What we do... Vehicle Security While Travelling Around Australia!
- Ky Hope
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Exploring Australia by 4WD and caravan is one of the greatest adventures you can have. The freedom to roam, the breathtaking remote landscapes, and the sense of community along the way—it’s what we live for at Awe Seeker Adventures. But, as with all adventures, there are some practical realities to be aware of, and one of those is keeping your vehicle and gear secure.
Your 4WD and caravan are more than just transport—they’re your home, your lifeline, and for many of us, a significant financial investment. Unfortunately, opportunistic theft is a reality on the road, even in some of Australia's most remote and beautiful places.
We’ve had plenty of good advice from fellow travellers and experienced adventurers about staying one step ahead. As we prepared for our first outback trek, we upped the stakes security-wise.
Here are some simple but effective security measures we have, that are worth considering for your rig:
Coupling Locks and Hitch Pin Locks – Prevent Being Stranded
In addition to a DO35 coupling lock, to ensure no-one just hitches up our van and drives off with her... It was a bit of a shock to discover that even your tow bar can be a target for theft! Imagine coming back from a walk to find your tow hitch gone—leaving you unable to hook up your van or trailer. We’ve invested in a hitch pin lock to secure our tow bar, making sure no one can easily walk off with this essential piece of kit.
Lock Up Spare Tyres, Battery Boxes, Gas Bottles & Starlink
It’s unfortunate, but spare tyres, solar battery boxes, gas bottles, and even mounted gas heaters can all be targets for thieves. These are expensive, easy to remove, and in high demand—especially in remote areas where supplies are scarce. We’ve added locks to all these areas, including our Starlink satellite system, which has fast become an essential for travellers needing internet on the road. Starlink is not only valuable but vital for communication and safety in remote areas—making it well worth securing.
Witi Security & Vehicle Tracking
Technology has come a long way in helping travellers protect their rigs. We’ve installed Witi security on the caravan, giving us motion sensors, alarms, and—most importantly—the ability to track the van’s location if it’s ever stolen. For the 4WD, we’ve also added a vehicle tracking device, providing real-time location updates and extra peace of mind. These systems won’t stop determined thieves, but they greatly improve your chances of recovering stolen property and make your setup a far less appealing target.
Steering Wheel Locks – Old School But Effective
We’ve also gone with a classic steering wheel lock for added peace of mind. They might seem old-school, but they remain a solid visual deterrent for potential thieves.
Never Leave Keys Near the Door
One piece of advice we hear over and over—never leave your car or van keys anywhere near the door, even at night. It’s not unheard of for someone to quietly sneak in, grab the keys, and your vehicle is gone before you know it. We keep ours under the pillow or well hidden every night, especially when staying in unfamiliar areas.
Be Extra Cautious in High-Risk Locations
Certain locations, like Alice Springs, have a reputation for theft, particularly at night. The word from seasoned travellers is simple—pack everything away. Mats, chairs, tables, shoes—anything left outside overnight can easily disappear. It's always better to take the extra few minutes to secure your belongings than to start your morning with regrets.
Final Thoughts
Most of your time on the road will be filled with awe-inspiring scenery, great people, and unforgettable experiences. But taking a few extra precautions can help ensure your trip runs smoothly from start to finish. As the saying goes, "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst."
Travelling Australia is about freedom, but a little vigilance goes a long way in keeping that freedom stress-free.
Happy travels, and stay secure out there!
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