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 Apr 15, 2020
Wednesday Apr 15, 2020
Sick of hearing about COVID-19? We get it, but it does give us a chance to take a look at ourselves and evaluate our assumptions. We'll talk about bulkheads/partitions, explore one switching solution, and talk about the bizarre Craters of the Moon. Oh, and the joy of tiny inverters!
COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
What can COVID-19 teach us?
Why do we choose #vanlife? A disruption can show us many things about ourselves that we didn't know, and reinforce the things we did know.
TECH TALK: Bulkheads
Yes, you should strongly consider having a partition between the front and back of your van.
American Van, probably the premiere source for bulkheads.
A PLACE TO VISIT: Craters of the Moon
Idaho's World Wonder, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
PRODUCT REVIEW: Tiny Inverters
Do you really need that massive 2000 watt inverter? Maybe not.
A really nice one for only $15 (with coupon): https://amzn.to/3esVZzt
Q&A - Which Switches Did You Use?
Erica asked, here's the answer: https://amzn.to/3cnof4Y
That's not exactly what I have, but it's close.
Wednesday Apr 08, 2020
Wednesday Apr 08, 2020
Why not cook weird? We explore ways to cook without the normal things, including some without heat! We'll also talk about the two-container system for filter-free fresh water, a review of the Tree Frog Gel Mat no slip surface, invite you visit Iowa 80, and relay a story of getting lost in the Everglades.
COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
Strange Ways to CookIt's not cheap, but if you want to cook with the sun, this thing is amazing.
GoSun Solar Cooker: https://amzn.to/2XmoV6m
Cook with your engine? No problem! Hot Pot: https://amzn.to/34jN8eY
Cook with chemicals? Kinilaw!
TECH TALK: No Filter Fresh Water
Instead of going to the trouble of installing a water filter, consider the two-tank system.
A PLACE TO VISIT: Iowa 80
The world's largest truck stop!
Be sure to visit the museum.
https://iowa80truckstop.com/
TALES FROM THE ROAD: Can I sell you some swamp land in Florida? I now know where they store it.
PRODUCT REVIEW: Leap Frog No Slip Gel Pad
This large sheet of no slip gel will keep your things secure as you drive around. But be careful what it comes in contact with!
From Iowa 80
Q&A - Will This Vehicle Work??
Yes! And here's the proof right here: Smart Car Camper
Saturday Mar 28, 2020
Saturday Mar 28, 2020
Mistakes, I've made a few, but then again, not too few to mention. Learn from this! Also, a discussion of propane considerations, a review of Window Socks, a B52 Crash Site, and talk of determination.
COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
TECH TALK: Do you want propane in your van? Here are some things you might not have considiered.
Refillable 1lb bottle: https://amzn.to/39pjh5F
A PLACE TO VISIT: Elephant Mountain B-52 Crash Site
Drive through the Maine woods (easy) and explore the widespread wreckage
Visit Maine Site
Ki-Jo-Mary Checkpoints
TALES FROM THE ROAD: There's no room at the Inn or in the van. What to do? We figure it out.
PRODUCT REVIEW: Window SocksThese are flexible mess fabric socks that fit over your windows and act as sunshades and insect screens.
https://amzn.to/2WQ0wpp
Q&A - Will This Vehicle Work??Yes! And here's the proof right here: Smart Car Camper
Thursday Mar 19, 2020
Thursday Mar 19, 2020
Yes, it's the SEX IN A VAN episode you've all been waiting for. Haven't you? Also, some very important COVID-19 resources, a diamond mine you can visit, whether you should install windows or not, and a really strange story.
COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus
Sacha has done an amazing job with this!
TECH TALK: Windows aren't that hard to install. Still scared? Chek out Levi Allen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hT4J72yzzw
A PLACE TO VISIT: Diamond Crater State Park
The largest (and only) diamond mine in the United States
Diamond Crater State Park
TALES FROM THE ROAD: So weird.
This is the walk that only took 30 minutes.
Wednesday Mar 11, 2020
Wednesday Mar 11, 2020
Want AC in your van? Don't we all. We discuss why most people just choose to drive north and turn on a fan. We also explain LED lights, extol the virtues of standing mats, explore the Lincoln Highway and find weird tires.
AIR CONDITIONING: There are three things in the way of you having AC in yoru van. We talk about them, and the best possible solutions. Let us know if you have something better!
TECH TALK: LED lights are GREAT for vans. Low power, low heat - but they need to be hooked up right, especially if you want to dim them.
PRODUCT REVIEW: Standing mats? Exciting? No, useful YES! Get one.
This mat is great if you like black. Other colors are available in the "similar items."
https://amzn.to/38JP2G6
A PLACE TO VISIT: The Lincoln Highway
The first coast-to-coast road in the United States, from way back in 1913!
Lincoln Highway Association
TALES FROM THE ROAD: What to do (?) if your friend needs a shoulder
Glow worms!
RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: Simple Tire for hard to find tires
http://simpletire.com
Wednesday Mar 04, 2020
Wednesday Mar 04, 2020
Welcome! In this episode, we pre-empt our scheduled topic and talk about the current COVID-19 scare. (Wash your hands!) We'll also discuss wire gauges, a cool table, heater woes and the idyllic Smugglers Notch.
COVID-19: While the virus is headed our way, there are some interesting issues for those living vanlife. We take a look.
TECH TALK: What thickness of wire should you use? A brief overview of why bigger is better, and how not to make the same mistake I did.
PRODUCT REVIEW: A nice, versatile table (that went way up in price for some reason.)
https://amzn.to/3cH4p5E
A PLACE TO VISIT: Smugglers Notch, Vermont
One of the "great drives" of the Northeast with hiking, waterfalls, and a bit of the arctic
Smugglers Notch State Park
Thermostat Anticipators: A solution to rapidly cycling heaters?
A much better explanation than I give in the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mldGGxAVIs
Wednesday Feb 26, 2020
Wednesday Feb 26, 2020
Welcome! In this episode, we talk about surviving the Wisconsin winter, van style. We'll discuss diesel parking heaters, and how Hot Hands can be a good friend on a cold night. Also, we encounter a night-time parking hazard we didn't anticipate.
TALES FROM THE ROAD: This whole episode is one big tale from the road.
TECH TALK: Diesel Parking Heaters
For the price, these are the best way to heat your van. They do require some serious installation chops, but once there, you'll have dry heat whenever you need it.
Hide anywhere model: https://amzn.to/3cbLwri
All in one, easy install model: https://amzn.to/32wOUZq
PRODUCT REVIEW: Hot Hands!
Not just for hands anymore, toss these guys in your sleeping bag for a toasty night.
Box of 40: https://amzn.to/2TdE71S
Wednesday Feb 19, 2020
Wednesday Feb 19, 2020
In this episode, we explain how to find places to park, talk about a 12v microwave oven, review Apple CarPlay, take a trip down the Enchanted Highway and invite you to visit YMCA of the Rockies
Parking Apps and Ideas
Park n Ride - found in many towns
Free Campsites - some towns have free camping to attract tourists
BLM - Bureau of Land Management has land you can camp on
Walmart - Legendary parking spot, but there are cautions
Cracker Barrel - Have some food, stay the night
Cabellas - Dump stations with purchase, and parking
Camping World - some even provide free power
Casinos - all different, but they want you
Military sites - if you're military, you have a lot of options
APPs
AllStays
Highly rated
Nice maps, hybrid, satellite
Each aspect costs more money
Dump Stations
Military
Rest Stops
Walmart
iOverlander
Some great spots
Out of date app
Missing some obvious places
Park4Night
Very nice app
Very little content for US - much better in UK
freecampsites.net
No app needed
Requires internet
Missing some places
Campendium
Professional app
Many different sites of interest
Annoying log in requirement, not free
RV Parky
Good quantity of reviews
Nice interface
Does trip planning
Wikicamps
$1.99
Different app for different countries (Australia, New Zealand)
Download maps to work offline
Doesn’t include Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Rest Areas
TALES FROM THE ROAD: North Dakota has an "Enchanted Highway." We take a trip down it and find what's at the end.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enchanted_Highway
PRODUCT REVIEW: Apple CarPlay
Want to text and drive safely? Apple CarPlay can help, and do a whole lot more.
PRODUCT REVIEW: Power Hunt 12v Microwave Oven
This microwave is designed to work well in vehicles.
http://www.roadtrucker.com/12-volt-microwave-wavebox/12-volt-microwave.htm
A PLACE TO VISIT: YMCA of the Rockies
It may say "Y," but you'll say "Wow!"
https://ymcarockies.org/