Featured & Reviewed
WIRED: Viking VS-38BLA in a Teched-Out Van
WIRED featured the Viking VS-38BLA in a story about a tech writer living full-time in a customized van. In the article “What Happens When a Tech Writer Decides to Live in a Van,” WIRED followed writer Brent Rose as he transformed a 2006 Gulf Stream Vista Cruiser into a fully equipped mobile workspace. Among the technology upgrades included in the build was the Viking Security Safe VS-38BLA, selected to protect valuable gear while traveling full-time.
Security on the Road
Living and working out of a vehicle presents unique security challenges. Unlike a traditional home, a van or RV may contain high-value electronics — cameras, laptops, recording equipment — in a compact, mobile environment.
In his write-up, Brent Rose describes upgrading the van with solar systems, advanced audio components, GPS tracking, and mobile internet connectivity. Alongside those tech additions, he installed the Viking VS-38BLA laptop biometric security safe with fingerprint scanner as part of the vehicle’s protective infrastructure.
The inclusion highlights a practical concern: protecting portable technology in a mobile setting.
The VS-38BLA: Designed for Compact High-Value Storage
The VS-38BLA is built to accommodate laptops and electronics while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for installation inside vehicles, offices, or residential spaces.
Key characteristics include:
Biometric fingerprint access
Steel construction
Designed for mounting within confined environments
Intended for securing electronics and valuables
In a van conversion project — where space efficiency and security both matter — this type of safe fits naturally within a tech-forward setup.
Security as Part of a Broader System
WIRED’s article focuses on the overall transformation of the van into a “teched-out chariot.” The security system installed included GPS tracking and vehicle alarms. The addition of a biometric safe complements that ecosystem, addressing interior asset protection.
While vehicle alarms and tracking systems protect the vehicle itself, an interior safe provides layered protection for stored equipment.
Layered security is particularly relevant for:
Content creators
Journalists
Remote professionals
Travelers carrying electronics
Biometric Access in Mobile Environments
For mobile applications, biometric access can offer convenience. Quick access without keys or manual dials may be beneficial in dynamic settings, particularly when space is limited.
In the WIRED feature, the VS-38BLA appears alongside other advanced technology upgrades, reinforcing its role as part of a modern, tech-enabled workspace.
Independent Editorial Coverage
WIRED independently selects products featured in its editorial content. The inclusion of the Viking VS-38BLA within a high-profile technology publication underscores its relevance in professional and mobile environments.
The article does not function as a traditional product review but rather as part of a larger narrative about building a fully equipped mobile lifestyle.
Still, the placement demonstrates how security components integrate into real-world technology ecosystems.
Links
Read the full WIRED article: https://www.wired.com/2015/09/teched-out-van/
See the Viking VS-38BLA on our site: VS-38BLA Extra Wide Biometric Laptop Safe

