Thieves are the most disgusting people in my mind. I guess I would be nervous about it after TWO incidents in one month! I have been watching Nomad videos for over 10 years and have waffled over it. Too many negatives for me to actually do it, but the adventures are so attractive.

@ericnorthman9410

9 ай бұрын

WHY WEREN'T HER DOORS LOCKED ??

@anniesshenanigans3815

9 ай бұрын

@@ericnorthman9410 if you watched it you would know the answer to that!!

@carolclover1238

9 ай бұрын

I,m 75,solo....5years a nomad...I have had only one incident of a Druggie banging on window, I just drove away

@debslifesimplified6406

9 ай бұрын

@ericnorthman9410 you didn't watch her video all the way. Re watch it, and she says why her doors weren't locked

Glad she has put in security. Hope Cindy gains confidence to get back on the road for future adventures. I’ve lived through a home invasion. It is unsettling. Five individuals came into the house while I was inside. Great neighborhood, it can happen even in a sticks and bricks. Happy you are safe. You van is beautiful. The table and tapestry are awesome. Thank you for sharing.

Hi. Use your seatbelt and put through handle of door and click it. That’s extra security

@mellie7016

9 ай бұрын

This held my door shut once when someone broke my van window. I think it holds the door closed and also takes thieves off guard.

What a lovely build. Lovely, lovely, lovely. And practical! I was taking notes like crazy. I'm glad she got through the rough spots okay. She'll recover her comfort when she's ready - and will be better prepared, too. Maybe a recording of a huge barking dog! LOL

@stormyrivers

9 ай бұрын

Barking dog.. smart idea! 👍👍

Im also a solo female vanlifer. I always put a very heavy chain between the two front doors (wrapped through the door handles) and lock it with a strong padlock, this way the doors are locked together and can not be opened from outside. Even if I forgot to lock the door or someone managed to pry it open, they still couldn't open out the door as it is chained and locked to the opposite door. It gives me a sense of security at night or when I'm away from the van. It's a cheap and effective security system .if I needed to drive off in a hurry it takes seconds to open the padlock and remove the chains. Also I think beeping your horn very loudly to frighten off anyone outside would work if you are on a residential area. I have a side door also with an extra outdoor lock.its a deterrent at least. I've never heard of gas theft in Europe where I am, thank goodness. That's a lovely homely cozy van and I hope Cindy gets her confidence back after these two traumatic events. Lovely video.thank you

@kathleendeane4252

9 ай бұрын

to add to anna, s front door locks, i have thought that a chain running to all doors and hooked togeather , so that no doors could be opened from outside, but easily unlocked for a quick getout if needed. and an alarm and motion light for outside. btw , loved the van, and video :)

@TravelGrandma

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your suggestions

@claralewis5301

6 ай бұрын

😮😅

@claralewis5301

6 ай бұрын

L

What a beautiful van, I love the ceiling! Gorgeous. I hope Cindy heals to get back on the road someday. Never hesitate to hit the panic button on the vehicle or call 911!

Grandma, you need a flashlight or something to shine onto the subject (item) when recording because she had a lot of dark areas where i couldn't see well or tell what she was showing. But i liked this van tour as there were several ideas worth duplicating. Thanks for this!

I had a fright once and it takes time to get over it, it's not nice

It’s a shame that that Cindy let this getting her. You must not have things like this get to you. Now Cindy has locked and cctv you must get back out there don’t stop your life on the road take care everyone ❤

@carolclover1238

9 ай бұрын

Yes...KEEP GOING

@FREDGRASS-vz8ez

8 ай бұрын

Hello how are you doing 😊

@user-ff8vo1se8v

5 ай бұрын

Gotta get back on that horse that threw you! 😊

I absolutely love your van! I'm sorry that you had these terrible experiences, but I'm glad that you're not letting this deter your continuing adventures.

Loving that handle hanger, and side table slide-in thingy, urine solidifying strips. It is super homey. So sorry to hear about those two scares in January. Glad you are ok. Thanks for the tour!

@TravelGrandma

9 ай бұрын

For a no build van she did an excellent job organizing the way she found solutions for adding the furnishings she needs. I took love the portable table and use of the bench seat ottoman.

Hi there, loved this build. that must of been scary to have a stranger getting in your vehicle. I sleep at garages when I am on the road. Safe Travels

Hopefully she will heal and get back on the road someday. 😮 One of my fears is gas thieves but, I camp in the desert so it's less likely.

Beautifully decorated! Does Cindy cover her windows with something that doesn’t allow others to see the lace curtains and feminine decorations? It’s easy to see that & assume a woman is there. I saw one lady who leaves large male boots outside of her door, so, it appears that a man is inside. Take care & God bless.

@cindykeely5812

5 ай бұрын

I was thinking the same thing. While pretty, it screams a woman lives here.

Thieves have figured out that poking a hole in the gas tank is a quicker and less toxic way to steal gas. Before many had to suck on the end of tube to start the siphoning which meant getting a mouthful of gas. What disturbs me is you couldn't tell what was going on by the sound or rocking. To think they can do that while you're in the van and not realize it's happening is frightening. They don't plug the hole after so imagine what would happen if someone went out for a smoke close by. You were very lucky

I was full time stealth camping in the city until last year. I wish I had seen this video with all of your wonderful decorating and storage ideas, they’re absolutely ingenious and fantastic! With very little expense. Part of the reason for selling my van and moving into a condo is that I couldn’t think of a way to make it livable other than a build out that I couldn’t do myself and wasn’t willing to pay to have done. Those two experiences are unfortunate and I understand the trauma caused you to abandon your original plan. Thank you both for this informative video. I wish you both all the best.

@FREDGRASS-vz8ez

8 ай бұрын

Hello how are you doing 😊

Cindy I was so happy to scroll across this tour and interview with Travel Grandma. We chatted a few times in the mini van lee Facebook group and I was in awe of your van when Lee did a tour of your van a couple years back at her Quartzsite get together. I'm sorry to hear of your problems, I hope it get better as you venture out more.

Wow scary! So fortunate that didn’t turn out worse. Maybe get a small dog to alert you and scare off perpetrators. Maybe arm yourself. I do deliveries and keep mace on my key chain and a mallet by my driver seat.

Scary stuff. So sad that happened to her. God Bless.

I'm so happy that you're doing okay. It's terrible to have to be worried about these crooks out there. God bless you with peace and safety.

Good video, Elaine. Her van is beautiful. She had a couple of scary experiences for sure.

so Sorry this happened to you , remember when you are boondocking like out father of town your more safe . Keep living and loving and spreading kindness as you are. ❤

Ahhh, 2 of my favorite people. Great video and I love Cindy's van. You will get over these 'frights' after some time passes without incidents and get back out there. Looks like a lovely time at the meet up. Wish I had my van already. See yall soon xo

Bless you sister!!

Thanks for sharing Cindy! Congrats on NOT giving up, when all this happened. ❤ U should consider the HOWA/ RTR Caravans. Peace Love the wigs too! What a difference they make! On that note... Travel gramma.... I love the choices u made! I watched the video when you were 1st checking them out. Do they make u feel younger? Cause they sure make you look younger. Don't tell people ur age make them guess.😂😂❤ Peace my friend, Dianna from Denver Co

@CindyCaVANas

9 ай бұрын

For me, I do not "feel" younger, but I definitely have more confidence in my appearance. My hair has gotten very thin for the past 10yrs. It's not a fun experience. 😊

@CindyCaVANas

9 ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊

@diannahaas7171

9 ай бұрын

@CindyCaVANas Ahhh sorry to hear that. But I'm glad u have an option.

So sorry for her incidents. Hope she can get back to her happy place😊

Already out there you know you're alone you keep your doors locked and windows up

Cindy's van is so nice! Great ideas. I would have never thought of lace curtains as a screen. So pretty! I remember Cindy! 🌸

Thank you for sharing ✌️🙏🤟

Cindy God Bless you ❤

What a cute Van build!!! It's very feminine and it's beautiful!!! You show that it doesn't cost and arm and a leg to build a really cool Van...great job!!!

@TravelGrandma

4 ай бұрын

Yes, Cindy did a great job building her van.

Love this van the decorations are so pretty❤ this is really wonderful 😃everything has its special place😇you did a phenomenal job❤🌹🌻🌷🌸🌺🌼🌹sorry about your bad experiences you were courageous so glad you got a security system . ❤

Wow- at first I thought I was watching Valerie Bertinelli - you could be twins! So scary what you had to deal with -hopefully you will start to feel comfortable traveling again - healing takes time.

I got a good laugh about her Jackery having the Weirdos Uniite sticker...I put one on mine in the same place (the same as Chrome has it) lol

@FREDGRASS-vz8ez

8 ай бұрын

Hello Julie how are you doing 😊

You have a beautiful home. I love the table idea, so versatile. I’m sorry you had such bad experiences.

@TravelGrandma

9 ай бұрын

I loved the table idea too. And the use of her ottoman is great as a bench and place for her toilet.

Beautiful arrangement. Cindy , did you make the ceiling cover? What a great idea. Stay safe sweetie. You will get back in the swing someday. Enjoy life. Keep some hornet/bug spray, aim for the eyes if they ever get close enough.

A woman called nomadic introvert channel has a deadbolt on the inside when she’s in there, and she had forgotten to lock the deadbolt and someone was trying the doorhandle on the driver side freaked her out so she jumped up and flipped the deadbolt on. Maybe contact her and ask her about the deadbolt inside the van

How did she decorate her ceiling? It's stunning.

@TravelGrandma

9 ай бұрын

It's very lightweight fabric. I think she used magnets to hold it up as her ceiling is metal.

@FREDGRASS-vz8ez

8 ай бұрын

Hello Susan how are you doing 😊

Maybe she could set up an alarm to the outside of her van and when she gets bumped for whatever reason, she could hit the button and a loud alarm could go off, just like those noisey alarms we hear in the parking lots. They don't want to be seen, so any noise will chase them off.

What wrong with the locks on her doors ? You always need to recheck the doors. You can also get security locks you can put in on the inside of your doors .

Live and learn. Cute place.😊 So hit the panic button to set the alarm off? Time to get an alarm system for my bus conversion.

It’s extremely interesting what you all do in van life!🙏🇺🇸

@TravelGrandma

7 ай бұрын

We agree!

Awww I'm so sorry Cindy, Wow that so sad , 😞 That to bad Cindy.

@TravelGrandma

5 ай бұрын

Yes it was

So beautiful ❤

Your famous Cindy! ❤ 🚐 😊 love your set up! ❤

@TravelGrandma

9 ай бұрын

😁

Hi again...my text didn't put out what I was trying to say about the Cop light. It's the red rotating light that cops use when they are flying on the roads ...a Becan light. Just go on line and several sites sell them...make sure you get one with a remote and alarm.

Just a suggestion... Female solo nomad for work for 22 years... I have a 35 foot travel trailer I put motion lights on all sides and 2 sets of dash and all 4 sides... I also travel when visiting friends in a suburban set up for camping 2 dash and back cams on all 4 sides with the monitors easy to see from the bed... And 4 motion detector solar clip on lights... So far so good... But I hope the motion lights will scare off any creeps...

@TravelGrandma

4 ай бұрын

great set up

Hey Cindy! Congrats on your retirement..woohoo! Your van is really cosy and homey.

@TravelGrandma

9 ай бұрын

It really is!

Hi, I've been considering selling my townhouse & going full time RV. I have a couple big concerns & being hurt is @ the top of my list. Thank God! That situation could have gone very different. I'm grateful Cindy is well. Her experience scares the crap out of me. Ur a brave lady.

@TravelGrandma

9 ай бұрын

Considering that break-ins happen no matter where you live try not to let her situation deter you from van camping. But, if you can afford it, I do NOT advise you to sell your condo if you own it. In my opinion, a sticks and bricks home is always a good investment to keep. Renting it or leading it out while you travel is a better way to go. In Cindy's case, she did not own the apartment she had previously been living in. So for her, she is able to save money by living in her van. She has a daughter as well that she can stay with when not traveling. Everyone's situation is different. Do whatever is right for you. It is not always easy to find a place to park overnight in the city. Parking out in the wildetness by yourself can be scary. Campgrounds are expensive. The best scenario is to get to know other people who enjoy this lifestyle. You can meet them at meetups throughout the year held in different locations. You find out about these meetups by joining van life type Facebook groups. There's a large gathering every January in Quartzite Arizona put on by Home On Wheels Alliance. People from all over the country attend that gathering and you will learn a lot by attending that free gathering. You can also get to know people through the NomadsDownTheRoad.com website I have. On there you'll be able to connect with like minded people some of which offer you a place to park overnight on their land or in front of their house if you are passing through their area on your travels. Best of luck to you.

Beautiful van and I am so sorry that happened to you.I have a barking dog I camped alone at a old calvary fort it was a spooky situation but quiet and peaceful. The park ranger lives on the premises.

i will not stealth park...i would rather be away from people then near them.

Cherry cabinet is beautiful

I’ve been packing my minivan with the intention of leaving in a few weeks. After hearing this video, I am seriously, reconsidering.. I will say last year I stayed in my minivan for five months. Using my intuition helped me however, I am as I said earlier seriously reconsidering

@FREDGRASS-vz8ez

8 ай бұрын

Hello how are you doing 😊

@TravelGrandma

7 ай бұрын

Things can happen anywhere. Trusting your instincts is always best. Just try not to let fear stand in your way. Be prepared with a plan B and C. Take precautions. And have fun. If not now, when? You got this.

I love your campervan. I have a 2019 high roof Promaster as well. I've also upgraded my alarm system. I have a remote start, tilt sensor & proximity sensor. If I'm not in it & the alarm goes off, I will start it. All of the outside lights & radio will come on when I do that. The alarm will go off if you get too close or try to lift it in any way.

@TravelGrandma

6 ай бұрын

Great tips thanks

Before you go to bed ..put a sign on all your window... You can find them on line. A sign with a gun on it and something like, I carry, is your life really worth breaking in my Van! That's what I plan to do when I get my bus! I also bought a red bean light like cop cars have and plan to put it on top of my bus at night. It has a remote control and a alarm...so it can scare them away!!! Also I'm planning to put 3m Security Window film on all my Windows...it works really good. It's really hard to break thru your windows. Please let Cindy read this text or tell her about it! Thanks

Please be careful when you get to Quartzsite.. grifter’s who say they know what they are doing ..AND THE DONT

Free older RV available in very quiet SENIOR RV park up by Colville WA for 175 per month plus electric. No children allowed, only dogs and cats. Also, RV space in same place available for 175 per month (you provide your own RV) for seniors.

Yell, honk your horn, cock your shotgun 😊(that’s an ominous sound and criminals recognize it)!😂

I hear so many single women who have these types of experiences with jerks! Personally, at 60, full time (Ram Promaster) 4 years, I would never consider these days being without stopping power protection.

Wow, I thought you were going to say they were going after your catalytic converters! Never heard of gas being stolen that way, before! Stealth camping in a city is on my list of "don'ts" already, just because of the likelihood of being targeted by scumbags. I've stayed in a hotel twice in the last two years and both times I caught guys checking out my truck. After the first time I painted and engraved my catalytic converters and put three hyper-sensitive alarms on them. I think hotel parking lots get targeted a LOT. That dude that climbed in your van...I would've given him a face full of pepper spray. LOL

Most stories I hear of breaking in etc is when you are in the city. That's where criminals are. They are not going to be wandering around BLM, NF, or designated campgrounds usually. Seems because "Vans" are popular now with people living in them or traveling criminals know you have valuable items. Plus despite criminals break into cars in the city also. Not a safe place to stay.

Salina’s area is no place to vanlife!

Your video is helpful when robbers visit to sound your horn

@TravelGrandma

5 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching and sharing.

Years ago my brother put a siren under my hoid with a switch by the bed...really works well

@destinysisco3142

9 ай бұрын

Perfect! Lol

@TravelGrandma

9 ай бұрын

Good to know

When I stay in my van over night I bungie all door together. No one from the outside can open it more than a couple inches.

You are one lucky lady. I hope going forward you physically check the door locks.

That’s most be Cindy from Mini Van Lee channel

What is the name of the security system? Thx

I would have liked to know how she installed the material on ceiling.

@TravelGrandma

7 ай бұрын

I believe she used magnets

Drill holes in the gas tank....didnt the drill make a noise?

How did you attach all the curtain rods? This is an adorable van.

@RoxanneSumner-lg7gu

9 ай бұрын

I also would like to see the curtain rod procedure and to know how she kept the table board sliding back and forth. Thx

21:49 Wait... i thought she was living in it at the time of the rain man??!!

One of those loud noise makers (looks like a usb drive) would be simple , non-violent and you don't have to show yourself. Any no goodnik will leave immediately.

@RoxanneSumner-lg7gu

9 ай бұрын

I had one of those noisemaker alarms they were deafening and hurt my hearing. It was in my spare bedroom/apartment and fell off of an ironing board and was so loud that I couldn't pinpoint its location. One of my worst experiences ever, i kept waiting for the fire department to show up.

That sucks. Hopefully she'll be able to get past the fear one day. Unfortunately her mind is what's scaring her, not what actually happened. I get that. Houses get robbed all the time. Women get attacked all the time. However the mind isn't logically and her mind has connected vanlife with her not being safe. I wish the best for her and hope she's able to start focusing on the fact that she kept herself safe and effectively handled both circumstances. Crap happened and she handled it. That's the truth, not what her mind is imagining.

@TravelGrandma

9 ай бұрын

Agreed

IF YOU HAVES HOLES IN YOUR CAR DOOR , PUTS YOUR SEAT BELT THROUGH THOSE HOLES AND CLICK THE SEATBELTS THROUGH DOORS AND CLICKS THEM IN YOUR SEATBELTS HOLDER , SOME TRUCK DRIVERS DO IT !

wratchet strap the doors closed. that is what I do when I drive across country in my town and country.

I like your shirt Cindy cuz Soledad is my first name 👍

@TravelGrandma

8 ай бұрын

That's cool

How heavy is the bike and how does she get it up in her van

@TravelGrandma

9 ай бұрын

59 pounds. amzn.to/3F0hQNj

@CindyCaVANas

9 ай бұрын

@janlovig3371 I do not fold the bike, so I lift the front first onto the van, then the back part. It's really not so bad. 😊🙋‍♀️

Get a weapon of mass destruction and learn how to scream really loud. No one is going to keep me off the road if that is where I choose to be. Just beautiful van build. Thanks for giving us a look into your home.

Get a real good recording of a big dog barking like he is going to eat the person that enters. Even those sneaky door to door "salesmen" hear that and they leave immediately. Throw a tennis ball at the door or wall guarantees they leave.

@TravelGrandma

7 ай бұрын

Good suggestions. Thanks for sharing.

You don't look like the type to have a 9mm Beretta, 12g or even 410 shotgun with you (you should have one). At least get a BYRNA or a flare gun, perhaps a Taser for those close encounters with two legged and or four legged 'cryptids'!!!

Making full use out of every teeny weeny inch of space