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
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
Lots of news! Some of it may impact you. We'll also talk about Wago wire connectors, visit Maine, review a subwoofer, play with maps, and have a close encounter with excessive Scoville units. For information on the Panama Canal cruise, please follow this link!
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), Twitter (@colofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.)
This is a Wago connector for 4 wires.
Tech Talk: Wago Connectors
These reusable connectors and excellent way to join wires, especially early in your build.
https://amzn.to/3AvO3cN
Product Review: Rockville SS8P 400w 8" Slim Under-Seat Subwoofer
A nice little unit, easy to install, for only $99
https://amzn.to/3wFn0dG
Resource Recommendation: Google Custom Maps
This is NOT the usual Google Maps site. Click the link to see.
http://google.com/mymaps
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 17, 2022
Wednesday Aug 17, 2022
Which is better? Big van or little van? BOTH - we'll explain. We'll also review Nokian's Outpost Tires, talk about the tragic fire at Walmart, Tripodomters as fuel guages, and a way to walk through town from your couch. For information on the Panama Canal cruise, please follow this link!
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), Twitter (@colofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.)
GRRRRR.... mean looking, yet has soft hands.
Product Review: Nokian Outpost A/T
I like 'em! Make sure you get the LT rated ones.
https://www.nokiantires.com/all-terrain-tires/nokian-tyres-outpost-at/
Resource Recommendation: Wander
Walk around places you've never been before, and even travel through time!
https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2078376005587859/
Walmart Fire Case
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article264410476.html
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 10, 2022
Wednesday Aug 10, 2022
A new law in Tennessee makes it a FELONY to do normal #vanlife things. What does it mean for us? We'll also visit the must-see House on the Rock, try out a battery powered chainsaw, and find a place to help us find windshields and the like.
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), Twitter (@colofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.)
Tennessee Law
Here are some articles about the new Tennessee anti-homeless law that makes camping (in a vehicle too) a felony on public lands.
NPR: https://www.npr.org/2022/05/26/1101434831/public-camping-felony-tennessee-homeless-seek-refuge
AP: https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-tennessee
Product Review: Worx Chainsaw
My Worx has been great, but I'm really promoting the idea that having a chainsaw in your rig could be valuable.
https://amzn.to/3JMQFXV
A Place to Visit: House on the Rock
It's $30. Just go. Really.
http://www.thehouseontherock.com
Resource Recommendation: Downers Grove
Glass for old vehicles can be hard to find. This is one place that might help.
https://www.downersgroveautoandglassrepair.com/antique-car-auto-glass
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 03, 2022
Wednesday Aug 03, 2022
New tires? Great idea! But it's not as easy as it might seem. We'll also review K&N filters, visit the crazy place known as Northlandz, and explain why household switches might not be the best for your van.
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), Twitter (@colofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.)
Product Review: K&N Filters
Are they what they advertise? Maybe. And Maybe not. Do they really know more than automotive engineers?
https://amzn.to/3PQbVy9
A Place to Visit: Northlandz!
The world's largest model train. And a bit of surrealism. OK, maybe a bit more than a little.
http://www.northlandz.com
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 Jul 27, 2022
Wednesday Jul 27, 2022
Am I quitting vanlife? NO! But we're going to talk about the reasons people do, and what to do about it. We'll also review the Carr Hoop II step, visit Beaver, UT, take a look at Salem circa 1692, and talk about conduit.
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), Twitter (@colofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.)
The Future?
Product Review: Car Hoop II Step
Affordable, strong, and fairly easy to install. Recommended! Make sure you get the one made for your vehicle.
https://amzn.to/3OxExe8
Resource Recommendation: 2025 Rivian Adventure Van
No, you can't buy it yet, but could this be the first truly all-electric campervan that's actually usable?
Motortrend: https://www.motortrend.com/news/2025-rivian-adventure-van-electric-off-road-overland-camper-rv/
A Place to Visit: Rebecca Nurse Homestead
No visit to Salem, MA is complete without seeing this actual site where a "witch" used to live.
https://www.rebeccanurse.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.
Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
Which is the most reliable van? It's not a brand, but more of a philosophy. We'll discuss. We'll also look at a regulated power supply, flexible solar panels, how to tell USB cables a part and a story involving a bulldozer.
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), Twitter (@colofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.)
A view from Aurora, Utah
Product Review: Regulated DC Power Supply
This thing has been very useful for testing, charging, and observing rates of power usage on a variety of devices.
https://amzn.to/3Osm5Dr
Resource Recommendation: USB Guide
USB is still a nightmare of different connectors and adapters. This guide will help sort it all out.
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=ideas-and-advice/usb-cable-guide
A Place to Visit: Devils Icebox
A nice series of hikes and caves where the temperature is significantly lower than on a hot summer's day.
https://mostateparks.com/location/55460/devils-icebox-entrance
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 Jul 13, 2022
Wednesday Jul 13, 2022
Batteries keep changing, so it's time for rundown on what's best for your rig. We'll also explore magnet fishing, get stuck in a hurricane at sea, recommend Off! Dry and explain what happened to the Aurora Project.
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), Twitter (@colofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.)
A view from Aurora, Utah
Best Battery?
Budget: 100ah AGM - https://amzn.to/3IBBFLU
Solid: 100ah LiFEPO4 - https://amzn.to/3cbSuRB
Optimal: 200ah Renogy - https://amzn.to/3yGJpYe
Product Review: Deep Woods Off! Dry
Quite simply the best Off! product yet. Effective and comfy!
https://amzn.to/3o2Lr09
Resource Recommendation: Magnet Fishing
An inexpensive, fun and a bit messy pastime for anyone with water and a big magnet.
https://gizmodo.com/10-surprising-uses-for-wd-40-and-5-places-it-should-ne-5932262
Good magnet to start with: https://amzn.to/3AOPXXE
A Place to Visit: Aurora Americanus
In 2019, I visited every place in the US named "Aurora." In 2021, I started to do it again, but had to stop. If you'd like to know what happened, you may wish to follow this blog.
https://medium.com/@jeffwagg
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 Jul 06, 2022
Wednesday Jul 06, 2022
This week, it's a smorgasbord of unrelated news, tips, and details, none of which make up a full episode themselves. We'll also talk about the realities of ice makers, try out a battery powered pump, play pool with a dangerous felon, and visit some old relatives - 460,000,000 years old, in fact.
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), Twitter (@colofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.)
View from Tikibagoland
Product Review: Bushnell Cellucam 20
A stand-alone camera that takes pictures and emails them to you. 12 AA batteries! Decent price here...
https://amzn.to/3y4PuNZ
Resource Recommendation: wD-40
It is NOT a lubricant, but it's very useful. Gizmodo has some tips.
https://gizmodo.com/10-surprising-uses-for-wd-40-and-5-places-it-should-ne-5932262
A Place to Visit: Mark Twain House
This isn't the ONLY Mark Twain House, but it's probably the best.
https://marktwainhouse.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.
FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@collegeofcuriosity), Twitter (@colofcuriosity), and we have a Discord server (invite at top of main page at builttogo.com.)
A formation at Chazy Reef
Product Review: Worx Portable Air Pump Inflator
A much more civilized way to maintain tires or inflate bed pads and water wings.
https://amzn.to/3NMeMGG
Resource Recommendation: Hitch Accessories
If you can think of it, someone has probably made one.
https://amzn.to/3ut5RTo
A Place to Visit: Chazy Reef, Isle La Motte, Vermont
460 Million Year Old Fossils, on an island you can drive to.
https://www.lclt.org/goodsell-and-fisk-quarry-preserves/
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.