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.
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 !
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
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.
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.
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!! 😊💐
Tory, I’ve been watching several of your videos and am confused. I see your videos tagged from a year ago like this one, but you’re in a fixed up van here, but in an empty white one for months. Just curious
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.
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 advice :) Walmart used to be safe haven for travelers. I'm not sure if that is true anymore. I like that you reference your "gut" that's an overlooked point, that is one people forget. Keep up all the great information. You've acquired so much information thst you share and its appreciated. Thank you. 🎉
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!
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.
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 😅 🚐
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
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 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.
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'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.
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.
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.
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..
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?
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!
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 😅
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!
A few weeks ago you had a bit "too much energy" (not a bad thing or anything) when you were talking and now your videos are very enjoyable to listen to.
I have ADHD and it sounds slow in my head but I’m working really hard to speak at a normal pace 😅 I actually went to numerous speech therapist growing up but nothing helped so it’s been a long fight, but I’m trying my best! (If you think I talk fast imagine how fast my brain goes since I feel like I’m talking normally 😅😂😂) Thank you! ☺️
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.
Hi Tory, I’ve just come across your channel and I must it’s really interesting to understand what vanlife means from the point of view of someone who do city vanlife. I usually follow vanlife channels of people who usually stay in the nature, maybe because that’s what I do in my mini van ☺️🚐, but it’s definitely a plus to get your experience and knowledge as a city vanlifer, sooner or later we all end up vanlifing somehow in a big city, for sure .. even if it’s for a short period of time. I really enjoyed learning from your experiences and am so stocked to start following your channel 🙂. Cheers from Barcelona , peace out 🚐😍
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.
Haven’t tried it, but just thought of it while watching your videos and having had trouble with getting my window covers the right shape. What about using a long, thick gauge of wire? Molding it to the correct shape of the edge of the window, and then tracing that onto your shade to be cut. Has anyone tried this method or something similar? Seems like you could get a pretty accurate fit
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.
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.
Sounded like great advice, especially encouraging your female viewers to watch women stealth campers for advice. 💕
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?
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 !
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❤️✌🏼
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
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! ☺️💐
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 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! 😊
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 quality is so so good!!!! I’ll meet you on the west coast!
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.
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
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. 👍
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 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!
Luv the story about camping in Miami sleeping under a pile of clothes. Thx for the tips
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
Tory, I’ve been watching several of your videos and am confused. I see your videos tagged from a year ago like this one, but you’re in a fixed up van here, but in an empty white one for months. Just curious
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.
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!
Great advice :) Walmart used to be safe haven for travelers. I'm not sure if that is true anymore. I like that you reference your "gut" that's an overlooked point, that is one people forget. Keep up all the great information. You've acquired so much information thst you share and its appreciated. Thank you. 🎉
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!
Great advice!! Thank you.
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.
Thank you so much for being honest. I love your content.
you can really problem solve what a treat to give us tips and warnings .
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
Very informative video. Thank you!!!
I would totally have the wall between cab and back. Good job!
Thanks for the tips. Where did you get your cool star curtain from?
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 😅
TY chica
Thank you for all the advice...🙏
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
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.
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!! 🫢
this is actually great!!!
you are super cool id like to experience that van life even for just a few years some day
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 ONLY used my driver door to get in and out while being in the city. No exceptions.
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 agree and understand your perspective,
Great info!
Thank you for this. Good stuff. Was there plenty of parking at Van alley? Thanks.
Solid tips!
I’m glad it was helpful! :)
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'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.
My van is completely stealth 😊
Yea nyc van lifing aint for me thats too much lol, plus i try to stay way from cities 😅
A walk on the beach? In New York City?
Thank you!!!!
Some self defense classes and getting a concealed carry weapon permit would be a good idea!!
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
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.
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.
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.
WoW Tory I want to do what you do as soon as I have the money
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?
Your truck stops flying j ta loves pilot sap brothers and rest areas along the interstate are good places
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..
16:28 "you will not dance!" lololol
Do you find any benefits to having the swivel chairs (you know, the ones in the cab)?
I found like $30 wondow covers on Amazon
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?
Would you recommend a Thor Sequence Van as a starter van? Is it good for stealth or no?
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!
How come you preferred the flat solar panels over the flat ones?
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!
You are
Amazing
I grew up in reading pa as well. It's gotten so much worse
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 😅
FYI, it’s totally LEGAL to sleep in your vehicle in New York City.
This may be a silly question but what side is your steering wheel on?
Great video an your eyes are insanely gorgeous
Thank you! ☺️
@@ToryDelury welcome
I was thinking a florists van or dog walking van.
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!
A few weeks ago you had a bit "too much energy" (not a bad thing or anything) when you were talking and now your videos are very enjoyable to listen to.
I have ADHD and it sounds slow in my head but I’m working really hard to speak at a normal pace 😅 I actually went to numerous speech therapist growing up but nothing helped so it’s been a long fight, but I’m trying my best! (If you think I talk fast imagine how fast my brain goes since I feel like I’m talking normally 😅😂😂) Thank you! ☺️
@@ToryDelury it's perfect!! You are doing great, it is not too fast anymore.
I would love to have your brain for a while 😉
I watch the video in 1.75 faster speed and its all good 👌😁
Do churches let you stay in their parking lot?
Why not just get an induction stove and plug it in?
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.
Hi Tory, I’ve just come across your channel and I must it’s really interesting to understand what vanlife means from the point of view of someone who do city vanlife. I usually follow vanlife channels of people who usually stay in the nature, maybe because that’s what I do in my mini van ☺️🚐, but it’s definitely a plus to get your experience and knowledge as a city vanlifer, sooner or later we all end up vanlifing somehow in a big city, for sure .. even if it’s for a short period of time. I really enjoyed learning from your experiences and am so stocked to start following your channel 🙂. Cheers from Barcelona , peace out 🚐😍
Do u have self-defense tools .
I’m a man and have the same safety concerns as you do. Doesn’t matter if you’re just female, IMHO.
What is the current asking price for the van?
currently $59,000
🥰🥰🥰
Can you save money
🙋♂️❤❤❤😍😍😘😘✌
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.
Haven’t tried it, but just thought of it while watching your videos and having had trouble with getting my window covers the right shape. What about using a long, thick gauge of wire? Molding it to the correct shape of the edge of the window, and then tracing that onto your shade to be cut. Has anyone tried this method or something similar? Seems like you could get a pretty accurate fit
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 .
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.
I bet she got towed in NYC they are notorious for towing cars
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.
My biggest fear is getting towed in my sleep
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.
I have question for you as a social media manager, why don't anyone be encouraged to also install cb radios Incase of emergency when cells don't work?
You look good in light blue.
Fiiiiiiirst!