Van life allows you to hit the road, save some money and travel to your favorite destinations while still having access to all your belongings – it’s no surprise that van life has become so popular. But at the same time, break-ins and thefts in vans have also increased and that’s the last thing you want. Home security can provide answers even if your home is on the road.

While there are many OEM or third-party add-ons (specialty locks, shatter-proof windows, etc.) you can install in your van, they tend to be expensive and sometimes hard to find. We offer an alternative: more affordable security devices that still do a good job of monitoring and deterring. And it doesn’t take much, either. We’ll show you four upgrades you can make and how they can improve your vehicle. So keep your doors locked and take a look at our list below.

1. Get a mobile surveillance camera

You may be wondering, “What’s the point of having a security camera for my van if I’m not anywhere near the van and don’t even know when someone breaks in?” However, today’s security cameras are all-in-one sensor devices that can do more than you might think.

First, they can detect motion and people (while ignoring any pets you may have with you) and then send alerts to your phone so you can instantly access a live view and see what’s going on. Second, they have two-way audio, lights and sirens that you can activate to scare off burglars. The speakers can be used to shout that you’re running back, that you’ve called the police, that this is a surprise operation, or whatever else comes to mind.

Third, many of these cameras are wireless and their batteries easily last for several months, so you can charge them from the wall outlet or power adapters like your phone without having to worry about the camera dying.

If you have a mobile cellular router, you can connect a WiFi camera to it, but we prefer 4G LTE cameras that connect directly to nearby cell towers so you don’t have to worry about your WiFi dropping. Many cameras include SIM cards to make setup easier. And if you’re worried about mounting, you can try using 3M tape instead of screws on the base, or find a cozy shelf to stick it to securely. We like the shelf option because it’s less susceptible to vibrations on the go.

2. Find a cheap glass break sensor

You don’t need a full security system to have a viable glass break sensor in your van, bus or other travel vehicle. Today’s sensors are mobile and can detect the sharp sounds and vibrations of breaking glass as opposed to normal van noises. Since smashing windows is the most common way thieves quickly rob motorhomes, this can be an important line of defense.

Like wireless cameras, they are usually rechargeable and easy to place without the need to drill holes. The best models will give you app notifications when they detect broken glass and can also set off an alarm. If you don’t want to manage additional plugins, there are simple adhesive glass break sensors that even work with Alexa or Google Assistant, usually under $40. If you don’t mind adding a small hub, then a device like the vibration sensor from Aqara works very well and you can add more compatible devices later if needed, but you may want to disable these sensors when you hit the road for the day.

3. Add a small smart safe

Create a safe place to keep your valuables, the things you really need to protect in case someone goes through your van or steals it altogether. This might include cash for emergencies, passports, important medications, an extra disposable phone, jewelry, or any really shiny rocks you’ve found.

If you’re willing to spend a little more on this essential addition, we recommend the Lockly Smart Safe, for example, which is small enough to fit under a seat but still offers excellent durability, fingerprint unlocking, and even some fire protection. Otherwise, check out our guide to the best smart safes for more options. Consider getting one that you can bolt to a non-essential part of your vehicle’s floor so that thieves can’t just take it if they find it.

4. Integrate a GPS tracker

A reliable GPS tracker is one of the must-have devices for your van escapades so that you still know exactly where your van is if it gets stolen, towed, or otherwise lost. There’s nothing wrong with something small like an AirTag, but these rely heavily on nearby iPhones to triangulate positions and aren’t the best option when traveling in a van. It’s better to pay a little more and find a tracker that’s specifically designed for your situation.

Our favorites include vehicle GPS trackers from reliable Brands like Cube ($100), LandSeaAir (125 USD) And Spot ($150). They’re durable, weatherproof, easy to pack, and have batteries that last six months to a year or more. You’ll get real-time alerts to your phone when your van leaves a set location, location history, emergency call options, and other valuable features for total protection. Just keep in mind that some come with subscriptions that you may need to budget for.

Your van life, protected

As a final note, always be careful where you park your van for long periods of time. Follow local regulations and avoid places where it’s easy for people to run around unnoticed and break a window. We’ve also put together tips on where you should never put your security cameras, what the best cheap security systems are, and how to spot hidden cameras in Airbnbs if you decide to rent.