Nomad, No Worries: 4 High-Tech Add-Ons for Van Life Security
With a van life session, you can hit the road, save some money, and travel to your favorite destinations while still having access to all of your own belongings. It’s no surprise that van life has become so popular. But at the same time, van break-ins and thefts have also increased, and that’s the last thing you want. Home security can provide answers, even when your home is on the road.
While there are plenty of OEM or third-party add-ons (special locks, shatter-resistant windows, etc.) that you can install in your van, they’re often expensive and sometimes hard to find. We offer an alternative: affordable security devices that still do a great job of monitoring and deterring. They don’t cost much, either. We’ve got four upgrades you can make, along with how they can make a difference in your vehicle. So keep your doors locked and check out our list below.
Today’s security cameras, such as those from the Blind brand, are small, smart and more affordable than ever.
1. Get a mobile security camera
You may be wondering, “What’s the point of having a security camera in a van if I’m not around anywhere and don’t even know there’s a break-in?” But today’s security cameras are all-in-one sensors that can do more than you might think.
First, they can detect motion and recognize people (while ignoring pets you have with you), then send notifications to your phone so you can see what’s happening live. Second, they have two-way audio, lights, and sirens that you can activate to scare off intruders. You can use the speakers to shout that you’re running back, that you’ve called the police, that this is a surprise operation, or whatever else comes to mind.
Third, many of these cameras are wireless and have batteries that can easily last for months. So you can charge them via wall outlets or adapters, just like you charge your phone, and you never have to worry about your camera running out of juice.
If you have a mobile cellular router, you can pair a Wi-Fi camera with it, but we prefer 4G LTE cameras that connect directly to nearby cell towers so you don’t have to worry about Wi-Fi dropping out. Many cameras also include SIM cards, making installation easier. And if you’re worried about mounting, you can try using 3M tape instead of screws on the base, or find a convenient shelf to securely attach it to. We like the shelf option because it’s less susceptible to road vibrations.
Glass break and vibration sensors come with or without a hub depending on your preference.
2. Find an affordable glass break sensor
You don’t need a full-blown security system to get a useful glass break sensor in your bus, van, or other touring vehicle. Today’s sensors are mobile and can detect the sharp sounds and vibrations of breaking glass as opposed to normal bus noises. Since breaking windows is the #1 way thieves quickly rob touring vehicles, this can be an important line of defense.
Like wireless cameras, they are usually rechargeable and easy to install without having to drill holes. The best types give you app notifications when they detect broken glass and can also sound an alarm. If you don’t want to manage extra plugins, there are simple stick-on glass break sensors that even work with Alexa or Google Assistant, usually under $40. If you don’t mind adding a small hub, then a device such as Aqara’s vibration sensor works very well and you can add more compatible devices later if you want. But you might want to turn these sensors off if you’re going for a day of riding.
Lockly’s smart features run on four AA batteries.
3. Add a small smart safe
Create a safe place to keep your valuables, the things you really, really need to protect if someone loots your van or steals it outright. This could be emergency cash, passports, important medications, a spare phone, jewelry, or really shiny rocks you find.
If you’re looking to spend a little more on this essential addition, we recommend something like the Lockly smart safe , which is small enough to fit under a seat but offers excellent durability, fingerprint unlocking, and even some fire protection. Otherwise, you can find other options in our guide to the best smart safes . Consider bolting it to a non-essential part of your vehicle’s floor, so that thieves can’t simply make off with it if they find it.
Choose a van GPS tracker that is specifically designed for vehicles and is built to last.
4. Add a GPS tracker
A reliable GPS tracker is one of the must-have devices for your van adventures, so that you still know exactly where it is if it gets stolen, towed, or otherwise lost. There’s nothing wrong with something as small as an AirTag, but those rely heavily on nearby iPhones to triangulate positions and aren’t the best option when you’re out and about in a van. It’s better to pay a little more and find a tracker that’s made specifically for your situation.
Our top picks include vehicle GPS trackers from trusted brands like Cube ($100), LandSeaAir ($125) And Spot price ($150). They are durable, weatherproof, packable, and have batteries that last six months to a year or more. You get real-time notifications on your phone when your van leaves a certain location, location history, emergency call options, and other valuable features for extended protection. Keep in mind that some have subscription plans that you may need to budget for.
Your camper life, protected
Finally, always be careful where you park your van for an extended period of time. Follow local laws and avoid places where people can easily run and break a window without being seen. We’ve also put together tips on where to never put your security cameras, the best budget security systems, and how to spot hidden cameras in Airbnbs if you decide to rent.
