'm camping in a car/van or a tent I use a battery electric razor; it saves a lot of messing about
Thankyou so much for these tips, i am 66yrs and wild camp, i follow alot of your tips, as the girl says i have been wild camping since kitty was a cat. Happy camping God bless
My late father was a crime prevention officer for Hertfordshire police and it is best to get advice from someone who knows what they are talking about, as someone who is thinking of trying wild camping watching your video has given me a few pointers. Sadly I lost my mother at the end of October last year and I have only just started to see the light at the end of the tunnel in regards to dealing with her estate, friends have told me to take some time away so wild camping might be an option to look at sadly I hate crowds so might put my 4x4 to good use.
A few people asked questions in the community post about this video that came a bit too late for inclusion in the actual video. I will answer them here. TransportFanUK asked if we have heard anyone trying the door handles at night. No we have not but whilst in Ireland we thought we did once but it turned out to be a Magpie. We are often aware of people outside the van when we wild camp in stealth mode in towns and villages. They never seem aware of us though. Turbostream asks if we ever lay awake listening for sounds around us at night. The first night I do but Carol falls fast asleep. The second night onwards I tend to fall asleep pretty quickly as I am used to it again. Steve Thompson asks apart from the alarm and the steering lock do we use any other security measures when away from the van. Short answer is yes we do and some we will keep private. We also take all the tech stuff with us when we go out. Eileen Sinnot asks do we feel safe in a lonely area when wild camping. The answer is yes we do as we have worked out in advance what we will do if there is trouble.
@@LifeistooshortCK the legal and Justice System In The U K Is More Concerned about the safety of Criminal and not The victim . keep a weapon in Your Camper van
As a solo woman who's wild camped in a large motorhome both here and in Europe, I can second all the points. In 6 years I only had one incident in Portugal when I had to drive away in the small hours, but I think he was after my bicycle on the back, not me! I learned to trust my gut about a place, and there certainly were a couple of times where I pulled up somewhere, tired and ready to sleep, but I didn't have a good feeling about the place, so drove on. In residential areas as a woman alone, I would be very watchful that no-one saw me getting into the van if Id left it to go to the shop, even walking right past my van if there were men walking behind me, and doubling back later, when they'd gone. Over 6 years of living in my van, there were only a handful of incidents - in Europe mostly people hooting their horns as they drove past, and in UK only once did someone thump on the door as he walked past. No one ever tried the door handles! The point I most agree with, particularly if you're parking in a built up area, is to get ready for bed, cook dinner etc somewhere else, and only go to your sleeping spot at the last minute. You'll be asleep all night, so it won't matter if there isn't a view, you won't see it!
You are clearly street wise and have learned to trust your gut feeling. A lot of people think its superstitious nonsense but during my 30 years in the police it never let me down once and still serves me well 👍
sad to hear about the Portugal incident, as i m from Portugal, and we normaly are one of the safest places...
I just posted about my experience and then happened to read yours - and yours is so eerily similar to mine! Just goes to show the general trend. I too will pretend the van isn't mine and keep walking on if necessary. And I've also had someone thump the van late at night which made me jump out my skin, but it was just some kids walking past on the way back from the pub and I didn't let it bother me. Very occasionally someone will sit on the bumper to change out of their wellies which is mildly annoying, and people often check out their reflection in my tinted window, not realising I'm sat inside 2 feet away, which is hilarious. Moral of that story: don't ever assume that you're alone on a street just because you can't visibly see anyone! Lol.
Stay safe and happy travels xx
My rule is sound or activity outside the van is no reason to become alarmed. Save that adrenaline for if someone actually tries to get inside and then make a lot of noise. In all my years as a policeman it was very rare to have people attacked in vehicles, in fact I can only remember it happening once. Contrast that to how many get attacked in the high street after closing time. You obviously have tuned your senses to only react when necessary which is good 👍
Thanks, it was something I had to actively work on and definitely didn't come naturally...I think that as a woman, you already have a heightened sense of awareness and anxiety ingrained in you which can tip into paranoia territory if you don't keep a check on it. Paranoia = poor judgement, which is the opposite of what's needed when putting yourself in potentially higher-risk situations such as vanlife. It doesn't help to be on the receiving end of friends and family's shocked expressions, "you're sleeping in your van? By CHOICE?! That's so dangerous!!" etc...you've basically got to tell yourself to buck up or else stop doing it if you're going to let every noise and worry infiltrate. I've loved every minute personally, but I do believe much of that is down to how I prep for night stops, having decent privacy screens, acting on my gut instinct and watching/reading as much as I can to stay knowledgeable.
Thanks for the vote of confidence - coming from an ex-police officer that means a lot :)
As a previously employed Health and Safety expert this advice is second to none Thank you both for the not only entertaining but extremely informative videos, you should be commended for your professional approach to the whole subject of safer camping for all.
Thank you Michael that means a lot coming from someone with your experience 😊👍
How can 15 people thumb down this, this is the best advice you will ever get, especially if your just starting out, thanks for the vid guys
Cheers David. Every channel we watch has its down voters. Down votes come for all sorts of reasons but they don’t actually hurt a channel provided they are out weighed by positive votes.
Perhaps the thumbs downers were landowners who have had wild campers on their land when they didn't want them on it? Wild camping is illegal after all.....
@@Brian-om2hh only in England and Wales, no issues anywhere else, to be honest there are few places in England worth seeing anyway most of the year because of the weather and greedy landowners who inherited the land anyway, who won’t let you near the place, about time we took it back. This country is turning into North Korea a little more as each day passes, and I’m not including farmers and private businesses and home owners who make a living or worked hard for there land, I’m talking about the lords and ladies who were handed it to them many moons ago of the backs of the working man. That land needs given back to the people.
Unfortunately all sites seem to get them
Brian , no it's not
As a 'wild camper' for the last 12 years I just want to lend my agreement to all the advice you have given, it is spot on. In my experience I learnt not to choose beauty spots at night after being surrounded lakeside in Sweden by youths, who proved troublesome...always face the exit! Thoroughly recommend watching this if you are just starting out with van life. Excellent!
Cheers Nigel 👍
Thank you...as a senior,solo female..traveler.for two year..I,ve practiced every single piece of advice that you gave.Excellent advice,especially for the new folks
Thank you so much! This is truly excellent advice! Some things I already knew but a lot of others I didn't! As a solo female retiree this is good info for me. And yeah! I've chased off a few would be opportunists who tried getting into a caravan I had several years ago, with my regular choice of expletives when unduly challenged! Ha! Hell hath no fury like a woman in a van needing to sleep safely and peacefully! Oh and the bubble wrap video was great too! Who knew! Cheers me dears. Safe travels. 🙋🇮🇪🏴🙏🫡
This is the best parking instruction video I have ever seen anywhere on the internet for Van life period .
Bravo! Well done excellent presentation! Thank you so much. so grateful
You are welcome. Give it a go and save a fortune 👍
I stealth camped for a year in the UK, two things l would add are: have a black hand towel in the front to wipe away condensation in the Autumn, and line your foot wells with double floor mats, they can act as traction if you experience excessive slip, the weather can change whilst you are asleep, such as when it snows in the night.
Thank you Ken and Carol for another very informative Vlog. Nothing less than I would expect from your years of experience as a police officer. Lots of information here to help everyone. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers Grumpy Bear. Thanks for watching 😊👍
Excellent video! Wonderful tips for stealth parking and (as it's called in North America) boondocking. Your breakdown of the risk assessment procedure is tremendously helpful any may very well save someone a good deal of unnecessary grief. Thanks and greetings from Washington state in the US.
In the 80s, I bought a minibus. I took out some of the rear seats. I fitted a worktop at the rear with a sink cooker and water supply. I built it this way so I could open the rear doors for ventilation and added a tarp for those rainy days. My daughters and wife would never come with me. However, my son was always ready. We were constantly loaded, ready for the off. For 8 years, I never stayed on a camp site. The first few times, I was anxious, but after that, no problems. In all those years, we never had a problem. Some nights we even parked up right in the town centre because of the toilet facilities but most times it was in the countryside. I'm now 68 years old, and my son is married with his own children . He still has that spirit of adventure, and so do his children. We went abroad a few times, but he always said his best time was in the van.
Thats the way to do it 👍
I really loved watching this video and both of you have put so much work into it. I think it really helps that you were a policeman and have a lot of knowledge and some really good pointers for others who might not have considered a lot of issues that might occur. Certainly not getting out of the car when someone is asking you to, is an excellent one and not one I think that people would think about. Thank you I really enjoyed it 👍🏻🚘
Thanks Tina. Good to be able to pass on some knowledge that might help others. Glad you enjoyed watching it 🙂👍
Everything you need to know in one video! Perfect! On my van I have a panic button that switches on a very loud alarm siren just incase anyone tries to break in and there are six spotlights around the van on the roof rack which I can switch on from the side of the bed.
The roof rack hides the solar panel and sunroof for even stealthier camping and I have a blackout curtain across the back of the cab so it looks like the van is empty when we're sleeping. 👍
Sounds like you have every eventuality covered Garry. We like the idea of a panic button 👍🙂
love the love you have for each other and the soft easy way you two discovered Norway. Good stuff.
Thanks Geoff ☺️
Thanks so much for this. I am in the U.S. prepping a minivan for occasional extended travel, and your advice rings very true and helpful here “across the pond!” Greetings from Pennsylvania!💐
You really thought this through. Very good advice, practical without instilling fear. Take care, Mary
Thanks Mary, glad you appreciated it. Stay safe 🙂👍
Very good movie but you forget one thing:
- when you stay in the car to sleep put your keys is a metal box (metal coffee pot) or a special pouch to protect your car key 🔑. Thief's can open your door with special equipment without using the car key. They using just the signal of your car key. With a metal box or pouch you block the signal for them.
I think that is a very good suggestion. We do this at home and I have no idea why we don’t do it on the road.
Its very handy to have an ex policeman give input on this. I like your tips on giving areas a risk assessment, thankyou 👍
You’re welcome. Glad you found it useful.
Thank you for making this vid! Found it after you put it up 3 years ago and common senses still working at all times.
You are welcome 👍
Thank you for making this video. lovely pace, great advice, and thoughtful.
Thanks !! As a single woman hoping to live in her van these are good points to know!
How has it worked out full time or did it not happen
Regards
Haley
This is SUCH a great and informative video. It's how I discovered you guys and my wife and I have now binged watched almost all of your content. We're actively looking to buy a van here in the states to start part-time van life. Keep up the great work Ken & Carol (Charlie Brown)!
Good luck finding your van Brad. Its a great way to spend free time 👍
@@LifeistooshortCK Thanks Ken! I'm rather intrigued by the Sussex vans, specifically the VW, but it doesn't look like they have a US operation. Would you have any suggestions for something similar in the states?
@@BradLongCo there are very few reasons to get something so small anywhere in north America, stick with what you think of as a small van, a minivan, you'll be much more comfortable.
In the British Isles everything is small, roads, parking bays, everything, Ken's choice of a tiny van makes more sense but it's a heavy compromise that you don't have to make.
I just found this video on my feed. Your voice is so soothing and advice is very sound. It’s just in the States it seems you are not safe anywhere. It looks like you two have a wonderful life. God bless and stay safe.
One tip to add - when locking your van to sleep in it deactivate the deadlock. I do this on my (Volkswagen) van by double clicking the lock button on the key fob. This means if there's a fire, or some other reason why I need to escape in an emergency, I can simply open the door from the inside, rather than figuring out how to unlock it first.
Not sure how we could do that in our van. We just have a switch on the dashboard that locks all the doors from the inside.
If you use the door opening catch twice this usually overrides the central locking. Hope this helps.
Just watched this one again and must say it's excellent advice. Sit in the driver's seat and relax a while have saved me from hassle a few times. I was i France a few weeks ago and found a great park up. At around midnight a car pulled up right next to me which worried me. But then the noices from that car indicated that something more to do with love was going on there. So I went back to sleep!
Glad it helped. It is worth doing the extra checks for peace of mind 🙂
A really useful video for everyone. Lots of great points made and will take on board next time we camp independently. Thanks very much.
This video is excellent and I've saved it to re watch again. As a new stealth camper, the advice in the video was priceless. Thank you for putting this together.
You’re welcome Heidi. Glad you found it useful 🙂
Such good advice - just what I needed - the down to earth practicality of living in a smallish mobile home. Well done - the advice, from a mature perspective; surviving in this troubled world and passing on valuable knowledge. A useful introduction for the freedoms seeker.
Cheers Paul 👍
This is the best video presentation on the subject I have encountered. Kudos on your voice over and editing skills. The wonderful information is made all the better by your high production quality. Thank you for contributing to the community in such a thoughtful way.
You are welcome Daniel. Loads of people have helped me learn new skills on youtube so it’s nice to be able to pay that back on something. Thanks for your kind words 👍
Absolutely excellent video - I thought I knew all this stuff, but have learned loads from this video! Thanks so much!
Cheers Steve. It’s great to be able to share knowledge and we can all learn from each other 👍😊
I concur with all the positive comments!
I found I wanted to replay this video with pad and pen in hand so I could have a list to keep with me on my travels.
One of the best parts, so quietly positive in nature and singing with common sense, came in the end at 19:24 with your Final points:
- don't litter
- don't empty your toilet in inappropriate places
- don't outstay your welcome
- be considerate of other people
- don't spoil it for everyone else
You deserve kudos!
BTW, the comment regarding weapons & premeditation surprised me - while we may be thinking self-defense, the law may be thinking aggression. - what a challenge....
I've been wild camping/parking for 5 years now. This is a fantastic bit of information. I've learned alot from it. Thanks you 👍🏼
Thanks Gary. Glad you found it useful 🙂👍
This is so clear and the illustrative footage is extremely helpful. You must have put an inordinate amount of time into it to make it this polished. I’m sure it will make a difference to our safety and confidence. Thank you SO much!
Glad you found it useful 🙂👍
Thanks for this, doing my first trip next week on my own not using campsites, so like you say pretty nervous, but this has helped with many things I had running around my mind. Some great tips.
You are welcome Paul. You will be fine if you follow the tips. A few nights under your belt and there will be no stopping you. Enjoy 👍
Excellent video on keeping safe and using stealth mode. Thank you!
Hi Carol and Ken, I'm a huge fan of yours since the beginning! Because of you, a few weeks ago I got my first vehicle... an NV200 van!! It is really good as you described it and I'm willing to convert it into a campervan. I'm sure I'll have a wonderful time and experience many adventures with it. You're amazing guys, you never stop inspiring me! :))
Wow, thanks Fede that is quite an honour. Congratulations on getting your NV200 and good luck with the conversion. You have many amazing adventures waiting to be experienced. All the best 🙂👍
Some good tips thank you, lots of places very near my home in your video
My most frightening time wild camping in my van happened a few years ago. whilst staying over night on remote Unst the most northern of the Shetland isles. My van started moving early morning. I looked out and found free range cows 🐮 using my van as a scratch post!
I like walking in Scotland often , heading up hills / mountains , staying nearby in my van is more convenient. Can head off early.
That must have been scary until you saw the cows 😁 Wild camping in the Shetland Isles sounds idyllic 🙂👍
I used to wild camp in my van in BC Canada, while camping in a friend's driveway I kept getting woken up during the night by my van rocking, thought my friends were playing tricks, this went on for a few nights in a row, however after it rained heavily one night in the morning I discovered large muddy paw prints on my vans windows... The place was full of black bears that would wonder into the outskirts of town at night.. 😂
@@harreson1968 wow thanks for that . We do nor have the bear problem hear . That’s more frightening!
I was camping with my daughter and we had the exact same thing! I was preparing for a confrontation, until I opened the blind. 😆
One to save, awesome breakdown and I just need to watch it again to make up a checklist. Thanks
Wonderful video, really appreciated the thought that went into it .
This is a fantastic video. My husband and I will be picking up our new van tomorrow. We will be using every one of these tips. I will be honest, I do have some fears about staying overnight in the van. This video does put everything into perspective. Thank you ❤
Everyone including us has those fears at first. Enjoy your new van. Spend the extortionate campsite fees on whatever you enjoy 👍
Thank you for giving good advice, we in the Netherlands, do stealth camping on a similar way, sometimes I choose for staying an night in a village or small city aswel, but we are looking for a average residential area, arrive late, and get up and drive early on
Thanks for watching Rob, you make some good points for stealth camping 🙂👍
This video is so well done - you are a natural teacher
Thank you 😊
Hi Ken. Some excellent advise and perhaps more importantly reassurance for anyone thinking of wild camping. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for watching Fergus. Glad you found it useful 😊👍
This is so helpful. Thanks hank you
Very helpful and organized. You've seen so many beautiful places. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
You’re welcome Lindy. Thanks for watching 😊👍
Thank you! This is one of the most thoughtful and complete videos on stealth parking I have ever seen. I have just started doing this and I realize that most people are busy with whatever is going on their own lives and will not pay attention to you if you follow the suggestions in this video.
Thank you so much Lissa. Hope you get as much enjoyment out of off grid vanlife as we do. Safe travels 🙂👍
This is one of the most informative videos I have seen on this subject , now subscribed, Keep up the Vlogs.
Thanks for watching and subscribing Phil. Hope you enjoy some of our other vlogs 😊👍
Thank you so very much for all the great tips and advice, from the states and looking to travel stealth like. ...one day
I really do enjoy you and your wife, your views, your passion shines. Happy travels
You are welcome. May you travel far and wide 👍
Something else to consider when parking or driving on your side of the pond, is to steer clear of the Royal Estates. It's common knowledge that Prince Philip surrendered his license but he's still allowed to drive on the Royal Estate roads and he still has that giant Land Rover.
Not any more.
great advice i use pub car parks in return i buy food and drink ive only had one say no due to space from some other that book a table with 2 vans witch were turning up later on but she said a pub a few mile away had a bit more space and nice food and owned by them and as im a single person traveling round its nice to meet new people from all over the place and ive been doing this for years now
That’s a great idea. You have somewhere safe to spend the night and it saves cooking a meal 😀👍
Thanks guys for the in-depth info, much appreciated!!
You’re welcome John, thank you 😊👍
I have just bought my van , and only have one night out in it! Great advice
A very informative vlog guys. Good common sense advice. Thank you for the hard work that goes in making them.
Thanks for the appreciation Thomas. We get a lot of pleasure from making the videos and love reading your kind comments 😊👍
My kind of people. Thank you. Greetings from Canada.
So many good tips, thank you! And your van is beautiful!
Thanks so much Dee 👍☺️
Thanks so much for the great advice. Blessings, Teri
At most service areas off motorways you can stay overnight after paying the advised fee - you have all the services there and fairly safe
Thanks for the tip Adrian. We haven’t stayed at any motorway service areas as yet👍🙂
@@LifeistooshortCK They are expensive - around £30 although for an extra £2 you usually get a £10 meal voucher. Motorway Services do have free showers though without having to stay the night and I find them usually clean with lashings of hot water.
@@primrosejones3368 good to know. Thanks for the info 🙂👍
Thanks for taking the time to educate people new to van life, like me. 👍
You’re welcome ☺️
Superb well thought out and comprehensive. Thanks.
Thanks Nelson 👍
Great to hear advice from a former policeman, and your responses are so kind.
One foolish vlogger titled a video, "Getting harassed by the cops at a Walmart" when the poor woman was just doing her job, starting with asking for ID, and he belligerently retorted with, "Am I being charged the something?!? Why do I have to show you anything?" etc. She wound up having to call for backup - an incredible waste of resources, when all he had to do was CHECK FIRST with Walmart (not all allow overnight parking) and having failed that, show his license/registration and MOVE ON!
Your background in the police shows in all the nuances of safety you know to be aware of.
Cheers Michelle 😊👍
Hi, I had a campervan many years ago, and I had it painted dark green and it seemed to blend in well with nature. Lovely converted van. Greetings from Denmark.
Your van sounds great and ideal for stealth camping. Greetings to you in Denmark, we will be editing our videos from our trip there in the coming months 🙂
great advice Ken and Carol
Thanks Stephen 😊👍
One of the most useful and well presented videos I have come across. Many thanks
Thanks 👍
Range Rover driver displaying their parking skills and consideration for others at 16:09 🙄
Or just trying to get people NOT dent the sides of his/hers car they paid for due to careless noobs trowing doors open onto other people cars.
Not my choise of parking,but i can understand
M Slagter Yes, it’s obvious why they do it - that’s why I said they’re demonstrating their consideration for others. Anyone can sprawl across two spaces (occasionally some do it across four!). Most don’t for good reason.
A dent is just a happy little accident and anyone concerned about dings from doors should maybe step back and check there values @@MrMslagter
I know this is a couple of years old now, but thank you for sharing your tips on this. I've beem very hesitant about the idea of wild camping but I am definitely coming round to the idea as campsite costs go up and up.
You are welcome. Follow these tips and you will save a fortune. 👍
Great advice Ken , thanks for sharing . 👍🇬🇧
Cheers Dave. Thanks for watching 😊👍
Forewarned is forarmed cheers for all the very easy ideas
We will be observing a few more of your suggestions in Bunbury western Australia
Great insight for those with safety issues of Vanlife , Off grid and Wildcamps. Im sure many will find this video a confidence boost. Must admit Ken Google Earth is my go too Park for night. ATB to you and Lyndsey xx Stephen
Thanks Stephen. Carol is now asking who Lyndsey is?😁😁😁 Best wishes to you 🙂👍
Whoops Sorry Ken Dont she know LOL ???? Carol I do apologise Getting a bit foggy these days lol
@@countryvanlifeuk you’re forgiven this time Stephen 😁😁😁👍
I found your tips very useful. We are planning to wild camping as well. I never done this before so I will be anxious but excited in the same time.
Definitely give it a go. You will be anxious the first time, that is only natural. Hope you have lots of fun adventures 🙂
Brilliant video, thank you, such good advice.
Cheers. Thanks for watching 😊👍
Best advice ever, couple of things I had not thought of too.
Thanks Primrose 😊👍
What a beautifully worded and informative video. As a truck driver I would recommended people take the opportunity to park up with HGV's where possible. Safety in numbers and truckers know the risks. Not only that, a trucker has your back if you sound your horn for a length of time. A few head lights coming on and the bad guys start running. To be honest, in all the years I've been tramping ( sleeping in my cab ) I've only ever had my curtains cut. Be sensible, stay safe.
Cheers Rick. Totally agree about safety in numbers and if a trucker is parked up you know that is going to be a good place to stop 🙂👍
What a great video a lot of info we take for granted and it stuff that I do instinctively. Well done guys keep it up,
Excellent, well researched vlog, many thanks. Regards AJ
Glad it was helpful AJ, thanks for watching 🙂👍
Excellent! Spot on and without any silly statements. Only really good advice. You have achieved an excellent and truly informative video.
Thank you Frank 👍😊
I've been looking for this video for years, thank you so much for this advice, I'm really going to give this a go - love Sussex Campervans BTW
Glad you found us Ian. Good luck and have fun with wild camping. Stay safe 👍🙂
Good tips! I often wondered how you found decent park ups. Thanks.
That was extremely interesting Ken & Carol. Carrying out a risk assessment I would agree is vital to successful wild camping. Points all noted and hopefully we might have the opportunity next year to try it!! Best wishes Sue, Brian and The Westies👍🐶🐾😀
Glad you found it interesting. Hope you get the opportunity to give it a go. We certainly find it so much fun being able to stop in some remote places away from the crowds. Best wishes to you both and The Westies 🙂👍
another great and informative film thank you- all of the parts of just the right length and just the right pace, fantastic
Thanks Clyde, glad you found it useful 😊
Always brilliant video and informative.
Thanks for watching 👍🙂
Some great advise, thanks for taking the time 👍
Thanks for watching 🙂
I can now see that you were a policeman, great advice, thanks
Thanks Mark 😊👍
Awesome tips. I noticed a picture of new Brighton on the wirral in this vid. It's my local beach lol. The council has unfortunately started charging vans to park up for the night, I can't remember the price but it either £20 or £30 😢. A number of vans ruined it by staying for VERY long periods of time. And I believe they where leaving a mess. I wish the few would ruin it for the rest of us too. Love your channel, I always look forward to your next one.
Sir, the safety tips shared are amazingly useful and extremely well explained. Although I have been adopting a risk assessment all the time when stealthy camping in urban areas, the many most valuable evaluation criteria for identifying a safe sleeping spot you provided are going to massively improve my procedure. I would definitely consolidate your tips into my "safety vanlife checklist". Thank you, Ken! My Best, Federico from Bergamo, Italy. Also, whenever you will be driving around in northern Italy, please feel free to ping me for tips and suggestions you might need. Take care.
That’s very kind of you Federico, thanks very much 🙂👍
I concur - and thanks!
Thank you. . . . Always so helpful
Best thing to do is get a van that doesn't look like a camper if you can, and pull up into a residential area after dark then get up early...park under a street light.
Great advice 🙂👍
That is done all over USA and Canada. Called Stealth Camping.
Better still, look for big churches in side roads to park outside, or medium sized light industrial premises. Either way, there are fewer residents who can see you and complain. And take advantage of psycology. People in private apartment blocks are much less likely to be bothered about who parks in the street outside than house dwellers. And they are less likely to have children you may be perceived to pose a threat to. Be very wary of large social housing schemes. Some near here have sentries posted at the end of streets to challenge you, or even chase you off, pelting the van with bricks as you go.
@@freeganjustin6699 this is all good advice. We have parked the night in industrial estates a couple of times and outside appartment blocks. Luckily we have not been pelted with bricks 😊
Excellent advice 👍🏻. Thank you Ken and Carol.
This was actually the very first "Life is too short" video I watched, and I just watched it again for the 4th time.
I'm gathering all the information before I start wild camping later this year.
Thanks again, I can't wait to see your next video. Stay safe.
Thanks for watching. Glad you found the video useful. Have a great time when you start your wild camping 🙂👍
very interesting, damn those pesky money grabbing campsites, we are all out of here :)
Happy birthday Carol,have a wonderfull day🥂🎂💐 Thanks for all the great video's.Stay safe both of you,Eileen😻
Nice video 📹 Cheers 🍷🍺👍
Cheers Chris 😊👍
Excellent advice ,well delivered,listening to experience from a balanced perspective is so valuable.
Glad you found it useful 🙂
Normally when I'm at home or staying in a hotel iIwet shave , but when I'm camping in a car/van or a tent I use a battery electric razor; it saves a lot of messing about
Thankyou so much for these tips, i am 66yrs and wild camp, i follow alot of your tips, as the girl says i have been wild camping since kitty was a cat. Happy camping God bless
Good to hear Geraldine. We wish you many more years of safe and happy travels.
My late father was a crime prevention officer for Hertfordshire police and it is best to get advice from someone who knows what they are talking about, as someone who is thinking of trying wild camping watching your video has given me a few pointers.
Sadly I lost my mother at the end of October last year and I have only just started to see the light at the end of the tunnel in regards to dealing with her estate, friends have told me to take some time away so wild camping might be an option to look at sadly I hate crowds so might put my 4x4 to good use.
Getting out and into the countryside is a real tonic. Even an afternoon out in the van works wonders for us 👍
Hope you're feeling better Mark
Ty so much. Great advice
A few people asked questions in the community post about this video that came a bit too late for inclusion in the actual video. I will answer them here. TransportFanUK asked if we have heard anyone trying the door handles at night. No we have not but whilst in Ireland we thought we did once but it turned out to be a Magpie. We are often aware of people outside the van when we wild camp in stealth mode in towns and villages. They never seem aware of us though. Turbostream asks if we ever lay awake listening for sounds around us at night. The first night I do but Carol falls fast asleep. The second night onwards I tend to fall asleep pretty quickly as I am used to it again. Steve Thompson asks apart from the alarm and the steering lock do we use any other security measures when away from the van. Short answer is yes we do and some we will keep private. We also take all the tech stuff with us when we go out. Eileen Sinnot asks do we feel safe in a lonely area when wild camping. The answer is yes we do as we have worked out in advance what we will do if there is trouble.
Thanks for the answer. Great advice. Always enjoy your videos.
Thank you for your advice. I have always been a bit nervous of wild camping but will now give it a go.
Well worth trying Michelle as it gives you so many more options 👍
Thank you for taking the time to go thro the safety info also do's and dont's, much appreciated
Thanks for watching Irene 🙂
@@LifeistooshortCK the legal and Justice System In The U K Is More Concerned about the safety of Criminal and not The victim . keep a weapon in Your Camper van
Just like to thank you for your great advice,rob
Very welcome, Rob 👍