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
Wednesday Feb 24, 2021
Wednesday Feb 24, 2021
Nomadland! It's the movie everyone is talking about, but a few folks don't understand. We'll try to explain why reactions are so polarized. We'll also visit the Raven's Grin Inn, browse through Advanture Magazine, move a dome light, discuss vapor barriers and try a hand generator. Plus a shocking tale from the road! All in about 30 minutes! Whew! And we've launched our YouTube Channel! Built to GO! A Vanlife Channel is live.
What to see Jeff's NV200? Here it is!
Nomadland
Watch for free (trial) on Hulu.
AudioBook on Audible.com.
Behind the Scenes on YouTube.
Still from Nomadland (Custer State Park, SD.)
A Place to Visit - Raven's Grin Inn
One of the craziest haunted fun house experiences you can have in the US.
Ravens Grin Inn
Resource Recommendation - Advanture Magazine
Free, online #vanlife magazine catering to adventure rigs.
European-based, also has a print version available!
Instagram: @advanturemagazine
Product Review - Shikha Hand Crank Generator
Charge your phone and batteries by hand!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZG2hWo
Some links are affiliate links, and the podcast host will receive a payment if you order from them. Anything provided by a manufacturer for review will be fully disclosed. All reviews are the opinion of the podcast host.
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
You can run from the snow, but you can't necessarily hide from it. Here's a quick guide in how to drive and survive it. We'll also visit a time warp brewery, discuss the treasure chest under your vehicle, try out an LED flare, and get an unexpected visit from Jackson Pollock.
Winter Driving
A guide from AAA
Recovery Boards
Entrenching Tool
A Place to Visit - Alexander Keith
Visit and historic brewery with a surreal twist in Hallifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Alexander Keiths (novascotia.com)
Resource Recommendation - TripIt
A nice tool for organizing your trips.
TripIt
Product Review - Safety Puck 9 in 1
This handy item acts as a road flare, emergency flashlight and night vision saver. Tough!
Duluth Trading Company
Cheaper version (unreviewed) from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dz5K1l
Some links are affiliate links, and the podcast host will receive a payment if you order from them. Anything provided by a manufacturer for review will be fully disclosed. All reviews are the opinion of the podcast host.
Wednesday Feb 10, 2021
Wednesday Feb 10, 2021
Are you part of "REAL" #vanlife? We have the answer. We'll also visit a place with no vans, find a place for shoes, build a van without insulation, review wainscoting paneling and take a trip through Radio Garden.
A Place to Visit - Sacha Lodge
A van-free paradise in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest.
sachalodge.com
One of many comfy spots in the lodge.
Resource Recommendation - Radio Garden
A lovely way to experience the radio of the world, and perhaps find a radio station at your haunt for the night.
radio.garden
Some links are affiliate links, and the podcast host will receive a payment if you order from them. Anything provided by a manufacturer for review will be fully disclosed. All reviews are the opinion of the podcast host.
Wednesday Feb 03, 2021
Wednesday Feb 03, 2021
Nothing beats shower power! We talk about how to use it, where to find it, and how to get it in your van. We'll also visit a sculpture garden filled with dead people, review VanLab, a "build in a box" solution for your new rig, hear the brave tale of Squeaky the Van, and explain how to get packages while you're on the road.
The magic juice box
Shore Power
Look for a heavy duty, 14AWG flat extension cord. 12 feet is a good length.
https://amzn.to/3tr4xOM
Product Review - VanLab
Flat pack complete furniture solutions for your NV200 or LWD Ford Transit (Sprinter coming soon!)
Two people and four hours is all it takes to have your van built out.
VanLabUSA
A Place to Visit - Hope Cemetery in Barre, VT
Stone masons create amazing artwork to memorialize their dead.
Atlas Obscura - Hope Cemetery
Tales From the Road - Squeaky the Van
This week's tale was brought to by Liz James of the Cracked Cup Podcast. Have a listen!
Some links are affiliate links, and the podcast host will receive a payment if you order from them. Anything provided by a manufacturer for review will be fully disclosed. All reviews are the opinion of the podcast host.
Wednesday Jan 27, 2021
Wednesday Jan 27, 2021
Do you nee a van for #vanlife? We say: NO. In fact, you may have everything you need to hit the road today. We'll also offer a simple guide to battery buying, a story about a nice guy finishing last, and review a 12v kettle. We'll also visit some cemeteries and offer an idea of who can install your electrical system.
A lovely day in Bangor, Maine
Product Review - Sunsebell 12v Kettle
Simple, robust and effective - if a bit slow
Pro-Tip: fill your coffee cup and dump just the contents into the kettle so you'll heat exactly the right amount of water
https://amzn.to/3opcHUn
A Place to Visit - Cemeteries!
No matter where you go, there they are - and they're always interesting.
FindAGrave can help you find yards and individuals
Q & A - Where to get power installed?
Find a major car stereo installer - just Google "Local Car Stereo Installation"
Chain stores are less likely to be useful than independent shops
Some links are affiliate links, and the podcast host will receive a payment if you order from them. Anything provided by a manufacturer for review will be fully disclosed. All reviews are the opinion of the podcast host.
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
The electric vans are coming! Will they be good for #vanlife? We'll also travel down a musical road, catch up with the Tappet Brothers, nearly kill a coworker, review the Geyser Shower System and find ways to keep bugs out.
Note: we've enabled third party advertising. Your feedback is welcome! If you hear anything you don't like, please let us know at jeff@builttogo.com.
Product Review - Geyser Shower System
An all-in-one solution for having water, even hot water, in your van.
geysersystems.com/
Resource Recommendation - Car Talk
30 years of radio can teach you how to troubleshoot your rig.
CarTalk.com
A Place to Visit - The Musical Road of Lancaster, CA
Drive down this road and it will play a song for you.
https://www.roadsideamerica.com/video/56821
Q & A - Window Screens?
Door socks: https://amzn.to/3qPzxGr
Gutter screens: https://amzn.to/2Neir6k
Some links are affiliate links, and the podcast host will receive a payment if you order from them. Anything provided by a manufacturer for review will be fully disclosed. All reviews are the opinion of the podcast host.
Wednesday Jan 13, 2021
Wednesday Jan 13, 2021
I'm back after a week of quarantine, and have some thoughts about being sick in a van (which I wasn't). Also, we'll explore deer whistles, finding community online, report on a great #vanlife book, and do a little urban exploration in Ohio with a friend.
TALES FROM THE ROAD - WE WANT YOURS!
Send us your Tales From the Road and if we use the on the air, you'll receive a College of Curiosity SWAG bag, including some things appropriate for #vanlife. We'd prefer audio, but text could work and we'll help get it done for you. Send it to: jeff@builttogo.com. Thanks!
Product Review - Deer Whistles
They don't work, so I'm not linking them
Resource Recommendation - How to Live in a Van and Travel by Mike Hudson
Like having a travel buddy through your whole #vanlife journey
https://amzn.to/3bzxrWA
Some links are affiliate links, and the podcast host will receive a payment if you order from them. Anything provided by a manufacturer for review will be fully disclosed. All reviews are the opinion of the podcast host.
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
Folks, I contracted COVID-19 at the end of 2020 - a final parting gift. As such, I was unable to produce a normal episode as I can speak for a long time, can’t think much at all, and only have my iPad with me which isn’t set up for the podcast. The rather crappy sound is from recording in a very empty hotel room (where I’m quarantining) and the small iPad microphones. I’m very grateful to Liz and Hal Bidlack for contributing the bulk of this episode, and to round things out, I’ve added a copy of my first solo podcast: Oddments. I hope to back to normal by next week. Thanks very much for listening and I hope you enjoy this unusual episode. PS - I have a very mild case, but you really don’t want to get this. I urge you to follow guidelines to keep yourself and others safe.