Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

Every have those late night thoughts? Are they different when you're in your van? Mine are. We'll also visit Wellfleet, shop Etsy, clean our black tanks, and learn why conduit is a good thing.  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   This tree was watching me NEWS Promaster Superhigh Roof https://www.ramtrucks.com/ram-promaster/cargo.html Citan coming to US? https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/mercedes-benz-citan-compact-van-under-consideration-for-us.phtml GM cancels van plans? https://gmauthority.com/blog/2024/02/gm-may-have-canceled-next-generation-chevy-express-gmc-savana-vans/ TECH TALK Conduit is a good thing https://amzn.to/4acADlL PRODUCT REVIEW Kleen Tank Solution https://kleentank.com/tank-solution-recipe/ A PLACE TO VISIT Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre https://www.wellfleetcinemas.com/drive-in-theatre/ 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.  

Is Vanlife just RVing in smaller vehicles? Not really! Let's take a look at what's the same and what's different. We'll also play with some new "tire screws,"  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   LOTS of vans waiting for repair at the Mercedes Benz dealer TECH TALK Undermount 12v Air Conditioning https://undermountac.com/collections/aconly/products/12v-undermount-air-conditioner-for-class-b-van-or-rv-a-c-only-ducted PRODUCT REVIEW Screw Tire Repair Thingys https://amzn.to/4a3SGdL A PLACE TO VISIT Gates of the Arctic National Park https://www.nps.gov/gaar/ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Great video on repairing tires https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Onf5xiFnIJs 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.  

Folks, it's time to consider having AC for your van. Off Grid! It's never been more possible, but it's still not easy. We'll also look at a large water bladder, visit some space junk, find a mattress solution and hear a story about a Mythbuster.  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   Adam Savage, Hal Bidlack and Jeff Wagg. Photo by Sheila Dee NEWS Grants Pass and the Supreme Court https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/04/supreme-court-grants-pass-homeless-case.html Jefferson County Builds Campground https://www.southeastiowaunion.com/news/jefferson-county-to-begin-construction-on-new-14-stall-campground/ Fuel Efficient Vans https://www.slashgear.com/1563830/new-vans-surprisingly-fuel-efficient/ AC IN YOUR VAN Amazon Basics 5,000 BTU AC https://amzn.to/44moSI3 PRODUCT REVIEW 61 Gallon Water Bladder https://amzn.to/4dcZk47 A PLACE TO VISIT Manitowoc Sputnik Crash Site https://www.manitowoc.org/2189/About-Sputnik RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Tochta Custom RV Mattress https://www.tochta.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.  

Is it time for a crowd-sourced code of ethics for vanlifers? Let's discuss. We'll also explain why Romex is NOT for vans, how a cheap PWM controller might be all you need, and we play a bit of Munzee. And then a Walden nap!  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   Bad picture of an amazing moment. PRODUCT REVIEW Cheap PWM Controllers https://amzn.to/4ddjzin A PLACE TO VISIT Munzee! https://www.munzee.com/ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Robert Noel Read's Thoreau's Walden https://amzn.to/3JqBrs0 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.  

Help! You're in trouble! What do you do? Let's talk about some devices and strategies to get back to civilization. We'll also visit weird Boston, save some data on our hotspot, and play with... a toilet brush? Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   The start of an emergency satellite message on an iPhone.    GETTING HELP Portable Satellite SOS Devices https://amzn.to/4cMTDJW Bullitt Satellite Service  TECH TALK Panasonic Inverter Microwaves https://amzn.to/3vwOXay PRODUCT REVIEW Sellemer Toilet Brush https://amzn.to/4cGX4C3 A PLACE TO VISIT Norumbega: Boston’s Vinland https://www.scandinavianaggression.com/public-service-announcement-for-new-england-monuments-to-greatness 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. 

Propane, Butane or Electric? What's best for heat and cooking? YES! We'll also play with a new lighting idea, visit an iconic fountain, take a rid in Africa and find an easy way to check the weather.  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   The Toyota Quantum.    NEWS WSJ - No Showers, No Sleep: Van Life Isn’t as Cool as Instagram Makes it Seem https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/van-life-living-96f4e986 British Readers Digest How embracing the van life helped me beat the cost-of-living https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/inspire/life/embracing-the-van-life-helped-me-beat-the-cost-of-living Business Insider: I spent years considering van life and finally embarked on a 2-week trip last fall. 5 months later, I'm still dreaming of the lifestyle. https://www.businessinsider.com/van-life-road-trip-convinced-nomadic-lifestyle-is-for-me-2024-3 PRODUCT REVIEW NiLight 60 LED Light https://amzn.to/3U3axN Dual Fuel GasOne Stove (mentioned in main segment) https://amzn.to/3U2QAWK A PLACE TO VISIT Buckingham Fountain https://loopchicago.com/listings/buckingham-fountain TALES FROM THE ROAD African Bus Plunge https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68690454 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. 

What does AI have to say about Vanlife? Turns out, quite a bit, but can we trust it? Let's see. We'll also explore gas generators, and unique vending machine in Texas, encounter some powerful critters, and review CarMax.  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   A jackal in the wild.    NEWS Motor 1 VW Says There's No Market for an ID.Buzz Camper Van https://www.motor1.com/news/713335/vw-no-market-id-buzz-camper/ Vanfest New England is On! https://vanfestusa.com/ WSJ - RV Stocks Drop After Airstream Parent Flashes Demand Warning https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-jones-03-06-2024/card/rv-stocks-drop-after-airstream-parent-flashes-demand-warning-ADgKFLMUqnmGoQDQv48t RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Seriously, don't look at the eclipse without protection! Here's some advice.  https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety A PLACE TO VISIT Berdoll Squirrel Vending Machine https://berdollsquirrel.com/index.php?cID=127 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. 

Whew! I did some math, and it's led me to some difficult decisions. You'll see. We'll also explore Capetown, make some toast, and learn how to not go blind.  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   The view from Robben Island.  PRODUCT REVIEW 500W Single Slot Toaster https://amzn.to/49kj3Ml RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Seriously, don't look at the eclipse without protection! Here's some advice.  https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety   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. 

Sometimes, it's nice to remember the DRIVING part of travel. It can be fun! Here are five great drives. We'll also look at why you should NOT install USB A ports, we'll review some simple wine bottle lights, and tell three impossible stories that are all true.  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   And then there's THIS weird story...  PRODUCT REVIEW Wine Bottle Lights https://amzn.to/48vNCOr TECH TALK Don't install USB A ports anymore. Install these, or better. https://amzn.to/3Plg4fr   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. 

5v Van? We’re getting to the point where it’s possible for “light” builds. It’s a great option for no builds! And you can add CarPlay Android Auto to just about any radio, why should you avoid gluing flooring, a quick geologic trip to Morocco, and a visit with some mermaids!  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at:
bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo Alas... 5V VAN ◦ Lights https://amzn.to/3Ij4I7q ◦ Vents Fan https://amzn.to/3IcH6Bp 
 ◦ Heating pads https://amzn.to/48tYtZq ◦ Cooking https://amzn.to/3UToKNC ◦ Hand Warmer https://amzn.to/3TbGWk5 NEWS • e-Sprinter  • https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/electric-mercedes-benz-esprinter-a-small-step-for-van-a-giant-leap-for-van-kind/ PRODUCT REVIEW • Jensen JDASHCP adds CarPlay and Android Auto to most stock stereos • https://amzn.to/3SSY8cP TECH TALK • Solar Security Lights - these work fine, but there are many choices • https://amzn.to/4bUqiNb A PLACE TO VISIT • Mermaid Museum! • https://www.mermaidmuseum.org/   RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION   • Simple Enough Explores Gig Work • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Eo2mvBqau8 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. 

iOverlander is the go to app for many of us. But there's a problem, and there may not be a way to fix it. We'll also take a look at an "attack" in Quartzsite, a way to add CarPlay to stock radios, and a great new resource, Nomad Wiki.  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   Reading signs is wise... PRODUCT REVIEW Jensen JDASHCP adds CarPlay and Android Auto to most stock stereos https://amzn.to/3SSY8cP TECH TALK Solar Security Lights - these work fine, but there are many choices https://amzn.to/4bUqiNb RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION The AMAZING Nomad Life Wiki - just for us http://nomadlife.wiki/   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. 

Is a camping trailer part of "vanlife"? I say yes. Why not? We'll discuss the pros and cons of living the life as a toad. We'll aslo find a clever way to hide your toilet, discover a problem with winter food, visit some giants, and nearly die because of a design problem.  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 Some Skookie folks doing the do.  If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   Ok, maybe not quite a "big rig." PRODUCT REVIEW Ottoman Cover https://amzn.to/3wsuZOc A PLACE TO VISIT Blythe Inaglios https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blythe_Intaglios RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Lateral Podcast Can Save Your Life https://lateralcast.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. 

Folks - this week was eventful, and completely unanticipated. But here I sit in Florida, and I offer you a lengthy explanation and a list of lessons learned from it.  This is NOT a normal episode. If you don't like the Tales from the Road! Segment, this isn't an episode you're likely to enjoy. But - if you're one of those who listens because I soothe you to sleep - yes, this is for you. :)

Skoolies are great! But they're not without challenges - let's explore. We'll also "ride the whirlwind," visit an art museum, encounter a Catch 22, and Chase 70º.  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 Some Skookie folks doing the do.  If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   NEWS https://www.wusf.org/politics-issues/2024-02-07/florida-bill-ban-public-sleeping-camping-explained PRODUCT REVIEW V-Hanvr Folding Dog Pool https://amzn.to/49jBGjM A PLACE TO VISIT Smoke & Mirrors at the Boca Raton Museum of Art https://bocamuseum.org/art/smoke-mirrors-magical-thinking-contemporary-art RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Plan your epic trip based on the climate!  https://www.chasing70degrees.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. 

Van Fest Florida is finished, but it's also just the beginning. We'll take a look at how well our WeBoost has been doing, review some IKEA lamps, use our recovery boards, and talk about how we can all get to events.  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 A very nice spot...until the generator fired up.  If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   PRODUCT REVIEW IKEA Solvinden Lights https://amzn.to/425PPyw A PLACE TO VISIT Here’s a few events to look out for: Skoolie Swarm https://skoolieswarm.com Peace, Love, & Vans https://www.peacelovevans.com Skoolie UP https://www.instagram.com/skoolieup?igsh=b2h6bWQybXByenV4 RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Explorist.LIFE Great resources! http://www.explorist.life   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. 

Wonder what DEF is? Even if you don't drive diesel, this might be interesting. We'll also watch our van roll uphill, update our Vevor Diesel Heater review, read some onerous laws, and more.  Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24   The start of a very bad time.  If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo   PRODUCT REVIEW I have great service from my Vevor Diesel Heater https://amzn.to/425PPyw A PLACE TO VISIT Gravity Hills, Spook Hills, Ghost Hills - they're everwhere... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_gravity_hills RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION A video by Monique at Simple Enough telling a tale of woe - and it's all about airbags. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg4sSvjBUZI   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. 

What is OODA? A way to get yourself out of trouble, that's what. We'll also review a pop-up table stool thing, visit Vanfest, check out Prepper Survival Guide and hear a tale of the very stupid. Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24   Join me in Florida next weekend!  If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo OODA A link to the military explanation of OODA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj0fgjMdzU0 TECH TALK Diesel MIGHT be a better buy than gasoline. Maybe. https://www.caranddriver.com/research/a31515330/diesel-vs-gasoline/ PRODUCT REVIEW Popup Table Stool https://amzn.to/4aZ2s2m Just the stool part https://amzn.to/48GBJ9l A PLACE TO VISIT Vanfest 2024 in Viera, FL. Jan 26-28, 2024 https://vanfestusa.com/ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION A very dense and useful magazine about all sorts of skills that are useful in vanlife.  https://amzn.to/3tYJCYM   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. 

How should you insure your rig? I don't have an answer, but I lay out the framework so you can find the best solution for you. We'll also visit the Devil's Icebox, check out Blue Highways, experience "danger" in Tangier, and test out some floor mats.  New YouTube Video WHERE IS JEFF WRAPUP? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ7vEVq8_qc Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24   This places is dangerous! Or so they want me to believe... If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo NEWS Kia Van Concept https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/8/24028828/kia-platform-beyond-vehicle-pbv-modular-ev-ces AAA Fuel Prices Falling, diesel still high https://gasprices.aaa.com/ Lithium Nickel and Cobalt Prices Falling https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-09/ev-batteries-plunge-in-lithium-nickel-and-cobalt-prices-is-killing-deals TECH TALK ShurFlo 94-009-10 Electric Faucet (for submersible pumps) https://amzn.to/48LpYy7 Submersible Water Pump https://amzn.to/47DyIpa Pressure Switch Pump that I have https://amzn.to/3O2jgf5 PRODUCT REVIEW Weathertech Floor Mats https://amzn.to/47ApXfk A PLACE TO VISIT Cool caves that are easy to access and are, well... cool!  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. 

Changes are a-comin' and I lay them all out here. I also visit an amazing restaurant in the Canary Islands and talk about my experiences with a handy travel router.   FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity), and Discord (https://discord.gg/dRADjsvJEX) Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24   Mars base? Or a restaurant?  If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo PRODUCT REVIEW The TP-LINK AC750 Travel Router. https://amzn.to/3S6EKd2 A PLACE TO VISIT Located on van-friendly Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, this is not a spot you'll soon forget. They cook on a volcano! https://cactlanzarote.com/en/menus/el-diablo-restaurant/ NEWS VanLab has kits for Econolines now! This is a great way to build your own van with a minimum of hassles. https://wearevanlab.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. 

Play WHERE IS JEFF? https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0iC-g2r6yt/ This podcast is also available on YouTube. Winnebago has an eRV prototype - can you build your own? We'll discuss. We'll also revisit the idea of having battery powered devices instead of one big battery, visit a place where they worship wood, and complain about clay pot heaters once again.  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity) Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo PRODUCT REVIEW This is the trailcam I have. https://amzn.to/3Nr2XYO A PLACE TO VISIT In 1916, the events that inspired Jaws transpired. You can visit.  https://www.roadsideamerica.com/search/tip 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.