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.
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Episodes
Wednesday Jul 22, 2020
Wednesday Jul 22, 2020
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 usefulThe "sponge and a fan" solution.https://amzn.to/2Edke7r
The IcyBreeze - a cooler with ice and fans. Pricey!https://amzn.to/30FrobN
A 5 Gallon Bucket solutionhttps://amzn.to/3hupVMC
The infamous Zero Breezehttps://amzn.to/2WKsBh9
Tales From the Road
Currant, NV
A modern ghost town on US 6 in Nevada.
Drone footage, showing the complex and the air strip that I forgot to mention: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diXiNmLE9pk
A Place to Visit
Cemetery in Aurora, NVThe complete story: Skeptoid: An Alien Buried in Texas
Product Review: Coughlan's Camping Toaster
https://amzn.to/2WPGY3M
Resource Recommendation: Informed Delivery
The United States Postal Service will scan the outside of your mail and email it to you. Could be useful while you're on the road!
https://informeddelivery.usps.com/
Monday Jul 13, 2020
Monday Jul 13, 2020
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
Rich Solar 100W Monocrystalline Panel
https://amzn.to/2Cwwzmg
Renogy 20amp MPPT Controller
https://amzn.to/38VaXvU
Tales From the Road
Writing Rock - Where is it
A Place to Visit
Fort Ransom, ND
State Park
Fort
City
Resource Recommendation: Will Prowse, DIY Solar
Will is THE expert on solar setups. Watch a few of his videos and you'll know a lot.
YouTube
BONUS: AC in a Van?
Tim Campbell may have figured it out! Watch this video and see what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxpxg82UV3g
Wednesday Jul 08, 2020
Wednesday Jul 08, 2020
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
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
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?
You can do it, but set your expectations and be a lot more self-contained.
Tales From the Road
Playing stupid games on abandoned coast guard bases isn't the smartest thing to do.
Resource Recommendation
Commercial Truck Trader: The BEST place to search for vans online. Truly an astounding display of vannage.
Tech Talk: Ground Wires
Ground wires are just as important as the power wires. Take care of them.
Product Review: Dometic 970 Camping Toilet
Not quite like being in a house, but a perfectly reasonable solution.
https://amzn.to/3eVepZC
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
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
The secret to hanging a curtain between the front and the back is a shower curtain tension rod.
Product Review: Ikea Eket
Eket is a different type of Ikea product, not made of MDF and it doesn't need hex wrenches! What's best is that it comes in different depths.
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
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
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
Van Security
Keep your stuff out of site, hide small things, and learn a couple of tricks like kill switches, locking swivel seats, and chained steering wheels.
Tales From the Road
The Auroras explained, finally. What does it mean? You'll have to listen to find out.
Resource Recommendation
Rock Auto - more than just an annoying commercial. It's actually pretty great!
Tech Talk: Free Water Pump!
Ok, we'll spill the secret - your free water pump is... gravity. But it can be all you need.
Product Review: Amazon Fire HD 8
Not really a review, but rather an interesting way to use it as an Alexa hub.
Amazon Fire HD tablets. https://amzn.to/3ftHSts
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
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
They're expensive.
RV Trader is a great place to start, to get an idea of prices, etc.
Conversion Trader is focussed specifically on self-built vans.
Sportsmobile has the best full-sized, custom conversions.
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
Perhaps the very first "#vanlife" book, Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck.
Tech Talk: Screw With Care!
Don't just screw willy nilly into your van. Every hole is a potential problem, and it's a good idea to know how your drill works as well.
Product Review: Stanley Adventure Prep + Cook Set - 1.58 Quart, Stainless Steel
This is a great, compact, and flexible cooking solution perfect for vans.
https://amzn.to/3hgDPm5
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Tuesday May 26, 2020
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