Vanlife adventures come with an undeniable sense of freedom and exploration. Living in a camper van allows you to explore new places, connect with nature, and experience life on the road like never before.
Amidst all the excitement lies a crucial aspect: your safety while living or traveling in a van. While it may seem like a promising lifestyle filled with picturesque sunsets and open roads, taking proper precautions along the way is essential.
Vanlife safety simply comes down to the issue of not putting yourself in a vulnerable situation. Just think about it; you don’t want to find yourself alone and off the beaten path with a van showing signs of trouble!
So, in this article, we’ll discuss some essential vanlife tips to safeguard your well-being while enjoying the outdoor experience. Learn what to do and what not to do, along with important gear and gadgets you need to carry.
Essential Tips for Vanlife Safety
When it comes to campervan safety, a few key tips and tricks can make all the difference in ensuring your peace of mind on the road. Here are some practical suggestions that every vanlifer should know and follow!
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Keep a Close Eye on Your Surroundings
Pay attention to who and what’s around you. Whether you’re traveling solo or with others, it’s essential to choose campsites wisely. Pick spots with other campers nearby; don’t be completely isolated.
For extra security, you can park within sight of families or couples camping nearby. Don’t go far off the beaten path alone. If you do, exercise caution and remain alert about your surroundings. It’s not just about peaceful sleep but also about being prepared in case of any van-related issues.
In urban areas, prioritize well-lit parking lots and residential streets. They offer a sense of security. Avoid dark lots where you’re the only vehicle. It’s better to park in crowded places with ample lighting or even security cameras around.
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Arrive Before It Gets Dark
One of the best vanlife safety tips is to arrive at your intended destination before nightfall. Why? Well, when you arrive during daylight, you can-
- Inspect what’s around you.
- Get a sense of who else is camping nearby.
- Ensure that you choose a safe location.
However, if you must drive after dark, the primary task is to find a well-lit public area for parking and sleeping. You can find ideal rest stops with security cameras for added peace.
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Keep Your Doors Locked
Keep your doors locked all the time, whether you’re inside the van or sleeping. This applies both when you’re camping in remote areas and populated towns.
When you keep your vehicle securely locked, you reduce the risk of intruders entering your space. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so make it a habit to lock up every time!
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Use Blackout Curtains
Investing in blackout curtains for your van is a simple yet effective way to enhance your privacy and security on the road. With blackout curtains installed, you won’t have to worry about curious passersby or potential thieves spotting valuable items inside your van.
Whether you’re parked in a campground or enjoying solitude, having an extra layer of protection after sundown helps create peace of mind.
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Ensure Easy Access to the Driver’s Seat
In case of an emergency or if you need to leave quickly, you don’t want to rummage through clutter to reach the driver’s seat. It’s ideal to always keep pathways clear. Prepare a designated storage area for all your gear and belongings.
Remember, in high-pressure situations, all it takes is some scattered boxes to make you falter!
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Make a Way to Use the Bathroom Inside
When you’re camping in your van, it’s essential to have a solution for nighttime bathroom needs. Waking up at odd hours and stepping outside might not always be a good choice.
One option is designating a jar specifically for urinating. You only need to make sure that it’s tight and secure. You can also think of installing a portable toilet or composting toilet inside your van for more comfort.
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Get a Self-defense Tool
Understandably, some vanlifers prefer to have an additional layer of security and carry a self-defense tool like pepper spray, a knife, or even a taser. Having such tools can provide peace of mind, yes! But it’s also important to remember that the goal is to never find yourself in a situation where you need them.
Before deciding on carrying any self-defense weapon, you need to understand how to use it effectively and responsibly. Please familiarize yourself with local laws regarding weapons because they vary from state to state. What may be legal in one place could land you in trouble elsewhere.
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Learn Self-defense Techniques
If you’re traveling alone in your van, especially leading a solo female vanlife, it’s crucial to equip yourself with self-defense skills that can help protect you from potential threats. How about taking a basic self-defense class at a local martial arts studio? You can receive some hands-on training and learn techniques that can serve you well on the road.
If an in-person class isn’t feasible, online courses can be an alternative. However, keep in mind that having the opportunity for face-to-face learning is often more effective when it comes to mastering these skills.
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Keep in Touch With Family and Friends
Staying connected with family and friends helps ease any feelings of loneliness. That’s one key part of your vanlife safety. It’s also peaceful to know that someone knows you’re safe and well.
When you maintain regular communication through texts or calls, you create a routine that acts as a check-in system. In case of an emergency or if something doesn’t feel right, loved ones will be more likely to notice your absence and respond promptly.
Utilizing location-sharing apps like Find My Friends or Google Maps provides extra safety. Close friends or family members can easily keep tabs on your whereabouts if anything goes awry along your journey.
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Ensure Your Phone is Charged
Your phone can be a lifesaver during emergencies. But making your phone a hotspot or using the GPS can easily drain your battery. To avoid being left without any way to make a call when you need help, make it a habit to charge your phone regularly.
At the end of each day, take some time to plug in and recharge. It may seem like common sense, but this simple step helps a long way in ensuring your safety and security.
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Get a GPS Communication Device
If you’re planning on venturing into more remote areas or camping off-grid, consider having a GPS communication device. One option is devices that don’t rely on traditional cellular networks. These gadgets use satellite technology to help you navigate, send messages, and even call for help if needed.
Another handy feature for vanlifers is the built-in emergency SOS satellite function of the iPhone-14. In areas without cell service, your phone will attempt to connect with satellites to contact emergency services through text or voice calls.
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Keep Your Valuables Safe
When living the vanlife, it’s important to keep your valuable belongings secure. Never leave items like cameras, laptops, wallets, or phones in plain view when your van is unattended or you’re camping in crowded areas.
Do a quick scan around your van and store away any valuables before leaving it alone.
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Install a Security System
Installing a vanlife security system is often recommended. Even if your vehicle doesn’t have an alarm, consider installing an aftermarket one. These systems are relatively affordable and can provide peace of mind during your travels.
Especially if you carry valuable items like mountain bikes or electronics, having an alarm can deter potential thieves and keep your belongings safe.
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Carry Items for Emergencies
Being prepared for unexpected situations is a good practice. If you are unable to call roadside assistance, the essential items on hand can save the day.
Make sure to carry tools like jumper cables, a spare tire tool kit, and a portable air compressor. Also, don’t forget road flares and a spare tire in case of emergencies. These items will give you comfort knowing that you have the necessary equipment to handle basic maintenance tasks.
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Have an Exit Plan
Having a well-thought-out exit plan is unquestionable. It’s wise to park your van in a way that allows for easy and quick departure whenever you need. Think of backing into your campsite or mapping out the route you took to reach your location.
Knowing the proximity of other campers can also be helpful, as they may offer help in times of emergency.
What Are Some Essential Security Tools You Need to Keep in Your Van?
Being prepared for a van trip also means keeping some important tools close. You can equip your van with a few gadgets that ensure improved security. Things like security locks, cameras, or motion sensors are excellent choices. Let’s take a look-
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Security Locks
If your van’s current locks aren’t enough, consider installing additional locks for extra security. You have plenty of options available – from simple bolt-on locks to more advanced electronic lock systems. These add-ons can be installed on both the inside and outside of your van doors. There are budget-friendly choices like sliding door locking mechanisms that are typically used for front doors.
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Security Cameras
Installing a security camera in your van can come in handy, especially if you’re traveling to high-risk areas or have a valuable campervan. When you can monitor your surroundings from your smartphone, you can feel more comfortable leaving your van around when busy.
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Motion Sensors
Motion sensors are an excellent addition to your van’s security system. Install them strategically around your campervan or motorhome. Quality sensors can detect any movement nearby. These sensors can activate lights, alerting you of any potential intruders.
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Fire Extinguisher
It’s better to have a fire extinguisher and never need it than regret not having one at all. Make sure you have a properly sized one that’s easily accessible inside your van. A proper place can be near the driver’s seat or at the back door.
Remember, fires can happen in the middle of nowhere for various reasons – electrical malfunctions, cooking accidents, or even external factors like wildfires. Don’t leave unprepared!
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GPS Tracker
In the unfortunate event of theft or if you misplace your vehicle, a GPS tracker can help track its location and increase the chances of recovery. There are numerous options available on the market. So, it’s best to research and read reviews to find one that suits your needs.
Final Thoughts
In the thrilling world of vanlife, safety remains paramount. The safety tips that we have compiled here can make sure you’re safe and sound on the road. All you have to do is follow them as closely as you can and be prepared. Make your vanlife a safe haven with these essential tips!
For Highland Vans, building the ultimate camper van is more than craftsmanship. We are all about guaranteeing safety and security. Every detail matters when you’re on the journey. And, we are here to provide the best customization to your vehicle, so you have to worry less!
Ready to embark on your vanlife journey? Trust Highland Vans to build your dream camper van, ensuring every mile is both thrilling and secure. Stay safe when living in a van! Contact us today to embark on a journey of a lifetime!
