Single solo lady going for her first overnighter

sweet caroline

sweet caroline

Joined
Dec 8, 2022
Posts
458
Likes collected
928
Location
bury st edmunds
Funster No
92,809
MH
Boxer Peugot 2001
Exp
newbie
I bought Dollie 4 weeks ago!
Now after a full service dome I'm raring to spend some nights with her.

I've booked a site close to home, but recently after numerous posts on Instagrams, of break-ins, especially with women. Im beginning to feel very unsure about spending these nights away.

I'm.not into dogs as security either !

N been told that pepper spray taxer guns n bats, are NOT LEGAL!!!! MMMM

But how do u protect yrself in an easy accessible door? N not able to protect yrself properly . Anxious 66 yr old solo lady who just wants to enjoy her new adventure
 
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sweet caroline said:
I bought Dollie 4 weeks ago!
Now after a full service dome I'm raring to spend some nights with her.

I've booked a site close to home, but recently after numerous posts on Instagrams, of break-ins, especially with women. Im beginning to feel very unsure about spending these nights away.

I'm.not into dogs as security either !

N been told that pepper spray taxer guns n bats, are NOT LEGAL!!!! MMMM

But how do u protect yrself in an easy accessible door? N not able to protect yrself properly . Anxious 66 yr old solo lady who just wants to enjoy her new adventure
Click to expand...
Don't stay anywhere you don't feel safe. That is key.

I would stay on CL's and CS's if I were you, until you have built up some confidence.
 
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sweet caroline said:
I bought Dollie 4 weeks ago!
Now after a full service dome I'm raring to spend some nights with her.

I've booked a site close to home, but recently after numerous posts on Instagrams, of break-ins, especially with women. Im beginning to feel very unsure about spending these nights away.

I'm.not into dogs as security either !

N been told that pepper spray taxer guns n bats, are NOT LEGAL!!!! MMMM

But how do u protect yrself in an easy accessible door? N not able to protect yrself properly . Anxious 66 yr old solo lady who just wants to enjoy her new adventure
Click to expand...
We've never had anyone try to get in the MH when we're in it neither has anyone I know and anyone outside won't know how many people are in it. You can't say it's never going to happen that someone tries to get in but it must be a really small risk
 
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I wouldn’t be too worried. Especially as you are going to a site. Anybody else won’t know it’s a single lady inside, and thousands of people camp on sites just behind a piece of fabric without issue.

Just be sensible, lock doors, and lockers. Keep a torch to hand, don’t get too drunk, just relax. You can tie your front two doors together, and you can get metal plate “elephant” lock, that stops hab doors being opened with it in place.
 
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I can empathise with your situation but would you do anything if you weighed up all the risks involved?

I have been travelling solo for 35 years and haven’t had a problem yet.

There are basic security measures that I take - always staying on campsites rather than kipping in a layby or motorway services, always carrying my phone with me, etc

Relax and enjoy your travels. 😀

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Very understandable to fill like that,
We have big dog so normally doesn’t worry us,
I’m sure once you done your first night you’ll feel much better .
Buy a large dog bowl Stick it outside in good view .
Park van so you can easily drive away if need be
Try to relax and don’t dwell on noises outside to much , put radio etc. if you feel really worried keep keys handy and set off alarm.
Move van somewhere else.
But I’m sure your be fine .
Other will tell you what they do in there vans may help.
Enjoy all the best
 
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The Wino said:
We've never had anyone try to get in the MH when we're in it neither has anyone I know and anyone outside won't know how many people are in it. You can't say it's never going to happen that someone tries to get in but it must be a really small risk
Click to expand...

tonka said:
A simple, cheap extra security measure, buy a dog bowl and leave outside the van 👍
Dog or no dog who is to know...
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Same as above. Try not to worry. Stay on campsites and CL’s till you’re more confident.
You’ll be fine.

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I do understand your concerns but if you are booked on a site I wouldn't worry.

If Ive been on a CAMC site or ths or fun rally then I've never felt the need to lock my doors if I've been in the van or not.

Just go with your intuition & relax - enjoy, it really is a fabulous lifestyle.
 
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I would say go and enjoy book onto Caravan Club sites where you will be surrounded by others. Whenever we are on these sites and see single females or males, we make an extra effort to speak to them. I agree a good idea is to plant a massive dog bowl outside your van filled with water, not only to give a brilliant false impression but a welcome drinkies for the dogs on site(y)
 
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You say you're raring to go with your first nights in your new motorhome, then I would say ' just do it'.
Also put to one side what you read on Instagram and other social media websites.
If you're on a campsite you are more likely to be woken by the neighbours loud snoring than anything else.
Whilst I'm a male, I can sometimes feel out of my comfort zone in a strange place. However It's not something I've ever felt when being on a regular campsite .
Lots of solo ladies on this forum who would be happy to give you a guiding hand.
Mike
 
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If you have a mobile phone that sits near you there must be a way of loading this into your phone should someone break in whilst dark.
I know I would back away if I heard it


Other similar sounds are available.
Possible to wire it up to the door so when it opens the sound goes off.
 
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I rigged up a sliding bolt door lock inside that keeps the hab door closed even if it's unlocked outside - it's v.safe because even the kids can pop it if they needed to get out.

On a site, you'll be fine. Build your confidence going to places like that. I always try to speak to my neighbours or at least say hello and have a nodding acquaintance as it creates a sense of common purpose and maybe even community for whatever short time you or they are there.

There are various deadbolt doorlocks that you can get for cab doors etc., but in my time, I've seen that generally, it's the windows of a car or van that are the most vulnerable.

Some windows like the kitchen window or the roof vents are too small to provide any access, so they can be left open confidently, but bigger ones are worth closing as a minimum and maybe even protecting too.

As a last resort, always park your van beside one that is much bigger and more glamourous than yours - they'll go for the monied one and its potential contents before they go for yours!
 
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There are alarm systems, Vanbitz Growler is the one we have, that allow you to arm the exterior doors with you inside, it also has a panic button. If that is too far a stretch financially, I suggest you consider an air powered handheld fire alarm, as used on building sites, that will cause enough of a stir to rouse your neighbours on a CL or site should you have an emergency of any sort. I am sure you will have a fantastic time on your first run out.
Safe and happy travels.

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I, too understand your safety concerns, you will probably listen for any strange nosies but try not to worry too much. The more you use your Van the safer you will feel but as others have said if you feel unsafe then move on somewhere else. Safe and happy travels.
 
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For the front I bought two;

held_luggage_strap_3_metre.jpg


Threaded them together to make one long strap and then looped them through the front door handles to secure them together. I had to do this when a door lock had failed.

For the Hab door stack simple stuff in the foot well and close by to the inside will make the passge though the restricted space difficult, that's where I store my rubbish bag at night and a long handled brush to hand, great for pushing and shoving at a distance.

But most of all;

franklindroosevelt1-2x.jpg


I do like the dog bowl idea.

Also if it is possible park up with the hab door close to a post, tree or wall, that will restrrict access but will also inconvenience you.
 
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I’m also a solo female traveller and slightly older than you, but do usually go away with others. Like Debs I very rarely lock my doors when on a campsite but do if I’m ‘wild camping’.
In the early days I too was a little nervous but I do have the advantage of having a terrier who can be noisy!!
I have a personal alarm that I keep by the bedside, not sure if anyone would respond if I pulled the pin but hopefully would deafen any intruder and they would leg it!
It’s such a fantastic hobby so please, just go and enjoy yourself.

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Gromett said:
Don't stay anywhere you don't feel safe. That is key.

I would stay on CL's and CS's if I were you, until you have built up some confidence.
Click to expand...
thank you for your help
Downsie said:
Definitely consider CLs and CSs. As a solo lady I always feel safe on them.
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Ginam said:
I would say go and enjoy book onto Caravan Club sites where you will be surrounded by others. Whenever we are on these sites and see single females or males, we make an extra effort to speak to them. I agree a good idea is to plant a massive dog bowl outside your van filled with water, not only to give a brilliant false impression but a welcome drinkies for the dogs on site(y)
Click to expand...
What a Brillian idea, off to Pets R Us as we speak, maybe a Lead too, a large one ! hahah
 
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All the advice is good, if you dont feel comfortable, move.
Then again, to lighten this a little, just use the ultimate deterrent, the funster sticker in the window. That will advertise you are dangerous and if in trouble, have a support team not to be messed with. 😀
 
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I think you'll feel much better after your first trip. I'm a solo female traveller 99% of the time. I usually park off grid, and have very rarely felt worried while camping.
Using CL/CS sites or Britstops/pub stops while you get used to things may help give you more confidence. Trust your instinct! If you feel edgy somewhere, move on, or you will spend the whole night hyper alert.
I always lock my van at night and never stay somewhere without phone reception when I'm alone. Always make sure you know where you are immediately, in case you have to call for help. (For context, I've never had to call for emergency help, but my Mum once had to call an ambulance at 2.30am from her motorhome on a site in the middle of Wales. Not for herself...)
If you like YouTube, I'd suggest watching CamperVanya, a solo female who has moved to touring in a small van after losing her husband with whom she motorhomed.
You don't have to go miles and miles for your first overnight trip. Just getting out there is what it's about. You can have a good trip 5 miles or 500 miles from home.
Take the plunge, and let us know how you get on!
 
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Detnor said:
All the advice is good, if you dont feel comfortable, move.
Then again, to lighten this a little, just use the ultimate deterrent, the funster sticker in the window. That will advertise you are dangerous and if in trouble, have a support team not to be messed with. 😀
Click to expand...
HAHA Thanks for that I will get the DETERRENT STICKER for sure
 
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suavecarve said:
If you have a mobile phone that sits near you there must be a way of loading this into your phone should someone break in whilst dark.
I know I would back away if I heard it


Other similar sounds are available.
Possible to wire it up to the door so when it opens the sound goes off.
Click to expand...

thank you for that Probably a Dog bark Alarm might be better, i will look into it thanks anwyay
 
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