Stealth Car Camping In A McDonald’s Car Park (Tiny Car Conversion)

I try stealth car camping in some urban locations including a McDonald’s car park in a town centre.

[alexpage]

Definitely need a van Alex. I keep expecting you to go fishing too lol. Anyway, all the best mate on your new adventure.

[joeltaylor]

A few tips from having to live in my car numerous times for a few days or weeks. 1) An estate is better than a hatchback.
2) Some roller-blinds on the windows would give you some more privacy and keep the light of a bit in the mornings. You can get the ones for blocking the sun on the rear windows from car parts stores and make them work on as many windows as possible.
3) Finding a nearby swimming baths gives you access to shower, shave spruce up, cafeteria etc.
4) In colder climates, that condensation will freeze on the inside of the windows/windscreen, so have a scraper and towel ready.
5) Maybe swap the duvet for a cold climate army surplus sleeping bag (British and Dutch are both great choices) with a compression sack and sleeping bag liner. Cheap and will keep you warm, plus, you just air the bag and wash the liner with your laundry now and again. You can pack it if you need the space too.

Best of luck.

[majingopower]

I'd definitely feel saver camping in the middle of a forest or in the middle of the highlands, than inside an urban area, that McDs carpark was dodgy! Never know who will come knocking on your windows. That said, I would definitely get something to cover the windows from the inside, just to avoid curious people from looking inside.

And as you mentioned, condensation will be a problem, so finding a way to help with ventilation should be an important step towards a more comfortable living!

Good to see you're taking steps towards each problem though, I'm sure once you start camping out in the wild it will be a better experience than roleplaying the homeless student inside a town :)

Thanks for the content Alex, to the next one!

[lifemyway]

I know this video was months ago so you probably already know these tips:
1. Keep windows cracked to prevent condensation.
2. For urban stealth camping, you would be trying to ensure no one knows you are sleeping in your vehicle, so you definitely need window covers.
Just joined your channel; really liking the content:)

[markedmondson]

You need to make some window blinds to help keep the light out, especially in the summer when it’s light at 4am.A karcher window vac is also great for removing the condensation on the windows, we use one in our T5.

[TheCodr]

Part of the fun in this adventure is not knowing what you're doing. Keep up these fantastic videos Alex ❤

[georgetinning]

Alex, love your persistence, not taking line of least resistance, getting out of comfort zone, getting back up from mistakes, humility. I’m guessing I am a similar age to your dad and I can certainly learn from you, keep up your great work and never forget you are a top gun fisho.

[lucafalzarano]

Enjoying the content Alex. I've always been interested in this sort of thing so seeing you start from the beginning and learning what works and what doesn't is very eye opening, and it shows how an idea and reality can be two different things! Keep it up and I wish you the best with your trip around Europe.

[dean]

I did this round the uk for a couple months when I was your age Alex. Tinted windows were a worth while investment. You can get kits to do it yourself. Finding places to park is harder than you think but after a while you just get used to it.

[lemongrab]

the direction you're going with your channel is amazing, loving the content so far, keep up the great work Alex

[Glihi]

‘Has a certain smell that smells like my room’ if you’re anything like me
I know what that smell is 😂🍃

[MRFlms]

Don't give up! There's a lot of joy doing things differently and adapting to the struggles, you'll get there - trust me! Staying in a small car keeps you focused on the outside, you're always looking where to go, what to do and the comfort of a van seems to take away that from you somewhat and put you in a nice calm bubble. On the practical side, you can make easy sunshades from insulation (just cut to size) or for the meanwhile, just put a blanket or some clothes on the driver's and passenger's window, it'll do the trick :D Also you could look into getting a roof box for a less cluttered interior. Either way, best of luck on your journey! <3

[rogergoulder]

Good stuff. As you are probably well aware, some car parks have a max stay time, and you can get fined if you overstay. Supermarkets seem to operate like that.

[dannychapp]

Few upgrades I can think of is tinted widows with blackout cut outs you can push into place at night. Maybe replace air mattresses with form pads. Wind deflectors on windows to let a fresh air in. You also need to think about how your keeping that battery charged and heating for when it gets real cold. I know sometimes upgrading can be out of budget but think you'll need it if the option is there for you.

[andyhall]

Nice video pal you could also get our estate car which is cheaper than a van and cheaper on insurance, you need to cut some black outs for your windows could use car cardboard to just cut them out. Also look at some wind defenders so you keep your windows open a little but no wind or rain can get in, wish you all the best with the trips 👊

[ppat]

Hi Alex, really enjoying your content and car conversion. You should consider getting your windows tinted to reduce light coming in and help with privacy.

[thecarpingsaint]

Another brilliant video Alex 👏👏👏 loved the maccy’s car park camping 🤣🤣🤣….I would probably ditch the duvet and take your carp sleeping bag.
As comforting as a duvet feels it won’t really keep you warm in the outdoors (even in your car 🤣)whereas a good quality sleeping bag will keep you warm in the cold nights.
If you did get a van then it would give you so much more room and options like taking a bedchair and even your rods so you could grab a rod at a moments notice if you came across a stretch of water that looked too good not to wet a line in on your European adventure 😏
If you are sticking with the polo then i would definitely invest in a roof box for added storage.

[TLPLUS]

the red bungs in the battery are also vents that receive gasses from the battery that should be in a tube going outside

[GoMathewVideo]

I am going on a road trip and sleeping in my car for the first time soon. I made custom covers for the windows out of shiny insultation and covered them in black fabric so that if you see it from the outside you will just see black for some good stealth camping

[turtlejones]

Brilliant update Alex, your last two videos have really made me laugh, I know a camper van will make things so much easier, but the camper Polo is so much more entertaining, for me anyways.Thank you for making me laugh, , and more importantly the inspiration you are giving to people of all ages to not let fear dictate their decisions, :)