Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast
Built to Go is your #vanlife companion for long days on the road, working on your rig, or just relaxing by that perfect spot. Self-build? Living in your vehicle? Stealth Van? Our magazine format has something for every #vanlife interest.
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday Oct 12, 2023
Thursday Oct 12, 2023
This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P0X4NlML_1s
The perfect stealth van isn't a white cargo van, it's a MINIVAN! And they're great for camping anyway. We'll also walk through a giant stained glass globe, desulfate our batteries, hear a tale about kids playing soccer, and make some toast.
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity)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
A child walks home from school in Jerusalem in 2011.
Vanlife News
California to Soon Allow Church Parking Lots for Homeless
https://www.kcra.com/article/newsom-signs-laws-fast-track-housing-churches-lands-streamline-housing-permitting-process/45521090
National Parks for Watching the Eclipse
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brittanyanas/2023/10/10/ring-of-fire-eclipse-2023-path-a-list-of-national-parks-where-you-can-see-the-rare-event/?sh=7fe8fc6c105c
Colorado Opens Recycling for Propane Bottles ($)
https://www.denverpost.com/2023/10/12/where-to-recycle-propane-camping-containers-denver/
Tech Talk
Desulfation can help save your battery
https://amzn.to/46qnVih
Product Review
Simple toaster makes toast simple!
https://amzn.to/3FcP2Bi
A Place to Visit
The Mapparium is a unique way to see the world.
https://www.christianscience.com/find-us/visit-the-mother-church/visit-the-christian-science-plaza/how-do-you-see-the-world-experience
Resource Recommendation
Consumer Reports can steer you right.
http://www.consumerreports.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.
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D0_1-2dtUWk
Stealth is DEAD! Except it isn't—it's just misunderstood. We'll explain. We'll also visit a cave that's been turned into a musical instrument, talk about battery chargers instead of converters, learn from someone in Finland, and extol the virtues of Alien Tape.
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity)
If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo
Camper or no?
Vanlife News
FnA Vanlife seems to have removed their photo
Westfalia Campers Returning To North America In 2024
Advances in Aluminum Batteries
https://scitechdaily.com/cheaper-safer-and-more-powerful-batteries-aluminum-materials-show-promising-performance/
Tech Talk
An affordable battery charger that does profile charging
https://amzn.to/3Q1QCw9
Product Review
Alien Tape is GREAT! Ignore their claims—just use it judiciously and you'll find many places for it
Cheaper if you buy multi-roll packs, and I haven't tried the 3rd party brands: https://amzn.to/3F47CeI
A Place to Visit
The Luray Caverns Organ
https://luraycaverns.com/
Resource Recommendation
Luke Bland's Secret Finnish Beach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbPvt87bZUU
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.
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jCMwk60Q3l4
If you're curious about what kind of fridge to have in your van, this is the episode for you—we explore them ALL. We'll also visit a cult compound, learn how to decipher CCA on batteries, figure out how to test our iPhone Satellite Emergency system, and run into a tricky situation in Africa. Plus: News!
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity)
If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo
Our hollow world
Refrigerator Links
The Bodega TWW45 - best fridge I've ever tested.
https://youtu.be/UuvDNb7TPBw
The Setpower AJ30 - the fridge I use every day
https://youtu.be/uWQuVMpTaSg
Vanlife News
Westphalia Van Returns to North America
Westfalia Campers Returning To North America In 2024
No long term parking for camper vans in St. Petersburg. https://stpetecatalyst.com/city-officials-look-to-curb-van-life/
https://www.rigzone.com/news/eia_bumps_up_usa_diesel_price_forecast-18-sep-2023-174029-article/
Tech Talk
CCA = Cold Cranking Amps
How many amps the battery can put out over 30 seconds at 0ºF
MCA = Marine Cranking Amps
How many amps the battery can put out over 30 seconds at 0ºC
Converting CCA to Amp Hours
CCA ÷ 7.25 = Amp Hours
Product Review
The folks at Strike Hold sent me a couple of products to review.
http://www.strikehold.com use code BTG10 to receive 10% off
Or you can use Amazon
https://amzn.to/460CTLq
A Place to Visit
Koreshan State Park in Estero, Florida
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/koreshan-state-park
Resource Recommendation
How to test your iPhone's Satellite Emergency Communication System
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V35jHAkpUIk
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.
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
This podcast is also available on YouTube and contains the FULL VIDEO OF THE MYSTERY ANIMAL: https://youtu.be/ZEvYBpiBPoA
This is a bit of a departure, but we need to talk about this mystery animal, and why people are seeing things. What is it? And how can we be sure? We'll also review a tiny 150watt inverter, visit an important piece of history, learn an Anderson connector trick, and solve our new iPhone problem.
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity)
If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo
A remarkable piece of history
Product Review
The Pisfau 150 Watt charger is an inexpensive way to charge your laptop and other devices.
https://youtu.be/Qy2Pqxc3P2A
A Place to Visit
USS Olympia is just one part of the historic Independence Seaport Museum
https://www.phillyseaport.org/
Resource Recommendation
One solution to Apple's move towards USB-C is to use adapters for old devices. The ones with short cables are best.
https://amzn.to/3ZnkVk0
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.
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wrSkvs0s_dQ
Be nice when you go to Canada, Eh? Americans have a reputation, and it's not always good. There are things you can do to show those Canadians that Americans are nice too. We'll also show a quick tip to extend wiper blade life, try an interesting app called Questo, defy death at crazy heights, and spend a night in the airport parking lot.
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity)
If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo
This looks more fun than it was. :)
SkatorGator 3D
A new video game with levels and vocals by Fisher Wagg
https://www.weatheredsweater.com/skator-gator-3d
Amazon Prime
Still a bargain
https://amzn.to/3LeTnYa
Product Review
Questo! The app that combines escape rooms with self-guided tours
http://www.questoapp.com
A Place to Visit
CN Tower EdgeWalk - this is a crazy thing to do
https://www.cntower.ca/brave-the-edgewalk
Video of Jeff doing this crazy thing
https://youtu.be/20XTSGItG_k
Resource Recommendation
ArriveCan - the app that makes the border easier
https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/services/arrivecan.html
Global Entry - a program for Americans to ease border crossings
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
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.
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QEkoOge-9H0
You have a van. Is it your escape pod? Are you ready to go if disaster strikes? You can be. We'll also review Amazon Prime, visit the "center" of North America, encounter someone in the woods, and talk about "your van book."
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity)
If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo
A locked door - with no locks.
Product Review
Amazon Prime, even with increased price, is still a bargain (especially for students)
https://amzn.to/3ORyxiz
A Place to Visit
The Center of North America is a bit tricky to find...
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-geographical-center-of-north-america/
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.
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLxzmOPi6aE
Have you been scared off by how complicated solar is? It doesn't have to be. There's a very simple solar setup that requires very little knowledge and NO cutting or drilling. We'll also "Escape from NY" (across the MIssippippi), put hooks EVERYWHERE, and accompany buddha with a pizza.
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity)
If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo
A van in its happy place.
Simple Solar
Here's a list of all the solar things mentioned in this episode:
Solar Panels
https://amzn.to/3ssExH3
"Solar Generators" ugh. I mean Power Stationshttps://amzn.to/3KWcnKZ
All kinds of adapters for MC4 (Solar) connectors
https://amzn.to/3Ev4SXP
PWM Solar Controllers
https://amzn.to/3QTujcU A bargain, really.
And don't forget the fuses!
https://amzn.to/3QT7eXy
Resource Recommendation
Lateral With Tom Scott podcast
https://lateralcast.com/
Product Review
Single Cup Keurig
https://amzn.to/47JdrLL
A Place to Visit
Chain of Rocks Bridge, part of old Route 66
https://www.nps.gov/places/chain-of-rocks-bridge.htm
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.
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TTxiNRSZwcU
Are you ready to start Vanlife? How can you be sure? There's ONE things that's essential. We'll also take a look at why 12v kettles might not be a good idea, visit a Subaru Factory in Indiana, and talk about how some religious organizations help in times of disaster.
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity)
If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo
Mega-Skookie in Pontiac, IL
A Place to Visit
Subaru lets you tour their Indiana plant
https://web.subaru-sia.com/Tour/
Resource Recommendation
Like factory tours? This list is out of date, but still has some good stuff.
https://factorytoursusa.com/
Product Review
Stryker Sage Bath Cloths These are great for cleanup, but have a few quirks.
https://homecare.stryker.com/sage-essential-bath-cloths-7800-7803
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.