Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

057 Sick on the Road, Deer Whistles, Online Community, A Fine Book, UrbEx in Ohio

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.

056 - Catching COVID-19, Minivan Considerations, Alaska and the Mayans, Oddments

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. 

055 Guns, Ausable Chasm, Refilling Propane Tanks, Winter Solar, Shop4Seats, Mythbusters

Should you have a gun in your van? We present the pros and cons, and reveal our bias. We'll also visit Ausable Chasm, talk about refilling disposable propane tanks, maximize solar power in winter, take a look at shop4seatscom and have a tale with the Mythbusters. === As self harm is mentioned in this episode, it's important to point out that help is always available. I used to be a listener with this group, and they're the real deal. Don't make a permanent mistake for a temporary problem. Click for anonymous, confidential help. ===
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!
 
Guns in Vans
A resource for some of the legal issues with gun ownership
concealedcarry.com/
Statistics showing risk to self and family from gun ownership
Study: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M13-1301?articleid=1814426&
Article: https://www.vox.com/2015/10/1/18000520/gun-risk-death
Less lethal option - Byrna
Shoots plastic balls or pepper spray balls
https://byrna.com/
Resource Recommendation - Shop4Seats.com
One resource for RV and Van furniture such as seats and beds
 
Product Review - Propane Refilling Gadgets
My recommendation: don't.
One story.
Another story. 
A Place to Visit: AuSable Chasm
A lovely riparian canyon environment with easy hiking and float trips.
https://www.ausablechasm.com/
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.

054 Safety Tips, Door Steps, Atlas Obscura, 12v Kettles, Rodents

This week, we're focussing on safety tips that DON'T involve someone messing with you and your van. You know, the ones that are much more likely to kill you. We'll also try to keep mouse rats out of our rigs, visit Atlas Obscura, take a look at door steps for roof access, discuss 12v kettles and hear some more on how the penis-free can urinate in comfort. 
Is your load secure? (Photo by Ildar Sagdejev)
AD: Team Rubicon
I've been a volunteer with Team Rubicon for years now. If you're looking for a way to travel and do REAL good for communities around the world, this organization can help you get there. 
Right now, there is a real need for food supportive services. If you have a day, a week, or a month to give to help get food to people, Team Rubicon is one of many organizations that can help you get the job done. 
Though the organization is closely allied with veterans, you do not need to have been in the military to participate. 
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!
Female Urination Devices
Some love them, some hate them.
https://amzn.to/2WICxqO
Resource Recommendation - Atlas Obscura
A comprehensive guide to the world's most interesting places
Product Review - Door Steps
A quick and easy way to gain access to your roof for solar panel cleaning, packing, or whatever.
https://amzn.to/2KNX7U4
Q&A - 12v Kettles
Before you buy a kettle, figure out how you're going to power it and how you're going to recharge your battery.
I use mine only when I'm driving.
Look for one that has a light, is completely enclosed, and doesn't have a removable base.
https://amzn.to/3hf7U5H
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.

053 Cube Vans, Dismals Canyon, Crank Radios, Alternator Upgrade, Sizing Bolts, Salem Monster

Moving in to the new place has taught me some realities of vanlife, especially regarding cube vans. We'll visit some amazing biology, review hand crank radios, talk about upgrading alternators, a tool for figuring out bolt sizes, and a monster in Salem Woods.
AD: Robinhood
 
I’ve found an app that makes it dead simple to buy and sell stocks, even if you don’t know what you’re doing. And that app, is Robinhood.
I’ve used it for years without a hitch. No contracts, no hidden fees, no gotchas.
When you open your account, they’ll give you a free stock. That’s right, one share of a publicly traded company will be yours. It could be a big name like Apple or Google, but more likely it will be a smaller stock, like Zynga or Sirius.
You will have to enter your bank’s information. But if you’re willing to do that, there’s literally a free stock waiting for you. And for me - and that helps keep the show going.
Give it a try is join.robinhood.com/jeffw118 If you decide it’s not for you, sell the stock, keep the money and close your account. Easy peasy.
I promise to only promote products that I use and trust, and Robinhood is one. If you have a different experience, please let me know. And thanks for giving it a look.
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!
A Place to Visit: Dismals Canyon
Home to the only Dismalites in North America
Bioluminescent "glow worms" make the area look like a galaxy at night. 
https://www.dismalscanyon.com/
Product Review - Hand Crank Radios
A must-have for anyone spending time in areas subject to severe weather.
Look for:
Lithium Battery
Flexible Light
Weather alerts (not just radio)
Ability to charge cell phones
Many good options: https://amzn.to/3oYMBYQ
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.

052 INSULATION!, Chain of Rocks Bridge, 2nd Monitors, Far Out Ride, Fuse Blocks, Check that E-Brake

Yep, it's time to talk about Insulation. Flames accepted. We'll also discuss tapping into fuse blocks, review a USB monitor, visit a famous movie site, plug FarOutRide.com and hear a "hot" tale. 
AD: Robinhood
I’ve found an app that makes it dead simple to buy and sell stocks, even if you don’t know what you’re doing. And that app, is Robinhood.
I’ve used it for years without a hitch. No contracts, no hidden fees, no gotchas.
When you open your account, they’ll give you a free stock. That’s right, one share of a publicly traded company will be yours. It could be a big name like Apple or Google, but more likely it will be a smaller stock, like Zynga or Sirius.
You will have to enter your bank’s information. But if you’re willing to do that, there’s literally a free stock waiting for you. And for me - and that helps keep the show going.
Give it a try is join.robinhood.com/jeffw118 If you decide it’s not for you, sell the stock, keep the money and close your account. Easy peasy.
I promise to only promote products that I use and trust, and Robinhood is one. If you have a different experience, please let me know. And thanks for giving it a look.
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!
A Place to Visit: Chain of Rocks Bridge
Route 66's crossing of the Mississippi River
Filming location of Escape from New York
Creepy murder site
Visit Chain of Rocks Bridge
Product Review
AOC 16-Inch Ultra Slim USB Monitor
Plug it in and you have an instant 2nd monitor, now power needed!
About $85 at the time of publishing. 
https://amzn.to/3lxCmZD
Mac instructions
Resource Recommendation
Far Out Ride
A great resource of all things #vanlife 
https://faroutride.com/
 
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.

051 How to build your van, Saguaro National Park, UCO Candles, Charging Laptops, Octane

You've got your empty van. Now what? We're here to help - here's a method for getting things going and staying the course. We'll also visit Saguaro National Park, check out UCO Candles, learn how to charge laptop computers, figure out which octane to use, and hear a scary story. 
 
AD: Robinhood
I’ve found an app that makes it dead simple to buy and sell stocks, even if you don’t know what you’re doing. And that app, is Robinhood. I’ve used it for years without a hitch. No contracts, no hidden fees, no gotchas. When you open your account, they’ll give you a free stock. That’s right, one share of a publicly traded company will be yours. It could be a big name like Apple or Google, but more likely it will be a smaller stock, like Zynga or Sirius.
You will have to enter your bank’s information. But if you’re willing to do that, there’s literally a free stock waiting for you. And for me - and that helps keep the show going. Give it a try is join.robinhood.com/jeffw118 If you decide it’s not for you, sell the stock, keep the money and close your account. Easy peasy. I promise to only promote products that I use and trust, and Robinhood is one. If you have a different experience, please let me know. And thanks for giving it a look.
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!
A Place to Visit: Saguaro National Park
An overlooked and otherworldly wonderland near Tucson.
https://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm
Product Review
UCO Candle Lanterns
Probably the best candle for #vanlife, but not really a heating solution
https://amzn.to/3moCP1n
 
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.

050 Fifty #VANLIFE Tips/Tricks/Hacks/Dupes and a bit of news.

Thanks for helping us get to 50 episodes! This time, we're taking a break from our normal format and presenting you with 50 #vanlife tips, and some news. Thanks for listening, and here's to another 50! 
 
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!
 
 
Some links (Amazon) are affiliate links, and the podcast will receive a small 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.