What Keeps Us Feeling Secure on the Road

Traveling solo in a motorhome brings with it a sense of freedom that’s hard to match. But when you’re out there on your own (even with the best co-pilot like Bow Boe), safety quickly becomes part of your daily rhythm — not through fear, but through small, smart habits that build confidence and peace of mind.

Here’s what we’ve learned about staying safe while embracing the solo vanlife.

🧠 Trusting Intuition (and Listening to It)

Let’s start with the simple stuff: instinct. If somewhere doesn’t feel right — we move on. No debate. Whether it’s the vibe of a car park, the strange quiet of a town, or someone lingering a little too long, that gut feeling is usually right. Bow Boe’s radar often kicks in before mine, and I’ve learned to pay attention.

Part of staying safe is giving yourself permission to prioritise comfort over convenience.

🔁 Routines That Reassure

Routines help create a sense of normality, even when your surroundings change daily. Simple habits like checking locks before bed, always reversing into a space, or keeping the driver’s seat clear just in case we need to move quickly — they all add up to a sense of calm.

We keep blinds down at night and often leave the cab blinds drawn even in the day when we’re parked, so people can’t easily see in. These low-effort rituals help create boundaries between public and private — even in a van.

🛠️ Our Safety Setup

Over time, I’ve added layers of security — not out of fear, but for the freedom it gives us to roam.

• Window alarms are fitted to all the windows. If one is tampered with, the alarm sounds.
• Blink cameras inside the van face both left and right, plus one keeps an eye through the front windscreen. These are motion-activated and send alerts directly to my phone.
• We also installed an alarm and every door has a contact alarm, including the garage doors. That alone adds a surprising amount of reassurance.
• Rachet straps secure both front doors to the seatbelt fasteners, a physical barrier that would take effort (and noise) to bypass.
• On the habitation door, I’ve added an internal barrier, further reinforcing what is already a solid lock.
• A steering wheel lock serves as a visible deterrent — an old-school touch that still makes a difference.
• We also have a wheel clamp, which is one more obvious visual deterrent.
• Lastly, we have a GPS tracking device fitted discreetly to the van. If anything ever happened, we’d know exactly where she was.

🔋 Staying Powered Up

A low battery can mean more than lost lighting — it can also disable alarms, cameras, or the ability to move quickly. That’s why we maintain a solid off-grid power setup, and always keep our devices charged, even on the move. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about being ready.

🐾 Bow Boe: The Unexpected Guardian

While Bow Boe’s first job is to be loveable, she also happens to have excellent instincts. If something’s off, she senses it long before I do. A quiet growl or sudden alertness tells me it’s time to check our surroundings. Her presence alone is often enough to deter curiosity.

🔐 Park With Purpose

When stopping overnight:

Look for spots that are well-lit and have other vans nearby.

Avoid remote or hidden areas unless you’ve scoped them out first.

Reverse into parking spots for a quicker getaway.

Keep the driver’s seat clear and ready — just in case you need to leave quickly.

🧳Keep Essentials Close

Have a small “go bag” ready with your wallet, keys, phone, and documents. If you ever need to move fast, you don’t want to be rummaging around in the dark.

📡Stay Connected

Share your location with someone you trust, check in regularly, and have a backup charging system for your phone. When off-grid, use a mobile hotspot to stay online if needed. Just knowing someone else knows where you are can make all the difference.

🌙 Sleep Well, Sleep Safe

It’s easier to rest when you’ve ticked off your mental checklist. A locked van, charged devices, a dog curled at your feet, and a good sense of your surroundings — it’s not about eliminating every risk, it’s about tipping the odds in your favour.

Solo vanlife doesn’t have to mean feeling vulnerable. It can mean freedom, clarity, and self-reliance — especially when backed by a bit of common sense, a touch of tech, and a wagging tail.

In the end, peace of mind isn’t just about locks and alarms. It’s about knowing we’ve prepared well, that we trust our instincts, and that — together — we’ve got this.

🔗 Small Note on Links

Some of the product links above are affiliate links. That means if you choose to click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It helps support the journey and keep this site (and van!) rolling. Thanks for being here. 🙏

Warmly, Steve & Bow Boe