Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

This week, we talk counters, not kitchen, review the BougeRV Arch 2.0 200W N-Type flexible solar panel, recommend EveryVoyage, and visit Hawaii—with a link to live lava. No filters Main Topic: Counters, Not Kitchen Countertops https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Countertop PRODUCT REVIEW BougeRV Arch 2.0 200W N-Type flexible solar panel https://www.bougerv.com/products/arch-n-type-200w-flexible-solar-pa...

This week, we interview YouTube sensations Steve & Audra, who live in their Ford Transit full time as they cross the country in search of new adventures. We talk about how they make it work, and the scariest moment they've had as nomads.  Everyone likes Steve & Audra. You will too, and they'll be at Vanfest Liftoff 2027 where you can meet them for yourself.  Follow Steve & Audra's adve...

This week, we revisit episode 1 and talk about how things changed and stayed the same.  Discretion is the better part of valor. PRODUCT REVIEW 12v Ovens https://amzn.to/4diqA35 A PLACE TO VISIT Lunar Lake https://calval.cr.usgs.gov/apps/lunar-lake As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support Built to Go at no additional cost to you.

This week, we look at what it is like to live with an always-available AI wearable, cover safe solar-wire work, and make stops in Aurora, Ontario, and Ruidoso, New Mexico. A slightly distorted and yet oddly accurate summary of my day. PRODUCT REVIEW A simple solution https://amzn.to/4iYZNME RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Gus Bus Boondocks https://www.youtube.com/@GusBusBoondocks/videos A PLACE TO VISIT P...

This week, I'll explaing my camper pod project, we'll visit a couple of marsupials, test out a sporty device, and celebrate the return of VanFest! The Pod - and the late van. :(` NEWS VanFest USA Is Back! https://vanfestusa.com/ U.S. Losing Public Lands https://www.npca.org/articles/11495-selling-off-and-selling-out A New Kind of Van Life: $180 to Camp for Seven Months https://www.theguardian.com/...

Things suck, so let’s go camping.  We’ll also look at window seals, review WhatCable.uk, explain USB port colors, and visit Salem Woods in Massachusetts. See? Woods. TECH TALK Window Seals https://youtube.com/shorts/rtqVytwF22c?si=P74Prv9hIyhzrc3U PRODUCT REVIEW WhatCable.uk https://www.whatcable.uk/ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION USB Port Colors Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSN-chBhkrA A PL...

You don't want the best. You want the optimal. Simple as possible. Really! We'll also visit East Aurora, NY, visit a community college, wrestle with clips and deal with a bit of road rage. And a new stereo!    Nice unit, all told. KISS — Keep It Simple, Stupid A Message to Garcia — Elbert Hubbard PRODUCT REVIEW Topdisplay Stereo Video Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gkIzq9 Topdisplay: https://www.ustopdi...

Gasoline is getting more complicated than it used to be. This week we untangle octane ratings, ethanol blends, E15, Top Tier gasoline, and why the pump you used last year may not be dispensing the same fuel today. We'll also talk about welding safely on your vehicle, review TruFuel canned gasoline, celebrate the resurrection of the Max II ATV, visit one of Chicago's most unusual historical monumen...

This week, we explore the strange and useful things you can attach to a trailer hitch, from hammocks and cranes to Starlink poles and a toilet seat. We’ll also talk about why you shouldn’t jack directly on pinch welds, review the Arctic Air Grip Go, visit the world’s largest penguin in Cut Bank, Montana, use NotebookLM to interrogate manuals, and explain why a stereo gets reviewed, or doesn’t. Kid...

We take a look at different places to shop besides Home Depot and Amazon, visit some burned out forests, learn how to use Fuse Taps, spend some nights in a Tire Warehouse, and address some reader comments. THIS is a fuse tap. :) MAIN - Unexpected Places to Shop for Vanlife Gear THANKS TO: Stefan NEWS Crossroads Folds https://www.instagram.com/p/Da3UxBKPPrZ/ Starlink Changes European Roaming Polici...

This week, we'll look at 10 overrated things in vanlife, and not the ones you're thinking about. We'll also review a completely boring yet awesome kitchen item, visit a modern Pompeii, and grow tomatoes on the dashboard. The Church (not really a cathedral) PRODUCT REVIEW Silicone Corelle Covers https://amzn.to/4fkxV2a RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Urban Leaf Gardening In a Van? https://www.youtube.com/w...

Back from RMSS, I take a look at Amazon Prime Day and find an interesting trend. We'll also take a look at flashlights, visit Iceland, consider Vanly and get too excited about janitorial supples.  I don't miss these days PRODUCT REVIEW Korpai Folding 2-Step Stool https://amzn.to/4bkbhFI Jacauto Folding Step Stool https://amzn.to/4vDySJJ   RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION SunCalc https://www.suncalc.org/ A...

What's the best tool: cheap or expensive? Well, it depends on a bunch of things. We'll take a look. We'll also visit a place filled with solutions, test some screws, and recommend a product that blows. Loudly.  I never got stuck when I drove one of these   PRODUCT REVIEW Zovair Cordless Electric Air Duster https://amzn.to/3SFTwuf A PLACE TO VISIT Habitat for Humanity ReStore https://www.habitat.or...

Back from RMSS, I take a look at Amazon Prime Day and find an interesting trend. We'll also take a look at flashlights, visit Iceland, consider Vanly and get too excited about janitorial supples.  A gift from insomnia   NEWS Vanfest Ends https://www.vanfestusa.com Passengers https://nofspodcast.com/passenger-review-vanlife-supernatural-horror Slate EV Truck https://www.fastcompany.com/91561144/sla...

So - my planned podcast for this week was a dud, because despite recording 90 minutes worth of material, we ended up with nothing. The file is there, the time is right, but it didn't save what was recorded.  My file is like a ghost town - it used to be there, and now it's not.    So, here are some tidbits and updates on various topics.  FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the sh...

I screwed up, and I hope this fixes it: LiIon batteries are everywhere! Also, we'll take a deep dive into a pre-packaged survival kit, and talk about a custom podcast you can make  This kit could save your life! Or, it could give you false hope and leave you in serious trouble.   PRODUCT REVIEW XKASE Survival Kit https://amzn.to/4uKJiGW RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION NotebookLM Podcast Generator https://...

All this stuff that is "our vans," where does it go? I mean, where does it all end up in the end? Let's explore. We'll also take a look at a couple of vanlife video games, the museum that things belong in, the BEST filters for your rig, and an interesting road trip.  A hint of how big some things are at the former Oriental Institute   NEWS Volkswagen Van Back  https://newatlas.com/campervans/volks...

Are mindful when you're driving? I know you're paying attention; I'm asking if you're "mindful." We'll explore that, and a few stones of interest, mosquitoes, fuel prices, and the best way to find weird places to visit.  Not a Tow Truck   NEWS Brain Eating Amoeba  https://gearjunkie.com/parks-and-public-lands/brain-eating-amoeba-national-parks New Winnebago https://camperreport.com/winnebago-arka-...

Are mindful when you're driving? I know you're paying attention; I'm asking if you're "mindful." We'll explore that, and a few stones of interest, mosquitoes, fuel prices, and the best way to find weird places to visit.  What is this stone? https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZNaQZKqHjkAgstDx5=   PRODUCT REVIEW Deep Woods OFF Dry https://amzn.to/42RtsxX A PLACE TO VISIT Talayotic Menorca https://whc.unesco.or...

There are things that are better in the US than abroad and we'll discuss them. We'll also make things out of paracord, visit a hidden fish sauce factory, visit a rock (with monkeys) and find secrets in your pocket.  A 50 year journey comes to an end   NEWS New ProMaster City https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa9PE6j0XRo PRODUCT REVIEW 360° Spin Magnetic Stand for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case https://amzn....

Greetings from Malaga, Spain! We’ve had an amazing adventure and we’ve another week to go. Here’s an update, and some exciting news for small vans in the US!

Host Jeff Wagg records a short episode from Chicago O'Hare covering three quick topics: a major Ford truck recall for windshield wipers, a recommendation for Work Camper News for seasonal jobs and resources, and practical bidet solutions for vans and RVs. He also shares experiments with sealed ecospheres and Wollstad tanks as van-friendly aquatic options, plus a travel tale about canceled trains,...

What if you wanted to hit the road, but without the need to refrigerate, cook, or clean up? It's possible, and we'll talk about how. We'll also talk about analog vs. digital multimeters, introduce you to Skoolieswarm Route 66, visit Antarctica (again), and talk about different travel goals.  THIS thing awaits you at SkoolieSwarm Route 66 Nellie’s No Cook Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbn24...

President Gas is President Gas again. Kudos to you who got that reference, and I hate to break it to you: you're old. But in addition to gas prices, we'll talk about free audio tours, why windmills won't help you, and a new fan that is my constant companion. We also have a talk with Sherm about the ethics of making content. PRODUCT REVIEW Turbo Fan https://amzn.to/4sB2GoW RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION R...

This is a recording of a conversation I had with three vanlifers, all "living the dream," and all doing it differently. Recorded at VanFest: Lift Off 2026, Bruce, Jon and Nellie all have tips and stories from the road, involving, in no particular order: Fatwood Bears Prostitutes Putting on pants Where to go next and why you shouldn't drive at night in Mexico.  To check out Nellie's business at The...