So I have big dent in the side of my van that was there when I bought it. I decided not to get it fixed because it's my emergency plan. If I can't find anywhere to sleep in a new location, I google panel repair shops and mechanics in the area and I go park at the shop on the side of the road that has the best parking. They are usually in industrial areas and safe.
I just went full time in the middle of November, and, although I have been traveling, I have basically been “living,“ in my hometown area learning about all this stuff “for reals“ at last! I really enjoyed your take on keeping a low profile, because I Realized that with the window in my side door, and the roof rack on top without a ladder, if someone wanted to, it would be pretty easy for them to talk themselves into thinking somebody was living in here. Reviewing all the information you offered was the best thing for me this morning, as I set my coffee, and the snow starts falling
I've got a big roof rack on my Promaster that's very industrial looking, it hides the solar and fan pretty well unless someone is specifically looking for them.
The first video I've seen where the advice for women's safety was sensible! I hate when women pretend there are not different safety concerns for us and promote this 'be free and go to remote locations where you're the only one around' etc., You will never overpower a man, you need to use your brain and practice prevention! Many women are assaulted by men who are not even career criminals, they just saw opportunity!
Hi whatcha up to hope all is well prayers 4 healing and unspoken also 4 everyone and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy and happy day everyday in the name of the Creator God and Yeshua/ Jesus and the Holy Ghost Amen much honor and respect keep walking tall also get u some bear spray the kind with nylon holsters cus there's bears and cougars in some areas and keep on keeping on true cool video u do great job also always go with ur intuition that the Creator God and Yeshua/ Jesus and the Holy Ghost is giving u a heads so speak if anytime u don't feel safe move to another spot and keep ur head up and have fun 4 me lol too also that's a lot of great advice and smile 🚌🌅🌌⛺🌄🏞🏖 👍👍💪🙂👍👍
Great video. One more thing to consider is if you have to wear earphones (such as for video editing, zoom meetings, worksite inspections, etc.) consider using bone conducting headphones such as Shokz. This way you can still hear everything going on around you while you are working in your vehicle. As an added bonus this gear also helps with your safety when walking or cycling - There is something to be said for listening to a walking tour while not having anything in/over your ears.
Was that 24 hour Walmart in Vermont before the pandemic? I thought they got rid of those and close at 11pm now. I miss going shopping at midnight when the store had only a few people, was a pleasure.
You posted 2 vlogs today? Well, a vlog and a video on vanlife experience. Wow. Two long Tory posts all in the same day. Unless you have a twin. That means I'm seeing double. Twice as nice. 🤩 👍👍
YES! I wanted to do a vlog & an educational video but I didn’t quite think they belonged in the same video. I wanted to get to the point for anyone who just wanted advice but also show what it was like… so I made 2 & it didn’t feel right posting one without the other 😅 I kinda like the concept I might stick with it, we’ll see, Haha! Thank you for the support!! 😊💐
Super proud that you took the leap . Your smart , wise and bold . Keep going , there is so much more to explore . After travelling throughout the west coast of the US , coming from Banff . Then 3 years later started travelling the world . Get out there , the world is waiting for you !
Nice video. I am pretty sure covered windows are an indicator that someone is in there, which in it's self may be a reason why people may not break in. You have some good ideas.
Can you make a video showing how you find safe parking spots - using your computer - the apps and what you search and what you are looking for. How do you find the safety information about a city?
We agree with you and these other van-lifers acting like they are on vacation and they are taking in the sights... There is another youtuber that makes his van-life a cooking show!! What? stupid... So yes your right, you must be street smart and be safe..
I'm from Ohio and I checked once and found out it is illegal to park overnight anywhere in my town. Not even at Home Depot or Walmart! I was shocked. I even got a ticket for parking in front of my own house on the street because I parked over two hours!!! Each town is different, but Ohio is not vanlife friendly as a whole. It is best to check first.
Sorry I'm struggling to see why you'd do this with so many no no's. Vanlife should be safe, away from dangers where you can live your life as you want to most of the time. Ame in a van is a great series to watch.
Your most salient point was near the end. Try not to be scary looking to the locals. I do this by wearing vibrant Hawaiian shirts and keeping my van pristine looking. Also, being a fanatic hater of litter, I am notorious for picking it up, and probably being seen doing it. Cleanliness is next to Godliness?
super smart she is.... why new york tho id be livin it up in arizona or a place where i can run my heater when i want. and just fyi.... not everyone u encounter is a serial killer or a rapist lol just sayin your missin out on meeting some kool people on your travels heck u makin this video is more inviting to a creeper who would follow u and stalk u than a real life interaction.. just sayin
What's wrong with Chicago? you've mentioned it several times. I live near by. Parking is expensive. Is there no possiblity to stealth park in the city? Did you try the burbs?
It’s where I basically almost got towed in my sleep after two people overdosed in the parking lot I was sleeping in so I’m just a bit cautious about it because I had a few bad experiences more than average there in my van 😅
So awesome really enjoy this it came up as a recommended View I am recovering from a stroke and am a stealth camper as well just getting ready to start on a adventure across the United States doing little test runs right now thank you for doing what you do keep it up and have an awesome week
As for the Window covers, I bought a roll of insulation for less than $30 at Home Depot and covered my windows and I love it…I’m also a NYC Van Lifer, but a Newbie, so I love your video and tips 😅 🚐
The best camper I've seen (YT) is a (used) delivery truck that was made into a camper. The truck still had the logos on it from when it was used as a delivery truck. The back door concealed a porch-like place (just behind the door) about four feet from the inside wall. The owner said he made it this way, so he could go water skiing and not have his truck ID as a camper. PS: love your plan!
LMFAO, parking at a hotel is sooo true! XD The construction noise made me laugh! Yes I support females watching female content for relatable content, it just makes sense :)
In NYC and many other places, commercial vehicles require commercial license plates. If you have business signs on the van, but don't have commercial plates, you'll get a knock and a summons. And a business sign without a local phone number is a red flag. If you DO have commercial plates, you are not allowed to park on the streets overnight. Another summons. And if you are out of state, but don't have DOT/ICC numbers on the doors? You've just hit the trifecta. There's a limit to stealth, if there's one old fashioned beat cop or meter maid around. Best bet may be an RV or combo plate, which also makes it legal to drink and have open alcohol in the parked home, as opposed to a parked vehicle.
Any reason why you don't use Harvest Host membership with boondockers welcome ? It is no cost as long as you are not doing hookup. Additionally, you could use planet fitness which I used a lot for stealth camping. I have also used rest areas comfortably.
I feel like a white box truck would be suitable for stealth. People will think it's truck for moving furniture, and it has more space. The only drawback is driving it.
I admire your passion but as a father of 4 girls, i am terrified for you being all alone. Some of the spots you park look kind of sketchy/scary. I hope you equipped your van with a panic alarm that you can press by remote that would scare off any unfriendly people. Love your vibe and love the videos. Please take care of yourself.
You really do bring up alot of great points that wouldn't occur to most people. I would have never thought of no headphones, but I certainly would now, because I basically LIVE with my earbuds in...UNLESS you keep the volume really low so you can hear what's on your device, and whatever is happening in your surroundings.
Hmmm what about getting double limo tint on your driver passenger windows and doing your windshield too? Just when you drive in the day have your windows down. And if a cop pulls you over for it just say the can came like that. Well i’m in az and most cops don’t care about any tint since they know it helps with the sun.
You should look into tinting your windows. I have all my windows tinted including my windshield and it’s impossible to see inside from any angle and keeps the heat/sun out. While it’s not really legal, police have never given me trouble for it.
I mean this with the upmost respect possible - and I don’t mean to intrude; but how do you go upon dating in this moment you’re in? Obviously the question merits an answer if you want to entertain such a response.
wow you are describing my van …and I am also Vanicity….and very familiar with VA spot. Def a Walmart VCper… I kept my partitions for those very same reasons and more. One thing that does make me paranoid is leaving my van parked in the city . streets for an extended amount of time to go and commute. best wishes with all
The hard hat routine never seemed smart to me. Thieves might be more likely to break in expecting to find hand held power tools etc that they can easily run away with and sell at a pawn shop later. That’s my thinking on it anyway… Phycology 101 tells me that the bad guys receiving zero input about a particular vehicle makes them more likely to skip on past until something specific DOES catch their eye. The definition of stealth/blending in, is to have absolutely nothing that catches the senses.
I have a question about stealth camping in NYC. You mentioned that you arrived late on a tuesday night so it was easier to find parking than had you arrived on the weekend. You also mentioned that it is a good idea to switch locations each day. If this is the case and stealth campers shouldn't park in the same spot for a few days in a row then why does it matter which day you arrive to find parking more easily?
I just wouldn’t move around on the weekend or holidays or days I know it will be hard to find a spot! But also, street parking in NYC isn’t that hard at night, but on van alley specifically it can be pretty difficult and packed because a lot of those vehicles live in those spots already plus there is a dog park right next to it so those spots are super competitive! So van alley, where I was in this video isn’t one that I would try to go for on the weekend personally!
So I have big dent in the side of my van that was there when I bought it. I decided not to get it fixed because it's my emergency plan. If I can't find anywhere to sleep in a new location, I google panel repair shops and mechanics in the area and I go park at the shop on the side of the road that has the best parking. They are usually in industrial areas and safe.
…. So people think you are a customer?
16:28 "you will not dance!" lololol
Sounded like great advice, especially encouraging your female viewers to watch women stealth campers for advice. 💕
I just went full time in the middle of November, and, although I have been traveling, I have basically been “living,“ in my hometown area learning about all this stuff “for reals“ at last! I really enjoyed your take on keeping a low profile, because I Realized that with the window in my side door, and the roof rack on top without a ladder, if someone wanted to, it would be pretty easy for them to talk themselves into thinking somebody was living in here.
Reviewing all the information you offered was the best thing for me this morning, as I set my coffee, and the snow starts falling
I've got a big roof rack on my Promaster that's very industrial looking, it hides the solar and fan pretty well unless someone is specifically looking for them.
The first video I've seen where the advice for women's safety was sensible! I hate when women pretend there are not different safety concerns for us and promote this 'be free and go to remote locations where you're the only one around' etc., You will never overpower a man, you need to use your brain and practice prevention! Many women are assaulted by men who are not even career criminals, they just saw opportunity!
Hi whatcha up to hope all is well prayers 4 healing and unspoken also 4 everyone and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy and happy day everyday in the name of the Creator God and Yeshua/ Jesus and the Holy Ghost Amen much honor and respect keep walking tall also get u some bear spray the kind with nylon holsters cus there's bears and cougars in some areas and keep on keeping on true cool video u do great job also always go with ur intuition that the Creator God and Yeshua/ Jesus and the Holy Ghost is giving u a heads so speak if anytime u don't feel safe move to another spot and keep ur head up and have fun 4 me lol too also that's a lot of great advice and smile
🚌🌅🌌⛺🌄🏞🏖
👍👍💪🙂👍👍
Great video. One more thing to consider is if you have to wear earphones (such as for video editing, zoom meetings, worksite inspections, etc.) consider using bone conducting headphones such as Shokz. This way you can still hear everything going on around you while you are working in your vehicle. As an added bonus this gear also helps with your safety when walking or cycling - There is something to be said for listening to a walking tour while not having anything in/over your ears.
Great job, Tory! Good look with creating, editing and promoting your content. You doing awesome!!!
Thank you so so much! I really appreciate the kind words! ☺️💐
Was that 24 hour Walmart in Vermont before the pandemic? I thought they got rid of those and close at 11pm now. I miss going shopping at midnight when the store had only a few people, was a pleasure.
You posted 2 vlogs today? Well, a vlog and a video on vanlife experience. Wow. Two long Tory posts all in the same day. Unless you have a twin. That means I'm seeing double. Twice as nice. 🤩 👍👍
YES! I wanted to do a vlog & an educational video but I didn’t quite think they belonged in the same video. I wanted to get to the point for anyone who just wanted advice but also show what it was like… so I made 2 & it didn’t feel right posting one without the other 😅 I kinda like the concept I might stick with it, we’ll see, Haha! Thank you for the support!! 😊💐
I did 2 years in Chicago and I LOVED it. Before that and since then I’ve always lived in the west. But I love urban vanlife❤️✌🏼
great vid once again!! i really hope you carry on making more videos,cause we are lovin it!!
Thank you so much!! I am so glad! 😊
The quality is so so good!!!! I’ll meet you on the west coast!
Wow ! I’ve also been in a Honda accord for a year now .. can’t wait to get my rv but everyone says a van is better 😩 so hard to choose
Super proud that you took the leap . Your smart , wise and bold . Keep going , there is so much more to explore . After travelling throughout the west coast of the US , coming from Banff . Then 3 years later started travelling the world . Get out there , the world is waiting for you !
Nice video. I am pretty sure covered windows are an indicator that someone is in there, which in it's self may be a reason why people may not break in. You have some good ideas.
Can you make a video showing how you find safe parking spots - using your computer - the apps and what you search and what you are looking for. How do you find the safety information about a city?
Great idea!
We agree with you and these other van-lifers acting like they are on vacation and they are taking in the sights...
There is another youtuber that makes his van-life a cooking show!! What? stupid...
So yes your right, you must be street smart and be safe..
lol yea young not realizing reading was bad was me too as I got older I realized it was bad and I try to avoid going as much as possible
I'm from Ohio and I checked once and found out it is illegal to park overnight anywhere in my town. Not even at Home Depot or Walmart! I was shocked. I even got a ticket for parking in front of my own house on the street because I parked over two hours!!! Each town is different, but Ohio is not vanlife friendly as a whole. It is best to check first.
Luv the story about camping in Miami sleeping under a pile of clothes. Thx for the tips
Sorry I'm struggling to see why you'd do this with so many no no's. Vanlife should be safe, away from dangers where you can live your life as you want to most of the time. Ame in a van is a great series to watch.
Get out of New York and Drive to San Diego....NOW...you will Love it and Never look back....
Your most salient point was near the end. Try not to be scary looking to the locals. I do this by wearing vibrant Hawaiian shirts and keeping my van pristine looking. Also, being a fanatic hater of litter, I am notorious for picking it up, and probably being seen doing it. Cleanliness is next to Godliness?
Thanks for the tips. Where did you get your cool star curtain from?
super smart she is....
why new york tho
id be livin it up in arizona
or a place where i can run my heater when i want.
and just fyi....
not everyone u encounter is a serial killer
or a rapist lol just sayin
your missin out on meeting some kool people on your travels
heck u makin this video is more inviting to a creeper who would follow u and stalk u
than a real life interaction..
just sayin
Very wise. Great content for everyone (not just women) inspired to follow in your footsteps
So proud of all you've accomplished! I miss NYC and I love living through your vids.
Park in front of a house pull out your BBQ grill and put on your bikini 🤔🤔🤣😭
Yea nyc van lifing aint for me thats too much lol, plus i try to stay way from cities 😅
Can you save money
Great advice!! Thank you.
I grew up in reading pa as well. It's gotten so much worse
I bet she got towed in NYC they are notorious for towing cars
Fiiiiiiirst!
What's wrong with Chicago? you've mentioned it several times. I live near by. Parking is expensive. Is there no possiblity to stealth park in the city? Did you try the burbs?
It’s where I basically almost got towed in my sleep after two people overdosed in the parking lot I was sleeping in so I’m just a bit cautious about it because I had a few bad experiences more than average there in my van 😅
A walk on the beach? In New York City?
So awesome really enjoy this it came up as a recommended View I am recovering from a stroke and am a stealth camper as well just getting ready to start on a adventure across the United States doing little test runs right now thank you for doing what you do keep it up and have an awesome week
🙋♂️❤❤❤😍😍😘😘✌
Why not just get an induction stove and plug it in?
As for the Window covers, I bought a roll of insulation for less than $30 at Home Depot and covered my windows and I love it…I’m also a NYC Van Lifer, but a Newbie, so I love your video and tips 😅 🚐
im new to the vanlifing in NYC too!! How is it going for you? ive been learning lotsss these last few days 😅
The best camper I've seen (YT) is a (used) delivery truck that was made into a camper. The truck still had the logos on it from when it was used as a delivery truck.
The back door concealed a porch-like place (just behind the door) about four feet from the inside wall.
The owner said he made it this way, so he could go water skiing and not have his truck ID as a camper.
PS: love your plan!
LMFAO, parking at a hotel is sooo true!
XD The construction noise made me laugh!
Yes I support females watching female content for relatable content, it just makes sense :)
I wanted to do a partition door, but wanted to swing my seat around more so.. I question it at times
TOUCHÉ! Yeah, for your gaming set up definitely wouldn’t work, an interesting opposing point, thanks Dan!
@@ToryDelury haha even without that in mind it’s sweet to have the comfy chair be part of the living space!
Thank you for this video. Now I’m finally understanding why so many campers on UA-cam don’t sleep or lay their heads out. 👍
If you have a company/business magnet on your door wouldn’t the phone number give you away? You’d look out of place with an out of town phone number.
In NYC and many other places, commercial vehicles require commercial license plates. If you have business signs on the van, but don't have commercial plates, you'll get a knock and a summons. And a business sign without a local phone number is a red flag. If you DO have commercial plates, you are not allowed to park on the streets overnight. Another summons. And if you are out of state, but don't have DOT/ICC numbers on the doors? You've just hit the trifecta.
There's a limit to stealth, if there's one old fashioned beat cop or meter maid around.
Best bet may be an RV or combo plate, which also makes it legal to drink and have open alcohol in the parked home, as opposed to a parked vehicle.
Im kinda confused you sitting in the front of your van for a while making a video ia not stealthy?? Plus you got pretty loud a few tires? Confusing...
My van is completely stealth 😊
Any reason why you don't use Harvest Host membership with boondockers welcome ? It is no cost as long as you are not doing hookup. Additionally, you could use planet fitness which I used a lot for stealth camping. I have also used rest areas comfortably.
I feel like a white box truck would be suitable for stealth. People will think it's truck for moving furniture, and it has more space. The only drawback is driving it.
I admire your passion but as a father of 4 girls, i am terrified for you being all alone. Some of the spots you park look kind of sketchy/scary. I hope you equipped your van with a panic alarm that you can press by remote that would scare off any unfriendly people.
Love your vibe and love the videos. Please take care of yourself.
I’m a man and have the same safety concerns as you do. Doesn’t matter if you’re just female, IMHO.
I'll be honest you don't look stealth but you do look gorgeous.
Curious to why you choose NY City and what you do there vs other cities?
Ehm, I can't help but wonder, since you have 2 satanic stickers in your van.. are you a fan of it or something?
I used to work in Salem and the salem art gallery is called the Satanic Temple. It’s just an art museum 🙃
@@ToryDelury ahh ok. Good to know your not a _gulp_ satanist 😅. Been diggin' your channel the last few days 😁
Your truck stops flying j ta loves pilot sap brothers and rest areas along the interstate are good places
You really do bring up alot of great points that wouldn't occur to most people. I would have never thought of no headphones, but I certainly would now, because I basically LIVE with my earbuds in...UNLESS you keep the volume really low so you can hear what's on your device, and whatever is happening in your surroundings.
FYI, it’s totally LEGAL to sleep in your vehicle in New York City.
Hmmm what about getting double limo tint on your driver passenger windows and doing your windshield too? Just when you drive in the day have your windows down. And if a cop pulls you over for it just say the can came like that.
Well i’m in az and most cops don’t care about any tint since they know it helps with the sun.
In NYC, I think it is illegal to idle your vehicle for more than three minutes. I think that's actually commom in big cities.
You should look into tinting your windows. I have all my windows tinted including my windshield and it’s impossible to see inside from any angle and keeps the heat/sun out. While it’s not really legal, police have never given me trouble for it.
I mean this with the upmost respect possible - and I don’t mean to intrude; but how do you go upon dating in this moment you’re in? Obviously the question merits an answer if you want to entertain such a response.
wow you are describing my van …and I am also Vanicity….and very familiar with VA spot. Def a Walmart VCper… I kept my partitions for those very same reasons and more. One thing that does make me paranoid is leaving my van parked in the city . streets for an extended amount of time to go and commute. best wishes with all
Some self defense classes and getting a concealed carry weapon permit would be a good idea!!
It’s hard to find a full time van lifer making content , that’s living in the east, especially North East and in the city limits .
Do you find any benefits to having the swivel chairs (you know, the ones in the cab)?
Need earplugs to sleep
I ONLY used my driver door to get in and out while being in the city. No exceptions.
Thank you for this. Good stuff. Was there plenty of parking at Van alley? Thanks.
Would you recommend a Thor Sequence Van as a starter van? Is it good for stealth or no?
Thank you
you are super cool id like to experience that van life even for just a few years some day
How come you preferred the flat solar panels over the flat ones?
you can really problem solve what a treat to give us tips and warnings .
im going to start living in a van soon the only city i want to stay in is nyc other than that im staying out of citys as much as i can
This may be a silly question but what side is your steering wheel on?
Thank you so much for being honest. I love your content.
TY chica
Very informative video. Thank you!!!
I found like $30 wondow covers on Amazon
Do churches let you stay in their parking lot?
Dem tiddiez tho
I would totally have the wall between cab and back. Good job!
WoW Tory I want to do what you do as soon as I have the money
The hard hat routine never seemed smart to me. Thieves might be more likely to break in expecting to find hand held power tools etc that they can easily run away with and sell at a pawn shop later. That’s my thinking on it anyway…
Phycology 101 tells me that the bad guys receiving zero input about a particular vehicle makes them more likely to skip on past until something specific DOES catch their eye. The definition of stealth/blending in, is to have absolutely nothing that catches the senses.
Women aren’t just worried about thieves we’re worried about rapists.
Thank you for all the advice...🙏
I was thinking a florists van or dog walking van.
I agree and understand your perspective,
I am loving your van 101 playlist! It’s the most informative series of videos I have found so far. Thank you! 🙂
I am so so glad!
My biggest fear is getting towed in my sleep
I have a question about stealth camping in NYC. You mentioned that you arrived late on a tuesday night so it was easier to find parking than had you arrived on the weekend. You also mentioned that it is a good idea to switch locations each day. If this is the case and stealth campers shouldn't park in the same spot for a few days in a row then why does it matter which day you arrive to find parking more easily?
I just wouldn’t move around on the weekend or holidays or days I know it will be hard to find a spot! But also, street parking in NYC isn’t that hard at night, but on van alley specifically it can be pretty difficult and packed because a lot of those vehicles live in those spots already plus there is a dog park right next to it so those spots are super competitive! So van alley, where I was in this video isn’t one that I would try to go for on the weekend personally!
Your so beautiful ms. Tory
I just have to say I love the name of your van, Paper Towns is a great book :)
Then you’re gonna love my video on Sunday cause I stealth camped in Agloe!! 🫢
Do u have self-defense tools .
this is actually great!!!
What is the current asking price for the van?
currently $59,000
Thank you!!!!
only in ohio
Great info!