It could’ve been a lot worse. I was tempted to press the button on the carbon monoxide alarm to scare them 😂

Install small little cctv camera's outside your van so you can see what's going on ?

Updated: I just happened to see your channel, and others similar channels recently, and I think that you, and others sharing their actual reality, and some have expressed some of the up, and down sides to van, RV, or vehicle living. I believe that it is very helpful, and beneficial to others who may be thinking about this type of living without actually thinking through, about the some of the realistic problems that could occur with vehicle or van living etc. People need to know what up sides there are, as well as some of the down sides of vehicle living. I believe this channel, and other channels have been informative to others, including myself. Although, I am NOT living in a vehicle or anything like this. I feel that you , and others KZfaqrs sharing this with your viewers will be very helpful. I wish you ALL the Best with your traveling endeavors. I shared this with another traveler as I watched their KZfaq channel for the first time, as yours, and I shared with them this information that may be helpful to you as well to others. Therefore, I would also like to suggest a few Safety tips, and items that may help you, or others in your viewing audience. Although, you may have knowledge of this already, I am not sure, so I hope this will be helpful to you, others or someone. *Keep a Extra working cellphone with you or in your vehicle. You can purchase inexpensive phone with a very low monthly price between 25, 35, 45, dollars a month with unlimited data and text, and some have Nationwide coverage Do your research for the best fit for you Carry Several Extra portable phone chargers, and cables. Consider theses items: *Mini portable power charging station. I have also seen outdoor portable solar powered power stations, that can be recharged from sunlight this may be very useful to have, to power your devices. *Cellular signal booster for outdoor use, and camping situations to boost or amplify your cell reception, Research to see what you prefer. *Very Inportant: Invest in a SOS distress electronic signal device, this a kind of device can send out a distress signal with your exact location. There are various types of these devices, and including devices that can be used when boating or camping situations. *Some have emergency Strobe lights SOS signaling with location alerts, and location updates that can be sent to your family, and emergency first responders. Some can be synchronized with your smart watch or phone. You can check online, and on Amazon, research what SOS devices will be a good fit for you. *Mini portable vehicle battery jumper charger *vehicle battery jumper cables *Vehicle Jumper cables *Keep a Fire extinguisher handy *Mounted Dashboard camera front and rear possibly. Exterior vehicle cameras Interior vehicle cameras *Flashlights or pluggin spotlights *Portable spotlights, and lanterns Keep a few whistles around with you, and in your vehicle possibly in your vehicle’s center console *A set of long range 2 way radios, walkie talkies, with others during trips, some have 100 mile radius keep for emergencies. Use your own discretion regarding the use of any weapons. Don’t forget to bring Bear Spray Pepper spray Where is allowed Keep in contact with your family, friends etc. Although, I just noticed your KZfaq channel, and other similar channels. You seem Very Aware of your surroundings and Alert, and you may be aware of many of these suggestions, however, I Don’t know, so I just posted this anyway to help anyone who may benefit from these suggestions. Keep up with the latest Weather Updates, beware and prepare for unexpected Weather events and conditions. Keep your vehicle gas filled Don’t chance your Safety by running your vehicle fuel or gas too close to Empty. Fill it up anyway, it will save you alot of time, and headache later on. Keep Extra financing, and savings for any unexpected issues, vehicle repairs, and overnight stays, in a emergency or if you need to rest indoors. Keep Enjoying Yourself, Keep Enjoying the outdoors, and Nature Just..Please continue to Be Positive, Safe, and Alert.. Wishing Success, Well-being and Happiness You All. God Bless You, and everyone Traveling, or living in their vehicles, Vans, RVs, etc. Please Be Safe... Author Advocate for Humanity, Safety Advocate Jason Sandifer, Michigan 10/05/2022, 10/02/2022

What he need is a metal tube 3/4” diameter that he can shoot a gun with blanks to the ground.

Yeah we are a scary, violent lot ere in Mousehole! Hah hah

that is hilarious...

That’s what they get… 😂🤣

Precious memories...lol

GOOD for YOU!!! I’m from Louisiana and it’s a “stand your ground” state. I would have had my pew pew, if I was scared for my life! Glad you’re ok!!

Cool story bro 🙄

Ha please say this is true lol.

@@bensmith5231 it was in the Narawntapu National Park near Port Sorrel river in December 2011.

This exact thing happened to me too, was quite funny when I realised that it was a wombat, although was a bit freaky before I realised!

That's hilarious . Bloody wombats

Best comment!!!❤😆

Thanks for tips!

Oh Thank you Officer. I have slept in Police Station parking lots. I have a white cargo van so I slip in between their identical vans..😊 But they know I am there. Which makes me feel safe..❤

I lived in an apartment and people would do this. I had just moved out on my own and had a stranger walk in while I was sitting on the couch as soon as they saw me they acted like they had the wrong apartment. Thankfully that’s all that happened.

Of I need to leave quickly, A lock is a hinder, not a helper..

Set off your alarm. If I see anyone around my car I push my panic button. The alarm goes off and my lights start blinking.

Thanks Frank. Good advice.

Excellent idea! Also, observe what is the fastest way out of area. And remember what road was used to get in there. 🤔

Guns are great

Thank you!😊

​@@ExplorationRandomDestinationshotguns are better😂

Great advise thanks Molly

Super idea

Great idea!

Very good idea i never thought of that.

Love this thank you !

Great advise thank you

Good advice. Just recently brought a sailboat to live on. All advice I plan on taking.

BRILLIANT advice!

Fantastic advice!! Similar to if someone’s trying to break into your house. Start calling out names of other people even if you are alone.

You guys are the real MVPs

😂😂😂

Same thing when we turn the radio down to drive better😅

Yeah, definitely use an air horn in the enclosed space of your vehicle. Doctors say that's really good for your ears.

A better tip is a gun

​@ThePrairieChronicles I would rather carry a gun illegally (to be safe traveling) and be judged by 12 rather than carried by 6

​@@johnnyfive9660Better than losing your life!

​@@carmenmyer8985I agree!!

yes I agree, all solo travelers should have a good big watch dog!

My dogs the same she'll bark before someone touches my door amd it's the only time she does. She's a great burglar alarm and she can get fiesty where I'm concerned.

Me either. At 73 a confirmed chicken 🐓

Once you convince yourself you can’t do something, you can’t. But once you try, you surprise yourself with how much you can actually do. Never let anyone tell you that you CAN’T. I used to be afraid of almost everything, until finally realizing that my whole life was clouded by fear. That’s when I got mad-at myself for having allowed it to happen. Try taking a self-defense class. Mine was offered for women at a local college and run by the police. They taught us to shout loudly and aggressively-both are traditionally ‘unlady-like’ things to do, right? So what! The sound of my own voice yelling with strength helped make me FEEL STRONGER! It really helps. Try it! 😎

That's a good point especially if they had a beer or two

I've certainly done that innocently before.

Oh lord, I did this at someone else’s rig after heading out to the bathroom once. I tried repeatedly to get in thinking it was my rig, Fortunately, they were not inside or just ignored me. Whew. Glad you were ok.

I thought the same, looked very similar to the van that was down the road, if it was still there? I’ve tried to get into identical vehicles to mine in broad daylight and stone cold sober 😂

​@@kristiblack4789 I was sat in my car waiting for my missus to leave Matalan, I watched this greasy fat bloke waddle to the burger stand then jump into my passenger seat. He didn't even look to the driver (me in that instance). Just as he chunked into his burger I politely asked " what the Fk are you doing ? I nearly killed him with his own self indulgence.😮😮😂😂😂

Peak through window, install CCTV cameras to monitor 360 degrees outside, shout loud and shine torch outside, get pepper spray, have a big axe/machete at hand, install deadlocks, alarm, smash proof window film, all this helps.

@Bruce Wayne LOL cat turds! 😹

There are some who have installed cameras outside their vans.

I agree. People seem to downplay this issue with van life, and I don't understand why. I was staying in a pretty "safe" (low crime) part of town, parking on side streets near empty lots or office buildings or similar places residents wouldn't take much notice. One night after parking, I got a really unsettled, unexplained feeling in my gut to move somewhere else. Nothing had happened, I just had a "bad feeling". This feeling happened shortly after laying down to sleep, so I actually had to convince myself it was worth getting out of bed to move for no reason aside from unexplained instinct. Next day, I drove past my parking spot from the night before to discover someone had driven down that street and shot out all the windows of the cars parked overnight on that street. Not knowing I was on the other side of one of those windows, I likely would've been shot had I stayed. That convinced me to ALWAYS follow my instincts from then on, no matter how illogical they seem at the time.

​@@NorthernKitty WOW! Thank God he warned you!

A 12 guage is how we do it

@@pojo1010 Absolutely!!! But apparently many of these folks commenting here are from places that have surrendered their rights to the government.

Not very discreet about illegally sleeping in your car.. Which he seemed very conscientious of

There is one woman’s video on KZfaq showing that she had a regular deadbolt lock installed on both front doors of her van. It’s one more level of security to slow down any burglar.

Did you mean “admonition”? I’m with you on leaving no trace. One lady who was nearly burgled in her van at night had deadbolts installed but she had not remembered to lock them. When she heard the burglar trying to break in, she jumped up, engaged the deadbolt on that door, then grabbed her ignition key and started the engine. The guy wouldn’t give up so easy, so he jumped up on the hood of her van as she roared off, clinging for dear life, but when she made a turn, he went flying off into the wild blue yonder! I guess that means there was no trace left. . . I always love a happy ending! 😁

It sounds like they are dumping their pee everywhere from the videos I've watched.

I agree, protection is important.

Yep no guns in UK though. We believe that if you're physically stronger, you win.

They don't have rights in the UK so you have to protect yourself using hands alone and even then you'd be looking at jail time

@@Pepespizzeria1 You're completely correct. Infact, the police only really go after speech crimes nowadays. They'll literally put you on hold for kidnappings and assaults.

No self defence weapon is legal in the UK.

Hahaha yeah it was funny.

That's awesome! Do you make videos?

@@repentjesusiscomingsoon1529 no, i like seeing them but i have no interest in making any videos.

@@teresasanchez8853 Oh, okay, I can understand! God bless and protect you!

I am also a senior solo female and on my first campervan trip for 6 weeks now, and contemplating living full time in my van. Can you tell me, what must you go through to find a place to stay all day and all night and how often do you move your van? I've wondered if there are mobile home parks or camping sites where I can access an electric hookup to keep my house batteries charged and basically just live there when I'm not interested in traveling. I'd welcome any information or suggestions you care to share.

I don't travel in a van but I do find it appealing. I do know I would never begin to travel alone without a big dog traveling with me. Other than being sweet and loyal, they are the best protection and guard you with their life.

No. Making a LOT of noise is better. Calling out a man’s name, as if you aren’t alone is better, too. Taking control of your actions and not letting the would-be burglar control you is better! Cowering in the dark and waiting for harm to come get you is wrong!

Plus my man travels with me now. He drives 18 wheelers. We spend a few years meeting up on trips. Now that we’re married, I’ve been on many trips with him in his truck.

​@@candicemonique5927❤

Yes! I was thinking the same thing.

@@naomiwest9622 there’s motion sensors with receivers but they don’t light up. They beep on the receiver inside your home. There’s motion lights that light up but they don’t notify or record. Then there’s motion recording cameras that live stream from a wireless app to your phone. I’d want the latter so I could see what it was.

Ahoy, matey!! ;)

Hopefully with infrared for seeing in the dark

​@@bletheringfool A motion sensor that activates the light would be good, if they make a combo.

I would expect they WOULD knock on the door to make sure they could steal without being surprised by someone inside. I'm on my very first campervan trip right now and contemplating how to handle these different scenarios. Seems to me the best thing to do (as long as it's not the police at your door) is jump in the driver's seat and just get moving again- no need to go outside or check it out, just relocate.

@@sheri4673 You can always try to talk to them instead of going straight to plan B. I traveled with a bike and a tent, so I was much more vulnerable. Most of the people I met were very friendly. When I camped near houses, I tried to talk to people to explain that I was traveling and would be gone in the morning. Many of them offered me to eat with them and/or sleep on their property. One guy wanted to take me to my destination in his pickup truck. I came to ask him where the campground was and he told me they were a-holes and I could sleep in his guesthouse instead. I helped him with some internet issues, we ate and drank for two days, talking about life and impressionism. When his wife explained that I didn't want to travel by car, he wouldn't let me leave without half a cured ham in my saddles. I had a bad encounter with a drunk guy, who yelled and threatened me before his friend took him away. You never know what people want, that's why you have to talk to them. If someone checks before they try to steal, talking will probably make them leave. If you always start by assuming the worst and are afraid of people, you probably won't have a good experience.

@@IronFreee I appreciate your point of view. If those type of random experiences are what one is looking for then your approach makes sense. A knock on the van in the middle of the night too often means trouble, I' ll always aim for safety first. If I want to make acquaintances on my journey, I'll choose who I will approach rather than the other way around. But I admire your open welcoming attitude- happy travels!

@@sheri4673 I agree with you: at 2AM it's more probable that they are cops, drunk people messing around or delinquents rather than people bringing you croissants. I'm not saying that you should make friend with people knocking at your door in the middle of the night or putting yourself in danger by opening the door. But at this point you won't increase the danger by asking them what they want and, if they don't answer, telling them that you will call the police if they don't leave now. They are already at your door, so talking can only help to put an end to the situation without hurting anyone.

@@IronFreee I wouldn't really be interested in what they want, most likely food, money, drugs. I'd talk to them thru the window or door, but wouldn't open door, unless I was armed with hand gun. I don't trust people, you shouldn't either. There are some good people too, but there's Alot of bad people as well😂👍

But then he can’t pretend someone was breaking in hahhaa

@@queenpondue101 There are actually a lot of outdoor, 360 degree view, battery powered cameras that allow you to talk through them. I have 4 on my house, each side of the house.

I would add to this have a sensor that barks like a dog instead of security sounds,, or put magnet signs on the outside saying dog handlers,, just only put them on your van at night time,, at least then no one will even go near it because most dog handlers work at night time 😁😁

Security dog handlers 🐶

@@Ego-de4dt You sound fun.

Love it.

Good idea with the alarm switch!

Sadly MaryAnn the people you talk of give us all a bad name and this is why people don’t like vans in their neighbourhood. Sometimes I even litter pick the area I’m staying in so it’s cleaner than when I arrived. Thanks for watching

LMFAO the locals here in UK always pee on bushes on the way back from pubs on nights out. What's your problem? Now, number two is a different story.

I don't see a problem with pissing in the bush tbh, as long as you don't shit snd leave toilet paper everywhere

@@tehdreamer ....ummm have you smelt urine?

@@jasonvoorhees7288 lol yes, i frequently pee in a bottle in the van since its convenient. Then dispose in a sewer drainage or toilet when parked near a home.

This comment did make me laugh. Whilst I’m sure that wasn’t a nice experience for your friend, a person minding their own business camping in Cornwall would no well in hell have a gun. Guns aren’t a thing unless you’re a farmer! Two different worlds. Thankfully

@@Charlottes-1990 is glad I'm in Australia for the same reason.

Excellent response

@@Charlottes-1990 When out late at night in the USA, you can bet that about every 3rd or 4th vehicle has a pistol in it. Needless to say, the smartest people here mind their own business and leave other people and their stuff alone. I am certainly not saying that everyone is smart however.

@Ralph Cantrell my friend .. Here in texas, you can count on 9 out 10 cars having a pistol anytime of day or night

Loved the shush too😂

Mason, what do you do if they get the axe away from you? I have a rottie and 2 tazers. Someone else suggested a spear gun and he said they wee legal.

Good advise 😊

@@mickaelalynngregorypipes I'm not aware that ''this happens alot.'' But we joke that even if someone did get hold of the keys, they couldn't drive the 1971 VW bus. First, it's a stick and sometimes very tricky to get into gear. So, no fast get-aways. Then of course, it stalls. And it has no power whatsoever going up hills. We could be left behind laughing watching the amateur trying to steal our car. So, no, we will still keep our keys in the ignition when we sleep so to honk the horn, flash the lights. It worked for us when we by a black bear in Yosemite.

I've stayed there many times over the years by myself. But never had that happen. That's terrifying! Haven't been back for a few years, but it is a beautiful place!

I think if a perp hears a man’s voice inside and he sounds serious, the perp will run off.

That would’ve sent my rotties thru the roof. Glad you’re ok

Thanks Lena 😊

I’m just curious, did you ask the other van parked there if they were disturbed during the night, or do you think it could have been them trying your door?

St. Louis seems to be the place to have something stolen while visiting. Years ago my family had two hubcaps stolen in the Gateway Arch parking lot.

what park in st. louis?

It really be the nerve of fucking peopel . These type of people need to get sent to hell as soon as their spotted doing a crime . Shit is scary and annoying having to always protect

St Louis is a great city that supports crime!

I know you and your wife. You guys are horrible people. The worst people I've ever met.

That’s a good idea. I was thinking of getting some sign writing on the van saying it’s a toilet cleaning company because no one would want to break in to a van that has poo in it

@@LoveSundays yeah, i think pest control is better, they seriously wont want to even get close, there is just nothing that’s potentially toxic anybody wants to get close to, an old respiratory, high vis jacket and pair of gloves on the passenger seat? I’m giving you extra room. 😂

👍

@@LoveSundays ha ha ha geniuw

My first thought too Amateur

@@007nadineLSame!

It is really scary when I happens isn’t it. And then the next day you think to yourself maybe I should’ve got out of the van to scare them off. You never know what they could have on them though

Happened to me by couple no gooders. I was pissed and banged on the window scaring them away at that point got out of my car watching them drive away🤬

@@bencuraza6503 Hahaha, they probably thought the van was haunted by a poltergeist.😂

See guns save lives!

Exactly

@@MADDOG100ful I wear my firearm every day .. Blessings to you and yours coming at you from the mountains of Southern Oregon

@@MADDOG100ful #GunsDontKillPeopleRappersDo 😗😜🤪😎🤣

@@MADDOG100ful #GunsDontKillPeopleRappersDo 😗😜🤪😎🤣

Good advise thank you

L

Something like a .45 will prevent them from opening the door too!!!

100% my transit is the same. I always deadlock the van and it saved it from being stolen one night. Someone smashed the 1/4 window on the drivers side and tried to open the door from the inside but couldn’t (due to the double click deadlock) I’ve also fitted manual key deadlocks as an extra measure, that’s the real fail safe

On my suv, if I double click the lock, it engages the security alarm. So if they try to open the door, the alarm goes off and the lights flash. I'm going to check to see if it keeps the lock engaged, too. Thanks for thar tip.

Yea I need to up my game on the security side

If it was not an adult and not a cub,,.., then it is called a junior

My parents made home in a cabin in Alaska when working on the pipeline, came home one day to a demolished kitchen courtesy of a local grizzly. No place is safe from a hungry and/or curious bear!

Me2

I'm assuming you're a woman like I am. We are physically out classed by men. It's crazy how many risky situations men get into because they don't have that same awareness.

@@firebreathingmoonbeam3961 wonder why we live longer 🤣😂

@@firebreathingmoonbeam3961 awareness? Yes. Fear? Not as much.

@@firebreathingmoonbeam3961 yea in a way it can happen anytime anywhere but best to try and be prepared

That’s nice that they were just checking in on you. I used to live camping in my van when I was travelling Aus back in 2011. That’s a fine country you have there mate

I agree external cameras and a couple of kelpies with deep growls. That’s what I’ve got

That’s a great idea mate

I have a new car alarm never used your more than welcome to it

Isn’t there a panic alarm on the key fob?

Thank you Helen Brown that’s very kind but I’ve sorted something now

Um what was wrong with the panic button on your key fob?

Thank you for the tips Peter much appreciated

Best suggestion yet thanks mate

I'm a local and I minded. I was actually the one who tried to break in. I was going trying to put the car in neutral and let it roll down the street.

@@johnnyfive9660 you must live very VERY sad life to want knowingly hurt anybody 😔 but don’t worry what goes around comes around soon or later!

@@kazuz4549 I was just making a dumb joke.

I feel more peaceful and calm now that I’m sleeping in my car. I even took a “break” and got an apartment for 8 months- was so miserable I broke my lease and went right back into my car lol

​@@renebleu8711understandable

Andy that’s genius 😂

Thank you Anne