We lived in our van for 18 months traveling.  After a while you get
comfortable sleeping through the sounds.  It is unnerving at first though.
I think it is a great way to live in the city.  I would not have a toilet in
the van other than a P bucket for those early mornings.  It is the ultimate
in efficiency in my opinion.  Even the cold is not too bad if you have good
bedding.  I woke a few nights with ice in the van!  Of course you could get
one of those diesel or gasoline heaters to take care of that.  I used a
wooly hat.  The idea is to be inconspicuous, so popping the top is not in
the equation.  I prefer a hard top for that sort of living.  Friends of mine
had a high top van and slept up there, opening the curtains down below.
This way it "appeared" the van was empty.  A membership at 24 hr fitness and
you are off.

This is the way to go in good climates with high rent: So. Calif...

Rob

http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/PassportPl/gunter01/