Quick answer
The biggest safety basics for vanlife are: a working carbon monoxide alarm and smoke alarm, never using fuel-burning portable heaters while you sleep, checking propane lines, telling someone your plans before remote trips, choosing where you park with an exit in mind, and sharing your location in steps when you meet new people: town or approximate first, precise only with people you trust.
Key points
- U.S. fire officials say every RV should have working CO and smoke alarms, tested monthly.
- CPSC: never use fuel-burning portable heaters or lanterns while sleeping in a vehicle.
- If you smell gas: no flames or sparks, leave the area, and shut off the tank if it’s safe.
- The National Park Service says to tell someone where you’re going and check in with them.
- Meet new people in public first, and share location at the town or approximate level until you know them.
How do I stay safe while sleeping in a van?
- Install and test alarms. The U.S. Fire Administration says “All RVs should have working CO and smoke alarms installed inside” and to “Test your alarms every month” (USFA handout (opens in a new tab)).
- Heat safely. CPSC: “Never use fuel-burning portable heaters or lanterns while sleeping in enclosed areas such as tents, campers and vehicles” (CPSC (opens in a new tab)).
- Park to leave. Face the way out, keep keys in the same place, and keep the driver’s seat clear.
- Ventilate. A cracked window or roof fan reduces condensation and stale air.
- Trust your gut. If a spot feels wrong, move. That’s the advantage of wheels.
What should I know about propane in a van?
USFA advises checking propane supply lines for kinks or damage and testing fittings with a gas leak detection device (USFA (opens in a new tab)). If you smell gas, the Propane Education & Research Council says: no flames or sparks, leave the area immediately, and turn off the main supply valve on the tank if it is safe to do so (PERC (opens in a new tab)).
How do I stay safe in remote places?
- The National Park Service says: “Tell someone where you are going. Complete a trip plan,” and “Check in with your Trusted Contact” (NPS (opens in a new tab)).
- Download offline maps, and for National Forests the free Motor Vehicle Use Map.
- Carry extra water, food and a way to call for help where there’s no signal.
- Check weather, road conditions and fire restrictions before you leave pavement.
How do I meet other travelers safely?
- Meet first in a public place: a trailhead, café, busy campground or organized gathering.
- Don’t share your exact campsite with someone you just met.
- Share location in steps: Town or Approximate first, Precise only for people you trust, for a limited time.
- Use apps that verify accounts and let you block and report.
- Tell a friend who you’re meeting and when.
What safety tools does RME have?
Every account verifies a phone number to finish setup, and each number can be used on one account only. Members must be 18 or older.
Friends Map shares your location only with mutual friends, at the level you pick: Ghost (hidden), Town (your general town), Approximate (a random point within 20 miles) or Precise. Precise can go to all mutual friends or only the friends you choose, for 2 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours or until you turn it off.
Meet shows travelers near you in Discover. Follow each other and you can message; “Show me in Discover” is a switch you control, and every profile and conversation can be blocked or reported.
Photos are checked automatically after they post and hidden if they are flagged; anyone can report a post, profile, listing or conversation.
See Friends Map and our Safety guidelines. Roam spots, Trailprint, Events and Friends Map are included with a free RME account. The app shows the current plan details, so check there for anything that is still optional. Available on the App Store for iPhone and on Google Play for Android.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a carbon monoxide detector in my van?
The U.S. Fire Administration says all RVs should have working CO and smoke alarms inside, tested every month. If you have any fuel-burning appliance, install one.
Can I use a propane heater while I sleep in my van?
CPSC warns never to use fuel-burning portable heaters while sleeping in vehicles. Use a heater designed and installed for vehicle use, vented outside, with a working CO alarm.
What should I do if I smell gas in my van?
The Propane Education & Research Council says: no flames or sparks, leave the area immediately, and turn off the tank’s main valve if it is safe. Then get the system checked.
Is vanlife safe for solo travelers?
Many people travel solo safely by planning ahead, telling someone their plans, choosing where they park carefully, and sharing their location in steps with new people. RME doesn’t have features only for solo travelers, but its location and account controls apply to everyone.
Sources
Sources and further reading are listed below. Research dates and any illustrative assumptions are identified in the article. Tell us at support@roammeetexplore.com if something has changed.
- U.S. Fire Administration: RV fire safety handout (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Fire Administration: Recreational vehicle fires (opens in a new tab)
- CPSC: Portable heaters and camping equipment (opens in a new tab)
- Propane Education & Research Council: What to do if you smell gas (opens in a new tab)
- NPS: Trip planning guide (opens in a new tab)
Disclosure: RME publishes this page. We make RME. Other apps, events and tours mentioned are run by their respective organizations. Check their current details before making plans.