I'm eyeing getting pic related as it's within my budget and size specs. I have a 1 bedroom apartment but am looking to save money. Is this a good idea? Only in the planning stages right now but I live alone and can get a gym membership for the shower/parking but could install a shower in the box as well I've just never done it before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qXtmqBt0jk

Been watching videos like this, tell me this isn't completely retarded. Biggest considerations would be of course stealth and avoiding being bothered by the police. I also enjoy having my own washer and dryer too much.

Install a window unit and park somewhere you can steal power for it.

I live in the south so that would be my immediate concern. We have balls-sticking-to-thighs weather already

I can understand stealth if you're camping on residential streets or parking at businesses that don't want you there, but there are plenty of truck stops, carpool lots and Walmarts that you can park overnight without much hassle. If you have a box truck you'll probably have an easier time parking at those places anyway, and at that point you might well consider an RV instead which has the stuff you need installed already.

>>2922817
I like the fun of building it myself and have a couple people who could help me. What about long term (months/years)? Would I just need to bounce around between different parking lots to avoid making the managers of those places angry? I'm in TX so heat will be a factor, I would want it to be insulated and can install an AC unit. Also I work in a secured-in area patrolled by Allied security (advanced manufacturing space) so I hesitate to take it in and out (just need to show the security guard my workbadge and I get waved in). On the other hand if I can stay parked stealthily for the duration of my workweek I would have a place to take a nap or eat during my corporate 12 hour job. If I got caught I'm not sure what they would do other than reprimand me or tow my truck. It would blend right in with the construction workers' vehicles.

>>2922828
Also the rollup doors on these are loud as fuck if I remember correctly. I've seen one or two examples on youtube of this kind of box truck, sometimes with the rollup door removed and replaced with a fake facade with a house type door and/or window.

>>2922809 (OP)
I thought a lot about this when I was living in a vehicle for 3 years (shuttle bus and then a station wagon), here were a few ideas I had:

So you'd have to think stealth like you said, but also assume you'll sometimes be at a legit camping spot where it's ok to be living in a vehicle - you might want to treat the build as a transformer of sorts too

- The ability for both sides to raise up like wings either exposing finished siding with windows or for a completely open air layout (maybe screened in?)
- Thick plexiglass skylights
- Building a deck on the roof to have your own little "yard" anywhere you park
- Having the back hatch fold down into a deck or "sunroom" with screened in porch type thing
- Put some disgusting business on the sides so when you park nobody will want to break in (medical waste hauling, roto rooter, dog poo cleanup service, hazardous waste disposal, or a mortuary or crematorium)

Idk there's a lot of compromises when doing these kinds of builds, because you can be a lot more stealth with a Sprinter or Promaster, better MPG, easier to repair, easier to park, less attention, don't need another vehicle just to run errands or take a drive somewhere - but you lose the larger space to stretch out you'd get in a box truck

All stuff to consider anon, but it's truly a fun journey and if you do it right you'll feel more free than maybe you've ever felt

>>2922809 (OP)
Been doing it for years. Stealth is a lie. Anybody with half a brain can tell when someone is living in their vehicle. You will have your shit pipe, water connection, electrical connection, not to mention the solar panels you will inevitably need, exhaust fan, all easily visible. Download an app called iOverlander, search for the first one, iOverlander 2 is just worst.

I can honestly say I am an expert on this topic, feel free to shoot some questions.

Just saw you were in Texas, you might be fucked a bit bud. Texas is not accommodating to this lifestyle unless you got the loot to pay for campsites.