VAN SAFETY | LOCK INSTALL for Ram ProMaster

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Extra van locks was something I knew I wanted to install. This set includes a lock for each of my doors, two of them are interior locks while two are exterior. Link Below!
From Expedition Upfitter: expeditionupfi...
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We are Linnea and Akela. In May, 2020 I purchased our 2016 Ram ProMaster, Togo, to become our full-time home. With this van build, I am using my stubbornness and drive to show individuals that they, too, can convert a campervan BY THEMSELVES and ON A BUDGET, with a lot of learning, rolling up the sleeves, and getting to work.
Our goal here is to inspire individuals to chase their dreams. To break from societal limitations and live the life they truly desire. And, to GET OUTSIDE!
SUBSCRIBE for van build details, wanderlust travel, and the truth about van life with a big german shepherd!
Follow on Instagram: @linnea.and.akela

[@Linneaandakela]

PLEASE READ: I want to explain a few things about these locks! First, the two interior locks do not need a key to be put in the locked position or to be unlocked - but you can use the key to lock it in either the locked or unlocked position (wordy, I know!). Second, keep safety in mind when using these or any other exterior locks! I will not be explaining how Akela and I lock up & settle in during the night for obvious reasons... please just make sure that you always have two ways of escaping the vehicle if anything were to go wrong. After a few months with these locks, I still love them and I am more at ease when Akela is in the vehicle without me. Much love to you all, and don't be afraid to reach out with questions!

[@sarahloy830]

Glad to know you can get out in a hurry it there was a fire or other emergency. I was wondering that as I was watching

[@jello3456543]

I'd understand if you don't want to share it, but I'm curious what your second escape method is besides the front doors. The locks for your side and back doors don't appear to be operable from inside the van.

[@kirabalderston9022]

@Mark Valentino, as she said, she is just using these locks to giver her more reaction time. These locks, plus her normal door locks would easily give her enough time to jump out of bed, put the key in the ignition and drive away.

[@jeanniebaker9929]

Thank you so much for this very informative well done video. You’re an inspiration!

[@samdooley5577]

Now you have only two doors for egress since two lock from the outside.

[@David_11111]

People find breaking into vans easy, They would see your locks and move on to an easier target. Well done for being Safe.... :)

[@sam7922]

what are you trying to say?

[@David_11111]

@@sam7922 they always pick the easy target.. if yours looks harder than the van next door... its bad luck for the guy next door !

[@susanscovill6817]

I really like these locks and the addition of the rivnuts. Please remember that this also prevents you and Akela from getting out quickly in case of a fire or other emergency. Never travel with them locked. If you’re in an accident and the van is damaged or flips you have exits available. Safety and security is my business. Risk assessment is advisable. Don’t like to sound negative. Cheers from Canader eh!

[@jkyoft78]

I never lock any of my doors from the outside when I am inside - this could be very bad if there is a fire...or I need to exit out one side or another for a particular reason. Instead, I use interior latches that I can flip open very quickly. That way, even if the manufacturer's door lock is defeated, the latches on the inside will prevent entry - but not my quick exit.

[@lindasams6058]

Interior latches such as ?

[@lindasams6058]

I like couple horse shoes & a 2x4

[@boundariessetinstone5893]

Can you explain what latches

[@dattran6372]

Those are pretty easy to break off because it's just a matter of pulling those bolts out by getting a bar behind the lock. The sheet metal bends so easy and it's simple to get something behind the lock. It's funny cuz you mention how it's just a thin piece of metal too. Plenty of videos showing this. The solution is putting a strong metal backing plate behind the sheet metal, on the inside of the panel, and using longer bolts and nuts to secure the bolts. Sometimes that means cutting a piece of the inside panel to get access inside to place the backing panel.

[@OveBakken]

I haven't seen other vanlifers use rivnuts before. Very very clever!

[@krazi311]

Your goal in helping others has been accomplished with this video. Thank you 😊

[@djay8156]

You have made my night. No one has really shown van safety and locks. Thank you Thank you Thank You

[@JulieGaines7]

Enjoying going back and watching you create the home for you and Akela!

[@Linneaandakela]

Aw how fun! Thanks for watching! :)

[@brucelangseth8566]

You've probably heard this before but adding 14 mill window film can keep someone from smashing out your windows. Awesome videos, great production value and very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@officialpoa3171]

*A man sure can learn a lot about you, just by watching your videos and how you do your thing. So impressive 👏...*

[@tonyahouck3422]

I love watching your videos. Can’t believe I quit watching!! But I’m trying to catch all the way up now!!

[@MrPhys]

Jinxed yourself right out of the gate. "This video is going to be simple..." Great video though You're crafty af and this is awesome!

[@NoLimitVanLife]

The transition with the coffee cup was cool. I've been trying to come up with a way to make my ProMaster more secure also.

[@braddock77]

Thank you for this vid. I'm a trucker and recently my Freightliner truck got broken into by simply wiggling any other Freightliner keys(dumb manufacturers idea) and they were able to open the door. I lost $1000 worth of tools and parts plus the truck ECU module(what the thieves are really after) and cost me $5,000 to buy a reman unit. Because of nationwide backorder, these ECU become a hot target just like catalytic converters. I ordered 2 of the outside lock to secure my truck when I'm away from my truck. I'm not worried about them breaking in when I'm sleeping inside, it's reason enough for me to use my deadly tool against them.

[@Kay-Elle6]

Thank you for sharing about the locks. I have an '18 3500. I've been wanting to put locks in but I'm intimidated. I also travel solo in my van, that I had custom built. Very impressed with your journey so far.

[@The3wheelin]

I really like your videos... I have three daughters, all of them a little older than you and it is so nice to see how you are doing things and figuring everything out. I am actually in the middle of my second van build and I really enjoy watching you with yours..happy travels

[@jkyoft78]

I like plusnuts more than rivnuts because they butterfly out wider, grabbing more metal.

[@TheTwinight]

Multiple locks suggest you have valuables so extra locks will add to your protection but also suggest there are items of value increasing the effort put into taking from you.. the inside locks add protection without adding to the suggestion of value so will give you the time needed to remove yourself from dangerous situations.. Would recommend vehicle set to make fast get away (maybe practice) you will only have at most a min before intruder is in with you, also set yourself fast evac point at opposite side of vehicle..

[@pxymomma6026]

You are so inspiring Linnea! I am totally binging your build vids. I want to make sure to watch everything you’ve made before I even purchase my van ❤

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you! You've got this!

[@Gene-kl1br]

Color code the keys if needed in faster . I am a believer of your riv nut tool . 2 locks per door . Great deterent .

[@Handleyman]

You won’t be the first or the last security installer to drill holes in the wrong place. At the end of the day if the wrong holes can’t be seen who cares? Nice job!

[@Y0deler]

I haven't gotten around to the "Locks & Alarms" portion of my build yet, so this really helped me to see one option!

[@brookethrash4642]

“Also my dog will eat you” 😍😀😂

[@IamDoogy]

I watched some KZbin videos where some dog trainers and safety experts dressed up in protective gear and tested various people's dogs reaction when the pet owner was threatened. I was surprised by the results.

[@colecole4638]

The fact that Akela would eat me is enough for me lol…..that was funny

[@hgfirewarrior8762]

I just said that!! 😂

[@hgfirewarrior8762]

@@IamDoogy I saw that!! They truly failed!

[@jar407]

her dog is big enough just by the size of her mouth remember criminals are mostly brave only when they think the targets week and i don't thing either of theses are week

[@Forrestbigwoop]

On the side sliding door you can drill a hole into the bracket the door slides on and add a storage pad lock? I think someone could knock the current lock off with a hammer pretty easy,. Or just place current one much higher so it's difficult to swing a hammer in first place.

[@lauren3242]

Great job Linnea! I'm not even planning a van build but because of your videos, I have found myself going to home depot a lot more for the DIY projects that I've wanted to do but have felt like the process to actually achieve them is too cumbersome. Thank you!

[@Deespaceful]

Saw on another site , a quick fix. A guy used a ratchet strap on inside front doors. He looped the strap thru door handles, and pulled it tight. You couldn't open doors.

[@margiesvanmori]

This is great! I am building out a 1988 chevy van home to travel and work in film and tv and I have been worried bc I am a solo female traveler so I really want to make sure I take extra safety precautions. Thank you for making a video for fellow women. It can be a battle to be a woman in this world but we are so much safer if we have each other's backs

[@animal79thecat]

Women have it easy!

[@cherrygaisford9810]

You are so handy and smart. Not hard on the eyes either.

[@NaomiEvolved]

You are correct. Anyone who is willing to put extra locks on their van mostly likely have video, alarm, or other time of protection to catch the person. My coworker caught someone on camera 📷 who vandalized his car. When he went to court the guy said he was just having a bad day and decided to take it out on my coworker car. Point is if your watch this remember your not that smart if your planing to destroy or break into some van. If I was planning on keeping valuables in my car. I will get a security safe build/ welded in can't get into that.

[@cargonaut747]

Alright, I just have to say this, “ You are a total Rock Star 💫 “ love this. I am going to install this for my Transit. Thank you for sharing!

[@akhilsharma8640]

You have one of the best real-world videos on Van build. Thank you for the great content

[@benoitbenoisbenoistchaine]

Yes feel Saft .. is alright love the locks but second escape roof top opening ... Or back door have two way unlock system .. keys make sure they are in a place you know where it is like spare keys always in its place ..if ever used them put it back after used ...

[@katievolk5205]

Love this I don't or won't build but this is so inspiring I've shared with everyone I know!! You are awesome! Some how you draw us in better than TV!! Love and ❤❤

[@volleyballDave]

Love the video, love the locks. Thank you. Maybe add a sticker in front windows stating secured with secondary locks (since thief can't see em). Hopefully a thief won't mess up your door trying to get in before he realizes he can't. Thanks again.

[@PagodaRolls]

I just ordered my locks and riv nut tool..thank you for sharing this and ALL your vids..

[@pittarak1]

Thanks for posting this says a 60+ yr old Aussie - really helpful. I think I'm going to get the same kit. Also, I'll probably get internal locks which are easily disengaged in case of emergency; Slider - from Camper protect and back barn door lock from SOLIDfy. Thanks again.

[@johnbroystonjr23]

Hey Linnea & Akela!!! I hadn't seen those extra locks for the ProMaster but those added safety features will help you feel at ease from potential intruders. Keep up the good work and Thank you for sharing. 😎

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you! I have really loved them!

[@erikaamac2727]

Thank you so much for sharing I literally was looking for these in my files for over an hour and couldn't find them!!! So happy to see it done on a Promaster.

[@davecooke914]

Well dun fitting the locks you keep safe enjoy your traveling takecare

[@mikestone9129]

I like these locks, a little expensive, but if they make you feel safe, great. But most thieves will enter through the weakest point. In this case, glass, the windows. They will simply smash and reach in and unlock. Yes it's noisy, but thieves will rely on smash, grab and run. Love your videos, stay safe and enjoy your adventures.

[@teebeecurl]

That's gotta feel good to get those in. Now, just don't let on to the public that you've got high-voltage electrical current running through the body of the your ProMaster when you call it a night. ;-)

[@Linneaandakela]

Yes yes exactly 😉 and Thank You!

[@bowl0noodles]

Given enough time and will; all security measure can be defeated. Your locks aren't in vain. This could give someone who looks at your van as easy break-in a little more thought to pass on it for something else. Thanks for sharing.

[@aradiantjoy]

Linnea - what if you added another indoor no key type lock to the back doors so that you could lock all access points at night if needed and still get out through the back without having to fumble for keys etc... I’ve been in enough weird moments in my life that having an easy way out of a secure van (no keys needed) in the midst of some sort of emergency would make me sleep better. And that is me! I love how you are doing what you need to keep yourself safe - that’s really all that matters. You are rocking it girl!

[@BBox99]

I live in a van I have extra locks on the inside to lock people out should I need to get out in a hurry it’s as simple as opening my doors. But with your locks on the outside locked up and key locks on the inside if you can not find your keys in a hurry then you’ve got a serious problem should you want to get out fast if you have a fire in the van while your asleep and wake up fire alarm blasting with smoke all over, once panicking sets in it’s hard to get into focus coming out of deep sleep. Something to consider.😁👍🏽👍🏽😎

[@georgegould667]

Your mechanical abilities and reasoning are very impressive

[@garykreutzer7692]

The rivnuts are the way to go! MUCH stronger. SMS are ok for attaching trim in side the van in most cases, but when you need something that requires a GOOD grip, go with the rivnuts.

[@irezz5301]

You are so awesome, you build my confidence so much, thank you

[@Linneaandakela]

Aw that is the greatest thing to hear! I'm so glad. :)

[@beeamerica5024]

You jokingly said my dog will eat you and I bet she would protect you shepherds are very protective good job with the locks to😊👍🐝✌

[@EmanLeerton]

For anyone wanting to do this on the cheap just drill a small hole in your door and frame and drop a steel pin in it. You can also drill a small hole in the sliding door rail and use a padlock so the door can't slide open.

[@kidsmorekids8]

I haven't made the transition to van life yet but I'm doing all my research to pick a van choose a set up tht fits me decide how or who will build n what I want in it..... but ur locks just sold me the 2 on the front door the matching white on the back👍🏽😍. I'm in all in❤

[@aradiantjoy]

Riv-nuts! Vicariously loving them as much as you!

[@GARZIE06]

I was just wondering about extra locks on the doors so you posting this is great! keep it up girl!

[@tonylocks28]

As a Locksmith in NYC, you did a great job. Riv nuts great choice. Next choice would’ve been to bolt-thru. Just the deterrent alone is very discouraging for a creep looking for a quick n easy smash n grab. 👍🏼👊🏻

[@jocelynb8935]

Mahalo for sharing, those locks are awesome and I think I’ll have to get some when I buy my RV. I wonder if rivets would work well with RV walls….

[@NYR14477]

I like your channel so much that I didn’t skip any of the commercials. I say that cause one was over 2 min lol but hey every little bit counts. Keep doing your thing!!!!! Love your vids and can’t wait for it all to be done but sad that I know it will be over. Hope you keep uploading after the build is done!!!!!

[@superstrings4768]

Great job and will stop opportunist thieves. here in the UK the normal is deadlocks which are less visible from the outside and more secure as I could probably crowbar the rivnut ones off in 20 seconds, but like you say in the video, it is a deterrent foremost and the fact they are nice and visible aids that. well done!

[@lowlifejourney397]

Iam a new Member watching your journey... saw your stuff on TikTok.. and i love it.. iam ready to go this journey with you😊.. i literally send the whole day watching your videos... there are thinks that i think you should do like maybe putting on Gas cans & water cans on top of the Van or maybe on the inside.. maybe a sun protection on thr site of the Van for when you are sitting outside... You definitely need a small fridge.. And maybe same big outside Lights for when you camping

[@jayneneu923]

I have just discovered your channel and am following all your build. Linnea I am very impressed with your desire to do this yourself. And I do love Akela! My husband and I are at that certain "retirement" age and much of what you show is suited for younger, more agile people. But what you show is so doable, we are confident we can take our wish list and make it work. We are in the process of trying to decide what van we want to go with, we just know we want to build it out ourselves. Thanks so much for your weekly detailed videos, that of course at this point I am binge watching! I can't tell you how helpful they are going to be to us! What I am really confused about is why anyone would give you a thumbs down.... just wonder where their heads are at. I will keep watching! Thank you!

[@cathietonkin5577]

Great idea with the rib nut!!!!!

[@dougfancy101290]

I love your van build videos. It's fun to see how far the project has come.

[@defaultemailedjoegonzalez5824]

This was so helpful thank you been wondering about these locks and was sure if I wanted to get them

[@bellaellis2813]

Thank you I needed to learn that ... great teacher ... happy to see you are staying safe ❤

[@billyg.1212]

I’m real happy that you shared those security locks, hopefully you left the link. It would really help us to secure our van just like you did. Safety first. I think it’s a great idea thank you again for sharing I really appreciate it I subscribed and gave you a thumbs up.

[@TransformationDetail]

This is great. I have a mobile detailing business and my van has been broken into several times. This looks like a great solution. Thank you!

[@virgilmcmayers4974]

one note. Buy a thread glue (loctait) and use it on thread of the bolts which you using... Like your effort !

[@stevenhartley7659]

Puck locks work well also.

[@grannyary]

I used a slide lock for a few bucks. Easy to install and cheap.

[@ellarow1705]

I am so happy you shared the installation of your locks and especially the ribnut thing. I’m in UK so I’m going to look up these locks. Thanks so much from Rubivantuesday xxx

[@escoofimpakt]

On amazon they also sell some shatter proof tint that can help your windows

[@metalkingtohorses]

I love this video and how you can add all the extra security

[@Shan-ShanH]

I am using a chain and padlock on the inside for extra security while Im in the van.

[@stephenmcdonald8108]

Did you show in another video how you finished the sliding door panels with that lock in the way? I saw in the wall panels video where it tripped you up and you had to work around it? Just wondering how you finished it. I'm definitely interested in the locks but curios how the slider door panels came out and how close it is to the lock when the door is opened. Great videos also, very helpful and easy to follow along.

[@vanlifenomadfirekeeper]

Great that your creating safety measures fore your protection. Having additional safety devices """"" is being smart. Glad your sharing this with your viewers. I'm almost done with my Ford E250. Hope to be finished before the snow falls here in wyoming. (-:

[@maryflores1462]

Great idea! You’re one smart cookie!👍

[@deborahanderson5508]

Great job! We used riv-nuts in the aerospace industry, excellent application. Love your vids and cant wait to follow along. Stay safe and have fun!

[@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936]

What happens when an astronaughty breaks a Marson mandrel in the side of the ISS, and the nearest Snap-On mission isn't scheduled for another 16 weeks ?

[@jttorcivia3276]

I am really enjoying watching renovate your van

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much!

[@jasonlavere5071]

Great informative video. My wife and I are purchasing a 2022 Winnebago Solis and this is exactly the kind of info we were looking for to lock up our van.

[@johngrant1337]

Outstanding install of the locks. The rivnuts was a great idea. I like what you said about your locks, the part about time and not being easy to get into your van.Both great ideas but remember what I told you it is only sheet metal and it is your best defience to stop a problem.I look forward to next video ( In the end of October it is snowing in Utah. I would like to see the snow pictures, because we do not have snow in my part of Florida) HaHaHa I was born in Utah and moved back for two years at about your age.

[@RaffoSALINAS]

Next time when you apply caulking or something similar like it over a surface and you want to be flash with the area you applied, use a spatula or even a credit card to make it flat and smooth. Also you can use some liquid soap and with your finger tip ir it as spatula when you apply it over edges with an angle shape. Your finger will slice clean and your cover will be smooth. ... You are doing a great work...I always watch you here.

[@longhairmullet]

Thanks for the tip.

[@leonesikivou9116]

See if you can do something about removing or heavily obstructing the signage on the locks..the lesser clues about the locks the safer I reckon

[@windows765]

Dear Linnea & Akela, I Love this Video!!! I have a 2017 Promaster and I’m going to install these locks as well. Also I want to share with you something that you may want to add to your Van. Sincerely, Neil D. Marlton NJ

[@russellrappe3944]

Hi Linnea and Akela, I recently found your Chanel and have been watching your van build. I am 58 years old and I am in the planning phase of going off grid. I have watched other van build videos but when I came across your channel I was pretty impressed at how you walked us through every step of the build. Not only do you present well in your videos, you show us your mistakes so that we all can learn from them. I love that you are not a professional builder nor an electrician and the fact that you are teaching us as you yourself are learning. I had planned on reaching out to you after I get caught up on all of your videos but after watching the “Van Safety Lock Install” video I got a little concerned for your safety. It looks like you are going to be pretty safe from outside threats but my concern for you is what happens if you have an engine fire or something that threatens you from the inside. I’m worried that if you have a fire up front, how will you get out? With the new locks it looks like the front doors are your only way out. You won’t be able to open the side door. Can you still get out the back doors from the inside with the new lock on it? You need an emergency exit strategy. Maybe you have addressed this already I don’t know. I am watching your videos in order so I just wanted to voice my concern for you after watching the lock video. You talk about how you want to inspire other women but I am a 58 year old man and you are an inspiration to me. One more thing before I go, I love that you don’t edit out your emotions. Letting us experience your raw emotions through this journey you are sharing with us only makes you more endearing and real to us. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I look forward to watching the rest of your videos. Say hi to Akela for me and take care of the both of you. ❤️❤️❤️

[@UVBlueHoneymoon]

The vehicle prior to my Promaster was broken into twice within 2 weeks so I’m def checking these out! Thank you for all your helpful videos!

[@youwilllivetoregretthis]

Thanks for sharing your journey. If those front inside locks need a key to open you may want to leave the key in the lock when you sleep in case of fire. I suppose if you have a window cover the key won’t be visible to a potential burglar.

[@Linneaandakela]

Luckily you can lock it unlock them without a key! In either position you can “lock” it in with a key :)

[@nevertoooldfordolls]

I'm wanting to make my 1985 chevy van more secure but without taking away from the stealth factor.

[@sharondearman8543]

Good job. Looks really safe now

[@Chris-ut6eq]

I know this is wayyyy tooo late. But for others who want to mount these locks, consider adding a metal plate on the interior side of the wall to reinforce the lock. The backing plate will mean they basically would have to cut the lock out of the sheet metal. The sheet metal itself is very week. Rivnuts add more strength, but it's still just sheet metal.

[@haileyreynoldshall2449]

Hi Linnea, Thank you for the great content :) I just wanted to raise a concern about these locks that you may or may not have already thought about - Having the exterior locks in locked position while you sleep severely limits your escape routes in case of a fire or highjacking. Stay safe! Virtually treatos and head scritches for Akela :)

[@Ginette688]

Thank you. I’ve Been wanting to do the same! and I decided I would put locks on my van when I build it, but did not know how I would do it!

[@B-B375]

Another great video, your upbeat energy and positive attitude are contagious. Shine on beautiful.

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Great to see this topic in such detail! Thanks again for your excellent series. Also, thanks for showing your doubts--it's sweet to see you persevere and succeed, and give others hope.

[@krystalwhite675]

Another great video! And showing the locks is great! The only thing any vanlifer can do is put in what ever deterrents they are comfortable with be smart of where your parking for the night and I would also suggest like your self have personal protection inside. It’s like your home your only giving yourself more time for yourself to get away from anything bad. Can I ask if your putting any additional lights on the out side ? 😃 Cheers 🍻 dude till the next video 😃 stay safe.

[@joec4871]

Boom the locks in. 🤣🤣🤣 Good job..but you always do a good job.

[@dennis.teevee]

i am devising locks for my promaster rear and sliding doors that locks from the inside.

[@ninamc1]

Your right reaction time is your greatest protection ( 38 helps too) 😂

[@deedeeotero4475]

Great idea about the extra locks. But is your back door secured as well? I’d like something that can just be a hook or latch that I can disengage quickly in case I need to use those doors as an escape.

[@zippy3931]

Hi Linnea Are you still happy with your HEO locks especially the exterior drivers side door? Love your channel!

[@johnbrennan7175]

Simply, you get what you pay for... when it comes to security, you should always buy the best and the one you have are not

[@Linneaandakela]

Agreed!

[@sophiarose7610]

It’s almost like people have forgotten about the big ass German Shepherd!