Paranoia

[Conundrum]

I dunno, I'd be kinda scared too.
But fear is not necessarily a deal breaker. As you have clearly found out (and I know you're just asking for equipment/technical advice). And you're clearly committed in spite of the scary aspects. (Come on, WrongWay2, a little optimism!)
Maybe take some time to get to know the equipment you already have? And ditto for anything new you buy. So that you're confident you can use it fast and well.
If you're like me you're almost as scared of new tech as of Creepy Forest Guys. But new tech gives you lots more do-overs, and once you master it you'll feel great.
PS Awesome trips and awesome pictures!

Fear, is what keeps us alive. The precautions we take. How cautious we are. All the situations we avoid. On the other hand, of course we have to do stuff in spite of the dangers. If we didn't, society as we know it wouldn't exist.

No problem with technology, new solutions, new systems, new equipment. It takes time to learn everything new and this is the only drawback. We have to put time towards learning instead of spending that same time having fun.

 

[Conundrum]

You're looking for an external solution to an internal problem. The problem isn't your environment - you've been fine for years - the problem is your mind and anxiety. Your imagination and your lack of faith in your ability to protect yourself are scaring you, not your environment.

I was the same way in my house. I got a security system to rival Fort Knox and I was still pathologically scared for years. A book on cognitive behavioral therapy helped me learn to control my thoughts and the Gift of Fear helped me utilize my fear the way it's suppose to be utilized.

Every now and again the fear still rears its ugly head but I remind myself how many years of rest I wasted lying awake, being afraid, and absolutely nothing happened. Then I remind myself I'm a bad__s who has proven numerous times that I can take care of myself. No use in staying awake and being tired if crap does go down. I need to sleep now so I can be as rested as possible to handle whatever the night brings. And then I go to sleep. That mindset has helped me so much with all my anxiety. "Rest now so I can deal with real life crap later."

You are right that my fears are an internal problem. They are also an internal survival mechanism. Because I am in fear of becoming a victim of crime I am seeking ways to avoid that I will become a victim.

At night, in the van, I am like a snail in its shell. I am seeking to get information and alerts about what is going on outside my shell. Should someone come within a few feets of the van in the middle of the night if I am parked avay from any other vehicle of if there are no other vehicles?

If someone does come suspiciously close to the van, what response/defense/deterrence options do I have?

I don't want an armed or verbal confrontation. I want to get out, get away, speed away, put distance between me and trouble.

What can technology do for me? Is there an ultimate system availale out there?

 

[Conundrum]

Glad to see some others here sharing good info instead of only criticizing. Sounds like you have traveled a lot and I would imagine you have gained some good insight as to where is safe and where you may need to move on. I really don't believe having a motion light is going to help much if something goes wrong in the middle of nowhere. With that said, still nice to have. I also like a super bright LED exterior light that I control from inside. I would suggest the following:

• Observing the surrounding area in daylight, prior to stopping for the night
• Setup your site and vehicle so (like you said) that you can make a quick exit if necessary
• Protection. Only you can decide what you are comfortable with and using. At minimum pepper spray.
• A ridiculously loud alarm that is controlled with an on/off switch. While it won't discourage everyone it may......
• Find campsites where you can see other campers. I realize this isn't always possible for you but when possible.

Wish you safe travels.

Jon
VanLifeWired

Thank you Jon.

 

[Conundrum]

Statistically (I know,I know) you probably had far more chance of being harmed in a car wreck over those many months and 70,000+ miles of travel than being attacked by a stranger.

Paranoia didn't stop you from making those trips then.....so is this a new thing?

I'm sure most of the crime is found in the cities, so camping out in the boonies would be (is!) far safer.

PS: Thanks for the pics. I wish I could afford to go again...

Things have changed. Cities used to be dangerous and the countryside was safe. This was before drugs took over the countryside and now life is more dangerous in the country than it is in big cities. See the published stats of the past 5-10 years.

If I am going to spend nights here and there in unknown territory of course I am putting myself at risk. Naturally, I could stay home, in my safe suburban community, instead of roaming isolated roads at nightfall. If, however, I decide that the whole planet belongs to me by virtue of living on it and never having known another planet, then all I want is protection as I investigate it. And what I am seeking from folks who know stuff I don't know, is to tell me how I can enormously increase my chances of survival while doing what I do: driving around in a little van.

 

[Malamute]

Camera security systems are relatively inexpensive in the overall picture. The power needs may be less than expected, you would have to check with the info specs on a given system, one main factor would be disregard the 110v power use, some use a transformer to step down to lower voltage to actually operate the system. It makes no sense to power up an inverter off 12v to make 110v to power the transformer thats going to make 12volts or less. The thing to find out is what their power source makes on output. If it works on 12v or less, inexpensive charge controllers are available that use far less power than stepping up and down from 12v to 110v to 12 or whatever volt. I think i paid about $14 for mine.

I dont know if they make them specifically for campers, they may, but a home system may work fine, at least for a while, the vibration of travel may shorten their lifespan, but that may just be the cost of doing business so to speak. There are some quite small, discrete cameras, and most have basic night vision capability. You can also set both the sensitivity and area to alert on as desired, which may vary with different locations. Its not hard to modify in the settings.

I wouldnt worry as much about making flood lights come on with motion, every bunny that comes around or blowing tree will trigger it. Id suggest an alert to you inside like a small LED light blink and beep sound if it triggers and nobody outside need know you are aware, and if it is a bunny or deer, no need to attract more attention to yourself. Having a manual switch to activate lights or noise maker would be fine to use as needed, but I think would get tiresome fast it it happened automatically at every possible motion alert.

I had a driveway alarm that was motion activated, it alerted to blowing sagebrush and deer and bunnies ALL the time. I eventually gave up trying to check it all the time when it alerted in the middle of the night (waking me up scads of times), then shut it off at night or unless expecting someone, then shut if off altogether and went with a simple camera with portable monitor I could carry around if out in the back.

 

[tx2sturgis]

In addition to your security camera and motion detection options, I would suggest you buy and use a simple (preferably a darker color) cam-lock cargo strap and use it to secure your driver door and passenger door by looping the strap thru the interior door handles. This will slow down any attempt by a violent intruder who has smashed your window and is looking to unlock the door and gain access in a few seconds.

The strap should slow them down enough so that you can start the engine and make your escape (or resort to plan B if you have a plan B, I do.)

If the strap is in YOUR way you may be able to use two straps end to end in a longer loop and threaded under the seats.

There are no guarantees in life, but some of us in the wide world of trucking have done this when we have to get some sleep in a sketchy area...and that happens a LOT in cross country trucking.

This might increase your confidence level and make it easier to sleep.

 

[maki2]

Of course here we are with you trying to find out from people who do like learning things what you need to do for a security system. Impossible to avoid learning new things isn't it

 

[barefootrebel]

Putting this on my list- get my van strapped!

 

[mbrasseau]

So, Alaska has a high crime rate, twice the national average. Do you really think that the criminals congregate and party on the isolated picnic tables in your picture? Why do you think people would go to nowhere and wait until you show up to do bad things to you? And, after five trips, without trouble, you still have this problem. I doubt any flood lights, warnings, escape plans or remote start buttons will every do anything more than trouble your mind.

People who have the inclination to do bad things... find isolated places to have both opportunity and no witnesses. It is definitely "a thing."

Five trips without trouble is meaningless, because each trip increases your odds of something happening... it provides and ever sought-after opportunity.

This is why I prefer to be in places where there are lots of people and witnesses. I would never travel to ANY isolated location alone, even if in the wilderness... the same way I would never be caught in an isolated urban area alone (empty parking lot, alleyways, etc)

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

.....
Oftentimes, noises, voices, the sound of engines approaching and then being turned off nearby, keep me in a state of alert.
I am seeking equipment recommendation and technology advice.

I understand. When I am alone with no one to call for help my state of alert is hightened, my heart rate increases, my adrenaline level goes up.
A few thoughts in no particular order:

Get a dog, preferably one that sounds mean. They are much more alert than we are. And are an additional problem for an aggressor to consider.
Or alternately, get a recording of an angry dog. A friend has one on a switch that she can turn on at will.

Does your key fob have a panic button. It can be used to frighten someone away without exposing yourself. Keep it by you.
You may also want to consider remote start.

Backup cameras have daylight/night vision. They are small and cheap. Someone competent with video should be able to set you up with a system to monitor all four sides of your vehicle in daylight or dark.

Small, cheap, LED driving lights can be used to illuminate the sides of your van. I wouldn't recommend motions sensor lights; every field mouse or raccoon will turn them on.

Long guns (rifles and shotguns) are legal to take into Canada. Use: hunting and wildlife protection. Paperwork hassle, but doable. Don't even think about taking a handgun into Canada.

Bear spray (3% capsicum) is 'usually' legal to take across the border and cheap enough to loose and rebuy in Canada. Pepper spray (10% capsicum) is not legal to possess in Canada.

An electric fence (made for bear protection while tenting) is probably something a bad guy is not expecting to encounter.

 

[user 423]

(double post)

 

[user 423]

This is why I prefer to be in places where there are lots of people and witnesses. I would never travel to ANY isolated location alone, even if in the wilderness...

^Good for you and I hope you convince more nomads to stay away from the wilderness.

 

[user 22017]

My vehicle is a simple Winnebago Revel van. 19'7". With the cargo tray 23". It is a bit high, 10'6" which is what makes it stand out more than a regular van.

I would gladly spend up to $10,000 to increase my safety or probability of avoiding iffy situations. Like Sun Tzu taught us. The ultimate victory is to win avoiding the battle.

I used to follow the Homeless Firefighter on YT. He talks about safety at about 4:42. He ended up using Simply Safe. You may want to check it out.

Homeless Firefighter:

Simply Safe: https://simplisafe.com/

 

[user 22017]

This is why I prefer to be in places where there are lots of people and witnesses. I would never travel to ANY isolated location alone, even if in the wilderness... the same way I would never be caught in an isolated urban area alone (empty parking lot, alleyways, etc)

Same here, lol.

 

[user 22017]

I don't know how handy you are, but this guy built a security system that allows you to see four vantage points around your RV on one screen.

 

[abnorm]

.................. Like Sun Tzu taught us. The ultimate victory is to win avoiding the battle.

and

"The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear"

 

[Happy Camper]

Having fear and conquering fear are both good things. Having confidence in your ability to deal with situations is also a good thing. Being in a better position to avoid those situations is even better.

The video posted above is good for people trying to be stealthy with their camera setup. I think that having smaller cameras makes sense, but not at the expense a of quality picture from a decent range.

I would consider something like these for your cameras. They are small, but have larger infrared lights per camera, which let's you see clearer and farther at night. And reviews say they have some of the best pictures out of any number of cameras in this class.


Interwebz (TVI CVI AHD Analog) Mini Dome Camera 1080p Security Camera Weatherproof MicroDome 2MP 4 in 1 Hybrid 3.6mm Infrared Night Vision CCTV Video Surveillance HD Over Coax https://a.co/d/isfIwxI

Combine those with a DVR that can record, and a monitor, and you're set. I have a 4 camera kit that would be perfect for your application, but the cameras are too bulky. Something like this would work well, as it incorporates the ability to use the smaller cameras, record, and has a built in monitor. It can do motion sensing as well. I have a WiFi camera version of this and they work well. But for your RV I think having the wired cameras would be best.

True All-in-One Home Security Camera System with Built-in 10.1" LCD Monitor,SANNCE 4CH 1080P Surveillance DVR Recorder with 4Pcs 100ft Night Vision Cameras, Easy Remote Access,1TB HDD Included https://a.co/d/dAXysph

You can play back video from previous days, and both the cameras and main unit can run off of 12v. Simple to set up and relatively cheap pace of mind on the camera front.

Get some cool side lights for the RV that are individually switched. There are tons of led flood lights made just for lighting up a side of an RV at night.

If you feel it's worth the bother, get a horn type speaker that can do alarm noises or other things you might want to play loudly to startle someone out drive them away. I would have a few noises for various animals they you might be worried about. If it's coyotes then maybe a roadrunner beep beep, and so on. Also maybe a mic option so you can talk to people if you have unwanted visitors and talk from inside.

All of this combined would probably cost under $500. More if you have a stereo shop install it. Just remember to seal up any holes you might make properly.

Now if your install all of this and all you do is stare at the monitor or check the tape, you might want to read that book mentioned above. But if this helps give you peace of mind knowing you've covered the bases you can, go for it.

Good luck, and have fun. That's the point.

 

[bullfrog]

I don’t go places I feel uncomfortable going with a bunch of “stuff”. I usually dress in old jeans, worn work shirt, Birkenstock sandals that wore the rubber soles off the edges years ago and a hat that hurts most people to look at never the less touch. DIY hair cuts and scruffy beard are the normal. My newest “traveling” vehicle is over 20 years old and it got washed and waxed once 19 years ago. Everything mechanical is new or improved reliable performance parts. My daily driver is a manual shift, I sometimes forget and leave the keys in it and the windows down. People are amazed I can still drive a stick with no AC and live in the desert. Most people figure I’m the one they need to watch out for although not so much now I’m older but a guy did ask me once if I knew where he could get some drugs. Best security is not to let anyone know you have anything worth stealing or hurting you to get. In my case I don’t have anything much anyone would want cause it takes physical work to get it and figure it won’t work long without more work. I had a guy stop once cause he thought I might need help. After getting to know him I bought him dinner and let him know about the benefits of living simply. Having enough emergency fund means you can replace anything you need to. I could give everything material away, loose it or get it stolen and it really wouldn’t matter after all was said and done which makes me much less of a desirable target and feel very secure. Only thing that bothers me as I’ve gotten older is I can’t run away as fast! Lol!!!

 

[Happy Camper]

Bullfrog, I have immense respect for the advice you give. And the post above is a good example of good advice for a majority of people reading.

In this case though, the op has an RV that he does trips into areas that he loves to be in, but isn't always comfortable in. Doing a few things to feel more at ease that are within your power isn't a bad thing. Hell, there was an entire thread about faraday cage phone bags that are useless once you need to turn the phone on for anything lol. At least this is practical for this person's situation.

In the middle of nowhere, Alaska I think if people are going to bother you they will do it regardless if your rig looks expensive or not. You still have to have gas money and something in all of that space.

Your advice is good. But not for what the op asked. Almost to a person everyone on this forum thinks a good night's sleep is one of the most important things you can set your vehicle up for. If these extra things allow them to sleep better, then that's something of value.

 

[dawnann7]

Beautiful photos! I'll be heading up north at some point, too.

I keep my key fob by my side at all times. If I hear people walking around the van I "lock" the doors, which also makes the horn honk and the lights flash briefly. It seems to do the trick. People know "someone" is nearby (though they don't know where).

I have never really been afraid, though. My van is plain and ordinary looking and no one seems to notice or care about it. I sleep SUPER soundly in it, almost as if in a cocoon.