Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

262 Getting Rid of Your Rig, Swivel Magnet, Suspension Upgrades, Bright Drop

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/public-lands-and-waters/map-of-public-lands-for-sale-budget-bill
PRODUCT REVIEW
Excellent Swivel Magnetshttps://amzn.to/43QwEeE
 
Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

261 Where to Find a Rig, Solar for Your Hood, A Long, Arduous Road

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/innovative-companys-futuristic-camper-van-104534818.html
 
New Rugged Starlink Dish 
https://www.pcmag.com/news/starlinks-pricey-new-performance-dish-is-made-for-rugged-environments
 
VW id Buzz not Buzzing
https://www.torquenews.com/18004/vw-id-buzz-not-working-out-us
 
Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

260 How to Kill Your Van

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 to halt BrightDrop production, with little work planned until fall 2025https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2025/04/11/gm-brightdrop-production-canada-ev-plant/83046035007/
Rivian Halts Amazon Van Production Because of a Parts Issuehttps://www.investopedia.com/rivian-halts-amazon-van-production-because-of-a-parts-issue-8696712
GM Van Sales Jump 44 Percent To 18K Units During Q4 2024https://gmauthority.com/blog/2025/02/gm-van-sales-numbers-figures-results-fourth-quarter-2024-q4/
TECH TALK
Long Term Van Storagehttps://www.kbb.com/car-advice/car-storage-what-to-know/
PRODUCT REVIEW
AVAPOW Jump Starterhttps://amzn.to/4khyDyx
A PLACE TO VISIT
Saint Pierre & Miquelonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Pierre_and_Miquelon
RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION
Ultimate Stealth Camping with Stevehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYuAxGxH-8E
 
Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

259 Your Van Won’t Last, Overloaded, Free Pantries, Scampinging, Battery Bag

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 Arizona and Melbourne, FLhttps://www.vanfestusa.com
E-bike Battery Fireshttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8e84v5e4go
Working from Home Makes us Happier
https://farmingdale-observer.com/2025/05/16/scientists-have-been-studying-remote-work-for-four-years-and-have-reached-a-very-clear-conclusion-working-from-home-makes-us-happier/
PRODUCT REVIEW
Zeee Fireproof Battery Pouchhttps://amzn.to/3Fh85Oz
 
A PLACE TO VISIT
Jaws - On the Water!https://drafthouse.com/news/summer-jaws-celebration
 
RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION
Mini Pantry Movementhttps://littlefreepantry.org
 
 
SKEPTOID PODCAST GUEST HOST
Are $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenges Effective?https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4989
 
Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

258 First Aid Kit Redux, Other Stuff you Should Have

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!

257 First Aid Kit, Cabinet of Curiosities, Trees in the Road, Leathermans, Wound Closure

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 Closurehttps://amzn.to/44rakZV
A PLACE TO VISIT
Sewards Curiosities https://wp.cga.ct.gov/osh/museum-of-curiosities/
TECH TALK
Leatherman Toolshttps://amzn.to/4d77F9L
RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION
Online Wilderness First Aid Certificationhttps://survivalmed.org/courses/wfa-16-hr/
FIRST AID KIT
Wilderness First Aid Training: 
Red Cross
American Outdoor School
Emergency Number List:
US poison control 1-800-222-122
General Emergency 911
Mental Health Support 988
Stop the Bleed Kit - TRAINING STRONGLY RECOMMENDEDPressure dressing (Israeli bandage or similar) - Maintains pressure over bleeding woundsHemostatic gauze (e.g., QuikClot) - Promotes clotting in deep wounds; requires trainingBlister Tape (Moleskin) - Blister preventionBurn Cream - Minor burnsMedical paper or silicone tape - Gentle adhesion to skin; secures dressings with minimal irritationHeavy-duty cloth or waterproof tape - Strong adhesion for securing splints, bandages, or emergency repairsCotton swabs (e.g., Q-tips) - Applying ointments, cleaning small wounds, precise careFlat-style instant cold pack (single-use) - Temporary relief for sprains, bruises, burns, and insect bitesSterile gauze pads (various sizes) - Covering wounds, absorbing fluidsHeavy-duty feminine pads (non-menstrual use) - Used as emergency absorbent dressing for bleeding control Irrigation syringe (10-20 mL) - Wound flushing Antiseptic wipes (benzalkonium or chlorhexidine) - Wound cleaningHydrocolloid bandages - Blister prevention and treatmentAdhesive bandages - Small cuts and abrasionsWhistle - Emergency signaling; attract attention in remote areasDisposable thermometer - Fever monitoringScalpel (individually wrapped, single-use) - Precision cutting in emergencies; backup cutting toolStainless steel sewing needle - Removing splinters, emergency gear or fabric repairFirst Aid Guide - ReferenceSmall compass (cheap but reliable) - Basic navigation in case of GPS failure or emergency Tick remover tool (e.g., Tick Key) - Safer removal of embedded ticks (optional, useful in wooded areas)CPR mask (one-way valve) - Rescue breathing TRAINING RECOMMENDEDSterile eye wash (saline solution) - Flush out irritants, dust, or debris from eyes Trauma shears (full size, usable) - Cutting tape, clothes Tweezers (fine tip) - Splinters, ticks Acetaminophen - Pain, fever (alternate to ibuprofen) Activated charcoal - for poisoning Zinc oxide diaper cream - Treats chafing, rashes, minor burns, insect bites; provides moisture barrier Meclizine or dimenhydrinate - Motion sickness, nausea Antacid tablets - Indigestion, heartburn Oral rehydration salts - Rehydration during illness Loperamide - Diarrhea Hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol) - Hand hygiene Nitrile gloves - Protective barrier Finger cots - Protect wounds on fingers; keep dressings dry Non-lubricated condoms - Emergency water carrier, wound protection, or improvised cover Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - Allergic reactions, sleep aid Hydrocortisone cream 1% - Skin irritation, rash Ibuprofen - Pain, inflammation, fever Loratadine or cetirizine - Non-drowsy allergy relief 2-day emergency supply of essential personal meds - Includes medications critical for survival or ongoing treatment (e.g., insulin, heart meds)Hard candy (glucose source) - Emergency sugar source for suspected diabetic hypoglycemiaNaloxone nasal spray (e.g., Narcan) - Emergency treatment for opioid overdose; potentially life-savingPermanent marker (e.g., Sharpie) - Mark tourniquet times, label supplies, track wound changes, or leave emergency notes
 
Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

256 10 Unusual Vehicles, Fire Blankets, MC4 Connectors, Osoyoos Desert

Forget vans and SUVs! You can build a rig out of anything, and here are some strange ideas. We'll also visit a desert in Canada, put out a fire with a blanket, take apart MC4 connectors, and hear some tales from an old job. 
If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io
1983 Toyota Mini-Cruiser
NEWS
Jeff on Treasures of Our Townhttps://treasuresofourtown.buzzsprout.com/2131068/episodes/17001173-the-boring-town-challenge-w-jeff-wagg
Camping World Controversyhttps://www.thestreet.com/retail/largest-rv-dealer-unexpectedly-shuts-down-store-amid-flag-controversy
Vermont Vanlife Murderhttps://www.courttv.com/news/vt-v-joseph-ferlazzo-van-life-and-death-murder-trial/
PRODUCT REVIEW
Fire Blankets Susan in Canadahttps://amzn.to/3YnvTqm
A PLACE TO VISIT
Destination Osoyooshttps://destinationosoyoos.com/osoyoos-visitor-centre/
Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

255 Alternative Charging Options, Meshtastic, Leatherman Voltage Tester, Campendium

Charge without Solar or DC to DC? It's possible! But advisable? Well... We'll also visit the French Riviera, brew up a home grown WiFi network replacement, explore a WEIRD device, and take a look at Campendium.
If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io
A very strange and yet interesting device. 
NEWS
Best Security Items for Vanlifehttps://tech.yahoo.com/cybersecurity/articles/best-security-tech-van-life-110000515.html
Cracker Barrel Banning Overnight Camping? https://www.rvtravel.com/cracker-barrel-banning-overnight-camping/
Know Your Rights at Immigration Check Pointshttps://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/border-zone
PRODUCT REVIEW
Galvanox Battery Voltage Tester (Cannot be used to check AA, AAA, etc batteries!)https://amzn.to/4ire8NO
RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION
Campendiumhttps://www.campendium.com
TECH TALK
Meshtastichttps://meshtastic.org/
Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.