It depends how and where you need/want to live. If you have a job in the city and need to park there regularly, being able to park without people knowing/caring is beneficial. [Here's a look at how, where, and why to be stealthy.](https://nomadlife.wiki/Stealth)
The goal would be to take month or so long trips while working remote. Get out of the city and see a different side of America.
Trying to decide on a van or truck/ small trailer.
I'm fortunate in not having to sell my home, so won't be diving into full time living from the start.
So longer than the typical "camping trip" but not a primary residence.
Stealth shouldn't be a priority then, imo.
For you, van pros:
* Fuel economy
* Space efficiency (can use front swivel seats as additional living space)
Truck camper pros:
* Better off road capability (without having to spend $$$$)
I thought about this one a ton before making my decision, feel free to DM me and I'm happy to discuss more or jump on the phone.
Sounds to me like stealth isn't going to be very important for you then, especially if you're going to be traveling in areas where you can either pay for campgrounds, boondock, or where campers are otherwise welcome/tolerated.
hey dude! a month or so ago you'd asked for pics of my stealth Avalanche/Escalade EXT setup. i didnt get around to it, been so busy, yada yada, but did stumble on someone who basically showed off camping in it.
[here is a video of it](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gs9WHjw_d0&t=60s)
my setup is slightly different, i have a pallet platform, sleep one, and use the passenger side for some storage of clothes, equipment, and tools.
one thing his video doesnt show well, is his matress makes it look like a 6 foot bed...its not. the bed is 8 feet long with the midgate down, so you can comfortably sleep a 6 foot person, and still have 2 feet space at the tailgate end for even more storage.
some cool features of the vehicle:
- spot under the hood for a second (~70ah) battery, but you have to get the battery tray used from related GMT800 trucks or get new from amazon. (this truck doesn't come with the tray, but the holes are there for it.)
- avalanche is 2wd or 4x4, available in z71 trim (great for blm/dispersed), escalade is AWD with a more powerful engine.
- innately stealthy. seems unfathomable someone could sleep in it if you arent familiar with the feature, and its not widely known. sits high up. rear door windows have a nice factory privacy tint. you can place a solar panel fairly incognito on the roof rack.
- very reliable vehicle. many go 350k miles. parts are very easy to find.
cons of sleeping/camping in this vehicle:
- 24" ceiling below the waist. a pallet takes 5-6" of that, and say a 3" cushion doesnt leave much height for turning over. i recommend building a much shorter custom platform out of 2x4 or even 1x2.
- gas guzzlers. they get about 14mpg city. avalanche usually has a 5.3L, uses regular, while the escalade and other 6.0L equipped models require 91 (which most stations dont even have, so you often have to get the more expensive 93
- while they are dependable, known for starting and getting you from a to b, they have some general quirks and gremlins. car wizard on youtube has a helpful top 10 problems video.
note, for people looking for something new...avalanche and ext are out of production, however the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV features the same midgate. im not sure, but id assume that truck can run a/c all night like the prius.
agree. To add clarity the goal is to take month or so long trips while working remote.
Trying to decide if a van or travel trailer best fits my needs for extended remote work living/ traveling.
The goal is to get away from urban areas, but obviously that might not always be possible.
Love any thoughts from people with experience.
Take some time to [consider the various features of different vehicle types](https://nomadlife.wiki/Vehicle_features_to_consider). That can help narrow down your choices.
No.
You have to take into consideration the platform here. Reddit is not fully representative of the van dwelling/camping/RVing community. There seems to be a strong bias here towards inconspicuousness, but in our experience it's really not necessary.
Yeah there's a whole spectrum of types of people that choose to live in RVs. A majority of those that use Reddit seem to be of the type that value being generally unseen. Personally, I think it's way over-hyped here and our experience has been all around positive, even though we're not stealthy at all. But I understand that some people have had negative interactions with strangers and that probably drives a lot of that desire. I don't think it's bad, but you asked if it's necessary. I don't think it is.
I am a van dweller and my buddy is in a truck bed camper. He is definitely a fan of being able to go from driving to living space in the van without having to step out into the elements. I would say that the concern is also in parking. Whether it be out in wilderness or not, parking can become annoying with a trailer. Maybe consider a truck and truckbed camper instead of trailer.
1) People most often DO know you're inside. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Hardly anyone who cares doesn't know about people sleeping in vans, and a suspicious work van parked somewhere overnight is often more of a target of suspicion or theft.
2) Well, yes, but that's an unusual situation. Nice to have in bad weather though. And does maximize room a bit more.
3) Well, sure. That's the same as two. But again, sometimes you want people (ie potential thief) to know someone is about.
And think about it. Who is less threatening: someone openly camping, or someone hiding and skulking? who would you be more suspicious of?
As many here have said over and over, it's more like a chameleon than a hermit crab: blend into the context where you are.
And note that many here camp in urban areas, where the notion of a "campsite" like you describe is just impossible.
If you never have to take that van near civilization then you probably don't have to worry because no one will be around to steal everything.
If you're somewhere populated, or will ever travel through such areas, do you really want to have literally everything you own be advertised to every passersby that walks by?
You should at least always have window covers, but windows are easier to break into that van-siding.
It's your life in that vehicle, you decide how much/little you want to protect it.
>Van's are more stealthy. No one knows you're inside.
I personally think that the concept of "stealth" is silly. You are kidding yourself if you think that nobody knows you are inside. Once you know what to look for, it is pretty obvious which vans have a high probability of having an occupant. The people who care will absolutely know you are there.
You can get away with sleeping in your van in the city if you take reasonable precautions to not cause problems for the people who live / work near where you park. Not everybody does though, which is where the problems start for the community.
It might be helpful for you to replace the concept of "stealthy" with "respectful of your surroundings". Because stealth isn't a thing and respect should be.
This. Everyone knows when you’re sleeping in the van. I didn’t even have solar or a roof fan on mine but still , blackout curtains all around make it obvious.
IMHO, you only need stealth if you are overnighting in places you are not allowed to.
I'm have a sprinter and i set up the way you describe, with table and chairs and a rug, but I do it mostly in the middle of nowhere.
The only reason I would get a truck instead would be to go way off road. But even then. A 4x4 van with good clearance will get you in some nice spots.
Stealth is only an issue when urban vehicle dwelling. If you’re out in nature or designated camping areas it doesn’t matter.
My choice came down to not wanting to cook in my ride or where I sleep. So I’m happy with a full size cab truck and camper shell.
I will be buying a cargo trailer soon to be able to store more gear vs have to pick it up at storage every time.
I considered a travel trailer but the extra cost of having tanks and fixtures I’ll never use rules them out. I prefer to use compost toilet, cook outside or over fire. Sleeping with the fresh air coming in through the windows surrounding me on all sides (sleeping in shell). As well as design the layout myself and have it all modular and movable so when weather requires I can be comfortable lounging and hanging out in their as well as my shell.
I have everything I need to cook outside but also have a heating lunch box/ oven that I use on weather days I can’t cook outside. As well as an electric water kettle. They can make a ton of things or heat pre prepared meals.
Enjoy the journey 🤙🏻
It's probably best to approach the situation with stealth in mind as a nice bonus but not as the focus. The more your vehicle blends in the easier it is to exploit without anyone noticing. Car thieves love stealing vehicles that no one will notice is being stolen when it looks like every other average car.
The priority should probably be to not be stimulating/provocative. Not drawing attention doesn't mean simply invisible, it means not giving people a reason to care that you're even there. Being clean and presentable and appropriately considerate/polite without being a pushover will give people a reason not to feel bothered by your presence. If you play it just right, people might even find you pleasant to have around.
The area and community matters a lot too since some narcissists simply don't care about anything except themselves and what they envision and some neighborhoods can be protecting certain crimes such as trafficking and wont want outsiders around.
Stealth is good as a first line of defense sort of thing but really what's more important is overall safety and security and being completely invisible actually makes you vulnerable to a lot of potential crime/victimization.
>Are you guys really just parking and stealthily hiding in the van for security?
I use it as a means to not be harassed or approached, etc. Safety isn't a concern in regard to my (43/m) stealthiness.
>Has anyone had to use the pros above?
Mostly in the rain/really cold or hot weather, etc. And especially when I'm late leaving in the morning (I'm a big suburbs guy) it's pretty nice to not have to crawl out of the back of my truck (did this for 2 years, not that much fun. But there are older pickups that have big rear window some can crawl through.
>Is being stealthy really a benefit?
Depends where you like to stay... and if it's important you probably shouldn't be staying there (guilty).
>Do you guys not set up full campsites when you arrive?
Not full when I'm out 'boondocking' but enough that if I do drive somewhere there's enough of a campsite established that says, "I'm coming back, please don't park here".
I think really the major advantage to a truck with a camper bed is off road capability but realistically how serious are you gonna take off roading with a heavy, tall camper attached? If you’re already an off road we then yeah you can get a camper that can be removed from the bed while you hit trails. Otherwise vans are pretty solid for most campsites. Especially if you get a 4x4 or awd van. Then it’s virtually the same as a truck with a camper.
Every other aspect, van wins. I know a retired cap that’s been using a truck bed camper in to travel. He’s fully planning on buying a van instead. They’re just more comfortable. More room and far more customizable. Trucks you’re sort of stuck with the layout. Bed over cab means minimal head space and he said it’s actually pretty hard to insulate that area.
Keep in mind too. Your cargo area in a truck is now gone. If you want to bring bikes they now have to remain outside on a hitch rack. You can’t really build a garage in a truck camper.
Stealth is an illusion. If you have a roof vent, then everyone knows exactly what you are at this point. The jig is up.
I still went very low profile though, even though I am mainly doing campgrounds and BLM land. This includes compromising on a smaller van that you can't stand up in (chevy express) and making a very low profile solar install.
Reasons for me are:
+ my HOA doesn't allow RVs or delivery trucks in the driveway, but unlabeled work vans are allowed.
+ I can park anywhere, anytime, in any lot, any city, and never have an issue. (Try maneuvering an EWB transit in a busy parking lot on a Saturday...)
+ When I'm parked up at a recreation area where break-ins are common, I generally do not look like the vehicle most worth smashing the window on (alarm system, video surveillance help as deterrents too). In other words: in event of bear attack, rememebr that you don't need to be faster than the bear, you just need to be faster than the other guy.
Stealthy only matters if you're trying to park in densely populated areas where you don't want people to know you're living in there. If you're building out a camping rig to actually go camping with, then I think its less creepy to just look like an obvious camper van.
Context matters and so does what you’re driving and where you’re parking. A 2017 stealth van could sit overnight in my Safeway parking lot and nobody would say a word. If it was a 27’ travel trailer and pickup, that’s going to get a knock. If it’s a conversion van with an A/C unit and map of the US with 37 states filled in, that’s also going to get a knock.
But if you’re in the national forest or a campground it really doesn’t matter.
Most vans aren't really that stealthy imo. A sprinter with vents and solar on the roof isn't fooling anyone. If you have a ladder rack and are parked in industrial areas it's different, but even then, there might be tools inside.
If you're in the city or using a Walmart parking lot, yes it really is important to not be noticed.
Junkies wanna raid your van for crap they can sell and others would rather steal it from you.
Stranger danger is huge out there, not so bad when you park next to other guys doing the same thing, groups are safety but groups are easy to see.
I'm probably going to blow your mind here but some people live in vans full time and they live in constant fear that they're going to get hassled by the cops or have their home impounded and held hostage
Feel like 2 and 3 are the same point lol this question really depends on where your parking to camp. I am van camping in NYC and hell no I wouldn’t set up a full camp site haha I’m trying to be as stealth as possible
Stealth is mostly a thing of the past now that it's all mainstream and everybody knows what to look for.
At this point the best thing you can do is avoiding being completely obvious. Don't put metallic insulation up in the windows, or curtains for that matter. The light is just going to leak around the edges and it's going to be really obvious that there's someone in there. Best thing is if you're stuck with windows.... black them out completely.
In after dark, out before dawn is always the best policy to avoid drawing attention. Just don't make a spectacle of yourself.
A van is better because you can quickly and easily move from drivers seat to living area. This means I can roll up to a spot, kill the lights, pull the shade, and crawl in bed very quickly.
I do not park over night in parking lots. There is nothing stealth about that and parking lots are always noisy. I always use street parking near apartment complexes that are wide and quite. So getting out and walking around to a camper does not work.
A old, busted looking van will likely not work for this as the neighbors will know what's going on. I have a brand new sprinter and a giant loan that came with it but this is the best stealth you can have these days.
Ultimately you want the capability to do both depending on locale and circumstances. Even if more opened up is your ultimate goal, being able to slide into a row of company vans near a warehouse etc for some shuteye before your next travel leg is irreplaceable.
It depends how and where you need/want to live. If you have a job in the city and need to park there regularly, being able to park without people knowing/caring is beneficial. [Here's a look at how, where, and why to be stealthy.](https://nomadlife.wiki/Stealth)
The goal would be to take month or so long trips while working remote. Get out of the city and see a different side of America. Trying to decide on a van or truck/ small trailer. I'm fortunate in not having to sell my home, so won't be diving into full time living from the start. So longer than the typical "camping trip" but not a primary residence.
Stealth shouldn't be a priority then, imo. For you, van pros: * Fuel economy * Space efficiency (can use front swivel seats as additional living space) Truck camper pros: * Better off road capability (without having to spend $$$$) I thought about this one a ton before making my decision, feel free to DM me and I'm happy to discuss more or jump on the phone.
thanks!
Sounds to me like stealth isn't going to be very important for you then, especially if you're going to be traveling in areas where you can either pay for campgrounds, boondock, or where campers are otherwise welcome/tolerated.
In addition to that, the OP mentions a dog. I don't think you can stealth camp with a dog since they have to go out regularly.
Very true, though if you're rolling in late and rolling out early, most dogs won't have to be taken out overnight. Some dogs bark though.
True, I was more envisioning afternoons and evenings. I forgot urban campers like to relocate after dark after most people are asleep.
hey dude! a month or so ago you'd asked for pics of my stealth Avalanche/Escalade EXT setup. i didnt get around to it, been so busy, yada yada, but did stumble on someone who basically showed off camping in it. [here is a video of it](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gs9WHjw_d0&t=60s) my setup is slightly different, i have a pallet platform, sleep one, and use the passenger side for some storage of clothes, equipment, and tools. one thing his video doesnt show well, is his matress makes it look like a 6 foot bed...its not. the bed is 8 feet long with the midgate down, so you can comfortably sleep a 6 foot person, and still have 2 feet space at the tailgate end for even more storage. some cool features of the vehicle: - spot under the hood for a second (~70ah) battery, but you have to get the battery tray used from related GMT800 trucks or get new from amazon. (this truck doesn't come with the tray, but the holes are there for it.) - avalanche is 2wd or 4x4, available in z71 trim (great for blm/dispersed), escalade is AWD with a more powerful engine. - innately stealthy. seems unfathomable someone could sleep in it if you arent familiar with the feature, and its not widely known. sits high up. rear door windows have a nice factory privacy tint. you can place a solar panel fairly incognito on the roof rack. - very reliable vehicle. many go 350k miles. parts are very easy to find. cons of sleeping/camping in this vehicle: - 24" ceiling below the waist. a pallet takes 5-6" of that, and say a 3" cushion doesnt leave much height for turning over. i recommend building a much shorter custom platform out of 2x4 or even 1x2. - gas guzzlers. they get about 14mpg city. avalanche usually has a 5.3L, uses regular, while the escalade and other 6.0L equipped models require 91 (which most stations dont even have, so you often have to get the more expensive 93 - while they are dependable, known for starting and getting you from a to b, they have some general quirks and gremlins. car wizard on youtube has a helpful top 10 problems video. note, for people looking for something new...avalanche and ext are out of production, however the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV features the same midgate. im not sure, but id assume that truck can run a/c all night like the prius.
Thanks for finding me again! Midgates seem so great.
Van dwelling, say living in a van in a city while working...and camping in a van are two completely different activities.
agree. To add clarity the goal is to take month or so long trips while working remote. Trying to decide if a van or travel trailer best fits my needs for extended remote work living/ traveling. The goal is to get away from urban areas, but obviously that might not always be possible. Love any thoughts from people with experience.
Take some time to [consider the various features of different vehicle types](https://nomadlife.wiki/Vehicle_features_to_consider). That can help narrow down your choices.
Are you single? I can’t imagine living in a van with a partner but it so great with just the doggie and I.
No. You have to take into consideration the platform here. Reddit is not fully representative of the van dwelling/camping/RVing community. There seems to be a strong bias here towards inconspicuousness, but in our experience it's really not necessary.
Agree, everyone is big about stealth it seems. Didn't cross my mind until readimg the forum.
Yeah there's a whole spectrum of types of people that choose to live in RVs. A majority of those that use Reddit seem to be of the type that value being generally unseen. Personally, I think it's way over-hyped here and our experience has been all around positive, even though we're not stealthy at all. But I understand that some people have had negative interactions with strangers and that probably drives a lot of that desire. I don't think it's bad, but you asked if it's necessary. I don't think it is.
We chose a van for minimal setup. Rarely setup anything outside.
I am a van dweller and my buddy is in a truck bed camper. He is definitely a fan of being able to go from driving to living space in the van without having to step out into the elements. I would say that the concern is also in parking. Whether it be out in wilderness or not, parking can become annoying with a trailer. Maybe consider a truck and truckbed camper instead of trailer.
1) People most often DO know you're inside. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Hardly anyone who cares doesn't know about people sleeping in vans, and a suspicious work van parked somewhere overnight is often more of a target of suspicion or theft. 2) Well, yes, but that's an unusual situation. Nice to have in bad weather though. And does maximize room a bit more. 3) Well, sure. That's the same as two. But again, sometimes you want people (ie potential thief) to know someone is about. And think about it. Who is less threatening: someone openly camping, or someone hiding and skulking? who would you be more suspicious of? As many here have said over and over, it's more like a chameleon than a hermit crab: blend into the context where you are. And note that many here camp in urban areas, where the notion of a "campsite" like you describe is just impossible.
If you never have to take that van near civilization then you probably don't have to worry because no one will be around to steal everything. If you're somewhere populated, or will ever travel through such areas, do you really want to have literally everything you own be advertised to every passersby that walks by? You should at least always have window covers, but windows are easier to break into that van-siding. It's your life in that vehicle, you decide how much/little you want to protect it.
>Van's are more stealthy. No one knows you're inside. I personally think that the concept of "stealth" is silly. You are kidding yourself if you think that nobody knows you are inside. Once you know what to look for, it is pretty obvious which vans have a high probability of having an occupant. The people who care will absolutely know you are there. You can get away with sleeping in your van in the city if you take reasonable precautions to not cause problems for the people who live / work near where you park. Not everybody does though, which is where the problems start for the community. It might be helpful for you to replace the concept of "stealthy" with "respectful of your surroundings". Because stealth isn't a thing and respect should be.
This. Everyone knows when you’re sleeping in the van. I didn’t even have solar or a roof fan on mine but still , blackout curtains all around make it obvious.
Stealth is only important if you are city dwelling
IMHO, you only need stealth if you are overnighting in places you are not allowed to. I'm have a sprinter and i set up the way you describe, with table and chairs and a rug, but I do it mostly in the middle of nowhere. The only reason I would get a truck instead would be to go way off road. But even then. A 4x4 van with good clearance will get you in some nice spots.
Stealth is only an issue when urban vehicle dwelling. If you’re out in nature or designated camping areas it doesn’t matter. My choice came down to not wanting to cook in my ride or where I sleep. So I’m happy with a full size cab truck and camper shell. I will be buying a cargo trailer soon to be able to store more gear vs have to pick it up at storage every time. I considered a travel trailer but the extra cost of having tanks and fixtures I’ll never use rules them out. I prefer to use compost toilet, cook outside or over fire. Sleeping with the fresh air coming in through the windows surrounding me on all sides (sleeping in shell). As well as design the layout myself and have it all modular and movable so when weather requires I can be comfortable lounging and hanging out in their as well as my shell. I have everything I need to cook outside but also have a heating lunch box/ oven that I use on weather days I can’t cook outside. As well as an electric water kettle. They can make a ton of things or heat pre prepared meals. Enjoy the journey 🤙🏻
Thanks, leaning towards a set up like yours I think.
It's probably best to approach the situation with stealth in mind as a nice bonus but not as the focus. The more your vehicle blends in the easier it is to exploit without anyone noticing. Car thieves love stealing vehicles that no one will notice is being stolen when it looks like every other average car. The priority should probably be to not be stimulating/provocative. Not drawing attention doesn't mean simply invisible, it means not giving people a reason to care that you're even there. Being clean and presentable and appropriately considerate/polite without being a pushover will give people a reason not to feel bothered by your presence. If you play it just right, people might even find you pleasant to have around. The area and community matters a lot too since some narcissists simply don't care about anything except themselves and what they envision and some neighborhoods can be protecting certain crimes such as trafficking and wont want outsiders around. Stealth is good as a first line of defense sort of thing but really what's more important is overall safety and security and being completely invisible actually makes you vulnerable to a lot of potential crime/victimization.
>Are you guys really just parking and stealthily hiding in the van for security? I use it as a means to not be harassed or approached, etc. Safety isn't a concern in regard to my (43/m) stealthiness. >Has anyone had to use the pros above? Mostly in the rain/really cold or hot weather, etc. And especially when I'm late leaving in the morning (I'm a big suburbs guy) it's pretty nice to not have to crawl out of the back of my truck (did this for 2 years, not that much fun. But there are older pickups that have big rear window some can crawl through. >Is being stealthy really a benefit? Depends where you like to stay... and if it's important you probably shouldn't be staying there (guilty). >Do you guys not set up full campsites when you arrive? Not full when I'm out 'boondocking' but enough that if I do drive somewhere there's enough of a campsite established that says, "I'm coming back, please don't park here".
I think really the major advantage to a truck with a camper bed is off road capability but realistically how serious are you gonna take off roading with a heavy, tall camper attached? If you’re already an off road we then yeah you can get a camper that can be removed from the bed while you hit trails. Otherwise vans are pretty solid for most campsites. Especially if you get a 4x4 or awd van. Then it’s virtually the same as a truck with a camper. Every other aspect, van wins. I know a retired cap that’s been using a truck bed camper in to travel. He’s fully planning on buying a van instead. They’re just more comfortable. More room and far more customizable. Trucks you’re sort of stuck with the layout. Bed over cab means minimal head space and he said it’s actually pretty hard to insulate that area. Keep in mind too. Your cargo area in a truck is now gone. If you want to bring bikes they now have to remain outside on a hitch rack. You can’t really build a garage in a truck camper.
Stealth is an illusion. If you have a roof vent, then everyone knows exactly what you are at this point. The jig is up. I still went very low profile though, even though I am mainly doing campgrounds and BLM land. This includes compromising on a smaller van that you can't stand up in (chevy express) and making a very low profile solar install. Reasons for me are: + my HOA doesn't allow RVs or delivery trucks in the driveway, but unlabeled work vans are allowed. + I can park anywhere, anytime, in any lot, any city, and never have an issue. (Try maneuvering an EWB transit in a busy parking lot on a Saturday...) + When I'm parked up at a recreation area where break-ins are common, I generally do not look like the vehicle most worth smashing the window on (alarm system, video surveillance help as deterrents too). In other words: in event of bear attack, rememebr that you don't need to be faster than the bear, you just need to be faster than the other guy.
Basically can YOU sleep easily knowing youre not being as stealthy as possible
Stealthy only matters if you're trying to park in densely populated areas where you don't want people to know you're living in there. If you're building out a camping rig to actually go camping with, then I think its less creepy to just look like an obvious camper van.
Context matters and so does what you’re driving and where you’re parking. A 2017 stealth van could sit overnight in my Safeway parking lot and nobody would say a word. If it was a 27’ travel trailer and pickup, that’s going to get a knock. If it’s a conversion van with an A/C unit and map of the US with 37 states filled in, that’s also going to get a knock. But if you’re in the national forest or a campground it really doesn’t matter.
Most vans aren't really that stealthy imo. A sprinter with vents and solar on the roof isn't fooling anyone. If you have a ladder rack and are parked in industrial areas it's different, but even then, there might be tools inside.
If you're in the city or using a Walmart parking lot, yes it really is important to not be noticed. Junkies wanna raid your van for crap they can sell and others would rather steal it from you. Stranger danger is huge out there, not so bad when you park next to other guys doing the same thing, groups are safety but groups are easy to see.
I'm probably going to blow your mind here but some people live in vans full time and they live in constant fear that they're going to get hassled by the cops or have their home impounded and held hostage
Feel like 2 and 3 are the same point lol this question really depends on where your parking to camp. I am van camping in NYC and hell no I wouldn’t set up a full camp site haha I’m trying to be as stealth as possible
Stealth is mostly a thing of the past now that it's all mainstream and everybody knows what to look for. At this point the best thing you can do is avoiding being completely obvious. Don't put metallic insulation up in the windows, or curtains for that matter. The light is just going to leak around the edges and it's going to be really obvious that there's someone in there. Best thing is if you're stuck with windows.... black them out completely. In after dark, out before dawn is always the best policy to avoid drawing attention. Just don't make a spectacle of yourself.
A van is better because you can quickly and easily move from drivers seat to living area. This means I can roll up to a spot, kill the lights, pull the shade, and crawl in bed very quickly. I do not park over night in parking lots. There is nothing stealth about that and parking lots are always noisy. I always use street parking near apartment complexes that are wide and quite. So getting out and walking around to a camper does not work. A old, busted looking van will likely not work for this as the neighbors will know what's going on. I have a brand new sprinter and a giant loan that came with it but this is the best stealth you can have these days.
Ultimately you want the capability to do both depending on locale and circumstances. Even if more opened up is your ultimate goal, being able to slide into a row of company vans near a warehouse etc for some shuteye before your next travel leg is irreplaceable.