Choose the adventure! Tell me where to go and what to do, and I'll comply.
New Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/339664633746373/
In this episode, we ask some hard questions about the ethics of #vanlife, explore Bishop Castle in Colorado, explain why you put in the floor first, recommend Fakestop and discuss electric heat in a van.
- A Place to Visit
- Resource Recommendation
- Electric Heat?
- Just as with AC, it draws so much power that it's usually impractical for battery living.
- It can be very handy if you have a plugin.
- What I have: https://amzn.to/2ZCceEK
Choose the adventure! Tell me where to go: https://linkto.run/p/BLTP1S9A Poll closing soon!
New Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/339664633746373/
I *think* we've come up with a way for you to have a HOT shower in ANY van. Also, we'll visit Rhode Island, review the Sea Eagle 370, discuss Air Compressors and recommend FarOutRide.com.
HOT shower:
Heat water on your stove, add it to a bucket with cold water to make it the right temperature, and then use a folding dog pool as the shower enclosure and use a portable batttery-powered pump and shower head combination. Optional hula hoop and shower curtain if you have a van you can stand in.
- The Tub (A folding dog pool).
- The Shower/Pump (Battery powered pump and nozzle)
- The Tank (a folding bucket)
- Product Review
- A Place to Visit
- The Van Wave!
This bonus content, we explore the music of the episodes and interview Simon Wagg, the composer. This episode contains no #vanlife content.
To reach Simon Wagg, you can email him at: SimonWaggMakesStuff@gmail.com.
Simon about the time he wrote this music.
Some tips don't fit in any category, so we're lumping them together in our 10 Obscure #vanlife tips. We'll also travel down a burning highway, visit the largest pyramid north of Mexico, explain how step bits can make your build easier, and ask you to consider a hammock.
-
Obscure #vanlife tips:
-
- Color changing led lights, only $14!
-
Little Free Libraries
- Product Review
-
Step bit
- This little thing can be just what you need when your hole's too small or you're not needing precision.
- https://amzn.to/3hVcXb9
- A Place to Visit
Van's are getting pricey and hard to find. But you can do #vanlife without one! We also take a look at cheap tool superstore Harbor Freight, consider no-build beds, dream about ice fishing, and decide that cheap wheel covers are a good thing.
- No Van #Vanlife
- "Vanlife" isn't about vans. It's about life. Virtually any vehicle can get you going.
- Product Review
- A Place to Visit
- Resource Recommendation
- Harbor Freight
- Cheap tools that aren't great, but can be all you need to get the job done.
- Nation-wide network is good to be aware of for on the road repairs.
What's in your emergency kit? Here are some things you may not have thought of. We'll also delve into Sink Theory 101, extol the virtues of Camp Soap, visit the RV Hall of Fame, and talk about how Outdoorsy can save you money.
- What's in your emergency kit?
- Product Review
- A Place to Visit
- Resource Recommendation
- Outdoorsy
- Rent a van that you think you'd like to own, and learn all the ups and downs of #vanlife without full committing.
2WD Off-Roading is possible! But know what you're in for. Installing windows is pretty easy and we'll tell you how, the GoPro Hero 8 is reviewed, visiting Dogtown, checking out Foresty Forest, and is drunk sleeping illegal?
- Can you Off Road in a 2 Wheel Drive Van?
- Product Review
- A Place to Visit
- Q&A - Sleeping Drunk in a Van?
- Resource Recommendation
- Give Foresty Forest a watch. A unique van build, amazing video footage, and the driest sense of humor this side of the Mojave.
VENTILATE OR DIE! Yes, ventilation is very important. Also, all about Backup Cameras, should we have News?, A review of the GasOne Stove, a trip to Salem MA, the Avenza Maps App, and Leveling for sleeping.
Top 10 ways to save money in your van! Plus, a visit to the NV desert, a review of dog bowl sinks, a GREAT idea for saving your left arm, and a mystery tale in Cumberland, Maryland.
Ok, you've given up on household air conditioning, what about those "AS SEEN ON TV" solutions? We discuss. We'll also visit an alien's grave, a ghost town, talk about black water, review a toaster, and tell you about Informed Delivery.
- COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
- Alternative AC
-
- None of these are Earth-shattering, but in some cases, they might be useful
- Tales From the Road
- A Place to Visit
- Product Review: Coughlan's Camping Toaster
- Resource Recommendation: Informed Delivery
Lots of questions about solar power, so this episode breaks format a bit and focuses on how solar works, what you need, and whether you really need it. Also, a visit to Fort Ransom, ND, an unsatisfying tale about Writing Rock, an introduction to Solar Expert Will Prowse, and AC in a Van?
- COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
- SOLAR!
- This is the equipment I'm using. There are many other excellent components, but these are what I'm using
- Tales From the Road
- A Place to Visit
- Resource Recommendation: Will Prowse, DIY Solar
- BONUS: AC in a Van?
We announce the winner of our contest, troubleshoot with Lord Occam, have an encounter at Standing Rock and point out the importance of brown signs.
COVID-19 is growing stronger, but we can still travel! We just need to do a few things different. We'll also discuss the important of ground wires, review a Dometic toilet, joyously recommend commercialtrucktrader.com, visit the Timberline Lodge and tell a boat ramp story.
COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
- CONTEST WINNER: Brian from North Carolina! Congratulations!
- We'll have other contests in the future.
- Tales From the Road
- A trip to Standing Rock turns into an encounter with the locals.
- Resource Recommendation
- Brown Signs
- Take the time to stop and see things that "Historic Markers" or "Scenic View" signs are pointing to. It's a great way to learn about a place and take a moment to appreciate where you are.
- Tech Talk: Lord Occam's Method
- Lord Occam said "The simplest solution is likely correct." But every new piece of evidence requires you to apply it again.
- Product Review: Flottebo Ikea Table
- The brackets are an odd shape, but if you're looking for a $30 solution to having a swing away table in your van, this might be the ticket.
- Ikea Flottebo Side Table
COVID-19 is growing stronger, but we can still travel! We just need to do a few things different. We'll also discuss the important of ground wires, review a Dometic toilet, joyously recommend commercialtrucktrader.com, visit the Timberline Lodge and tell a boat ramp story.
COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
CONTEST!!!! If you live in the US and e-mail me before July 7th, 2020 with a story or other item of interest that I can put in the podcast, you'll be entered to win a brand new PWM Solar Charge controller. Every entry will receive a Hook Waka Bang sticker. Your privacy will be respected - nothing shared, stored, folded, spindled or mutilated.
- Travel during COVID-19?
- Tales From the Road
- Playing stupid games on abandoned coast guard bases isn't the smartest thing to do.
- Resource Recommendation
- Tech Talk: Ground Wires
- Ground wires are just as important as the power wires. Take care of them.
- Product Review: Dometic 970 Camping Toilet
High top or low top? That IS the question this week, and while high tops have a lot of appeal, low tops have a place as well. We'll also visit Gillette Castle, the Oregon Coast, and review Ikea Eket and suggest American Van.
How can you secure your van? Not personal security, but keeping people out of your van! The Amazon Fire HD 8 has a cool secret, and Salvage One is an interesting place to visit in Chicago. Would like a free water pump? We tell you how. And FINALLY, and explanation for all the Aurora references. And we try Rock Auto and report back. COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
CONTEST!!!! If you live in the US and e-mail me before July 7th, 2020 with a story or other item of interest that I can put in the podcast, you'll be entered to win a brand new PWM Solar Charge controller. Every entry will receive a Hook Waka Bang sticker. Your privacy will be respected - nothing shared, stored, folded, spindled or mutilated.
- High-top or Low-top?
- It boils down to this: do you want to optimize living or driving/parking?
- Tales From the Road
- A trip to the Oregon Coast! Sort of. Florence to Astoria has some of the most picturesque driving the US. If you can see it.
- Resource Recommendation
- American Van: A catalog of commercial vans that might have something just for you.
- Tech Talk: Curtain Dividers
- Product Review: Ikea Eket
- A Place to Visit: Gillette Castle
- One of my favorite spots in New England, this castle was the home of William Gillette, creator of "Sherlock Holmes" as we know him. It's full of surprises.
- Gillette Castle State Park
What if you'd rather just buy a van? We talk about the realities, some of them harsh. We'll also review the Stanley Cook Kit (it's great!), talk about how to screw properly (really) and I'll tell the tale of what it's like on our Interstates now that COVID-19 is firmly with us.
- COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
- Pre-Built Vans
- Tales From the Road
- Things are weird an eerie on the nation's interstates. Bring snacks.
- Q&A - Window Tint
- Is it legal to tint your windows? Maybe? Sometimes. Could be. We discuss.
- Resource Recommendation
- Tech Talk: Screw With Care!
- Product Review: Stanley Adventure Prep + Cook Set - 1.58 Quart, Stainless Steel
Another Top 10? Who knows—but here are some tips about #vanlife that might help you make decisons. A House on the Rock (and so much more), Pre-made Camper Kits, a Choose My Own Adventure Idea, Free Templates, and a Velcro Wall.
- COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
- Top 10 Tips
- #vanlife can be easier if you know a few things. Here some of them are.
- Tales From the Road
- What if someone else told you where to go? In a nice way?
- Q&A -Premade Kits?
- Is a premade kit your ticket to #vanlife? Maybe.
- Wayfarer Vans is the most well known.
- Resource Recommendation
- Free van build tool? Yes! But the templates are the real value.
- Thank you, SportsMobile.
- A Place to Visit: House on the Rock
- One of the three "most curious" spots in the US.
- You can't prepare for this - just go.
- House on the Rock
Top 10? Who knows - but here are some myths about #vanlife that need to go away. A moving highway? Yes, it exists and it's called the "Badger." How do the pros do laundry? Infrequently. And we'll explain the difference between solar charge controllers, tell a story of a storm and recommend Travels with Charley.
- COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
- Top 10 Myths
- #vanlife is gaining popularity and so are the stereotypes. Don't buy them.
- Tales From the Road
- What can a storm teach us about perspective?
- Q&A - Laundry?
- Resource Recommendation
- Tech Talk: Solar Charge Controllers
- A Place to Visit: SS Badger
Can you work while living and traveling in a van? Of course you can! And there are more opportunities than you might imagine. I tell tales from the light and dark sides of Moon, Oklahoma, and spend a lot of time talking about insurance matters you need to consider.
- Q&A - How Do I Get Insurance?
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- VIN determines if your vehicle is commercial or not
- Concentrate on liability insurance
- State Farm often comes up as the best
Minimalism? Yes, but what kind? An exploration... also, we review Curtis Tow Hitches, take a look at drive options for different vans, take a death march through Texas, and invite you to visit Starry Meadows, and maybe see Charon.
- COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
- Video Games in Your Van
- A lot of #vanlife folks talk about "minimalism." What is it? And do you want it?
- TECH TALK: FWD vs. RWD vs. 4WD
- There are pros and cons to each of these setups. What will you use your van for? What's your budget? That can help you choose the best option for you.
- A PLACE TO VISIT: Starry Meadows
- Like astronomy? Visit Colorado (or what to)? Check out the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society and their amazing site, Starry Meadows.
- https://csastro.org/
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Curtis Tow Hitches
- Not planning on towing anything? You might still want a tow hitch for bikes, storage, etc.
- You can install it yourself.
- Curtis makes a decent product. https://amzn.to/3c6un1L
- Q&A - Kittens in a Van while at work?
-
- It's fraught to attempt to have a pet in a vehicle while you're away, but if you have no other choice, here are tips for making the best of an imperfect situation.
Video games in your van? YES! Here's how. Also, an electric dry box, an easy shower solution, Winter Island: the place to stay for a visit to Salem, MA and Roadside America, the only tourist guide you need.
- COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
- Video Games in Your Van
- It's all about power and what you want to do. Clear winners: PC laptops and Nintendo Switch. But want to play the latests games on your favorite console? Doable.
- TECH TALK: Electric Dry Box
- Fight humidity with an enclosed space and a old-fashioned light bulb.
- A PLACE TO VISIT: Winter Island, Salem Massachusetts
- This historic 17th century fort will welcome you and your rig for a visit to the Witch City.
- Winter Island Info
- PRODUCT REVIEW: SmarterFresh Quick Connect Sink Faucet Sprayer Set
- Q&A - Essential Tools?
-
- Which tools should you bring? Quick answer: pick how much space you want to devote to tools, and then take a subset of all the tools you used to build your van.
- Resource Recommendation: Roadside America
How a goldfish teaches us what's important about the #vanlife community, can you have a plastic-free van?, review of the Camco Flexible Camper Drain, getting over the fear of wires, a visit to a cool archaeological site, and a story of a van with no driver.
- COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
- The Goldfish Metaphor
- Someone wants advice on how to have a pet goldfish in their van. What's your response? It can teach us a lot about #vanlife and ourselves.
- TECH TALK: Fear of Wires
- I talk though an experiment in wiring designed to get you beyond you fear of electricity and cutting wires.
-
- A PLACE TO VISIT: Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Camco Flexible Camper Drain 37420
- Q&A - Single Use Plastics?
- Seanna wants to live without single use plastic. Can this be done in a van?
- Tales From the Road: What happens when you're in a van going down the highway and no one's driving?
Sick of hearing about COVID-19? We get it, but it does give us a chance to take a look at ourselves and evaluate our assumptions. We'll talk about bulkheads/partitions, explore one switching solution, and talk about the bizarre Craters of the Moon. Oh, and the joy of tiny inverters!
- COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
- What can COVID-19 teach us?
- Why do we choose #vanlife? A disruption can show us many things about ourselves that we didn't know, and reinforce the things we did know.
- TECH TALK: Bulkheads
- Yes, you should strongly consider having a partition between the front and back of your van.
- American Van, probably the premiere source for bulkheads.
-
- A PLACE TO VISIT: Craters of the Moon
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Tiny Inverters
- Q&A - Which Switches Did You Use?
Why not cook weird? We explore ways to cook without the normal things, including some without heat! We'll also talk about the two-container system for filter-free fresh water, a review of the Tree Frog Gel Mat no slip surface, invite you visit Iowa 80, and relay a story of getting lost in the Everglades.
- COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
- Strange Ways to Cook
- TECH TALK: No Filter Fresh Water
- Instead of going to the trouble of installing a water filter, consider the two-tank system.
-
- A PLACE TO VISIT: Iowa 80
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: Can I sell you some swamp land in Florida? I now know where they store it.
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Leap Frog No Slip Gel Pad
- This large sheet of no slip gel will keep your things secure as you drive around. But be careful what it comes in contact with!
- From Iowa 80
- Q&A - Will This Vehicle Work??
Mistakes, I've made a few, but then again, not too few to mention. Learn from this! Also, a discussion of propane considerations, a review of Window Socks, a B52 Crash Site, and talk of determination.
-
- TECH TALK: Do you want propane in your van? Here are some things you might not have considiered.
- Refillable 1lb bottle: https://amzn.to/39pjh5F
- A PLACE TO VISIT: Elephant Mountain B-52 Crash Site
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: There's no room at the Inn or in the van. What to do? We figure it out.
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Window Socks
- These are flexible mess fabric socks that fit over your windows and act as sunshades and insect screens.
- https://amzn.to/2WQ0wpp
- Q&A - Will This Vehicle Work??
Yes, it's the SEX IN A VAN episode you've all been waiting for. Haven't you? Also, some very important COVID-19 resources, a diamond mine you can visit, whether you should install windows or not, and a really strange story.
Want AC in your van? Don't we all. We discuss why most people just choose to drive north and turn on a fan. We also explain LED lights, extol the virtues of standing mats, explore the Lincoln Highway and find weird tires.
- AIR CONDITIONING: There are three things in the way of you having AC in yoru van. We talk about them, and the best possible solutions. Let us know if you have something better!
- TECH TALK: LED lights are GREAT for vans. Low power, low heat - but they need to be hooked up right, especially if you want to dim them.
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Standing mats? Exciting? No, useful YES! Get one.
- A PLACE TO VISIT: The Lincoln Highway
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: What to do (?) if your friend needs a shoulder
- RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: Simple Tire for hard to find tires
Welcome! In this episode, we pre-empt our scheduled topic and talk about the current COVID-19 scare. (Wash your hands!) We'll also discuss wire gauges, a cool table, heater woes and the idyllic Smugglers Notch.
- COVID-19: While the virus is headed our way, there are some interesting issues for those living vanlife. We take a look.
- TECH TALK: What thickness of wire should you use? A brief overview of why bigger is better, and how not to make the same mistake I did.
- PRODUCT REVIEW: A nice, versatile table (that went way up in price for some reason.)
- A PLACE TO VISIT: Smugglers Notch, Vermont
- Thermostat Anticipators: A solution to rapidly cycling heaters?
Welcome! In this episode, we talk about surviving the Wisconsin winter, van style. We'll discuss diesel parking heaters, and how Hot Hands can be a good friend on a cold night. Also, we encounter a night-time parking hazard we didn't anticipate.
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: This whole episode is one big tale from the road.
- TECH TALK: Diesel Parking Heaters
-
For the price, these are the best way to heat your van. They do require some serious installation chops, but once there, you'll have dry heat whenever you need it.
-
Hide anywhere model: https://amzn.to/3cbLwri
- All in one, easy install model: https://amzn.to/32wOUZq
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Hot Hands!
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- Not just for hands anymore, toss these guys in your sleeping bag for a toasty night.
- Box of 40: https://amzn.to/2TdE71S
In this episode, we explain how to find places to park, talk about a 12v microwave oven, review Apple CarPlay, take a trip down the Enchanted Highway and invite you to visit YMCA of the Rockies
- Parking Apps and Ideas
- Park n Ride - found in many towns
- Free Campsites - some towns have free camping to attract tourists
- BLM - Bureau of Land Management has land you can camp on
- Walmart - Legendary parking spot, but there are cautions
- Cracker Barrel - Have some food, stay the night
- Cabellas - Dump stations with purchase, and parking
- Camping World - some even provide free power
- Casinos - all different, but they want you
- Military sites - if you're military, you have a lot of options
- APPs
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Park4Night
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No app needed
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Requires internet
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Missing some places
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Campendium
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RV Parky
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Good quantity of reviews
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Nice interface
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Does trip planning
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Wikicamps
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$1.99
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Different app for different countries (Australia, New Zealand)
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Download maps to work offline
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Doesn’t include Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Rest Areas
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: North Dakota has an "Enchanted Highway." We take a trip down it and find what's at the end.
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Apple CarPlay
- Want to text and drive safely? Apple CarPlay can help, and do a whole lot more.
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Power Hunt 12v Microwave Oven
- A PLACE TO VISIT: YMCA of the Rockies
February 5, 2020
Welcome! In this episode, we discuss realties and myths of "Stealth Vans," the ins and outs of ventilation, a crazy place to visit in Texarkana, a really useful dashboard device, and a great place to find used furniture.
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: Can you find the ark inside Texarkana? I did, and I'll share the secret with you:
- TECH TALK: Ventilation. You don't just want it, you need it. Really.
- PRODUCT REVIEW: ScanGauge II
- RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION
Welcome! In this episode, we discuss security in your rig, why you should have a multitool, the ShurFlo electric faucet, how to be stupid in the desert, and Racetrack Playa
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: Don't do this - a solo trip on rough desert "roads."
- TECH TALK: Multitools
- PRODUCT REVIEW: SHURflo Electric Faucet
- A PLACE TO VISIT: Racetrack Playa
Photo by Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith
Welcome! In this episode, we discuss COFFEE, which detectors you should have, a review of the Camco Olympian Wave 3, and a discussion of pet plants.
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: A break down, a good Samaritan, and a difficult decision
- TECH TALK: Which detectors should you have?
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater
- A PLACE TO VISIT:
Welcome! In this episode, we discuss storing food, what to cover walls with, a place that smells bad but tastes good, and a disappointing visit to an interesting place.
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: Aurora, Indiana and a strange museum
- TECH TALK: Wall coverings
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Alpicool 12v Compressor Fridge
- A PLACE TO VISIT:
Welcome! In this episode, we discuss loneliness, if you really need an inverter, Sunstone Mining and a review of Window Deflectors
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: Aurora Maine, land of blueberries (and where our title image was taken)
- TECH TALK: Inverters
- Do you really need an inverter? Really really? Let's talk about it.
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Wind Deflectors
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- I though for sure the cheap wind deflectors I bought would rip off, but a few thousand miles later, and they're just fine.
- https://amzn.to/2QUgRpJ
- A PLACE TO VISIT:
- Sunstone Mining in Southeast Oregon
- RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: eTrailer
Welcome! In this episode, we discuss ways to how to choose the right van, how to build your floor, Echo Auto, a weird thing I discovered one sleepy day, Meow Wolf and a few other things...
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: A strange way to learn a neat trick
- It turns out that you can't be sleepy and embarrassed at the same time.
My beloved Wendigo
- TECH TALK: Floors
- Boring? Maybe, but your floor is the literal foundation of your van. You might want to pay attention.
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Echo Auto
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- Love Alexa? Want to listen to any radio station in the world on the road, or play voice games while driving? NOTE: Since i recorded this, the price has gone up to $49. Sorry about that! Still worth it.
- https://amzn.to/37N6GZB
- A PLACE TO VISIT: Meow Wolf
- RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: Divine on the Road's Solo Female Van Live
Welcome! In this episode, we discuss ways to keep clean, peep holes, ottoman beds, the City Museum, and an app to help you stay away from bad weather while you're driving.
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: Montreal Parking Lot
- A PERFECT parking spot has a hidden problem, and what it taught me about the realities of vanlife.
- TECH TALK: Peep Holes
- Want to see what's going outside your van without being seen? Consider peep holes!
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Ottoman Bed
- An ottoman that turns into a bed: https://amzn.to/39ycTug
- A PLACE TO VISIT: City Museum
- A true pilgrimage for any curious person. It defies description. Just go, and become a better person for it.
- RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: Highway Weather app
Welcome! In this episode, we discuss using Ikea in your van, solar vs. split charge relays, and dogbowl sinks.
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: A twin at Lowes
- What do you do when you see a near copy of your van in the Lowes parking lot? You make a connection.
- TECH TALK: Solar vs. Split Charge Relay
- Which should you install first? The answer is: you shouldn't do what I did.
- A PLACE TO VISIT: Bangor, ME
- If you're a Stephen King fan, it's a no brainer that this should be on your list. But it should also be on your list if you want to experience some authentic New England.
Pagurus at the Thomas Hill Standpipe, inspiration for IT.
- RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: Kombi Life on YouTube
- Kombi Life tells the story of Ben Jamin and his amazing van adventure traveling literally around the world in Volkswagen Vans. You really want to watch this. https://www.youtube.com/user/kombilife
Welcome back! In this episode, we discuss lavatory possibilities, the necessity of sound deadening, and unwelcome encounter on I-70, the Ventline Vanair and Sanibel's causeway islands.
Some toilet solutions:
- What I have: DOMETIC 1223.0154 Gray 301097206 970 Series Portable Toilet-2.6 Gallon - https://amzn.to/37q2e2M
- A simple solution: Camco Portable Toilet Bucket with Seat and Lid Attachment - https://amzn.to/2MLsVXZ
- Most popular composting toilet: Nature's Head Self Contained Composting Toilet - https://amzn.to/2MNSBDd
- The She Wee, a solution for women: https://amzn.to/37wLSWh
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: Encounter on I-70
- You know those perfect moments of vanlife you've dreamed of? Here's one that went wrong.
- TECH TALK: Sound Deadening
- Do you need sound deadening for your van? Maybe not.
- A PLACE TO VISIT: Sanibel Causeway Islands
- PRODUCT REVIEW: Ventline Vanair
- RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: Insulation Advice on YouTube
Welcome! In this episode, we discuss staying warm during the cold months, the first (and most important) thing you should buy for your van build, Indiana Dunes, and how I spent my first night in the van.
- TALES FROM THE ROAD: My First Night
- I put a cot in the van, some plastic crates, and headed out. I knew it would suck, but I also knew it would teach me a lot of what I needed to know to get the project going.
- TECH TALK: Buy this first!
- The first thing you should buy? A fire extinguisher. Seriously. Here's a good one that gives you lots of mounting options: https://amzn.to/2stOwxe
- A PLACE TO VISIT: Indiana Dunes
- It's true! Some of the best dunes in the US are found in Indiana, right on Lake Michigan.
- Everything you need to know to plan your visit: https://www.nps.gov/indu
- RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: Element Van Life on YouTube
- YouTube has a wealth of information, and Nate's progression from an old Honda Element to a brand new NV200 can teach you a lot about van life. The fact that he's an accomplished video story teller makes each episode engaging, and over time, I think you'll consider Nate a friend you've never met just as I do. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX2_P3E87g-cBAtr1Lihfyw
Indiana Dunes, photo by Witoki
Welcome! In this episode we do some necessary introductions. My name is Jeff Wagg and I converted a 2014 Nissan NV200 SV into a stealth camper van. Though I'm not living in it full time, I've traveled coast to coast over the past year and have learned quite a lot through the process. My hope is that this podcast will be your companion as you work on your rig, travel, or just wish for a little bit of #vanlife while you're doing things outside of your van.
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