Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

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...

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 A church, a bed, and a person known simply as "the best."   PRODUCT REVIEW Moistu...

Water is a resource and a troublesome. We'll explore some strategies for dealing with this heavy and precious substance. We'll also review a unique drain, hang out with some movie stars, talk about gray water strategies and spend some time with wood rot.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at  https://peregrinus.ghost.io Hmm, this seems like a bit too much ventilation. N...

I've often talked about my Sprinter and why I think people should avoid them. Now - here the truth! And then head to Canada and visit their national parks, hear a tale about dogs and sharks, get some essential shoes, and drill some holes. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at  https://peregrinus.ghost.io Here, there be sharks. They're swimming around our ankles.  Where d...

I'm at sea, but I'm persevering to share with you some possible impact from recent legislation. I'll also tell a tale of loss in the Bermuda Triangle, talk about solar charging options for portable power banks, and tell you how to avoid Chicago Traffic in Style.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at  https://peregrinus.ghost.io Well, good morning to you too! PRODUCT REV...

There are time when you're neither here no there, and wonderful things can happen. We'll also tackle some of a rig's worst issues, look at a way to keep dirt out of your rig, get stuck in Nevada and visit Norway.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at  https://peregrinus.ghost.io Hard to see this from a van. PRODUCT REVIEW Stansport Tatami Straw Ground Mat 60" L x 78" W...

Parting is such sweet sorrow, but it sure is a relief sometimes. But how? Swivel Magnets can make life easier, a few simple upgrades can improve your ride, and someone tests a Bright Drop.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at  https://peregrinus.ghost.io File under "Everything is Content." NEWS Public Lands at Risk https://www.fieldandstream.com/stories/conservation/pu...

Buying a rig is a bit tricky today, here are some places you can find what you're looking for. We'll also put solar on our hood(?), and tell the very long tale of why this podcast is late. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at  https://peregrinus.ghost.io File under "Everything is Content." NEWS Totally Solar Powered Rig https://tech.yahoo.com/transportation/articles/inn...

The easiest way to kill your van. How do I know? Because I just did it. We'll also talk about how to store you van long term, review a product that means you'll never get stuck again with a dead battery, and visit France...but not Europe.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at  https://peregrinus.ghost.io The original dream, altered, struggled for, and now dead.  NEWS GM...

Life happens while you're making plans, and the vehicle you're working on now probably won't last very long! We'll also look at safer battery storage, how to drive the WRONG way, a scary night, an excellent exchange, and a mixed bag of news.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at  https://peregrinus.ghost.io The Campster! No compromise!  NEWS New Vanfest Events in Arizon...

So much great feedback on the first aid kit episode that I made a whole episode out of it! We'll also talk about other things you should have in your van, including a great app that's a must have.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at  https://peregrinus.ghost.io Yes, I camped in this.    Not a lot of notes this week! Thanks!

First aid kits seem like a good idea, but are they useful? Ours is! Let's dive deep on this one. We'll also visit a mummified hand, see trees in the road, play with sharp things and stop a whole lot of bleeding.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at  https://peregrinus.ghost.io The AI made me do it PRODUCT REVIEW Clozex Emergency Laceration Closure https://amzn.to/44rak...