Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

Why can’t we get the “cool” vans in the US? And why is it so hard to find ANY van in the us right now? We’ll also take a look at the MacBook Air M1, a great #vanlife computer, prepare for NOT having Internet, and visit a tree in a rock.  We now have a Discord Server ! What’s that? It’s a place to share and ask questions with the host of Built to GO and other listeners. It’s a new community, so it...

Is Anxiety stopping you from doing what you want? You're not alone. But there are ways to beat it. We'll also talk about Smart Alternators, Button Lamps, and explain a magic trick that you can do... when you're lucky!  We now have a Discord Server ! What’s that? It’s a place to share and ask questions with the host of Built to GO and other listeners. It’s a new community, so it will take some time...

What's the best Microvan to convert? We have answers! We'll also have a frank talk about mold, visit some historic ships in Philadelphia, review CHEAP LED flares, and make a big mistake driving in the desert. And we've launched our YouTube Channel!  Built to GO! A Vanlife Channel  is live.   Want to see Jeff's NV200? Here it is! Resource Recommendation - Nomadland, the Book A must read for those c...

Nomadland! It's the movie everyone is talking about, but a few folks don't understand. We'll try to explain why reactions are so polarized. We'll also visit the Raven's Grin Inn, browse through Advanture Magazine, move a dome light, discuss vapor barriers and try a hand generator. Plus a shocking tale from the road! All in about 30 minutes! Whew!  And we've launched our YouTube Channel! Built to G...

You can run from the snow, but you can't necessarily hide from it. Here's a quick guide in how to drive and survive it. We'll also visit a time warp brewery, discuss the treasure chest under your vehicle, try out an LED flare, and get an unexpected visit from Jackson Pollock. Winter Driving A guide from AAA Recovery Boards Entrenching Tool A Place to Visit - Alexander Keith Visit and historic brew...

Are you part of "REAL" #vanlife? We have the answer. We'll also visit a place with no vans, find a place for shoes, build a van without insulation, review wainscoting paneling and take a trip through Radio Garden. A Place to Visit - Sacha Lodge A van-free paradise in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. sachalodge.com  One of many comfy spots in the lodge.  Resource Recommendation - Radio Garden A lo...

Nothing beats shower power! We talk about how to use it, where to find it, and how to get it in your van. We'll also visit a sculpture garden filled with dead people, review VanLab, a "build in a box" solution for your new rig, hear the brave tale of Squeaky the Van, and explain how to get packages while you're on the road.  The magic juice box Shore Power Look for a heavy duty, 14AWG flat  extens...

Do you nee a van for #vanlife? We say: NO. In fact, you may have everything you need to hit the road today. We'll also offer a simple guide to battery buying, a story about a nice guy finishing last, and review a 12v kettle. We'll also visit some cemeteries and offer an idea of who can install your electrical system.  A lovely day in Bangor, Maine   Product Review - Sunsebell 12v Kettle Simple, ro...

The electric vans are coming! Will they be good for #vanlife? We'll also travel down a musical road, catch up with the Tappet Brothers, nearly kill a coworker, review the Geyser Shower System and find ways to keep bugs out.  Note: we've enabled third party advertising. Your feedback is welcome! If you hear anything you don't like, please let us know at jeff@builttogo.com .    Product Review - Geys...

I'm back after a week of quarantine, and have some thoughts about being sick in a van (which I wasn't). Also, we'll explore deer whistles, finding community online, report on a great #vanlife book, and do a little urban exploration in Ohio with a friend.  TALES FROM THE ROAD - WE WANT YOURS! Send us your Tales From the Road and if we use the on the air, you'll receive a College of Curiosity SWAG b...

Folks, I contracted COVID-19 at the end of 2020 - a final parting gift. As such, I was unable to produce a normal episode as I can speak for a long time, can’t think much at all, and only have my iPad with me which isn’t set up for the podcast. The rather crappy sound is from recording in a very empty hotel room (where I’m quarantining) and the small iPad microphones.  I’m very grateful to Liz and...

Should you have a gun in your van? We present the pros and cons, and reveal our bias. We'll also visit Ausable Chasm, talk about refilling disposable propane tanks, maximize solar power in winter, take a look at shop4seatscom and have a tale with the Mythbusters.  === As self harm is mentioned in this episode, it's important to point out that help is always available. I used to be a listener with...

This week, we're focussing on safety tips that DON'T involve someone messing with you and your van. You know, the ones that are much more likely to kill you. We'll also try to keep mouse rats out of our rigs, visit Atlas Obscura, take a look at door steps for roof access, discuss 12v kettles and hear some more on how the penis-free can urinate in comfort.  Is your load secure? (Photo by Ildar Sagd...

Moving in to the new place has taught me some realities of vanlife, especially regarding cube vans. We'll visit some amazing biology, review hand crank radios, talk about upgrading alternators, a tool for figuring out bolt sizes, and a monster in Salem Woods. AD:  Robinhood   I’ve found an app that makes it dead simple to buy and sell stocks, even if you don’t know what you’re doing. And that app,...

Yep, it's time to talk about Insulation. Flames accepted. We'll also discuss tapping into fuse blocks, review a USB monitor, visit a famous movie site, plug FarOutRide.com and hear a "hot" tale.  AD:  Robinhood I’ve found an app that makes it dead simple to buy and sell stocks, even if you don’t know what you’re doing. And that app, is  Robinhood . I’ve used it for years without a hitch. No contra...

You've got your empty van. Now what? We're here to help - here's a method for getting things going and staying the course. We'll also visit Saguaro National Park, check out UCO Candles, learn how to charge laptop computers, figure out which octane to use, and hear a scary story.    AD: Robinhood I’ve found an app that makes it dead simple to buy and sell stocks, even if you don’t know what you’re...

Thanks for helping us get to 50 episodes! This time, we're taking a break from our normal format and presenting you with 50 #vanlife tips, and some news. Thanks for listening, and here's to another 50!    TALES FROM THE ROAD - WE WANT YOURS! Send us your Tales From the Road and if we use the on the air, you'll receive a College of Curiosity SWAG bag, including some things appropriate for #vanlife....

Which full-size van should you choose? Let's take a look... We'll also review 4-way stretch fabric, ride on the Possum 2, visit Coral Castle, explore HMDB.org, and invite folks to send their own Tales From the Road. And we'll explain the difference between starter batteries and leisure batteries.   TALES FROM THE ROAD - WE WANT YOURS! Send us your Tales From the Road and if we use the on the air,...

Why not get a School Bus? Or an Ambulance? Step Van? RV???!!! We take a look at the pros and cons. Also, a fix for melting Velcro, magnetic phone holders, adventures in ZimZam, and how much solar should you have? ZimZam The space between Zambia and Zimbabwe on the Victoria Falls Bridge https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Falls_Bridge Resource Recommendation AAA for Maps High-quality maps free w...

We have 5 ways to check to see if you're ready for vanlife. We also explore alternate uses for Frisbees, talk about FastCaps, visit the Oriental Institute and talk about air bag issues. 5 things to check to know you're ready for #vanlife.   Like camping? Like problem solving? Have enough money? Figured out relationships? Have a mission? A Place to Visit Oriental Institute When someone mailed to pa...

You hope it will never happen, but what if it does? You have to plan for a crash, and maybe having knives on a magnetic strip isn't a great idea. Also, we'll visit the Drive-In, talk about Command Strips, stay warm without heat, and catch up some news as well.  Not my actual rig, but pretty close Crashing your Rig Watch this video to gain understanding of what happens during a crash https://www.yo...

An article claims there are 20 Reasons to NOT do Van Life, but are there really? Let's take a look. We'll also explore some new electric vans, talk about condiment packets, visit Arco, Idaho, and use Wikipedia to learn about our vans. And some gift ideas! A Place to Visit Arco, Idaho EBR-1 - First Nuclear Reactor The Devil Boat Resource Recommendation Wikipedia Yeah - you know this, but did you kn...

Yes, you can cook with household electric appliances if you're careful! Some are better than others. We'll visit LL Bean, talk about Kelly Blue Book, get chased by a Tow Truck, discuss van weight, and review the Sea Eagle 370.  A Place to Visit   LL Bean is open 24 hours and has been for over 100 years! Part museum, part catalog store - it's a fun place to hang out at 3AM.  LL Bean Flagship Store...

A letter from Kansas prompted me to rant a bit about toll problems in the US. We also discuss RainX, doing a Video Game Tour, point out things in your van that you shouldn't cover up, tell a tale of  Clem and the police,  and show how to avoid using up all your "hot spot" data.    A Place to Visit Consider a tour of places from a video game, TV show of movie! We did a Fallout New Vegas tour and ha...

Is Stealth a myth? No, but it's not what people think. We'll also visit a natural wonder in Massachusetts, talk about the Smooth 4 Gimbal, commiserate about needing to remove spray foam, and point out a solution for morning condensation.  A Place to Visit Purgatory Notch, Sutton, Massachusetts A natural wonder in southern Massachusetts.  Purgatory Chasm State Park Resource Recommendation VaZhiyun...