While van life and van vacations are wonderfully freeing, they also come with a side risk of van theft -- the last thing you want to interrupt your journey. So if you're getting ready for a van adventure, you need a little protection.Â
That's why I've rounded up the best standalone, on-the-road security devices that you can use to keep both your expensive stuff and your van safe, from sports equipment to your work laptop. None of this security tech requires pricey OEM installations and most don't even need a Wi-Fi hotspot. Just remember to keep your doors locked.Â
1. Grab a cellular security camera
Today's security cams, like the Blind brand, are small, smart and more affordable than ever.
You wonder, "What's the point of a van security cam if I'm nowhere near the van and don't even know when someone's breaking in?" But today's security cameras are all-in-one sensor devices that can do more than you might think.
First, they can detect motion and recognize humans (while ignoring pets you may have with you), then send alerts to your phone so you can immediately hop onto a live view and see what's going on. Second, they have two-way audio, lights and sirens that you can activate to scare burglars away. The speakers let you shout out that you're running back, that you called the cops, that this is a surprise sting operation or whatever else comes to mind.Â
Third, many of these cameras are wireless with batteries that can easily last for months, so you can charge them with outlets or power packs like you charge your phone and never have to worry about the camera dying. And our Tapo and Eufy examples above don't require subscriptions, either.
If you have a mobile cellular router device, you can link a Wi-Fi camera to it, but we prefer 4G LTE cameras that directly connect to nearby cell towers so you don't have to worry about Wi-Fi going down. Many include SIM cards to make setup easier too. And if you're worried about mounting, you can try 3M adhesive tape instead of screws on the base or find a cozy shelf to securely tape it down to. We like the shelf option because it's less susceptible to vibrations on the road.
2. Find an affordable vibration/glass break sensor
Glass break and vibration sensors come either with or without hubs, depending on what you prefer.
You don't need a whole security system to get a viable glass break sensor in your van, bus or other travel vehicle. Today's sensors are mobile and can identify the sharp sounds and vibrations of breaking glass as opposed to normal van noises. Since breaking windows is the No. 1 way thieves speedily rob travel vans, this can be an important line of defense.
Like wireless cams, they're typically rechargeable and easy to place without needing to drill any holes. The best kinds give you app alerts if they detect broken glass and can sound an alarm as well. If you don't want to manage any additional plugins, there are simple stick-on glass break sensors that even work with Alexa or Google Assistant, typically 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 on if you want. But you might want to disable these sensors when you hit the road for a day of driving.
3. Add a small smart safe
Lockly's smart features run on four AA batteries.
Create a safe place to keep your valuables, the things you really, really need to protect if someone's ransacking your van or steals it entirely. That can include emergency cash, passports, important medications, an extra burner phone, jewelry or really shiny rocks you found.
If you want to spend a bit more on this vital 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. Look into bolting them down to a nonessential part of your vehicle floor so if thieves find it, they can't just take it with them.
4. Include a GPS tracker
Pick a van GPS tracker that's designed for vehicles and lasts for a long time.
A reliable GPS tracker is one of the must-have devices for your van escapades, so you still know exactly where it is if it's stolen, towed or otherwise lost. There's nothing wrong with something small like an AirTag, but those rely a lot on nearby iPhones to triangulate positions and aren't the best option when you're on the road in a van. It's better to pay a little bit more and find a tracker made specifically for your situation.
Our favorite picks include vehicle GPS trackers from dependable brands like Cube ($100), LandSeaAir ($125) and Spot ($150). They're durable, weather resistant, easy to pack and have batteries that can last for six months to a year or more. You get real-time alerts to your phone if your van leaves a set location, a history of locations, emergency call options and other valuable features for comprehensive protection. Just keep in mind some come with subscriptions you may have to budget for.
5. Add a fingerprint cable lock
A cable lock is an excellent deterrent for thieves trying to steal pricey sports equipment.
You can wrap cable locks like these around any available handle or opening in your van so you can attach larger, personal valuables that you really don't want stolen -- things like bikes, snowboards, scooters and surfboards. A fingerprint version is especially easy to unlock with a touch or with your Apple Watch. Most thieves trying to break into vans are looking for easy opportunities and once they see something is locked down with a cable, they'll move on. Plus, you can easily find them for under $50.
Your van life, protected
As a final note, always pay attention to where you park your van for an extended period of time. Work to follow local rules and avoid places where it's easy for people to run and smash a window without being seen. We've also collected tips on where to never put your security cams, the best cheap security systems and how to spot hidden cams at Airbnbs if you decide to rent.Â