Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

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...

Black Friday! It's like Black Francis, but with more enthusiasm! Ehem. Look, here's a big list of stuff I found that's for sale on Black Friday. Some normal stuff, some weird stuff. Not a lot of great bargains, but I'll bet some of them will give you ideas. Normal episode next time    VEVOR   VEVOR RV Air Conditioner, 13500 BTU Non-Ducted Rooftop RV AC, 65 dB Quiet Design, Highly Compatible with A...

It's the BIG HEAT. We'll take a look at nearly every way to heat a van and discuss how practical they are. We'll also have an extended visit to a place named after a small fruit, take a look at vapor barrier, and provide a resource for excess food. The "oasis" of Currant, Nevada PRODUCT REVIEW Sparking Stove Lighter https://amzn.to/49oscqI RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Little Free Pantries https://www.l...

This week we demonstrate the concept that everywhere is somewhere, and the receipt is long and curly. We'll also play with some solar powered cameras, have an ice cream in Maine, find some free water, and explore thermal bridging.  Two young women, two different paths. PRODUCT REVIEW AUTO-VOX 2 Solar Wireless Backup Camera System https://amzn.to/3JTSdUl A PLACE TO VISIT Chicago Water Pumps https:/...

In the past week, I realized that my truck is the perfect vanlife vehicle for me. Learn why! And we'll visit Aldi, Mississippi, have a bit of a cry, and explore the basics of stealth camping. Potential. NEWS New Sodium Ion Bluetti Batteries https://interestingengineering.com/energy/bluettis-world-first-sodium-power-station New Kia Electric Van https://www.motortrend.com/news/kia-pv5-electric-van-f...

It's a big topic, and one that deserves some attention—so why not talk to the people we're talking about? Hal Bidlack has had a storied life, but part of that story involves his time with "the police," though his role was a bit more complicated than that. Listen in and learn what a cop is thinking after they pull you over.  Lt. Col. Hal Bidlack, PhD, USAF Ret. on patrol. He's was the office you wa...

It's time to talk about dealing with the police, and how changes in the US have made vanlife a riskier proposition. We'll also drive without an alternator, admit that Hal was right, visit a word, and evaporate some gray water.  Every truck camper comes with its own bug museum.   PRODUCT REVIEW Simple Multimeter https://amzn.to/3KebLCW RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Graywater Evaporation Systems https://w...

The Big Announcement is here! And so are the mice, and they've very very hungry. We also have a lovely visit to Canadian Tire, praise the lowly tread rug, and turn a camper back into a van.  Why does the fluff...move?    A PLACE TO VISIT Canadian Tire https://www.canadiantire.ca   FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your pr...

Finally, we hit the road, and we learn some things about truck camper life. We'll also explore a simple water system, talk about ways to adjust voltage, visit a Lady Van, Ghost Dancing and learn a very important thing on the drive home.  Every truck camper comes with its own bug museum.   PRODUCT REVIEW Digury 5 Gallon Water System https://amzn.to/3KebLCW A PLACE TO VISIT Ghost Dancing https://www...

There's more than just Route 66! Let's explore some other roads of legend. We'll also spray some goo, solve a weird furnace problem, visit the Batmobile, and explore an unexpected and unbelievable museum with a big problem. The mystery begins. Nice diorama The Canton Toll Booth And the issue at hand.  What the museum used to look like.  PRODUCT REVIEW Gorilla Rubber Spray https://amzn.to/41UFhUd A...

In the past week, I realized that my truck is the perfect vanlife vehicle for me. Learn why! And we'll visit Aldi, Mississippi, have a bit of a cry, and explore the basics of stealth camping. The transplant begins. NEWS Starlink Slow Mode https://www.pcmag.com/news/starlink-replaces-free-pause-mode-with-5-monthly-charge   Bluetti Power System https://www.theverge.com/news/767283/all-in-one-vanlife...

This week, we offer 10 ideas for keeping noise down in your van, play with a USB water pump, visit a Toyota plant, explain why use front hitches are, and learn how to tie some important knots.  Sunset indeed. NEWS De Minimis Shipments Taxed https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/what-end-de-minimis-exemption-means-us-shoppers-businesses-2025-08-29/ New Way to Harness Solar Power https://...

The 3-Way fridge is falling out of fashion, but should it? Maybe not! We'll also visit a gruesome scene, talk about dangerous deeds, talk to Willy Wonka, and tell a tale of peril in Arizona. Just yards away for her permanent pasture. A PLACE TO VISIT Matawan Memorial https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/matawan-new-jersey-shark-attack-of-1916 Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything...

Lots of corrections and updates this week, plus a visit to an Autocamp, 100 Best State Parks, A Remote, and A Bit of Resistance Mathieson State Park NEWS Bob Wells on the legality of Vanlife https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-psEy2K30Tw Americans put the brakes on #VanLife https://www.ft.com/content/c31e24db-4f19-4bb8-8aa5-e93167606ba1 Embracing Van Life in Retirement https://www.success.com/embraci...

Do you live in your van or out of your van? We'll take an in-depth look at one person's story. We'll also try out a moisture meter, wash dishes without water, learn about a particular border, and visit a very nice Sandwich.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at  https://peregrinus.ghost.io The entrance to the ANZAC Memorial   NEWS DEF CHANGES https://www.thedrive.com/ne...