Stealth Car Camping In A McDonald’s Car Park (Tiny Car Conversion)
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- čas přidán 10. 03. 2022
- I try stealth car camping in some urban locations including a McDonald’s car park in a town centre.
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Definitely need a van Alex. I keep expecting you to go fishing too lol. Anyway, all the best mate on your new adventure.
Yep I'll sure be doing some fishing along the journey!
I agree 😂
Or some tinted windows😂😂
@@joseff_evans Or tinted windows 😂
@@just_alex you can maybe get a rooftop mounted plastic clam shell thing?
Get you windows tinted 😀
and you can’t see
Yes it's minimum to do
At least You need s sleeping mask and leave the Windows a little Bit Open.
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.
Thanks for the info! :)
Next video.... Alex goes out and buys an estate car because it's "better"
Roller blinds? LOL
Did you get advice from all and sundry before you did car camping so you didn't make any rookie errors?
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!
Cheers, too right. I'm excited for the future!
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.
Yes Alex love it, Have you thought about an estate?
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:)
condensation would be a clear sign someone's in there.
Window covers are a clear sign someone is sleeping in a car. tint before you even think about spending on covers
Who else uses covers except people who are sleeping in their cars?
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.
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.
the direction you're going with your channel is amazing, loving the content so far, keep up the great work Alex
Thanks so much! More videos coming soon!
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.
Cheers for the info!
Or use that foil bubble wrap and cut out the window shapes👍🏼 great video👌🏼
Part of the fun in this adventure is not knowing what you're doing. Keep up these fantastic videos Alex ❤
Cheers for watching! It's and exciting journey that's for sure!
Noooo! Bad comment! So easy to make really dum expensive mistakes! Really people need to get into a vehicle and just live the life without being tricked into stupid stuff as buying a huge expensive dangers battery as there fist purchase!
It is odd enough to see someone doing the right thing and getting into something as small as a polo and trying it out before spending money on a van! Really no money spent and making sure to know before beginning that this is tent camping in a metal glass box is CRUCIAL! Then you learn as you experience problems and such along the way. I had totally recommended taking a laptop or buying a powerbank to charge your phone or such things before buying a HUGE battery that requires knowledge before using safely!
I got a laptop along just to charge my phone. Why? Since it more or less IS a battery with a built in converter! Really easy and flexible!
Always wanted to car camp like you’re doing. Fun. Learned a lot from your experiences! Looking forward to future content. Watching from Ontario Canada
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.
Hey Alex I just wanted to say I absolutely love your videos and what your doing. I have been watching Carl and Alex for a few years now and when I heard the news I had to check out your channel so keep up the good work! :)
Thanks James!
Awesome Alex! I have a feeling your going to get up to some amazing adventures over the next few months!
Loving the videos! Can't wait to see your adventure in the summer. Excited to see what will happen with the sleeping arrangements! Also cant wait to see more cooking
Really entertaining Alex! Although I don't envy trying to sleep in the McDonald's car park!
Looking forward to seeing more adventures and you'll definitely be more comfortable in a van (and a Transit Custom is a superb one to start with, far cheaper than a VW I found, and I'm sure you know you'll get better prices not going to a dealership!)
Keep up the great content 👏 👍
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!
Thanks, appreciate your comment! :) I'm not givin up on the car!
Love the adventures Alex can't wait to see more!!!!
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.
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.
Thanks for watching!
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.
Cheers for watching! :)
@@just_alex Keep up the fantastic videos Alex👍
Really happy for you Alex. You’ll get a nice van and be super comfortable on your journey. Take some golden teachers with you 😃
I’m really enjoying your series on living in your car, and the freedom of adventure that comes with it.
You should consider buying a small fire extinguisher however, and keeping it near the cabinet. You’re storing a lot of flammable materials and potential causes of fire in close proximity to each other, in what essentially is your adventure habitat.
Excellent project. Looking forward to seeing more.
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, :)
Deffo more entertaining for us subcribers
Thanks for the feedback! Appreciate it!
I think it's great your giving the car a chance not many people would even give it a try . Feel like a van is maybe the way forward , as with the car you can constantly see out same with people being able to see in . I have a reanult traffic and set my bedchair up in the back and can sleep much easier knowing people aren't walking past looking in and also much easier to pee 😉 . If money was no issue then yes a vw transporter would be lovely but have a look around at other makes . Looking forward to the future vlogs feel this is gonna be epic 👌
Thanks, appreciate you watching! :)
Hi Alex, keep this series up, I'm really enjoying it!
I am glad this popped up in my feed. Looking forward to binge watching the channel and your tiny car adventure. 👍
Enjoy!
Nice to see that we are getting almost daily videos from Carl and also Alex. That means we are getting more videos of you bouth then before. Keep on going!
Cheers for watching!
Hi Alex, have a look on auto trader for a mazda bongo.. I'm convinced you will love them and they aren't to big so easy to park up in a small lay-by , whatever you choose I will be following along 👍
Bongos rule 👍
A bongo saved my life no joke .. I walked miles in the snow to meet my mate at his yard .. this yard is in the middle of know where .. I had to walk as the road so was so deep with snow .. when I arrived I was soaked my clothes where frozen and no one was in the yard .. but the bongo was unlocked.. I made a brew dried my clothes and got in to bed to warm up .. 4 hrs later my pal turned up in a tractor … so yeah a Mazda bongo saved me big time ..
I'll have to check them out!
Brilliant video very funny with the McDonald’s evening meal and breakfast drive-through
I car camp and For your windows to keep you warmer and hidden. I used foil insulation and covered them in black fabric so they look like tinted windows from the outside, has helped with noise(a little) and keeping you lovely and warm. I do crack the back windows a little for air. Works great, happy camping 🙂
Fishing videos were great, will be looking out for your trip
Thanks for making me smile! I admire your determination and engineering spirit. You can make it work in your little car. It makes the video interesting. Keep it simple! Enjoy your adventure and thanks for sharing. Cheers.🍻
Thanks Mike! :)
Keep up the fantastic content, your videos always make my day , thanks !!
What a nice vid Alex, I also do stealth car camping on a Corsa D and it feels absolutely amazing, spent many weeks in it travelling =). Recently I saw that you just got a nice van so congrats! Definitely it'll be a game changer from now on.
Fair play Alex, for a tall lad in a small car, you've done very well to have managed two nights!
I did this a few years back, when working away from home, in a much larger car and I'm under 6'. I found the self consciousness to play a big factor in where I parked and quite often would be waiting for boy racer types to clear off before settling down to sleep.
My set up allowed me to sleep in the back of the car with the seats down and the front seats up, which meant I could hang blackout fabric between the front and back of the car. I had blackout fabric-backed cardboard cutouts to match the rear window so it completely concealed the interior.
I know its been mentioned, but you have to ventilate or the condensation will lead to problems. Some people recommend silica gel packets under the windscreen but I can't guarantee it's efficacy. Open the window a crack and fit wind deflectors maybe?
Car camping can be done, but I think you might need something larger...think Volvo estate, it will make things easier!
Cheers for the detailed info and suggestions! :)
Window shades love!
Loving this adventure you're on. Keep up the good work bro.
Thanks Kennie!
Keep on experimenting, don't be afraid to try new setups. I converted a Peugeot 206 estate to do trips to the Pays D'Oc in mid winter. Foil insulation cut for Windows helps a lot with heat loss. I fitted a double bed system in for pence. My wife and I managed well in it; using the French system of Aires. I am now 74 and still experimenting with different setups currently use Toyota Corolla estate. You might consider edit out your registration number plate. I found that most small shops abroad stock ethanol called burning alcohol. Try building your own stove don't just rely on one fuel source. Most of all enjoy it while you can!
This is just amazing. You started to do something unlike the others who just watch videos, comment, and advise. This is how people get somewhere. It does not matter what you know or what you did before, it's the matter of starting to actually do something. I started to convert and restore a tired delivery van a year ago, and everybody told me that I'm crazy. Just do it, and it will work eventually.
Thanks Richard. Means a lot! :)
Be brilliant watching you build a van. Get fully stuck in and create exactly what you need. Good luck 👍🏼🎣
Cool adventure, I enjoyed this video alex 👍👍
Really enjoyed these last 2 videos Alex, keen to see how you get on!
Nice 1 Alex at least your out doing it, i have a ford kuga and there is alot of room when u lay the seats down, camping and exploring is fun!!
Hey Alex. Love the video..
I love the concept of micro stealth gaming too.. Vans are too easy and horribly expensive to run/insure.
Heres a few tips for you though..
1) Replace the leisure battery and inverter with something like an Ecoflow Mini. No acid in the battery so no worry about spillage. Has built in inverter which can run....
2)... An electric blanket. That thing will keep you nice and toasty through the cold nights as you will need to leave the windows up a little to avoid condensation.
3) wind deflectors on the front windows. These will allow you to leave the windows open a little yet it won't look open to passers by and nobody will be able to peep in.
4) Insulated/black window blinds. Just something simple cut to the shape of your windows which you can use magnets to hold them in place. Maybe just use the foil blankets are meant for behind radiators.
Hope that helps and looking forward to your next videos.
Love the videos man.always look forward to new ones.i hope we get a mushroom one again down the road.your videos are what I look forward to after work.
Yep. Mushroom foraging during my road trip should be fun! :)
I’ve always had an interest in this kind of thing.. looking forward to future videos, all the best mate 👍
Genuinely excited for these new videos 🔥
Keep up the good work!
Glad you like them!
Looks as though you are going to have a very interesting adventure, thanks for letting us join in. Ill be glued to your channel. Best of luck Alex.
Thanks Thomas, I hope you enjoy watching the upcoming films!
The key element is the duration of your trips. If you’re planning 1-4 weeks the car and tent is fine, but 4 weeks plus then yes I agree a small van. But it doesn’t have to be big, you have a home. My experience of traveling in Europe, problem wise is theft/break in when you leave ithe van. Keep it minimal and theft doesn’t ruin everything.
Cheers for the comment!
I converted a cheap used cargo Sprinter ..loved it . If you plan on ''many'' road trips You might start a saving wish jar for a Van ..or save money for air plane tickets to visit new love interest.
Awesome vid Alex interesting stuff going on with you mate and you threw in some fishing just like you promised 👍 👊👏👏👌
Seems like so much fun. I'll probably do something like this in the near future as well!
Great video Alex. 🤍🇬🇧🤍
Love this content Alex 💪🏽
Such a unique guy! Keep it up man I’m totally in love 🥰 with your project.
You have natural comic timing. Go Alex!
You've got me thinking about doing a similar thing, I've got a little bit of a head start over you though as I've got a long wheelbase transit custom. Good luck on your adventure,waiting eagerly for the next installment.
Oh niceee. Good luck! :) More videos coming soon!
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 👊
Great content. Always wanted to go on a random mission like this 👊
Cheers!
Hi mate, good to see you are sticking at it, the problem you will always face with your car is that you will always get cold, in survival it's advised not to sleep in a car, unless you've got an all night heating system you could freeze. Remember it's just a metal box.
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
that was quick! you're chucking the vids out mate! Loving it
Thanks, plenty more to come.
Love these Videos Alex, the car setup is cool, looks cosy too🚗👍Roll on next video.
Thanks Andy!
Enjoying your adventures Alex good luck mate 👍🏼
Thanks!
Have fun and glad to see you got that battery secured 👍
Cheers!
This brings back some memories. When I was performing a one man show in Edinburgh at the festival in 2005, myself and a friend got kicked off the campsite, (misunderstanding as we'd done nothing wrong), within two days of a two plus week stay. We then spent over two weeks sleeping in the car just outside the one mile city limits parking zone. Changing location each night, sleeping under lam posts for light etc. Like yourself, a big problem was the toilet situation. Other than that, we wished we had done it from the start and saved the money spend on the campsite. Cars are ok for sleeping in, not so much for living\staying in.
We've also stayed in the car several times on nights out, rather than pay for hotels. It can be done. I wouldn't do it so much now I'm a little older, but at your age I'd have loved it.
On another note, yes the condensation does provide privacy, however on the flip side you also look like a client of a prostitute, or like you're dogging... Just something to be aware of, especially in woodland car parks, and rural\urban areas. 😉
Thanks for sharing that. :)
How fun! Another great video!!!
Thanks so much!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really really liking the new videos and adventures Alex.
Well done 👍👍
I just love your content keep them coming mate great idea 👊🏾
Thanks, will do!
loving these videos !!
Cheers!
I'm enjoying the channel so far. I wasnt sure because I liked to watch the fishing. Keep going man , looking forward to more adventures
Great! Glad you enjoyed!
Hi Alex only just found your channel, must have popped up as I watch a lot of car camping/van life stuff as I’m currently upgrading from car camping to a small Vauxhall combo micro camper, anyway a couple of suggestions from me, 1. I live in Scotland so if your planning on car camping you will find it’s quite easy up here however prepare for the midges, maybe get some kind of net for your boot door or windows as you might find yourself contained in your car in the evenings which is no fun and will need ventilation, also the forestry and land commission are running the stay a night scheme again this year in their car parks so worth looking into those. 2. You can make window blinds easily by cutting out a thin yoga/exercise mat to size. 3. Get yourself some wind deflectors these will let you keep the windows cracked even when it’s raining which will help with the condensation and you can also get a chargeable windscreen vacuum from home bargains for £20 which lets you clear your windows quickly in the morning. 4. Would you consider taking out your passenger seat and building a platform, this way you could store the things you don’t need access to all the time underneath which will free up room in the back for you to be more comfortable, I think this will make things easier for you to manoeuvre things around or even less moving around as over a long period you will probably get fed of that. Overall I think your on the right track and I can’t wait to see your adventures, just keep it as simple as possible, it’s always the best way. Ps you could always fit roof bars and get a roof box for all your storage too.
That’s so much for all your info!
Hey Alex great video you should get a roof box fitted on the top of your car... loads of space also window tinting is a cheap option for privacy
Cheers for the info.
2019 I did a road trip in my mini cooper, UK to Albania hitting 18 countries it was great fun. 7 weeks sleeping in the mini.... All i did was push the passenger seat back and as low as possible. It was a good 7 weeks trip. I would 100% do it again. Wild camping in Europe is great! I always went off the beaten track.
I then did another road trip around Ukraine in 2021 where I did some stealth camping in the middle of Rivne which was fun - I woke up to people peering into the car. Good times.
good luck on your trips, I look forward to seeing your adventures.
Sounds awesome, could you share some more details? like stuff that was an anoyance and stuff that worked well? What would you modify to your small car were you to do it agian?
Awesome video Alex, the future looks exciting. I wish I would have had the guts to something like this myself at your age. Keep the videos coming mate, and you have gotta check out the Isle of Skye on your travels it’s such a beautiful place. All the best mate
Thanks for watching, I'm excited for the next year! :)
Really enjoying the new content Alex, half expecting u to stop and wet some lines at some stage but keep up the great work and wishing u all the luck and success for the future
Top stuff Alex onto the next adventure best mindset to have, goodluck with the videos sure :))
I would get some roof bars then can get a small awning to have a dry space if raining to take shoes of and sit outside of the car. Also a plumbers type storage tube could hold rods with out reels.
Excellent.. I am just finishing a bodge conversion on a suzuki alto. Kind of making it up as I go along. Just looking for solutions to black out the windows. Came across your vid. Excellent.....now I want a cuboard with a sliding door. I do not have this feature... I need to incorporate it pdq I am heading to Scotland also.. mix of wild camping and sleeping in the car when its too extreme... I took my front seat out so I could lie down but looking at yours maybe I did not need to do that......... anyhoo 'onwards and upwards' Keep on trucking
nice one alex, love your vids! all the best big man.
Cheers Mark!
Looks like the Derwent Water @ 0:45. Beautiful shots well done
It was yes! Cheers for watching!
Great video man don't give up the small car yet!
A small car is infinitely more fun to drive than a van, simple things like crack a window to sleep also a carbon monoxide detector is a must!
A 12v cigarette lighter usb charger can plug into your inverter and run usb lights without the inverter turned on as well as charge all usb devices.
Good luck dude!
Thanks, I'm not giving up, I have plans to convert it a little better over the coming weeks. Gunna put my DIY skills to the test! :)
Glad to hear it man
A couple cheap disposable dehumidifiers placed around can really help to.
Loving this content dude. Couple things you could do to make things run smoother. Firstly crack a window when your sleeping, get a diffuser, either a house one from asda, cost like £1. Both of these will help with fresh air and keeping moisture to a minimum. Keep up the work bro 😎
Thanks!
Great vid. I nearly broke a rib laughing in places. The reason why I commented on you buying an S Max was a: The space b: The privacy glass in the back windows and c: The multitude of little compartments for storage. Keep up the good work bud and all the best.👍
I'm glad you enjoyed! Thanks for the info!
Really enjoying the videos, keep it up!
Cheers for watching!
Lovin the mix up on your new channel good luck Alex another banger 💯 🏴
Cheers Simon!
You can buy window covers for quite cheap to make your car more private, and it can be better to have a window open a tiny amount. As you can see when you woke up in the morning the car was full of condensation which ends up making you even colder, and a bit wet too, obviously this is better in the summer months when it's warmer outside but even in cooler months its something to consider. But overall I would still say get a van; more room for you and supplies, safer, comfier more convenient etc, but up to you at the end of the day, keep the videos up!
Thanks Adam!
these are really good videos you've got me impatient to see how you improve the car/van over time to make it more livable 😅😅 roll on the next one 💪
Cheers Tom!
This is an amazing video, Alex!
Thanks Danny!
@@just_alex 😁
I have a Gen 2 Prius and have been looking at converting my car one day too. The hybrid system is handy because you can leave the car engine on and heater for winter. The engine will turn off and turn on every 10 to 20 minutes to recharge the hybrid battery.
Sounds cool. Thanks.
I am very excited for the upcoming videos good luck bro
Cheers for watching!
When you sleep over night in a car park keep an eye out for camera's that record how long you are parked you may end up with a hefty bill. Also tint your back windows get a few some cheap dehumidifiers from home bargains or B&M or Poundstrencher. A darker car grey or black is less conspicuous as well👍👍
Even if you were in a van, you definitely need blinds for your windows. Also, to avoid fogging up the car, either turn up the heater/AC or creak a small opening in the window or in multiple ones if you want lots of ventilation.
Another cracking vid Alex 👍💯🏴
Thanks Marcus!
Amazing Vid mate
Get some space blanket and mate some window covers with it. You'll insulate the car a bit more and it'll give you some extra privacy . Put one of the car specific windscreen ones on that people use to stop ice in winter .
If I wanted to go stealth camping in my car the first thing I would do was to get some window covers( or tinted) , and a levelled bed !
Free advice leave those bed cover thingys somewhere and use a sleepingbag if you want to stay warm and get 2, one proper one down to minus 10-15c and a summer one down to 0c since the comfort temp normally is a bit higher than the sleepingbag says unless you buy the expensive sort.