Campervan Security: 10 Tips to Keep You, Your Van and Your Valuables Safe

Life on the road has its fair share of magic—sunsets from your bed, spontaneous detours, waking up to the sound of waves. But with freedom comes responsibility and the occasional gut-wrenching “wait, where’s my van?” moment.

Maybe the door’s been left ajar. Maybe your window’s cracked open. Maybe there’s a distinct lack of van in the exact spot you parked last night. Whatever the case, it’s often only after something bad happens that we think about how it could’ve been prevented.

The good news? You can do a lot to avoid the worst-case scenarios. Van theft and damage are real risks, but they’re manageable—with the right prep.

Let’s talk about how to make your home-on-wheels as secure as possible so you can roam with confidence, not paranoia.

1. Insurance

Let’s start with the least exciting but most important piece: insurance.

Even if you’ve installed every lock and alarm, there’s still a chance something bad could happen. That’s where coverage becomes your financial safety net.

What to look for in a good campervan policy:

• Protection against theft, damage, vandalism, and natural events

• Coverage for your van and the contents inside (tools, electronics, appliances, etc.)

• Accident protection (because life happens—even when you’re careful)

• Roadside assistance or trip interruption coverage

💡 Tip: Not all car insurance policies understand custom or DIY camper builds. Look for providers that specialize in RVs, campervans, or tiny homes on wheels.

2. Door locks

Factory locks were designed for commuting—not for storing your life’s possessions.

Upgrade options to consider:

• Deadlocks – Installed into the door and only openable by key, these add serious resistance to forced entry.

• Slam locks – Automatically lock the moment you shut the door. No more forgetting to lock up.

• Van locks – External bolt-on locks common on trade vehicles. Not subtle, but effective as a visual deterrent.

Real Talk: It’s worth reinforcing both the front cab and your rear/living area doors—thieves often test multiple access points.

3. Immobilizer

An immobilizer makes it impossible to start the engine without the right electronic key. Most newer vans have them, but older builds may need a retrofit.

Pair this with visible deterrents (like a steering wheel lock), and your van just became a much harder target.

4. Steering wheel locks

No thief wants to deal with a steering wheel lock. Whether it’s the long metal bar type or a full-wheel cover, this is one of the best “walk-away” signals you can install.

Bonus: they’re low-cost, require no power, and install in seconds.

5. Gear locks

A thief might get inside your van—but they’ll have a hard time driving away if your gearstick or handbrake is locked in place.

These locks attach directly to the stick or brake and physically prevent shifting out of park or neutral. They’re affordable, fast to install, and make theft inconvenient, which is exactly what you want.

6. Wheel clamps

More commonly associated with bad parking, wheel clamps are perhaps the most effective form of visual deterrent, as a potential thief can spot them from a mile away! Rather than using the heavy, solid steel versions that you see clamped on unlucky cars in the city, there are a number of light and easy-to-install options that are every bit as effective.

7. Window/door alarms

Noise is a powerful deterrent. Alarms help by drawing instant attention to an attempted break-in—which is usually enough to scare off a thief.

Alarm Types:

• Contact-based: Magnetic switches that trigger when a door/window is opened.

• Motion sensors: Detects vibrations or impacts, but can sometimes be set off accidentally inside a lived-in van.

Many alarms are wireless, run on batteries, and cost under $20 per unit.

8. Lockable storage

Despite all your locks and alarms, someone has still managed to gain entry into your van. But you’ve still got one layer of protection up your sleeve: you’ve locked all your valuables away.

Lockable storage is an absolute must for your campervan, ensuring that things like cash, cards, IDs and electronics stay safe whenever you’re otherwise engaged. If you’re fitting out your campervan from scratch, be sure to get locks incorporated into the cabinetry. Safes and lockers can also be retrofitted to prefab campervans, you should just ensure that they’re bolted in.

9. Trackers

Like lockable storage, a tracking device should be seen as a last element of protection, this time against the theft of your van. These aren’t anti-theft devices as such (although putting a sticker on your van that says ‘this vehicle has a tracker’ will help), but rather a way to find your vehicle if it does indeed get stolen.

Trackers feature a GPS that can upload the location of the van to an app via an internal SIM card. Basic trackers will simply tell you the location of your van at regular intervals, while more advanced trackers will offer a real-time feed, and may even give you the option to remotely shut off your engine.

10. A dog

The last piece of the campervan security puzzle is the cutest of the lot. While it will represent an additional member of your van life crew, dogs offer van security with added bite!

Lastly, there are a few low cost/no cost ways to avoid the worst of van life, and keep enjoying the best.

• Park in safe spots (well-lit in the city, established boondocking locations.)

• Put security stickers on your back window (beware dog, van is alarmed, this van has a tracker.)

• Hide your valuables and close your curtains/blinds.

By using any or all of the measures above, you’ll be ensuring that your van, and the exciting, adventurous and fun life that comes with it, will be able to be enjoyed for years to come.

More Simple (and Free) Tips for Daily Security

Some of the best security tactics don’t cost a dime:

• Park smart: Stay in well-lit areas, use established campgrounds or apps like iOverlander to find safer boondocking spots.

• Use curtains or shades to hide valuables from view.

• Apply deterrent stickers like:

  • “This van is GPS tracked”

  • “Dog on board”

  • “Security camera inside”

• Hide valuables when leaving the van, even if it’s just for a quick coffee stop.

• Lock up—always. Even if you’re parked in paradise.

What to Do If a Theft Happens

Despite best efforts, bad luck happens. If your van or belongings are stolen:

1. Report to local authorities immediately

2. Use your GPS tracker if you have one to assist in recovery

3. Notify your insurance provider and begin the claim process

4. Document the event for your own records—photos, timelines, receipts, etc.

5. Reach out to online van communities—Reddit, Facebook groups, and vanlife forums are surprisingly helpful in spreading the word

Final Thoughts: Protect the Life You Love

Van life is about freedom, not fear. With just a few proactive upgrades and good daily habits, you can enjoy all the beauty of the road without the stress of losing what matters most.

Your campervan is your home, your safe place, your launchpad to adventure. Treat it like one. Protect it, respect it, and make it feel secure enough to let you fully relax.

Need help planning a secure van build?👉 [Talk to the Drifter Vans team]—we’ll help you design a van that feels just as safe as it is stylish.

Happy travels—and stay safe out there.