12 Essential Security Tips for Van Lifers & My Personal Experiences Shared
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
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In this weeks episode we have a chit chat about all things security! I know one of the scariest things about van life is actually staying in a van in the middle of nowhere. That is why I have pulled together 12 tips that I’m confident will ease any anxieties you have! I also share a few stories of run ins with potential threats I’ve had on the road!
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HELLO!
I’m Nic, I roam the world in my campervan! I self-converted my Vauxhall Vivaro aka LL Cool Van into a mini off grid beast so I can run away into the wilderness. I have been exploring the open road for 2 years and I share my tiny living and travel stories here, with the hope to inspire and encourage you all to grab your dreams and adventure around our beautiful world too!
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I carry a fog horn in my van and a personal alarm on me. If you get disturbed at night do not turn your lights on inside, instead and use a torch so you light them up instead of you.
Always look forward to your videos , thanks for sharing x
Yayyy that's so cool, thank you 🤗
Great to see you again. Thank you for sharing your useful tips. Stay safe and take care .
Awww nice to catch up! Anytime and you too! 🤗
Such a useful video Nic. Thank you SO much. Love your channel 😊
Thank you 🤗
I would add.... always share your sleeping location with someone you trust, for me it’s the parents. Then contact them in them in the morning that all is ok, if they don’t hear they can contact emergency services and have your exact last known location
This is so helpful!!!! We are looking into upping our security even more. these are good tips :) xx
Thank you! There are lots more in the comments below from people! Some super useful ideas, I will try to a round up on the pinned comment of them soon 🤗
I could listen to you all day 🙂
Great information....
Aww thank you haha! Hope some of it will come in handy 🤗
Awesome tips thank you ,just planning my first trips ,take care
Hope they never really need to be used! Enjoy your first adventure 🤗
Fantastic Video Nic !! And some great ideas, I’m really into protecting myself and my van & have the additional following security tips iv done:
1) Van dead locks, you can fit these external locks to every door on your van - google your van make, and deadlocks and you can usually buy pre designed locks that will defo fit.
2) Interior door latch/dead bolts - for safety reasons I don’t lock my deadlocks at night (well, you can’t from the inside), incase of fire etc, but on the inside I have a garden gate metal hook/gate latch - these are like £5 from DIY stores - its an extra lock catch inside, so if someone was able to defeat the vans normal factory lock (easily done tbh), the door still won’t open as the ‘garden gate hook’ prevents the door from opening - but if you needed to get out the van asap its easy to open from the inside - cheap and effective extra door bolt !
3) For the back door I have a metal pole that sits on 2 metal hooks bolted into the rear doors - this makes a ‘castle gate’ type door lock, so if the rear door lock was broken into its physically impossible to open the rear doors - but inside u can just lift the metal pole off and the doors open - hard to break in, easy to escape in emergency
4) You have Cctv covered which is great, consider an external Cctv cam in the bumper of the rear of the van (hidden and not obvious) - however your van would need its own WiFi network, which i have in mine with a simple and cheap Teltonika modem and a phone SIM card.
5) if you have van WiFi you can create your own ‘smart home’ in the van, be it with apple HomeKit, google home, etc - once you have your hub you can then buy essentially a ‘home security’ kit and sensors - i have £15 door sensors on each door - so if I’m away walking somewhere and somehow all my door locks get defeated, ill know which door is open, and my alarm would go off , my HomeKit alarm and door sensor was £40 (it also has temp and humidity sensors that go to my phone, handy!) - also i have a cheapish HomeKit smoke alarm as part of my vans smart home - so i know if something is wrong if I’m away from the van - its all fairly affordable and recommended, and extra piece of mind.
If anyone wants more ideas iv done to my van, let me know!
Hi Ben thank you so much for sharing all this. I will look at doing suggestion 2 and 3 myself. 2 is super simple such a clever idea. I could really do with 3 right now too as I have been anxious leaving my van since it rolled in to a house and the back doors are all bent. It looks easy to break open so will get on it this week.
Thank you again for sharing more tips!
Hi Nic, great stuff again. Just a point that I have had regarding a van like yours, I've had a issue where I couldn't get a gear to drive off. It was the link on top of the gear box, easy to see with the bonnet up on the RHS , it just pops off but will need a proper fix. You may have come across this already. Great Vlog
Thanks Nic, lot of useful information to keep yourself safe whilst adventuring around... Thank you, and thumbs up from me..
Aww yay, hopefully some of it will come in handy for your travels! I hope you're off somewhere nice this week 🤗
good video we all .need to be awere of the place were you are. well done nic davey full timer van lifer
This has to be one of the most informative campervan vids I've watched to date. Thank you Nic
Yesss! Thank you so much that is so cool to hear! Thanks for watching and glad you liked it ☺🤗
@@nicroams I'm buying my camper next year and pretty close to choosing our top choice even though I'm way ahead of myself!! Getting all my research done while I can.
Love all the vids/vlogs you've posted...theyre a breath of fresh air. Stay safe out there on your own
Another great video, super 👍🏻
And not forget to have a smoke alarm...
Thank you! 😄
Thanks Nic
Very interesting and informative
Plus love reference to harry potter
Happy travels
Haha I believe Onyx in his final formation would be something magical and familiar to Fluffy 🥰
Thanks on the feedback on the camera
Great video and some top tips.
Thank you 🤗
Best self defence tool is a a CO2 fire extinguisher sprayed in the face. Powder is better but makes a hell of a mess. Also useful for putting out fires. Dual purpose 👌
That is a good idea haha! Open up the window a lil bit and boom! I like, I will remember this one! 😀
Thank you for your tips! I'm interested in being more stealth as well, so I'm thinking of selling my shuttle bus and going back to my original idea of getting a van. Along with security cameras, I'm also interested in locks for doors and windows. Thank you for your channel!
Thank you for tuning in and I'm glad it was helpful to you 😁
Great vlog Nic :) aww Sam got busted 😂 I’m worried of throwing an axle now 😂 thank you 🙏 for the great tips, I’m glad I have my four dogs made me feel safe the last time I went away.
Do like that camera idea, might have to look into them :) I totally agree with the escape hatch , I done this for my van. Does worry me seeing many van builds where they have blocked that area with a kitchen :( my van built with security system in side when I bought it. In the cab and one by the side door and one by the back door, when I went to bed made sure the cab sensor was armed :) always good to be safe:)
Hope your having an incredible weekend Nic 😊🤗🐾🐾🐾🐾
Yours sounds like a good battle van! You could hold Fort in there for a while haha! 😄
@@nicroams 😂 yep was glad the van was a parts vehicle as it has a really good alarm system in place ;) plus my four are always alert 😊🤗
Love your videos 😌
Thank you!!! 🤗
Thank you for those wonderful tips! It also gives me peace of mind to know that you are very aware of your surroundings and the possibilities of danger that you may face. It would be awesome if everyone always had good motives, but unfortunately we live in a time that nothing could be further from the truth. And although God did not create us to be frightened, He also gave us the good sense to be cautious. We are aware that there are both good & evil constantly battling in this world. May God always keep you in His loving care🙏🏼👩🏻🙏🏼
Excellent tips.
Thank you 🥰
Make sure you have locking dust caps in case some one tries to let your tyres down
Ohhh wicked tip!! I never knew about these so will check them out 🤗 thank you!
Locking dust caps ok but if they are that determined they will just pop your tyres with a Stanley Knife.
@@mariataif 🤣 so true! I guess that's were Onyx comes in and performs protect 😄
At night always keep your keys in the exact same place so your not wasting escape time. Always have an attack spray. I would always recommend a means of escape through the roof or back doors in case of a fire that prevents escape from the front doors. Of course that could weaken your security, you don’t want an intruder on your roof. Some people put a chain from passenger door to drivers door, so the doors can’t be opened from the outside.
Good tips thanks, some different ones to the normal ones. I didn't even know my phone has an SOS thing lol. Thank you :)
Thank you! Glad you know of it now but hopefully you never need to use it 😄
Good advice im a 19 stone lorry driver and even i just double checked to see if i locked my doors 😆
Nothing worse than realizing that you didn't in the morning 😆
Great video keep them coming :) x
I'd get a dash cam also. I've got nextbase 322gw. When you are parked the camera comes on and films if movement around your van. Definitely a good thing to have for driving around
Oh wicked, i guess I could use my reo link cam for this too as it works day and night. Never thought of having it running whilst I'm sleeping. But also at the same time I don't know if I want to know if there are any creepy crawlys out there 😄
@@nicroams I guess it could be good for security if it was on during bed time but yes, I agree on the creepy crawlys 🤣
Hi Nic great video and I'm still laughing thinking of onyx and the dog in the blade film 😂
Thank youuu! 😄🤗
Hi Nic, 👋 because of you I cut my own windows in my conversion. We are now following your recommendation on places to visit in Shropshire
Aww wicked, you'll love Shropshire, Cardingmill Valley is a must. Even if you just park up there next to the stream 😍
Thank you so much, Nic. Great to know about the what3words and sos function on the phone. The camera looks the business too. Wind deflectors are also a great idea! Do you use any locks on your steering wheel or pedal and what do you think about deadlocks?
Glad the tips have been useful 🤗. I don't use any of them. I had a wheel lock but it takes up so much space and I feel like it's saying don't steal me / I have fancy things in here. I also don't have deadlocks as again they are saying don't break in, I have fancy things in here ☺. It is entirely up to you though, nothing is wrong with using them it is all about what makes you feel most comfortable 🤗
@@nicroams I totally get that. The reolink is a far more stealth option. They don't have the Go PTs available at the moment though, unfortunately.
We ❤️❤️❤️ you Nic!
Yayyy thank you 😍🥰 hope you're well!
Thanks
Totally agree with what you said about not meeting up, I think some folks on YT are crazy.
One female from Florida meets up with people, I think that is crazy!
She has a caper van, think her name is Caroline, you may have seen her.
I also think it’s not wise for folks who make a video of their Van or Car to show the number plate, but many do.
I love your videos!! I really want to get into van life, I’m also in the U.K. have you got a full van tour? And recommendations on the van for a solo traveller? Also do you know what is it like to work full-time in a face to face job whilst living in a van?
Hey, I have a full van tour here ruclips.net/video/LMcWNd6Pi18/видео.html. I've only lived in this van as a solo traveller and couldn't fault it part from the fact I can't stand up. However I have really liked how incognito my van has been and that it fits under all barriers. In regards to working full time whilst in a van, until last week I had a 3 day office job and then content created on the side. It's great security and one way to earn income to have a weekend where you can go where you want. But in all honesty all of these questions will be answered differently by everyone as it really depends what you want out of life :)
Good advice but hang a saw next to the axe so you can tell cops it's for collecting fire wood ect and if you have a baseball bat have the ball a swell 👍😉👍
Funny you say about motorhome vs white van. I know a lot of vans get broken into for tools. But not sure how many saleable items you get out of a motorhome? A laptop...
Thanks Nic 😘
Hope they never come in handy 😄
Nic great video and you have given us two usefull tips so thank you.
Just to confirm in Scotland you cant just "CAMP" in your motorhome anywhere this rule " right to roam " just applies to Tent Camping and Nic please feel free to check this point searching google for "Right to Roam"for yourself. Having said that it seems in Scotland they are (or were Pre Covid19) very tolerant of "Motorhome Wild Campers" but not sure what their attitude would be these days after covid19 eases because as from 12th April in theory (not us) everyone will be driving all over filling campsites all over UK and some chancing wilding.
keep safe and get back travelling and vlogging please.
atb Mike Skegness
Going about One's lawful business - being hassled by the cops in a police state is my biggest concern....
Just get a dobaman pincher no one will mess with a dobaman lol.best thing I ever got for security to keep me and my van saft.
some good advice there Nic,, ,,,,,, stay safe,,,, there are some strange people out there
Thank you! There sure are 😂
All good stuff.....knowing how you go into depth researching etc, have you looked into phone signal and or WiFi booster gadgets and widgets, I am at the beginning of a journey setting myself up with a camper of sorts....🤔
I haven't recently. In my last van I had a mifi device from EE which has stronger signal than your phone however in Scotland there wasn't much signal in rural locations. I did try out a signal booster that you stick on to the side of the van but it did nothing. I guess there was just no signal at all in those spots. I currently just use my phone's hotspot but if I was to get another WiFi/mifi device I'd get it with a different network that way if your provider has no signal then you may have a chance getting some with another 🤗
@@nicroams have a look at some the narrowboat RUclipsrs they all have WiFi stuff
Wow can’t believe how much you look like my stepdaughter in West Virginia in this video.
Thanks for the tips, some I definitely hadn't thought of. I'm a bit concerned that I can't get to my cab without getting out of the van 😟 but it's not something I can change so 🤷♀ anyway lots of great advice thank you. I like your videos and attitude ☺✌ x
Thank you! Aw noo, these are all just tips and it's impossible to do all of them. I'm sure if you absolutely need to exit your van to get to your cab there will be a way! Play police sirens on your phone 😁
I was thinking that, but I think I could squeeze through if I removed the centre head rest?
Apart from the camera I meet all of those plus I'm 6ft4" and 17 stone so that's normally enough to put anyone off lol, stay safe and enjoy ❤️💙❤️💙
Always Interesting advice Nicola...especially with thinking I would need an iPhone instead 📵
Haha nope, no iPhone shenanigans over here.... they're far too complicated for me 😄
@@nicroams
What did you mean with this comment, you don’t have a smartphone Etc?
Nice SPEEK HELLO FROM DENMARK THATS LIEF FREEDOM ON WHEELS XPOST BJARNE LOLLAND THE NEIRBORN ISLAND FEMHERN
Some cracking advice, the only bit to be aware of is that you no longer change your vehicle to a campervan - I checked when I bought mine, and they are happy for it to remain a white panel van - even though it has windows, a pop top and full kitchen etc inside.
Yes that's right, you can leave it as a panel van and insure it as a DIY camper or change the type of van officially with the DVLA from panel to motorhome. If you meet the requirements. In my experience I believe if you change it to a motorhome your insurance is cheaper.
Thank you so much for watching 🤗
Please don't pull a knife out as a form of defence. Good chance a mental case would disarm you in seconds. If the cops show up it will be you that ends up in bother. Love yer videos. Stay safe
I used to be a trade plater delivering vehicles all over the uk if we stopped out for the night we got a set amount and many a time I used to sleep in the driver's seat to save on an hotel bill but I must say I wouldn't have parked next to a fire 😊🖖
Haha yes it is a very strange place to park. Especially when the handbags on fire are not yours 😂
The Rio Link looks a good piece of kit especially as you don’t need WiFi. How much does it cost for a 4 g card a month?
I guess that depends which card you go for but ta cheapish one is about £10-£15 as you only need enough data when you're out 🤗
Great tips, two more, keep can of bug spray handy a squirt in someone eyes should deter someone and a little less radical than an axe in the head! Second, mans cap on dash to indicate a man is also in van, in case someone has seen and thinks your alone in the van.
Ohhh like the idea of bug spray as here we can't have pepper spray etc. So this is a good alternative, thank you! The axe is actually for chopping wood haha but I'm sure if someone saw me wielding the axe they'd think twice about robbing my van which is just an added bonus 😄
Hi Nic, how do you separate the cab from the rear of the van? Have you made a customer curtain or bought one?
Hey, I made a custom curtain. To be honest I don't even use them, I have thermal blinds on the front windows that give me privacy and keep the heat in. If it wasn't for it being cold I'd just keep it all open as I like the light breaking through in the morning 😄
Hi were in in bridgnorth this weekend
Awesome, just spent some time there this weekend, so beautiful!
@@nicroams were you parked under the bypass bridge by the river if so I saw you briefly as I drove by I should have stopped to say hello
On Saturday I was 😄. I wasn't there long though, just went on a short walk and to film the area 🤗
@@nicroams so it was you I live three villages down on the edge of the wyre forest look forward to the video
💙
Phone signal what network do you use
I'm with EE 🤗
What year is the van & how much did you pay
Hey, I share all of this on my 'how much my van build cost' vlog 🤗
How much was the carama it go idea where can I get it
Hey, the link to the camera is in my description, they have a range of them so worth checking it out 🤗
Never pull a knife out unless your prepared to use it
😀
You’ll have to start using your toes! 😊
Good video! Please, Stay safe! ❤️
Owww sad to think of you alone on a Christmas Day
Haha, I had Onyx who for the first time didn't bark and let his mummy handle things 😄
I have watched a lot of these videos over the past few years and lots of folks don’t seem to talk about items you can use on the road.
I myself have been thinking about a few items myself recently for the house, just to make me feel a little more secure.
I should get a baseball bat, large and small from Amazon.
Ordered a few different pairs of Nunchucks, Marshall Arts weapon but had to return them because they were poor quality.
A really good Knife set would help instead of my cheap Argos set.
I have a good strong New door and live on the first floor so I’m not overly concerned, and the neighbourhood is good.
If someone knocked on my door at night I can talk to them out the window, I would not go to the door unless it was family or cops Etc.
I would probably tell them to F**k off, the New Yorker side of me would come out! ...lmao
Those New York females make me laugh, some of them are Hard as Nails!
Knock on their Van door late at night they would beat you up!
FFS I’ve asked a few for directions in NYC and they have said just don’t ask me man 😮
I guess they just get cheesed off to the back teeth with tourists asking them for directions. 🙄
Number eleven.
Don't look behind you!
What about ghosts and evil spirits at night ?
I guess that depends if we are talking good or evil 😄
@@nicroams
Evil ! Escaped murderers, lunatics, werewolves, vampires, monsters, you know, just your run of the mill stuff that likes single females.
I'm teasing you, your much braver than me, that's what I'd be thinking at every noise.
I'd end up 💩ing myself and going home 😘
has your van been broken into before?
Fortunately not 🤗🍀
1:31 - they asked you if you had a what?!
It’s British slang for cigarette :)
How come you don’t travel with someone, a partner?
Then again that’s No guarantee, look what happened recently to the American and her Australian boyfriend traveling in a Van in Canada, shot and killed.
At least if you have a few good weapons ya got a fighting chance.
My brother got his car broke into while it was parked in broad daylight in the railway station car park in Spain 😮
Someone saw them and called the cops, cops got them but they caused a load of damage to my brothers car He had to pay for, broken car Windows Etc.
They had broken into the car just while we went into the railway station to pick up tickets, that shows how fast some of them work!
The Best thing to do is, 1 person stay in the car, we like dip sticks all walked into the railway station and left a car with cases and items showing 🙄
That was years ago, 1989 but I bet it would still happen today!
I thought it was supposed to be fun, sounds far too stressful
It is fun, these are just tips 😄. Once you stay in your van regularly, you'll be surprised how quickly you assess all of these things. Usually before you even turn the engine off when parking up 🤗
How are you going to get along if this hideous bill gets passed
Although I think the bill is a huge detriment to the travelling community I don't believe it effects me personally as it applies to those in encampments of 2 vehicles or more. So I will carry on as normal 🤗
@@nicroams that's good because I'm planning on living your way I have a RUclips channel but it's based on human rights with police and protests ect
Buy ex military. leave it camo.. problem solved :D
I'd love a unimog 😍 but yes that would be on another level stealth!
@@nicroams ha yes, are you subbed to slight adrift too then? I want something bigger as I'm greedy though. I'm more of a Unicat kinda guy.
Once solo? I thought you still was? In that case congratulations
Not since my Yorkshire trip. Although I guess we haven't confirmed he has moved in, he spends most of the week in the van with me which is nice 🤗
@@nicroams ah happy for you