Hi. I am worried about leaving my van when off grid or when there aren't many people around when I want to go for a walk / hike. I don't really want to fork out for a witi anti-theft device so I'm planning on a wheel clamp and hitch lock. Should I get a cheap GPS and hide it in the van too? Has anyone found a good GPS? What about a good / economical wheel clamp? Thanks. Noel
-- Edited by NoelB on Monday 31st of March 2025 02:23:55 PM
In the 22 yrs since we bought the motorhome + the 20+/- yrs before that when we had campervans, we never had any issues with interference with the vehicles or their contents. Much of these recent yrs was 'freedom camping' for 90%+ time on the road, often months at a time
There are two things here that may be of help ... 1)- if "someone" has decided to steal your unit, they will do their best to make it happen, and 2)- prevention is better than cure
I would give yourself peace of mind via the 2 hardware / physical locking systems you mention, esp the hitch lock. Clearly visible to others and easily seen to be too much trouble ... go for an easier unit to steal
Also- a lot depends upon how remote you are going to be camping. Many times we are also remote but often there is someone else's unit visible from our campsite. When we depart for a while (bush-walking, etc) I make sure to go via the second site to let them know what's happening. Should they see something 'wrong' there is no guarantee that they will do anything, but hopefully they will investigate and put off the interlopers
If you have an Apple phone buy yourself an Apple Airtag and hide it in the van. You can buy tags for Android phones too. If within about 30 metres of the same type of phone the location is picked up and sent to your phone. Obviously in remote areas with no signal it isn't going to work but if someone does steal your van the chances are they will be driving through areas with a signal and passing other vehicles with your type of phone.
I have them in my tug, caravan, boat, boat trailer, cat and suitcases for when I travel. I will be in the UK in a couple of weeks and will still be able to see the location of all my items here in Australia.
If you have an Apple phone buy yourself an Apple Airtag and hide it in the van. You can buy tags for Android phones too. If within about 30 metres of the same type of phone the location is picked up and sent to your phone. Obviously in remote areas with no signal it isn't going to work but if someone does steal your van the chances are they will be driving through areas with a signal and passing other vehicles with your type of phone.
I have them in my tug, caravan, boat, boat trailer, cat and suitcases for when I travel. I will be in the UK in a couple of weeks and will still be able to see the location of all my items here in Australia.
And your car and caravan keys, I lost my van keys about 10 k out of Mary Kathleen - had left them on the drawbar.
Retraced my steps til the signal went from general to detailed (for those that aren't familiar with Air Tag) and found them in long grass beside the road where they had flown off on a corner.
Wow - got them on everything now. (Even on the dog). I can't cook!
If you have an Apple phone buy yourself an Apple Airtag and hide it in the van. You can buy tags for Android phones too. If within about 30 metres of the same type of phone the location is picked up and sent to your phone. Obviously in remote areas with no signal it isn't going to work but if someone does steal your van the chances are they will be driving through areas with a signal and passing other vehicles with your type of phone.
I have them in my tug, caravan, boat, boat trailer, cat and suitcases for when I travel. I will be in the UK in a couple of weeks and will still be able to see the location of all my items here in Australia.
And your car and caravan keys, I lost my van keys about 10 k out of Mary Kathleen - had left them on the drawbar.
Retraced my steps til the signal went from general to detailed (for those that aren't familiar with Air Tag) and found them in long grass beside the road where they had flown off on a corner.
Wow - got them on everything now. (Even on the dog). I can't cook!
B
Just had a look at Air Tags from Amazon ... 4 for around $140. Looks like a great idea.
edit .. Some people use them on their Luggage when on Aircraft. Must do further investigation. Looks better all the time.
-- Edited by Cupie on Wednesday 2nd of April 2025 02:17:30 PM
-- Edited by Cupie on Wednesday 2nd of April 2025 02:18:10 PM
Yes Cupie, I use them in my suitcase and hand luggage as well. You can't track them in the air but once on the ground and there is a worker with a phone within about 30 metres of the luggage then you will see the location.
I have heard where people with lost luggage have been able to contact the airline and tell them exactly where it is. Haven't had to do that yet.
