How Joe Turned a Suburban into the Ultimate Stealth Camper

For many, the idea of living in a vehicle is a dream—one filled with adventure, freedom, and a break from the financial burdens of rent or a mortgage. For Joe Charbonneau, it was a necessity.

When his landlord announced he was selling the house he was renting, Joe was given just 60 days to find a new home. Faced with limited options and wanting to take control of his living situation, he began searching for a vehicle that could double as his home.

“I was powerless and had to upend my entire life because of someone else’s decisions. I wanted to regain my power and freedom and not rely on anyone else for my housing,” Joe explains. A longtime fan of van life, Joe started searching for a rig he could call home.

How Joe Found the Perfect Chevy Suburban for Full-Time Living

Joe had a limited budget, and while searching for a vehicle, his Suburban seemed to find him rather than the other way around. Originally built as an overland camping rig, it provided a solid foundation for him to expand upon.

“One day, the ad for this vehicle popped up in my Marketplace search. Boom! Right there on top, it was local to me and exactly in my budget,” said Joe. “The Suburban was partially built to begin with. It had a bed, dual battery system, ventilation, and storage cubbies I raced to the owner and bought it on the spot. It was meant to be.”

Converting the Suburban into a Home

The original layout provided a strong foundation, but Joe took it a step further, transforming it into a fully livable home on wheels. His modifications focused on maximizing space, comfort, and stealth capabilities.

“I wanted to make it comfortable to be in, semi-luxurious, and when people see it, they would say, ‘Wow!’” Joe shares.

Some of the top items Joe put in his van he got from Amazon (links lead to his exact products)

• A full sink with running water and a powered faucet
• Water jugs for under the sink
• A live-edge countertop with wooden slats and hidden twinkle lights
• An integrated storage system to keep everything organized
• A dual-zone EcoFlow refrigerator-freezer (with an ice maker!)
• A diesel heater for winter warmth
• A 2-burner propane stove built into a sliding drawer
• A 6-inch memory foam mattress for ultimate comfort
• A solar power system with house batteries
• An 1800-watt Eco Flow Delta power bank
• A built-in rooftop fan for ventilation
• A 24-inch smart TV with internet access
• 20-degree sleeping bag

Joe takes great pride in his setup. “The storage is genius, my sink setup is more than a jug of water and a pump, and I even have integrated internet service. It all just works so well.”

The Reality of Adjusting to Living in a Chevy Suburban

The transition wasn’t seamless. Joe describes the first two months as a tough period, particularly as he figured out where to park overnight with winter approaching. He turned to YouTube for guidance, watching countless videos on stealth camping and survival strategies.

Despite living in his vehicle, Joe strives to maintain a normal life. His teenage kids live in the same area of Colorado, and he sees them two to three times a week. “Just because I live in a vehicle doesn’t mean I don’t have a normal life. My kids are a big part of my world, and I make sure to spend time with them regularly.”

Joe’s Routine Balancing Work and Vehicle Living

As a kitchen manager at a trendy bar and restaurant, Joe’s 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift provides a steady income along with unexpected perks—access to meals, a bathroom, ice for his cooler, and a comfortable lounge to relax in.

“I get two meals a day at work, and my dinner meal is prepared and later reheated in my Suburban,” Joe explains.

Stealth camping requires strategy. Joe rotates between a handful of discreet locations, never lingering too long in one place. With blackout curtains, custom window covers, and a setup that looks like an unoccupied vehicle from the outside, he’s been able to go a full year without the dreaded “knock” from authorities or security.

“I believe my Suburban is a perfect stealth vehicle,” Joe says. “Looking in from the front, it only appears as a dark space. At night, no light escapes the back.”

As for bathrooms and showers? For Joe, it’s all about using available resources efficiently. Work provides access to restrooms, while a 24/7 gym membership covers showers. On off days, he relies on public facilities like libraries and gas stations. At night, he minimizes liquid intake and uses a secure container for emergencies.

What Joe Plans on Doing Next

Joe’s ultimate goal is to monetize his experiences by launching a YouTube channel and growing his presence on social media. “I see other channels out there that inspire me, and I want to incorporate cooking, travel, adventure—everything I experience in my day-to-day life,” Joe shares. “I plan to officially launch in the spring when it’s not so cold out.”

With a plan in motion to document his journey, Joe hopes to transition from his kitchen manager role to making a living from his content. “I would love to be able to leave my job and make money from documenting my situation. That’s the dream.”

Do You Want to Live in a Car? Here’s Joe’s Advice.

For anyone thinking about transitioning to vehicle living, Joe has some words of wisdom. “It’s not as easy as it looks on social media,” he warns. “You have to be prepared for challenges—stealth camping, staying warm in winter, and making sure you have access to basic needs like food and water.”

He advises starting small. “Try sleeping in your vehicle for a few nights before committing fully. Research, plan, and make sure you have backup options. And always stay aware of your surroundings.”

Joe also emphasizes the importance of community. “There are so many online groups where you can get tips and advice from people who have been doing this for years. Learn from them.”

As he moves forward with his YouTube and social media plans, Joe’s journey proves that with creativity, determination, and the right setup, anyone can turn an ordinary vehicle into an extraordinary home—and maybe even a career.

Would you consider living in a vehicle like Joe’s? Let us know in the comments below!