Sprinter/Van Wrap Idea

[tylerdurden]

A bit of backstory real fast.

I am a student photographer. When I graduate I have a plan to buy a Sprinter and convert it to a mobile workspace/home. I plan on living in the van for 2 years after school to offset its cost and construction. After that I will find more permanent living arrangements and keep the van for work and play.

I have been researching here and various other sites and compiling plans on how to do so without spending a ton as well as keeping the vehicle in more of a stealth operating order as not to draw a ton of attention to myself in the urban areas i will be parking/living in.

As I do not have plans to be traveling a ton. More like working in major cities for months at a time. So my issue becomes concealing the contents by keeping the outside looking like it belongs in a more industrial urban area. I have had several ideas on how to do so. Having custom vehicle magnents made with different made up business names/functions ect. but upon further consideration I felt that an observant eye or an authority might take this as threat or criminal activity. The last thing I want to do is draw attention from any form of law enforcement.

There is something to be said about the size and odd shape of the sprinter. I would normally go with something other than such a large vehicle but the photo gear I have to carry to be effective in business wouldnt allow a smaller vehicle. So now comes the task of making this vehicle blend.. I personally dont think that a bright white shiny van blends well anywhere. I also think that a black van draws uneeded attention like FBI style vehicles. And frankly I dont do color in that much of quantity.

So I started looking for ideas. I think I have found a reasonable solution. Or at least a great base/ awesome idea for other van/rv owners.

This artist http://www.kevincyr.net/
has an amazing talent. I have contacted him to see if he could produce a painting that would look semi realistic from a distance to "distress" the look of an otherwise new vehicle. Much like his work in this painting "Great Jones" which I have attached. I dont think the need for it to be extremely worn or derelict is what I would be looking for, just mildly.

Now if my idea is correct, myself or anyone could have work like this mans made into a wrap much like you see commercial business's using for advertisements. A really great idea for those of you who would want a look like this without actually messing up your paint!

Anyways thanks for reading and I look forward to any comments or ideas you have regarding this thread. Also if you love this mans work I encourage you to at least purchase a print from him if you have the means. It truly is amazing and inspiring.

[ersatzknarf]

This is a very interesting idea and I am all for stealthy !
The GXV campers have something like what you are talking about for decoration and even cover over the windows of the box. Your approach could allow for that, if you have any windows on the side. There are a number of commercial vehicles around these parts that have "wrap" over almost all surfaces; you see it on buses and delivery trucks and vans alike...

As for a new Sprinter, I think you might save a lot looking for a somewhat used one, perhaps ?

Finally, be sure to "de-chrome" as much as possible.

[tylerdurden]

Yes! I hate "chrome" anyways. Most of it is plastic anymore. Garbage! I dont plan on having any rear windows for security reasons. i had considered maybe a very narrow window on the side of the van by where I plan on having the bed. Maybe 2 feet long by 6 inches wide max for ventilation. Probably not though.

As far as the purchasing new goes. When it comes time I will decide. Relability and warranty's are a big issue for me. My mother works for Chrysler and deals with extended warranty's ect. So when the times comes we will see what is the most effective vehicle to purchase for the base of my project and not having to deal with a broken down vehicle when it is your home and business.

[ersatzknarf]

Glad we agree on that, although we are perhaps in the minority.
Understood about warranty and older vehicle issues. If you can get a new one (or if model year timing is right, an "old," brand new one - likely at a good savings), then that helps with the interest rate on the loan. (Probably a non-point, but I don't think Sprinters are available through Chrysler, any longer..., however, were it the case, your connection would get you much better pricing )
Agree on your minimal window idea for security. That could be located up as high as possible and it would (hopefully) be too narrow for a thief to use. There are quite a variety of sizes of Seitz windows that come in "slider" and "top-hinged" versions that might fit the requirement.

Yes! I hate "chrome" anyways.

[GhettoBago]

Anti chrome, CHECK!

Sounds like a cool idea you have going there man. To be able to veil a later model ride as an abused rig is certainly adding security. My first thought would be in the wheels department. Wheels tell a huge tale, black steelies would be in order I would think!

Second thought I had after reading your post would be putting a divide between the cabin & cargo, straight deadbolt & steel! You could even have a wrap done on that with a false scene of what you would see in such a work van. I remember (i think it was a-boy plumbing) used to have the 18 wheelers where the rear gate of the trailer had a wrap, pics of tools stacked up, honestly even up close it looked like they could fall right out it was such a good shot & print.

Last thought, I would imagine with technology where it is at this point that some company must make a vehicle alarm that can text message you when it's going off? So you can drop everything & high tail it back to the vehicle? If not, I think I now have a mission!


Love to stay up to date on where this all goes!

[tylerdurden]

Security is perhaps my biggest issue. The price of the camera equipment alone will justify some serious upgrades on this issue. Making the vehicle look "less desireable" is a big part of this plan. I dont care if i have to go around hitting this thing with a hammer myself!

[GhettoBago]

Doh! Looks like I won't be making my millions on that hair brain idea!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FkJkLSvquQ

[tylerdurden]

The divider is going to be one of my security steps. I plan on buying or custom fabricating a divider between the cabin and having locks welded on the rear inner doors and side sliding doors that prevent entry from the rear and sides other than the exterior locks of course. The idea being that once you leave for the day you can lock the rear door and side door from the inside, exit through the partition into the drivers cab, lock the partion, drive away to your non sleeping spot and then exit the vehicle having both exterior and interior locks. Sort of a "firewall" idea. I plan on installing Lo-Jack as well as keeping a GPS locator in my cases that I will keep the equipment in. Much like this http://www.zoombak.com/.

[NothingClever]

I strongly encourage you to research / contact Jack Dykinga.

I think you'll hit a jackpot for two things:

1) a cheaper, ready-made idea for stealth living quarters and

2) skilled mentorship for your photography career as well

[tylerdurden]

any chance you have a solid link for his living quarters philosophy? tons of links to sort through is a headache with google. and thanks for the info. this guy is awesome!