Enjoying the journey and escaping for a weekend is what a van bandit is all about. Taking off on the back roads and byways of the British Isles is a rewarding and ever-surprising adventure.
But while we’re out on the road, there are certain vulnerabilities that we need to be aware and manage. Being prepared for unexpected events on the road is essential, especially if you find yourself living full time in your van
Here are 7 essential van first aid tips and tricks to help you with security, repairs, and emergencies.
These options showcase great technologies that are helping companies create showerheads that offer great pressure while making sure that water consumption stays low.
Van life’s popularity brings risks like unwanted attention. There are ways to improve the security of any vehicle, but there are ways to feel safer that don’t take much effort for a positive result.
It doesn’t matter whether you have a dog or not, or if you do, what size it might be, a classic ‘I Live Here,’ dog sticker will put off most opportunists.
If you’re in a stealth van, the biggest risk is thieves looking for tools. Likewise, the ‘No Tools Left in Van Overnight’ sticker should put them off.
When wild parking, say hello to any other van travellers that might also be parked up. There’s safety in numbers, as well as friends to be made. You don’t have to park side by side, but being neighbourly is always nice. Or if your need more guidance on where to stop in designated campervan parks, refer to our ultimate guide to campervan parking in the UK.
Sliding side windows are always the first place thieves will go to get access, so ensure your locks are in good order!
Basic Repair Kit Essentials
i) Cable Ties – 300m ties for quick fixes
I knocked off a wing mirror once, tripping over my own feet in a car park while carrying a fishing rod! Don’t ask! It happens! I fixed the mirror back in place with cable ties until I was able to source a replacement. Always have a pack of the bigger, 300mm cable ties available, and trim excess for a neat fix. Great for engine covers and other areas not exposed to heat.
ii) Duct Tape – for temporary fixes
Stops loose stuff flapping. I have used it to tape a plastic shopping bag in place over a broken window as a temporary fix. It got me back to base safely. Surfaces need to be clean, dry and free from grease to allow duct tape to adhere properly. Limit the amount of tape used on painted surfaces as much as possible as it can leave a stubborn residue.
iii) WD40 – versatile multi-purpose fix
Can be used to clean off the stubborn residue left behind by duct tape. It also loosens up most stuck things. I used WD40 once to blow out any remaining water from a distributor cap after driving through a particularly deep flood that made me stall a vehicle. I have also used it to release a lock mechanism that jammed just for the fun of it (I took it apart and could find no reason for the jam and it never happened again! I blame the pixies. Perhaps WD40 is a pixie repellent too?) It also smells fantastic.
Having the right tools is crucial for any van owner and our essential tools guide for campervan conversions covers more of the basics that you should carry.
Navigation Backup - Printed Map Book
The internet may well fail in remote areas or your phone may lose charge, or the will to work properly, especially when you’re going off-grid in your campervan. It happens! The added benefit is that there is info and detail to discover that you may not be able to see on a small phone screen.
Jump Leads – starting your van when the battery dies
Jump leads are handy for battery issues. It takes five minutes to learn how to jump-start your van if your batteries have run down. If you see someone else in trouble, use jump-leads help to get them moving! What goes around comes around!
Water Purification Tablets – eliminate harmful bacteria
UK tap water is safe but remote areas may have contamination risks. If you have some water purification tablets, dodgy bacteria can be eliminated without having to boil the water first. Also, be responsible yourself and manage your own greywater and waste water in your van.
1st Aid Kit – treating minor injuries
You could be a long way from an A&E department, so pack an essential small 1st aid kit and brush up on what to do if you or your partner suffer from any minor injury miles from home! St John’s Ambulance and the Red Cross both do free online first aid courses that deliver the basics, from treating a sprain to CPR!
In-Vehicle Fire Extinguisher – essential emergency tool
I had a kitchen fire in a VW Combi, which was scary and ended up being very messy. It would have been far worse without an extinguisher to hand. I’m a less clumsy chef these days! Mount a small extinguisher inside a cupboard for easy access. Not glamorous, but essential all the same! Vans and caravans can burn very quickly in a fire event, so never, ever, leave a naked flame unattended.
Van life is fun but surprises happen. My jump leads are gathering dust and I will have to check my supply of cable ties soon. I won’t leave home without a 1st Aid kit because I like to be ready for the rare moments when I might need a sticking plaster. Being prepared allows you to focus on exploration, not problems. Enjoy the journey!
Simon has plenty of experience with converting campers and vanlife. In a former life he used to be ‘on the tools’ as a carpenter in the UK and has a strong interest in woodwork, interior designing and cabinet making. He loves the methodology of DIY campervan conversion, the setup and getting the ship on the road. Read more on Simon’s van bandits profile.
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