Originally Posted By: artie505
Did she truly live in "vans", or were they RVs?

Vans, a series of them, which she always painted (with a brush and/or soft pot scrubber) a saffron yellow — and sometimes the paint job was lumpy due to bits of cake.
The problem for the movie's producers was actually locating such vintage vehicles (many of which are now expensive collector's items) and then essentially trashing them; very expensive for the producers.

There's a blue plaque on Alex Bennett's (former) abode where this all took place and where the movie was shot stating:
"The Lady in the Van lived here 1974-1989".

If you watch the movie on DVD, make sure to check out the bonus features, in particular "The Making of The Lady in the Van" and "Visual Effects" — preferably before watching the movie to gain some quite useful information which will enhance your appreciation of the flick.