I'm planning on free camping and then leaving the van to explore locally but I'm not too sure if that's a wise idea. Would it be better, if I want to explore an area, to stay in a caravan park? What arer the security issues with free camping when you are away from the site?
Bushranger - it appears you may have 'some' security concerns, therefore I would recommend that you take away those concerns and stay in caravan park. Remember, the vast majority of thefts & vandalism is caused by those who have been given the opportunity to carry them out. Remove those opportunities and life is a lot more enjoyable.
In Townsville in 2014 when I was there this was reported in the media A couple arrived at Bluewater free camp north of Townsville unhooked their caravan and head off to Deeragun shopping centre to get supplies when they got back the caravan was gone , Someone most have seen them drive in and heading off so took the chances to steal the caravan , When I was in Griffith last year a bloke a bloke park next to me in a caravan park had a great set up for bush and free camping I ask why he was staying in the caravan park he said he will never free park around a big town and drive off and leave his Rig .
We were in a caravan park in Adelaide when a Landcruiser came in, packed up the van and took off. Wasn't until owners came home that we realised it was being stolen. Security gates with card access on entry and exit. It can be stolen anywhere.
Neil
When we freecamp we will leave the Van and our Van is not very old, but you need to know the people around you probably from sitting around the fire with them or just socialising you will get a good vibe, lock the the ball on the front of the van ,lock the chains on the front of the van as well,have good insurance cover, make sure it's a spot where Hoons don't frequent even better still if there's a lot of Rvs at a site make a point of introducing yourself to people, no one will stand by and watch some hoon take the old man next doors Rv without saying something..
When in the bush we lock the ball fitting, have one wheel clamp on each side of our tandem van and a 2G Tracker with a electronic fence( will need to change when 2G is turned off in Dec.) as well as good insurance cover. Good point on locking the chains.
When nearer towns/cities agree with the above, socialising with neighbours, even leaving mob. contact number if leaving the site for a day.
You going investigating.
Don't be silly.
Spend the dollars for a van park and still have a caravan/contents
when you return.
It's too easy to lift a van. just link chains and drive away
with other chain overball through drawbar.
Or break a window. rip door off with car and empty it.
There's economising, and that other word starts with stu....
I;ve been caravaning 50 odd yrs. boating too.
You'd be surprised what goes from where.
If there nobody you know there with them. DON'T LEAVE IT.
ten/twenty yrs ago different kettle of fish. but not nowadays.
I always introduce myself to my nearest neighbours when I free camp
When I used a caravan, and wanted to visit somewhere in my car, I would politely ask a few of my neighbours to keep their eye on it I would also ask if they wanted me to pick anything up for them, if I was going to town
Now that I have a motorhome, I still use the same principle of asking neighbours to keep their eye on it, if I go for a long walk or bicycle ride. If I am going shopping and know that I am returning to that camp, then I will ask if anyone wants anything picked up
I remember there was a post on here some time ago about or from a couple who were at a free camp, had a happy hour with another couple that night, asked them to keep an eye on their van while they were away next day, they were assured the other couple would be staying there all day, when they returned no sign of the other couple, their van had been broken into and their valuables stolen.
I have been bush camping for 8 years and have never heard or seen of an issue in a bush camp where I was.
I always watch other peoples possessions around me as I would hope others would do for me.
I walk most mornings and afternoons for about 2 hours each and leave solar panels and chairs etc outside and have never lost anything.
There is less chance of loosing stuff in a bush camp because for a start the people there are travelers like you and would not like their possessions stolen so watch others stuff.
You are normally miles from civilization so the people who prefer to steal stuff it is too far for them to roam to seek opportunities.
It does take a while to feel comfortable bush camping but take it from me I feel a lot more apprehensive in a caravan park. Take a walk around the perimeter of a normal caravan park and look at the people living there. Often the down on their luck and often people who have run out of options to obtain rental due to problems in previous residences. I don't say they are all like that, far from it but there is more chance of finding them in a caravan park than at a rest stop out in the digs.
If you are apprehensive for the start try and travel with other people for a while. I prefer to be on my own so usually find places where there is no one so when I leave my bus for photography walks it is completely unprotected and I never worry.
Remember if you don't try it you will never know if it is for you. Give it a while to see how you go. We are all different, when I go to a caravan park (jail) I get very twitchy even when with a group I cant wait to get out. Have been several times for a planned event and usually within a few hours I am ready to leave. NEVER feel comfortable and it is not the money it is the lifestyle and the freedom of bush camping that you cant get in the park.
Besides there are all types of people and places to camp, select what suits you and be happy, I often say to people who insist on staying in parks and run me down for bush camping "good you stay in the park and then you wont take my spot in the bush camp.)
If we all wanted to stay in parks then the weekend warriors etc would not be able to have their holidays as all the parks would be full of the full time or long time travelers.
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
Couldn't agree more beiffe. The only time I've heard of or had trouble is caravan parks. I've left the van lots of times at free camps over nearly 6 years. I've left solar panels unlocked too. You have to observe your surroundings though and DO judge a book by its cover. I always do. If ppl and their gear look feral....then they probably are. I know that's not a fashionable or PC view, buts it's survival!! (Oh wait....then there me...biggest scruff out lol). I always look out for other people's gear too, if I know them or not. I just note what kind of car goes with the van and make sure no one else rocks up and their gear. I keep a spare iPhone charged up at all times so I can do that 'find my phone' - so the van would have its own GPS in it and by the time they found that phone in there....they'd be sorry!!!
