Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

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...

You could have an awning that provides shade. But since it's blocking the sun anyway, why can't it generate power too? We investigate. We also take a look at an interesting opportunity to sleep under a roof, review a saw that does it all, look at some space junk, and get up close and personal with some major infrastructure. Alloy? Annoy.   NEWS Jalopnik: Vanlife Isn’t Cheap https://www.jalopnik.co...

Something special this week, an hour-long interview with Sherm, a fellow vanlifer who masquerades as an RV Tech during the day. We chat about a variety of topics, including the difference between an RV and a campervan, mice, greasy leather seats, the most essential tool, different oil leaks, and how to find someone to work on your rig.  If you'd like more of Sherm, you're in luck: he'll be joining...

If you need help, do you ask for it? Or do you help yourself? Can you do both? We'll explore. We'll also take a trip to Bishops Castle, explore diesel heater tanks, find water everywhere, and hear a tale about an old friend A tour of a 1977 Chinook, very similar to mine.   NEWS Rocky Mountain Star Star (RMSS) June 10-14, 2026 in Gardner, CO https://www.rmss.org DEF Delete? https://www.truckinginfo...

Hello folks - I'm going to release all the VanFest content as "Bonus" episodes, which just means it doesn't follow the normal format. I've a few more interview episodes that will air in the coming weeks, and your feedback is always welcome! In this episode, I have a chat with three women who are all living on the road in their own way, and have different perspectives on why they're out there, and...

Hello! Just a big long story this week as I recover from "things" that have been happening these past couple of weeks.    Be it ever so humble, there's no place like "van." Vanfest https://www.vanfestusa.com      

The best apps for vanlife aren't apps! We'll explain. We'll also try an induction cooktop, visit another planet, consider the oldest tool ever found, turn lights into fans, and hear a tale of lost youth.  NOT me. Ever. VANLIFE WEBSITES: •iOverlander — https://www.ioverlander.com •Campendium — https://www.campendium.com •FreeCampsites — https://www.freecampsites.net •Recreation.gov — https://www.re...

Hitting the road with your canine companion? Excellent! But there are things to consider, and we consider them. We'll also review a new type of portable solar panel, camping at Loves, defrosting pipes, and being dragged into the world. I did actually sleep in this thing.  PRODUCT REVIEW Vevor 400 watt portable panels https://amzn.to/49M7Ar3 Direct from Vevor: https://www.vevor.com/solar-panels-c_1...

There's a connection between loneliness and vanlife. But it goes both ways, and AI can play a role. We'll also visit RV Shows, get spooked, take a stab at the "goldfish problem," and examine a new heater.  Aurora NV, 1870 Aurora NV, 2019 (find the van!) NEWS Battle Born Batteries Bad https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=will+prowse+battleborn+batteries PRODUCT REVIEW VESTA Self-Powered Ind...

Back from Malta! Can you vanlife there? Yes! Sorta! Kinda. We'll also visit an impressive castle, argue politics with an AI while driving, and sift through a raft of bad news As seen in Valetta. Illegally parked, but... hmmm. NEWS National Parks Require ID, Or You Pay $$$ https://www.thetravel.com/nps-new-id-rule-means-americans-may-pay-international-visitor-fees-up-to-250-usd-to-visit-national-pa...

Can an EV be a camper van? We'll take a look at two contenders. We'll also visit some Ice Castles, talk about the I-word, and get some drugs The actual plane we flew on. A few years later, it crashed into the sea with great loss of life. PRODUCT REVIEW STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST port https://amzn.to/491BurY A PLACE TO VISIT ICE CASTLES https://icecastles.com/ Senior Discount: senior26 RESOURCE RECOMM...

I'm wrong again! A periodic episode in which I come clean on mistakes, and other things that I need to 'fess up to. We'll also explore some winter campgrounds, talk A LOT about rest area camping, and review a portable vent hood.  "I claim this pyramid for Denmark!" PRODUCT REVIEW CIARRA Portable Range Hood https://amzn.to/48grCdH   A PLACE TO VISIT KOA sites open all winter https://koa.com/blog/ko...