Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

This week, we're going back to episode 1 and re-doing some things, but we're also going to talk about VanFest: LiftOFF where I'll be attending and presenting! Join us! We'll also talk about some dry lake adventures, and use a tool in a different way than intended. Join us at VanFestUSA! February, 6-9 on Florida' Space Coast! Hundreds of rigs, parties, tours, classes, vendors and activities. More i...

Let's have a rundown of all the different ways to stay warm this winter. We'll also visit a whole lot of poo, use a powerstation for temporary 12v needs, learn to tie knots the fun way, and explore the wonders of the Joolca toilet.  Consider the Amazon Prime Visa! By clicking this link , you can apply for a card that will give you Amazon credit in exchange for shopping on Amazon and you'll help su...

A bit of rule breaking this week, as I talk about RELIGION (!) in a certain context, cooking with electricity, visiting Salem during "Spooky Season," abandoning friends, and a book recommendation that isn't for everyone.    Salem always had a whimsy, but this was the extent of it.    PRODUCT REVIEW Red LED USB-A Dongle https://amzn.to/4gHQUUl RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Behind the Mormon Curtain: Sell...

Are you following "the spirit of van life"? Spoiler: Yes, you are. You're also about to hear about the importance of bench testing, learn a lesson from a moth, score some free books and learn about a very nice trash can.     A cecropia, giver of lessons..   THE HEART OF VANLIFE The article by Curious Toad https://www.thecurioustoad.com/post/vanlife-unfiltered-adventure-simplicity-and-self-discover...

Fire extinguishers may sound boring, but they're essential. Get one! Then we'll visit Bermuda, try out a space blanket, visit a unique store, make some custom badges, and compare gasoline heaters to diesel heaters.    Vans of Bermuda.   FIRE EXTINGUISHERS A good choice https://amzn.to/4d60OMo NEWS BLM Hikes Fees https://www.rvtravel.com/blm-wants-to-raise-ltva-fees-up-to-5-times-current-rate-9n-r1...

This week, it's time to take a step back and realize who's in charge: it's YOU. So don't let anyone else define your success. We'll also talk about propane lockers, singing roads (really), where to recycle things, a decent air fryer, and our friend Clem.    Seeing the dismalites was a big success for me.   NEWS Van Explosion https://wreg.com/news/memphis-woman-badly-burned-in-camper-van-explosion/...

Big Solar Redux! Let's talk about all things solar, especially how's improved over the years. We'll also visit 18th century China, hear about some risqué material from the early days of YouTube, and learn about Dawn Powerwash and Aftermarket Hitches.    My first solar set up   CHEAP SOLAR PANELS 100 W Solar Panel $56! https://amzn.to/3AJqpNJ NEWS Florida Park Fight https://www.wptv.com/news/region...

10 things NOT to forget when you're building out your van! We'll also visit some vintage rigs, learn about going downhill, dowse for water and find some good cooking resources.    Pagurus in North Dakota   NEWS New Ford Van https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/by-building-new-lower-cost-pickups-and-a-commercial-van-ford-seeks-to-shift-electric-vehicle-strategy Vanlife Movie https://www.screendaily....

A lot of little things add up to a whole episode! No central theme, just bits about marketing, breathing, driving, squealing, traveling, exploring, and troubleshooting. Something for everyone, I hope.     The SS United States, a very fast ship   NEWS Futurliner for sale https://www.autoevolution.com/news/super-rare-1939-gm-futurliner-pops-up-for-sale-costs-a-fortune-238329.html National Parks Crac...

Late again! And I'm being buzzed! (Not like that). But we have 10 things to check while your driving to keep you van going, a visit to a mysterious staircase in the middle of the woods, a way to figure out the weather in the future, Android radios and an expensive phone mount.    You can guess what's still there...   BLUETOOTH ODBII READER Not cheap, but useful https://amzn.to/3AidC4F PRODUCT REVI...

This week, we eschew negativity and obfuscate obstinacy! Well, at least for the first section. We'll then visit DC, a dog with a plate, play with a Jackery 1500 and violate the warranty on a USB cable. And for the VW folks, a pile of resources!   A dog and his pie plate   NEWS Denmark Clashes with Vanlife https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/07/19/denmark-regulates-camper-van-tourism-after-clas...

This week, we'll focus on some great listener letters. We'll also visit the USS Enterprise, drive up a river, play with binoculars, measure things in Kelvin and learn if you have a cabin air filter.    Your host with Captain Kirk in Riverside, Iowa.   NEWS Open Source Van Control System https://www.hackster.io/news/live-a-smart-vanlife-with-this-open-source-project-97e6f38a0db0 Best 4x4 Vans https...

For whom the toll bells? It's YOU. We need to have a talk about this. We'll also explore Arco, Idaho, sleep in a casino parking lot, burn some wood artistically, and review some magnentic shades.    Simon Wagg manipulating nuclear material (ish) at EBR-1.   NEWS Homeless Camping Ban https://crosscut.com/news/2024/06/after-scotus-decision-wa-homeless-camping-bans-may-gain-traction Solid State Batte...

Living full time has many challenges, but one of those is a "fixed address." We'll discuss. We'll also review a new Vanlife Magazine, visit a miniature world, leave Las Vegas, and learn what to do when we find ourselves living in a car.    My life boat.     TECH TALK Laser Level https://amzn.to/3xWVX1x PRODUCT REVIEW Freedom On Wheels magazine https://online.fliphtml5.com/knlca/wxdz/ A PLACE TO VI...

There's a LOT going on, and it's important to remember what we're doing here—VANLIFE! We'll also talk about hitting the road with an unfinished rig, review the Ring Stickup Cam, visit Tinker Creek, Bigfoot, and learn to survive in the woods.    Jen (my wife), Loren Coleman, and Me circa 2010.      NEWS Why Are We So Annoyed by Remote Workers in Sprinter Vans? https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/...

TWO Main features this week, how to deal with the heat and how to deal with pests. Then we'll slow down and enjoy some coffee mugs, learn about the two different fridge types, encounter some bad stones, visiting a firefighting museum and enjoy Kira and the Survival Pod.  Fisher Wagg's New Song! https://fisherwagg.bandcamp.com/track/when-you-get-home   Good Morning Goats!   HIPCAMP Hipcamp - like A...

TWO Main features this week, how to deal with the heat and how to deal with pests. Then we'll slow down and enjoy some coffee mugs, learn about the two different fridge types, encounter some bad stones, visiting a firefighting museum and enjoy Kira and the Survival Pod.    Grrrrrr.... I need a van cat.   Beating the Heat The Venty Fan - my personal friend https://amzn.to/3KUp0p6 PRODUCT REVIEW Dur...

Is trailer life the way to go? Maybe! Let's take a look. And let's explore the realities of an inexpensive and small cassette toilet, find out where Shute fell (but not why), and steal a tractor.    Realities of a 33 gallon tank   NEWS iPhone Satellite Texting https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/06/11/apple-ios-18-imessage-satellite-camping-hiking/ ProMaster Recall https://www.autoevolution...

Prepare for your shakedown! Your first trip will reveal all the flaws in your rig. It's OK! It's part of it. We also find some cheap and good tools, visit a few different planets, use chicken broth instead of beer, and watch a magician get free money at a casino.    The rig. Shaken, not stirred.   PRODUCT REVIEW North Tech Tools at Menards.  https://www.menards.com/main/search.html?search=North+Te...

Tires are one of the most important part of your rig, and yet they're often ignored. Let's fix that. We'll also learn a bit about propane, try some PVC wood, review some fans and watch trees blink.     My beloved Nokian Outposts   PRODUCT REVIEW 12v Chrome Fans https://amzn.to/3R4nRPs A PLACE TO VISIT The trees! They blink!  https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/fireflies.htm   Some links are affi...

I've just about done renovating the Scamp, and I've learned some things that might help your build. We'll also explore the potential of bidets, try out a small water pump, drive through at tree, and find the ultimate list of vanlife meetups.    Tiny yet huge!    NEWS VanFestUSA Cancels One Event, Adds Another https://vanfestusa.com New Chinese Tariffs Could Impact Vanlife https://www.atlanticcounc...

A thought occurred, and it must be shared. Please bear with me. We'll also talk about right-sizing diesel heaters, review a phone holder that also charges, visit a lost mine and one of the largest arcades in the world.    The Scamp and Tikibago bathed in aurora.    NEWS Planet Fitness Raises Rates https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/05/planet-fitness-membership-increases-from-10month-for-first-time...

Every have those late night thoughts? Are they different when you're in your van? Mine are. We'll also visit Wellfleet, shop Etsy, clean our black tanks, and learn why conduit is a good thing.  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit  BuyMeACoffee.com/B...

Is Vanlife just RVing in smaller vehicles? Not really! Let's take a look at what's the same and what's different. We'll also play with some new "tire screws,"  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit  BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   LOTS of vans waiting fo...

Folks, it's time to consider having AC for your van. Off Grid! It's never been more possible, but it's still not easy. We'll also look at a large water bladder, visit some space junk, find a mattress solution and hear a story about a Mythbuster.  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to s...