TO BE STEALTH OR NOT . . . IS THERE SUCH A THING AS “STEALTH”? GUEST JAN FROM BUTTERFLY TRACKS
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I agree with Jan in principle… I wouldn't want to stay in a place I wasn't wanted. It's one thing to have to move because of regulations, but if the local people are okay with you being there it would just feel safer. She also makes a good point about the illusion of stealth… so many people and especially the authorities are aware of folks living in vans these days, most are not being fooled. Just be real.
I would stay stealth , get a bigger van with another color besides white, also install security cameras outside with an indoor monitor
Yes that will be great .
i got the boot from the hospital i worked at for 18 yrs. Security told me the "safety officer" (Barney Fife) said i was a liability and couldn't be in the parking lot unless i was working.
I feel like part of the conversation is specific personal safety. Yes, the van could be a work van but, a van decked out with YouTube handles or specific decorations marks you specifically. Most YouTubers don't even let you know their location until they leave.
It seems like there are pros and cons either way, stealth or non-stealth. My one concern for you, Lulu, being a woman, is that if you advertise on your van (e.g. "Lulu's Way"), then people will know a woman is in the van. I understand what Jan said about women likely being "armed" as much as men, but still, there is always that fear that someone may not think that way and try to break in OR just try to harass you because you are a woman and likely alone in that little van. Jan's suggestion about having a stun gun is interesting; I wonder if it is legal in these New England states? I live in Connecticut and we have really strict weapons laws. I don't know what the law is here regarding stun guns, but it's worth checking out and also worth checking out which protection devices are allowed to be transported from one state to another.
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.
How did you get started on your weight loss journey?
I understand that a thief may prefer a vehicle he knows no one is inside but what about the creepo who is wanting to scare or do harm to someone he can tell is a solo traveller by the signs???
Lulu, some of your followers comments made some very good points. This was a very good topic for discussion.
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.
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!
This was very informative….thank you Lulu and Jan
I honestly think we all need to at times remain anonymous because we have seen how stalkers obsess over public figures. Being a YouTuber, sadly may make you the target of a stalker.
Maybe I’m a bit paranoid because I live alone in a big city. I always look to all sides when my spider senses help me feel that I need to be careful.
Over the years, I have noticed that the main reason YouTubers post most of their videos after they have left the place where they were visiting because they have indeed been recognized or stalked. I’m glad you don’t camp alone. The YouTubers I mentioned above are solo travelers!
Yeah I thought stealth meant that you didn't want to be known because you fear and are hiding from all the bad apples. Stealth to me meant that you can park on a busy street next to other people and you blend in with everyone else but dont if you're there perhaps after 24 hours. The regular people in that area will notice you. So is there really such a thing as stealth? I guess I would rephrase it and say "I'd rather blend in then stand out." Either way, for different reasons, like the ones mentioned in this video, there will always be clues that indicate if you're stealth or not. For example, the window covers or condensation. Really great conversation in this video, lulu.
I'm thinking if I was a thief I would chose to break into a work truck to steal tools which are easily sold.
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.
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 ❤
Good discussion. I was coming and going with the idea. In the end, I felt that YouTubers, 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.
I agree with Jan. I have not tried to be stealth because I don’t stay where I’m not wanted. ❤️
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.
Great YouTube with Jan. Thank you
Pam __Get yours made magnetic!!! Take them off or leave it on
No such thing as stealth to law enforcement or thiefs…or fellow stealth campers…so obvious when people are in there…if you know, you know 😉 When I have boondocked, I have worried because I am not in a camper and someone may break in not realizing anyone is in there. I've often felt I would rather be in an obvious camper. Of course all totally depends on where you are travelling.
Ok, this is my opinion…for what it's worth. I do not even want a personalized license plate that people would remember… So your in a white van. There are 1000's of them on the road. People don't really know who's in them. If you wrap your van , truly people (good or bad) will see you coming. Just my opinion. 😊😊😊😊
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
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!!❤
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.
Hi Lulu. As I listened to the conversation with you and Jan , I couldn’t help but have my own opinions per my experience. If you know a police officer ask one what they think of stealth, what they look for when they are on patrol. My guess is, officers know exactly what to look for and those that are stealth , maybe the officers know we are not. Lulu… I think you will continue to do what serves you well. What ever your choices are. You’re a leader for sure.
Very interesting. Plus very helpful
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.
FYI…Overnight Parking at Truck Stops in 2024 – Flying J, Pilot, Love’s and More
March 22, 2024 by Joe Russo
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😂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.😊
But one thing I wouldn't want are those who may want to talk to, visit, or even stalk YouTube influencers!🤔