I would think by keeping your van looking like a work truck, would be more of a target. The thief’s would think there are tools in there to steal.

@Bernimv

2 ай бұрын

In the 6yrs I've had my cargo van 2x tried but while being parked at home base my daughters home once in driveway other street in front of her home.

My brother had a great idea: get magnetic door signs made up that say, "Diaper Service". Aint no one gonna go in there!

@pamdanko1078

2 ай бұрын

Me and my daughter thought about putting up signs for skunk removal service, nobody would want to break in. LOL

@LulusWay64

2 ай бұрын

HAHA!! 🤣

@pamdanko1078

2 ай бұрын

@@LulusWay64 Sorry about your knee. I'm currently recovering from a shattered femur. I was wanting to come to one of the meet ups this past winter, but have been out of commission since Jan 1st. Maybe next year.

I would put magnetic signage first and see how that went before putting something permanent on. Just a thought.

We have watched the ID channel for years and I feel like I have learned lot’s about criminal from this. I stayed at a large hospital in Montgomery Alabama on the way home from Lulu’s January meet up. Retired nurse so knew they would have security. Went in and asked if I could stay there and was told to park around back. Security officers checked on me and were extremely nice. One wanted to see my small trailer and just loved it. You can see the whole thing by looking in the door. I have had people at gas stations want to see my 14 ft trailer. I use my trailer when I go to dog shows where I meet up with my friends. However if traveling to meet up or wherever I feel I would be safer in my van as far as making a quick getaway. Just got my new van this month and am just now trying to do a no build,build. Hope to get on the road by June. Thanks for all the helpful hints.

To stealth or not to stealth-- Isn't that the query? Should we or shouldn't we hide in plain sight To rest when we've grown weary? Whether we choose to sneak a bit Or whether we choose to not Trust that little voice inside-- It's the very best guide that we've got!

@LulusWay64

2 ай бұрын

BEAUTIFUL!!!

@isabellayogurte2308

2 ай бұрын

Yes! Echo that! Best gift of camping life. It gets us sooo much better in tune with that voice!! And the voice always knows the way. Lovely!!

Stealth is over with now there are to many of us doing the thing...stay safe have fun❤❤

@dross24MA

Ай бұрын

I terestjng observation -- yes, there are too many vanlifers out there now for people not to know them.

Lulu. No. Don’t do it. You are right just the way you are set up. If someone sees it advertised on your vehicle, wouldn’t they be able to just look it up on their phone and there’s a single woman in there? No keep yourself safe. You are on the right track.

@judyyaklin7408

2 ай бұрын

I agree wholeheartedly!

@jazzycool2950

18 күн бұрын

You don’t have to advertise your channel or put a pretty decal on the van but you could put a sticker on your van saying something like “Having Fun Travelling” or “Living The Life In The Great USA” (non gender specific). When someone comes checking your doors it’s because they think no one is inside whereas if they thought someone was inside they might think it’s too much of a risk to get blasted by a US semi automatic. Don’t advertise your security.

I agree with Jan..... queen LuLu, if you add that extension thing on the back of your van, it will definitely take away from your stealth. I wanted to mention, if you do decide to add it to your van, get an installation quote from uhaul, they install hitches all the time and may cost less, perhaps tell mechanic that your nephew did it for you. Just an idea to think about. My van is pretty stealth because I'm a complete minimalist and don't use any window coverings, nobody would be interested in looking in my van. And I park right up with the overnight employees at Walmart so I blend in. I love you and your videos, always a joy to see you've posted a new video. Hope your day is beautiful like you!

I think some people want to be known, because it is more important that her followers know her....❤

Great topic! Thanks for covering the examples.

A senior couple I know, very experienced, who travel in a 40 ft class A, would sometimes go directly to the police station and ask for advice on where to park for the night. Sometimes they were invited to use the police station parking lot and a few times an officer would lead them to a safe place. You can't hide a bus and they never tried, but nearly everywhere they went people were more than happy to help.

Theft would most likely happen with a work van then if they know someone is in there. They are looking for tools to pawn or to steal the van. Be safe dont be stealth! Loved this video!!❤

State parks are lovely places to stay that aren't as expensive as private campgrounds like KOA and the like. No one sleeping in their vehicles are stealth. Van life is a thing now.

Such an interesting conversation! Thanks, Lulu and Jan. I've been following all you camper dwellers for a time now, learning how to build, how to eat, how to live on 4 wheels and how to be stealth. And today I very much enjoyed that debate on being stealth. I follow both of you everywhere. If I lived in USA I would certainly be part of that van life and have great ideas on how to build one to "serve me well". Many thanks, as usual. All my love ! ❤❤❤

Hi Lulu! In favor of your side of the stealth issue: When you settle in for the night for your private time, your youtube fans might be knocking to get to meet you. I think that as much as you care for them, it could be intrusive. Your popularity is really growing so you need to stay stealthy. People might know there's someone in there, but they don't need to know who it is.

@Nurse67

2 ай бұрын

If you put on just the back of the van, then back in to your spot it would be less noticeable

Ready to Dance... Lulu's Way...and a storage box. Go girl. Jan made a lot of sense❤️🙏🌞

So happy to watch this discussion of Van life! This is how I first found you, and feels like you're getting back to your roots!

Hi Lulu Hope you are having a good day today. Thank you for your help and information. I had magnetic signs for my animal rescue. So it's something to think about.

I had an ambulance wrapped in Eagle’s. People always talked to me. It was fun and never a bother. More pure enjoyment and met great people! Great conversation you two had today 🎉

I have a Sprinter passenger van. It's all windows. I have two windows covered on the inside. No windshield cover or rear window covers at all. I always ask wherever I stop if it's alright to park for awhile and rest. So far I have never been told no. I do have quite a few antennas on the roof so I do get asked if I am a communications van and I always say, yes. Because I am communicating a lot from my van. Also, if it's foggy, people are sympathetic and say sure, stay as long as you like. I also have one sign on my van that makes just about everyone smile. I can't say what the sign says, but it usually gives me instant bonafides. Take care.

5+ years ft van and I'm with Jan, no such thing as stealth, and I don't want the headache of worrying that I'm not welcome. But I still prefer to keep it discreet, clean, and leave it better than I found it. Hobo rule to not screw it up for the next person.

I agree with Jan. I have not tried to be stealth because I don’t stay where I’m not wanted. ❤️

I’m not a stealth traveler, but I do have my own stories about my camping excursions. First of all, I love HipCamp because it’s usually very inexpensive, fun to sleep on farms, and safe. Cracker Barrel’s have mixed reviews from me, as do truck stops. Friends’ driveways are the best.

Great video. Thank you, Jan and Lulu.

Great topic ladies! Since I’m a vintage trailer camper, I’m definitely not stealth at all 😂 but I do prefer my privacy when I am camping or overnighting to get to my next camping spot. I use Hipcamp and lots of state parks, mostly always paying to stay overnight verses free staying anywhere like Cracker Barrel, etc. … not because I won’t stay there, because I have, but just because I want the security of a safe haven as a solo woman traveler. I admire stealth in my various camping groups, but I definitely want people to know I’m in my rig! My blue heeler and my own protection help as well! I do sleep good at night! 🥰🏕️ Edit : another thing I do because I’m a sister on the fly, we have a “curb” group. Sisters all over the country that have space for an overnight stay or two. That’s a fabulous program. And also, I do stay at Love’s a lot. I like to use the electric in the winter, but have solar and a water tank for fresh water so rarely hook up those while traveling between events.

And stand your ground here in Florida

@sherrilaird6535

27 күн бұрын

What does that mean? Stand your ground.

I love this discussion because it was the perfect example of two people who had different opinions on a topic based on their own individual perspectives and experiences that could talk it out calmly. Oh if we all could only do this more often in our lives the world would be a better place without so much hostility. It proves we can think differently on a myriad of topics and still be civil. We could learn so much from each other and if our opinion didn't change after the discussion then agree to disagree is always still an option. No harm no foul! Kindness matters ❤

This was a great conversation. Thanks for sharing with all of us. Thank you Lulu and Jan.

Very informative, thanks, Lulu and Jan!

I am just starting to build out my van. I so want to put some magnets on it to add some personality. I have been tring to decide if I should or not. This video helped a lot. So glad you posted this!

Several reasons for stealth: (1) to park in unconventional places to save money, passing through, or unavailable camp sites; (2) avoid vehicle smash & grab break-ins; (3) avoid a personal attack while in or near our vehicle. Stealth isn’t fooling anyone when parked overnight, whether parked in retail parking lots or a blind spot in a subdivision. But “modesty” reduces the chances of a woman being targeted for other personal safety reasons, including being watched from a distance or followed for miles without us knowing it. Safety gear like stun guns is good, but only as effective as our physical health (speed, flexibility, steadiness) - and in a confined space. The dream of freedom on the road and the excitement of this lifestyle shouldn’t replace the cautions we take in our everyday life.

This was very informative....thank you Lulu and Jan

This was wonderful, Lulu and Jan. Made so much sense to me. I have followed you Both since your beginnings. Yes get your wrap LuLu you Rock 🤩Warm regards Ro

Awesome... Enjoyed your conversation today with Jan; lots of great insight and ideas. Thanks, you two. Go for it Lulu! 🥰

How about "Bye for Now" on the back?

@user-mt1rx3sd7n

2 ай бұрын

Nice one 👍

@betsyandall

2 ай бұрын

Perfect! 😂

@LulusWay64

2 ай бұрын

good one!!

Very interesting topic and I can see both sides of the discussion. I think you need to do what feels comfortable for you. I am not comfortable having my curtains open in my house after it gets dark. That is how I was raised and that is where my comfort zone is. I don’t think I would make it in a vehicle in a parking lot at night.

Great informative video Thanks LUlu and Jan

Lulu, some of your followers comments made some very good points. This was a very good topic for discussion.

As a soon to be newbie to van life. This was helpful information. My plan once I am set to go is start at the Oregon/California coastline and travel south alone the hwy1 scenic route.

This was a good conversation and lots to think about. I appreciate you and Jan sharing this conversation

I got SO much information from this video! Thank you, Jan and Lulu.

I like the wall vs the window for utilizing the space for storage and less window peepers …

Excellent. Thank you to Jan as well.

Absolutely!!!! I wrap would be awesome on your van !!!! Very cool 👏🏻👏🏻🤗🥰🙏🏻🇺🇸

Lulu ... You know those stickers would never fly in New England. Please don't do it.

Good morning Lulu and Jan🙋‍♀️ Enjoyed the video , great information ❤😊 Safe travels ❤❤😊

Thanks for this discussion!

When I had my business. I had big magnetic signs to be able to take off and on my van. I wanted them on there for my business and off of them when I was using it for my personal life. I did find out that I had to take them off when I went through the car wash as they would come off. If you want the signs on when you are driving but off when you want to be stealth would work.

@DianeDees

2 ай бұрын

PS friend, this is actually Gayl from Tulsa

@LulusWay64

2 ай бұрын

hi Gayl!!!

I wouldn't "obsess" over it, but I (still) favor "stealth".

Stealth: great topic! You covered a lot of bases to stimulate the thought process of what we really want to convey as a van lifer and how to plan our safety. Thank you, ladies! ❤

For some of the companies that usually will invites overnight parking there are some laws in certain States and counties that make it so that they have to say no even if their own personal boundaries are different.

You could wrap the whole vehicle :-) The ministry i am a part of did a car ....and I have a friend who wrapped his driving camper. It was so cool!

It's good to think about stealth in this way. Interesting to consider. Jan, if anyone hears your watchdog growling, they will surely think twice about breaking into your rig. ❤

Very useful discussion. Thanks LuLu.

I find this very interesting because there is a truck stop about 6 miles from my house and I don’t think I have ever seen a camper there but they could be in the back. There is also a State Park right down the road that also has a primitive camp ground so my local trip stop may not let campers stay there. I am enjoying your conversation!

Membership has its perks. Join a Moose Lodge or American Legion or VFW. Many times these places, especially the Moose Lodge allow over night parking and even camp sites!

Very interesting to hear different perspectives- to each their own 👍

Very interesting. Plus very helpful

This discussion gave me a lot to think about. I know that most people are good but we also know there are some not so good people out there. I think as long as you never announce on your channel where you are staying ahead of time, it is okay to have a wrap advertising your channel. I know when you were at the beach you were careful to not say exactly where you were.

In San Francisco where I live, they walk up and down the streets checking car door handles. They don't take the time to look in the car.

Loved this video! Lots to think about. If it was my option, I would the magnetic. That way depending where Im at I can put them on or not. If your meet ups passed 75 ladies imagine when you are somewhere and they know your van! They will be like Papparazzies and you will need to call security.😂😂😂😂 We all want to dance with Lulu❤ And with Jan we all want to caravan!!❤ Loving our awesome communities!! Thanks to you both for all you do!!! Blessings!!

Really great video.Thought provoking.

I camp in a travel trailer so I don’t camp stealth.

Ready to dance with tap dancing shoes in it! And Lulu's Way with a bunch of vegetables ....magnetic😊

Great KZread with Jan. Thank you

But a work truck might have tools to steal and I think that would be pretty tempting for a thief especially if its sitting in a parking lot all night. They most likely wouldn't think the worker would be sleeping in it.

Hi Ms Lulu, both ways make sense to me. I really feel it’s what makes you personally feel safer. That’s just my opinion ❤blessings to you 38:51

Hi Lulu. Good information from Jan. Thank you for sharing. ❤👍🤗

Wrap it up girl, I think you will take the greatness of inside your van and extend your awesomeness to the outside. You are fabulous.

@LulusWay64

16 күн бұрын

thanks Diane!! 😊

I keep stealth because.... during the day's, I wanna be able to take a long walk away from the van without anyone knowing that I probably keep an ipad or laptop in there course I obviously live in it..

Love the glasses! Listening to both sides of this!

Yes that will be great .

Yes! I'm with you on the wrap! I hope to wrap my van in the future. Great conversation! Thanks, Jan!

@LulusWay64

2 ай бұрын

oh, I can see it now . . . the Purplemobile!!!

I want to be stealth for my own privacy. I couldn't bear thinking that anyone could see me. I may try to figure a way to let a small amount of light through. Jan has great points.

Wonderful interview, Jan! Well thought out, and great tips! I don't want to overnight anywhere where I'm not wanted". "Someone breaks a window, their arm won't look the same going in as going out". That Costco fail experience was memorable! hahaha "Always ask the Costco manager" lesson learned! ;) We learned so much on that Route 1 caravan trip! Looking forward to the next adventure with the Butterfly Tribe! www.youtube.com/@ButterflyTracks

Interesting conversation.

Lately, I have found the Flying-J and Loves in Pennsylvania/Virginia to have had 4 hour limits (or less) and have definite signs sayjng to stay only in cerfain spaces and to leave within the specified time limit. Bummer. 😢 Also, the rest stops along I-95 have 2 or 4 hour limits.

@LulusWay64

Ай бұрын

I've talked with a couple of women you use Loves and Flying-J and asked about those signs, I see them too!! they said if you just go in and ask, they always say yes!!! 😊

@dross24MA

29 күн бұрын

Yay! 😊 Thanks!

Newbie...I have a Dodge Caravan starting to convert. Want a boring exterior and a fun comfortable interior. Working on a plywood painted floor with access to storage underneath. Hoping to keep it free of roof boxes and hitch boxes. I don't plan to be a YT creator and just want to be nondescript. The call with Butterfly Tracks was very thought provoking and insightful I have to say. I plan to do both urban and boondocking stays. Hoping that the Supreme Court case does not make it harder to park a van in the future. I am not a fan of campgrounds. Bet you do go for the wrap!

@rubylopez5941

2 ай бұрын

Oh wow there's a Supreme Court case. I don't have a camper van but I have been looking into it, so I started watching Lulu and a few other van people. I want to be like Lulu part time and go for a few months at a time.

If I need to be stealth, I am. But could use tips.

You are on the cutting edge, Lulu, having your friend join you for a phone debate/interview (seemed more like an interview to me even though you had your own stated opinions - other interviewers have their own opinions too they just might not always state them 🙂). I am so enjoying your channel. You are a wonderful performer (dancer - I loved your dancing fashion show!) and communicator. Thank-you for being out there ❤ I am finding myself watching your channel when I am preparing food or sitting down to eat. I have watched a few of your shopping and food prep videos to know that your energy will contribute a sense of calm in me that is usually sorely lacking when it comes to food prep and eating. Take good care and I look forward to more interesting content on your channel. Oh, and btw, your accent is so freaking adorable (I might have mentioned that before lol)! I have even found myself pausing you in mid-sentence so I can practice imitating your words. I hope to create, and perform in, a play. I will play several different characters so I am on the lookout for accents that resonate with me, and that I can fall into relatively easily 😅 Much love to you!

@LulusWay64

8 күн бұрын

thanks so much for your delightful note!! I'm so happy you are enjoying my channel, thanks so much for writing!! 😊

@lisaordell2467

7 күн бұрын

@@LulusWay64 you're so welcome! 🤗

Put those logos on, get an LLC and claim your trips on your taxes.

@LulusWay64

2 ай бұрын

I already do claim my trips on my taxes!!!

This is off topic, but I had to jump on to say this. I just had my first bite of roasted Japanese sweet potato because of you mentioning them frequently . They are incredibly delicious. I now have a new favorite food, going to put it in a salad for dinner.

Good discussion. I was coming and going with the idea. In the end, I felt that KZreadrs, who are more well known might sometimes want to be private, so maybe magnetic signs might be the way to go. But then I'm very much a drawbridge up kinda person who values some alone time.

❤After you hung up from Jan your brain was a very VERY busy place. I laughed out loud when you said you were getting the wrap. That was wonderful!!!! Thanks for doing this vlog. Very spot on. Got me thinking too. I'm 68 now. Why be stealth if we (that would be the Victorian WE) aren't planning on parking where we have no business being in the 1st place. You are such a joy to watch.❤ ~ Peg

@LulusWay64

2 ай бұрын

hi Peg!! I probably won't get the wrap (lol), but yes my wheels were spinning!! 😂

Fascinating

Yeah, I mean I just drive around and if I see a solar panel or the air conditioner, I basically figure it’s being lived in to some extent, so yeah, as far as stealth goes some people in particular cars, not any kind of a minivan or anything seem really stealth but most people think that they’re stealth and they’re really not stealth which is fine

In NY at least, a work truck needs a commercial license to park in a residential area during working hours. A camper or van can stay in one spot for 24 hours. If police ask them to move because they notice it or a neighbor complains they must move the vehicle but it can be as close as across the street. A lot of these places you went to had giant lots with plenty of room. Maybe the northeast is stricter because they worry about people permanently encamping and there is a lot less space in the cities. I’d think parking in a neighborhood is very questionable, people pay high taxes to not live with people parking outside their house living in their vehicles. Parking in a motel parking lot seems sketchy, people are paying for rooms, if the motel is full, you’re taking someone’s spot. Unsolicited advice, don’t park in NYC, they’ll certainly break into your vehicle whether you’re in it or not. This stealth/not stealth is really something to consider. I don’t know what I’d choose. Frankly, I’m scaredy cat and wouldn’t survive one night out there, lol.

Lulu you are are a thinker and you are wise. Go with your heart and instincts. We all have to do what feels right to ourselves. You both have excellent reasons for doing what you do.

😂think I would start with a nice big magnet that could be removed. Sometimes you feel like putting yourself out there....sometimes you don't. If you find you like the advertisement all the time, then there you go, get a wrap. I just like that you're making a knowledge-based decision. Happy travels, see you in June.😊

Pam __Get yours made magnetic!!! Take them off or leave it on

But one thing I wouldn't want are those who may want to talk to, visit, or even stalk KZread influencers!🤔

@1BibiVanGo

2 ай бұрын

My thoughts and concerns exactly. There are some crazies out in KZread land. Just look at the amount of trolls that are pesky and annoying!

I would stay stealth , get a bigger van with another color besides white, also install security cameras outside with an indoor monitor

STEALTH!!! So just watched your segment and it was very thought provoking and fun...Of course I'm excited for you to get a wrap and maybe magnet signs for the sides???? As for stealth, I think one of the major aspects of stealth is privacy...as least it would be for me..I almost went the van route but I'm enjoying the life I have as is!!! Your segments make me smile and it's so peaceful and fun...Thanks! Cheri

That was a lot of wise advice. I also watch Chrome on Vancity van life, he has a little different situation, as he is a man and he is pretty well known in Vancouver, so he more than not gets people leaving him gifts on his van, also he has a friend Emily with the cat van lady, she also has stickers on her van, I don’t thinks she has ever had the knock but I do remember once she was parked on the side of a road not to far from other overnight vehicles and there was a van or truck that was harassing her by driving by honking and shining their high beams at her, she got real shook up over that, but that’s the only one that I can remember that ever bothered her, I guess what I would think is if you advertise who you are on your van your either going to get a lot of people who want to talk to you because they are curious or a fan or people leaving you gifts lol, but in the long run I guess I would just feel safer parking where there are others like me parking in a safe area or parking area and I think I would have a prepared noise maker, weapon of some sort like the taser and even the good old wasp spray. It’s all in what you feel comfortable in Lulu, do it Lulu’s Way 😊❤ Thanks for the informative video Love your pal Susie

I think you should do it

I use google to search for areas with low crime rates when I plan where I will stay. Out of state I look for the safest towns/cities in the state. Safety is #1 priority.

I would like to know if Jan is bothered a-lot by strangers because of her advertising.

@LulusWay64

2 ай бұрын

I would like to know that too!!!

I know in Massachusetts there are city/town ordinances that do not allow sleeping in vehicles. Walmart would be happy to allow it, but the police will check all the parking lots and clean them out. Here in the Northeast, we are generally not friendly to RVers or Van dwellers, and it's a shame.

You keep being stealth ! The women van lifers I follow remain stealth , not only for their personal safety , but also to ward off stalkers . They have targets . This butterfly woman wants followers for her monetized KZread account . Continue to be private and post after you have left this areas . ❤️

My vote is stealth, + use common sense 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💞