27 VAN LIFE SECURITY & Safety Tips | SOLO FEMALE CAMPING 🔒 (DON'T LIVE IN FEAR!)
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- čas přidán 16. 06. 2024
- Are you considering living in a van and wondering about van life security and safety especially if you're a solo female van lifer? Solo camping and van life is a great way to see the world and live cheaply, but it's important to make sure you're safe while doing it! In this video, I share 27 van life security and safety tip ideas for beginners.
I cover everything you need to know from security systems that work great in vans, security camera systems for the van, van theft prevention, GPS from Carlock that works great in a van or RV and is easy to set up as an OBD tracker, security tools to keep you safe, security alarm systems that are easy to install in your van, protection for personal safety to put around your van, guidelines, and tips to prevent your van from a break in, and the biggest fears when thinking of how to safe in your RV or van.
Don't live in fear - watch this video and start your van life journey safely and confidently!
👉 Sponsor of this video is Carlock GPS Device: Get 10% off using Code STORYCHASING with this link: bit.ly/clstorychasing
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RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:
👉 Bluetti Power Station: www.storychasing.com/bluetti
👉 Simplisafe: amzn.to/3uY8EEP
👉 Club: amzn.to/3Eutoau
👉 Garmin InReach Satellite Device: amzn.to/3L8BacQ
👉 Hot Spot Data Plan unlimited/no caps/unthrottled: www.storychasing.com/att
👉 Hokena Safety Flare Pucks: amzn.to/3EuBcco
👉 MaxTraxx Recovery Boards: amzn.to/3ExIegj
👉 Air Compressor for tires: amzn.to/3L3Bjy6
👉 Shades from VanMadeGear: www.vanmadegear.com
👉 Pocket Knife: amzn.to/3KdAn9f
👉 Flashlights Long: amzn.to/3uZQjHC
👉 Flashlight for keychain: amzn.to/3K3WfUa
👉 Headlamp: amzn.to/3vtKNfy
👉 Amazon Store Security & Safety Gear: a.co/45Laa8o
👉 Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/StoryChasing
👉 Blog: www.StoryChasing.com
👉 Unlimited no throttle/no caps Internet! I run my entire online business with it: www.storychasing.com/att
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👉 Looking for more awesome resources on travel, living a nomadic life, and creating a simplified, happy lifestyle? Head on over to my blog and connect with me there. When you subscribe, I'll send you a weekly update with all the latest goodies. Don't miss out! Check it out at www.storychasing.com
👉 Reliable Internet Unlimited no throttle/no caps Internet: www.storychasing.com/att
👉 Ultimate Guide to RV Living for Beginners: www.storychasing.com/rv-livin...
👉 Nomad Mentorship Bootcamp: www.storychasing.com/nmb
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Chapters
00:00 Questions I get about van life safety & security
01:17 Biggest safety fears solo camping
02:31 Tools for van life safety
15:10 Parking safety
18:45 Security and protection devices
22:46 Emergency evacuation plan
24:02 Warning on gas stove knobs
24:55 Rules for safety
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➡️ Mailing Address:
Story Chasing/Amber Baldwin
143 Rainbow Drive, Box 4300
Livingston, Texas 77399
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★ About Amber: www.StoryChasing.com/about
★ Travel Vlog Season 5, Episode 83: Van Life Security & Safety Tips
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★ Seasons and Videos to Binge
Binge watch each season: bit.ly/StoryChasingSeasons
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★ Music Credits: www.storychasing.com/music (You get 2 months free and so do I!)
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(FTC Disclosures: Some links I've provided I may receive a commission for referring the service or product and as an Amazon Associate/Influencer I earn from qualifying purchases at no charge to you. Any products/services I've referenced are only suggested if I've used and made the cut of "I love it". )
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© StoryChasing - Create. Do. Live!
• 27 VAN LIFE SECURITY &...
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#vanlife #vansecurity #carlock
**NOTICE** For those who have commented that this is a bunch of advertisements, I literally have one sponsored ad. The other things, I assume is because I'm stating to click the link in the description box for these items. I don't care if you don't use my link to purchase. I provide the links as a benefit to you all and put in the video that these are all linked below because I get asked so many times for the links. This video was a huge one in the making because I also get asked what I do and how I stay safe. I'm sorry if you think this is a bunch of advertisement, but it's not. I get very little compensation on these Amazon links and trust me, it's easier for me to not include them, and format the video to tell you about it, but again, I do it because it's to your benefit and you don't have to ask me for it. So, if that offends somebody, my apologies, but I'm trying to help people and this was the best way to do it and save time for all of us. If you've watched my channel long enough you know my heart and my intentions. 💕#KeepStoryChasing
I’m a huge worry wart and you managed to cover it all! Thanks for all your suggestions.
LOL, an infomercial didn't even register in my brain. All I was thinking was Amber is a badass with her knives and other unnamed protection measures.
We see you Amber and we appreciate you. You have one of the best channels on CZcams. Don't let a Karen get you down. I look forward to watching your videos and even have a pouty face when another one of my channels post a video that is not yours.
People need to keep their nose on the faces and out of others biz.. you have to edit the video and send it to the sponsor on top of that for approval as just a part of everything you do.. I love all the information.. keep on truckin girl.
P.S you have more will power than me at that big truck stop
Thank you thank you for this!! I have an outfitted new van ready for adventures but security is my last step i still need to take! Whatever you have to do in order to help educate us all, links a sponsor whatever is welcome here!!! Its alot of work to put this valuable content out to us and it IS appreciated.
See you on the road someday
Cheap magnetic motion detector lights, solo travelers, put TWO chairs out, fire blankets
Put a pair of very large pair of men's tennis shoes or boots, by your camper door.
Best early warning for your campsite is your dog. Kiki always hears everything before I do. 👍
I think the fear a lot of people have are urban concerns that don't happen in the "woods". Bear spray is expensive, for those without the ability to pay that much for something that will, most likely, expire without being used Wasp and Hornet spray is a second choice. It shoots a stream, not a "spray", quite a distance and would be effective to stop a human.
Great tip, thanks.
I got bear sprays 2 cans for $49.99 at Costco . Not too bad .
And speaking of spraying. If you get accosted at the gas station and your pumping gas, even if it is set on automatic, hang out by the pump in a scary situation with keys in your other hand. If someone gets froggy, your hand will be ON THE TRIGGER READY TO DOUSE THEM. I saw a vid of a guy fight off 4 attackers coming out of a paneled van right by his car by SOAKING THEM with FAST FLOWING GASOLINE. It’s quite the scary experience/ UNPLEASANT experience for them that might just teach them a permanent lesson.
Wasp spray can shoot up to 17ft
@@Metoo1111 hornet spray, sprays a long, long way and can be very effective against creeps. And legal
Great video Amber. I used to work in complaints for the main Telecommunications company in Australia. Telecommunications cell and mobile coverage is only 99% of populated areas. There is always going to be places you wont have cell or mobile coverage. Garmin in reach of similar devices are a great device. In Australia our laws for guns, pepper spray, mace are extremely strict. Pepper spray and similar are illegal. I have baseball bats, knives, 2 fire extinguishers, All in one military shovel/axe hatchet/ fire poker/knife/ fire starter/glass breaker/ whistle. Road side assistance. All in one air compressor, jump start, power bank with light. First aid kit, survival kit including portable water purifiers. Most of Australia population is on the coast and very isolated in areas so we need to carry extra stuff. As road side assistance could be a couple days away if your in the outback. I have collapsible 40 lite water bottles as a backup. I would love to a work around customs to import a taser or stungun. I have been thinking about a cattle prod and home made chili cayenne pepper spray. I have a heavy wheel clamp and jockey wheel lock. Maxtrax. Glass breakers. Cast iron camping kitchen set that can knock someone out if needed.
Another safety device for you is a Byrna. It looks like a gun and is very powerful. It shoots “blanks” and pellets ( the size of marbles) loaded with very potent pepper spray. This would be especially useful when your target is chasing you, or at a distance. It will cause a nasty bruise, and the fumes will definitely stop a person/animal.
Great video, Amber! One thing that may have been addressed in the comments or maybe I missed it, is simply when I am pulling into a space or an area to camp, I make sure that my way out is unobstructed. I prefer to back in and have my tires straight so that if I needed to pull out quickly I could do so. Obviously it's possible for someone to park in front of you so you can't pull out, but at least you're not trying to back out in the dark if you are already jumpy or afraid. Just my thoughts on that.
Jeanne Miller oh great idea and thanks for bringing it up. I do that as well where I can. Makes me feel better at night when sleeping.😊
You may want to check out van videos on a "KILL SWITCH" as a means of not letting people start you car unless your secret switch is turned on. Also you may want a trip switch that will have flashing lights and sirens blaring until you put in a code. Love your videos, stay safe and have fun.
👍👍👍
I agree on the kill switch. My car was stolen I was able to recover it. My mechanic installed a kill switch. The next time someone tried to steal my car it wouldn’t start.
@@kerrischuh8000 I have a question/suggestion...could you put one of the "Apple " tiles some were in your own care, so you could track your CAR movements.
Thank you for this video. I am just preparing my retirement life and making lists of items to out in my mini van. All great items that will help me feel safe than sorry.
Great video and very informative!!!
Thank you Amber!!! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
One thing they should add to the car lock app is that if you have it locked with the app and you are away from your vehicle and somebody breaks in if it's locked with the app then it should also disable the ignition system so no one can start it up and drive it away
I think you'd have to install a kill switch right? That's my understanding.
We have the Viper security system in our van and it disables the van.
You’re thorough. Mighty appreciate it! Thank you 🙏
I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm going solo soon, too... With pets. I never thought about someone stealing or hurting my pets😢
Great advice.
Well done! A lot great pointers 😊
This was a great video...so much good info. You inspire me and have helped me believe I do CAN do this some day soon! :)
Very helpful and informative, thanks! 🐶
Amber your videos are wonderful! I had an idea about safety. If your boon docking or just parking anywhere park facing your vehicle so you can get away quickly instead of having to back up or turn around to leave.
Thanks for sharing much appreciated
This is a great video with a lot of great information. Love it. Thanks very much for sharing. Travel safely.
Good info ~ thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
Fantastic and helpful video. 👏 Made my list, and already feel better about making my travels safer. THANK YOU.
Thank you for all the life saving information!
Excellent Amber!❤
so enjoyed your content today
Thanks for such detailed info!
Glad it was helpful!
Great content. Thanks Amber
Thanks for watching!
This is such a helpful video! Saving this as I continue to make my future camper van plans
Fantastic video, thank you!
Glad you liked it Patty! Thank you so much!
I'm grateful for what you have shared. I'm thinking seriously about van life.
Great content Amber. Thanks for sharing your much earned wisdom!
You're so welcome!
Thanks for the safety tips. Those can be used anytime anywhere.
just got my rv thanks you so much. your videos are really helping me plan this out. maybe i'll see you on the road sometimes
Great video Amber! Thanks for all the tips.
Jennifer Deleon You're so welcome and glad you enjoyed it. 😊🙏
Just came across your site. Amber and am enjoying your sensible and practical approach without the drama. Thank you!
I have always watched another creator that travels with her dog. I always have found her condescending and after just finding you pop up.. that confirmed it! You are a GREAT public speaker and I love listening to you. My fiancé passed away bb last yr and the more I watch living in a van the more it make me want to think about it. Plus I lost my 18 yr old little fur baby right before my sweetheart and I could get another little one. You have a lot of good info and look forward to bing watching
Amie Lawhorn So sweet! Welcome to Story Chasing! 😊💕
Condolences on your losses, I hope you're doing well with your traveling.
Amber this is great information, thanks for sharing your advice and all the links. Safety first 😊👍👍👍
You are so welcome!
Solid and well thought out content that is useful for anyone not just for vanlife. I really liked the Carlock, I am going to look into that.
Great advice, I'm going shopping for some of these things before I take off on my adventures. Love the bluetti.
Thank you great tips.
Thanks Amber, lots of good stuff! Preparing my head and my heart to venture out in about a year😊.
Great video, very comprehensive! Thanks Amber enjoy your channel. It inspires me.
You are so welcome!
Thanks for sharing this get safety information! I am not a nomad (yet) but this is still great information.
Wow I love it...so much great info Amber!! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
You are so welcome! See you on our call this coming Tuesday.
@@AmberJBaldwin absolutely my friend!! so so excited to meet everyone and especially to get some support as I'm scared out of my WITS lol xoxo Cella & Sugar
Great tips… definitely gonna look into a few of those
Great video Aber!💓✨ This is one of my biggest fears. I want a van 🚐 and this is like the #1 fear. Thank you for the video and inspiration 🙏✨💓
Great video full of awesome ideas. Purchased a few things from Amazon. Thank you!!
Awesome! Thank you so much Patti for using my links. Every little thing helps my channel growth. :)
We had a Honda Element new one-2004 up until 2017. Loved it as we had a Great Dane and 2 doxies that went everywhere with us. All 3 passed away as of 2015.
Take care Amber
Dianne_M_ Kartes 😊 sorry to hear about your pups.
Hi Amber. Very informative video. I have been solo rving for just about 20 years. And my experience has been.... the most hassles and the most scariest traumatizing abusive situations that I have found myself in are with law enforcement. I'm never doing anything wrong or illegal and they just feel like they can come up to the rig start pounding on the door doing what they want saying what they want and to be honest with you I fear the police or the sheriffs or whoever the most out of anybody else. And I was wondering what has your experience been with law enforcement? I've had guns drawn on me I've had rifles drawn on me and I'm a boondocker and sometimes I'm in a small town or a city and I have to find a street to park on and it's always at 2:00 a.m. or so that they come banging on the door. Some of the best times I've had are when I have been a campground host at some obscure campgrounds somewhere and I just get left alone by authorities. If you had any bad experiences I just wanted to know because I never hear other RVers talk about experiences they've had with law enforcement. And I mean horrendous encounters. Thank you so much. I love the way you love your dog. I've got a service dog and he is the cutest little guy I don't know what I would do without my best friend. Thanks for a wonderful video I learned a lot. I don't have hardly any safety equipment aboard so we live kind of differently in that arena, but I've noticed with pepper spray I stopped carrying it because when I would carry it when I would go out walking whatever if I had to use it there would be blowback and it would end up in my face and in my dog's face. So I got a three and a half foot stun gun and if anybody gets near me, if they want to break into this motor home go ahead because I will use the stun gun and they don't have to be near me for me to use it. Have a great day or evening whenever you check out this message if you do.🚍🐾🌅
Omg that’s scary you had cops pulled the gun on you ! I haven’t started my van life yet that’s why I am doing all the research . I think I’ll stick with legal paid campgrounds when I start ! 😅I am not gonna be full time in my van. It’ll be for work 3 days a week parking on my employer’s parking lot and I’ll go on trips with it .
Great video great information
Thanks for watching!
Thank you, Amber, for invaluable safety tips & resources. I found your channel a few months ago about the same time I discovered conversion vans and knew that's what I wanted for full time van life. Recently emptied my storage unit except for all that fits in my Honda Element in prep for finding a van. Your bootcamp will be essential. 🥰 I love your stories. Many thanks! Keep pressing on regardless...
Super advice Amber.....all in one video which is so handy for reference too. Thanks.
You're so welcome!
Good content and information.
I hadn't started my bus build yet, this is VERRRRRRRY helpful!!
Excellent video - probably the best that I've seen on this topic. Many thanks.
Wow, thanks!
@@AmberJBaldwin You're welcome :-). Very comprehensive. Also, about the flashlight. The Ladybug van lady did a video about safety and she recommended the Maglite flashlight (I think 18", maybe 20") based on input from a police officer. I did buy that one and it's pretty intimidating. You could wack someone really good with it.
Great advice and great shares. I’m going to seek out carlock. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful Sadie. I've been very impressed with them and peace of mind is everything!!!!!
Great advice! Thank you!
I wanted to add that I picked up a little air horn from the dollar tree that I take backpacking with me. It doesn’t require batteries and it’s light weight.
YOU ARE SO SMART...
Thank you for the amazing and comprehensive list... lots to think about and to utilize in ANY situation. I loved the "not arriving at night" advice. I listened to my gut and made this one of my highest priorities when backpacking/Eurail traveling in Europe. Especially vulnerable in dark walking to destination from train station with a 30 to 35 lb backpack! I'd sleep overnight on the train, sometimes lucky enough to have a "couschette" (sp?) to sleep on, to ensure morning, daylight arrival... especially in a large city!
Wow... I miss those days 😄 LOL!
Be well and Thank you, thank you for this video, Amber... so important!
Great video, I need a list!
Great ideas & tips
Excellent video❣️
Thank you! Cheers!
Hello….i always enjoy watching your videos…very good info today! I love where we live, all gated and living in a fifth wheel…wow, never thought we’d move from 5 acres, 5 bedroom house, nice park model, trailer, garage, sheds for storage….bought the lot,cash, when we sold our property. We live in California and this is the best of the bestest park in our area…we will be here for awhile since we’re taking care of our parents….the price is incredible….hoping to travel very soon! Thank you for all your great advice! 😘🙏🏼🌺
Great video and very important.😉👍
Glad you think so! I hope everyone finds at least some nugget of idea in it.
@@AmberJBaldwin 😉👍💛
Great video
I have Simply Safe in my home and the motion detectors saved us when my house was broken into. We just purchased a Van and I was surprised and happy to see Simply Safe can be installed in a van. Security is very important to me so I loved your video and will use some of your tips and suggestions. Thank you.
I enjoy watching your videos thank you for your effort
This video is fantastic - so useful and thorough. Thank you for the effort you put into this. It may save someone.
Great video 😁
Wow…I had no idea. Amber this is such a helpful video even for non van dwellers. Thank you for sharing.
You are so welcome!
Wonderful video! Thank you!! I ordered some of it from your links and subbed. Oh and I love you grey hair coming in, I can't wait till my hair starts to grey! ;-)
Thank you for doing a very important video.
My pleasure!
thank you for an absolutely great "safety video". as far as i know, you hit upon everything. thank you.
Thank you so much. I’ve been thinking about converting my van for camping and you have a lot of excellent tips.
Big like 👍.
Great video 📹 👍. Very good safety tips.
I don't live on the road but safety and crime prevention is for . Great advice about going through your safety scenarios. It has been shown in studies (so I read) that people.who do that or even just think about what they would do, prepares.them mentally, enabling them.to react better in a bad situation with a clear head etc. It prevents the gear freeze basically.
Great content, and really like your hair,,,it’s gonna look good on you 😀
Thanks for this very informative video! Our dog seems to be a great repellent! He has a very scary bark when strangers come close to our van.
Wonderful! Dogs are great deterrents for prevention. Don't underestimate my small dog either. She'll bite your ankles off lol.
Good topic!
Hi Amber, good to see you again! Remember the Homer Rally in Arizona? Lee and Sarah
That's so cool 😎
Good suggestions, Amber. I have a flash light which is also a stun gun, fairly small and compact.
Great safety video Amber! We've been thinking of using the Simplisafe alarm system. Seems like you like yours, how do you power it? Do you leave the inverter on or power by some other means.
I live in a house, but you give very good advice. I watch another young couple that is RVing. They are in another country. They parked their van and went hiking. When they came back in the open daylight; the van was broke into. They got in by breaking out a side window. Destroy the inside of the van and took all they valuables and even some clothes. Their insurance paid them, but it was upsetting knowing someone broke into their home. Since then; they have put in a safety box, Smart phone camera that you can see your home. They are looking at getting some kind of alarm that would sound off if anyone broke in.( They might had posted the exact time they were hiking.) If I see them online again; I am going to suggest that they delay posting for several days their location.
Kathy Clark 😊 I just saw that video today. Just awful. I really feel for them.
Great Info.Also whenever possible always back into your camp spot Day or night. hang your keys up somewhere where it's easily accessible for quick get away never in a draw with stuff in it ( Aka Junk Draw ).
Haha...I had to chuckle when you were talking about safety drvices, then mentioned a shovel! For a split second I thought you would say "to bury the evidence." 🤣🤣
Great video though! Great advice!
Your video's are awesome
You could dig a hole with the shovel to bury the body of someone who tries to break into your van 😄. Thx for all the good tips .
oh my goodness...you're the 2nd person to talk about burying bodies. I know you're joking, but too funny.
Extremely thorough video with lots of great advice/ suggestions! I do not travel in an RV but worry about vehicle theft since it has become rampant here in WA state. I’m going to look into Carlock- that sounds good! My greatest fear is my dog being stolen while in my vehicle so we just don’t leave her alone- myself or husband has to be with her if we are parked somewhere- sadly crime is off-the charts these days
r. richardson 😊 thats just awful with increase in crime there too. I fear it's everywhere. Great reason to stay out of cities.
Consider a portable electric bear fence. There are ones out there very easy to set up and compact. Predator deterrence!
I like the bear spray because it is hard to argue with and you're not likely to actually kill anybody.
Exactly. It's a great protection device without having a firearm.
Thank youuuuu!!!! ❤❤❤
Thank you for this. I'm new at RVing looking for a rv now plan to hit the road June 2023 you have answered a lot of my concerns and my families. How they know where I am and if I'm safe. Thank you for so much
This was a amazing share ..thank you for putting links in description..and thank you for showing how everything works .... description is very important for me ...I m not very 👍 at ..I still can not set clock on VCR ?? Bahaha what is a VCR? Lolol
Well done! Even if they don't use any products, they are now thinking about their safety!
Good suggestions
Thanks!
Your whistle woke up both my dogs. They gave me a dirty look😂. Thanks for the info, can never be reminded too often.
Jackie S LOL ....
This is the best video I’ve seen on road life safety - definitely will have to check out that car lock device 🔑
Christian Schaffer 😊 Thanks my friend. I left out a few key items. There was just so much already ...lol Like a portable battery jump box. I'm texting you about CarLock.
The silver in your hair looks very good with your current makeup .
Thank you, Thank you for the valuable information. Forgot all about fire extinguisher and a lot more you mentioned. Take care and be safe. ;-}
Besides LP detectors, Carbon Dioxide detectors are also a good thing to have. Especially if your RV/van is airtight and well insulated.
Would hate for someone to die from their own breathing in a airtight compartment.
Love this!! Amazing! With the hotspots and simply safe can you connect it to both? That runs off WiFi doesn’t it?
Yes exactly. Simplisafe needs constant WIFI and my hotspots provide that