Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

I'm wrong again! A periodic episode in which I come clean on mistakes, and other things that I need to 'fess up to. We'll also explore some winter campgrounds, talk A LOT about rest area camping, and review a portable vent hood.  "I claim this pyramid for Denmark!" PRODUCT REVIEW CIARRA Portable Range Hood https://amzn.to/48grCdH   A PLACE TO VISIT KOA sites open all winter https://koa.com/blog/koa-campgrounds-that-are-open-all-year/ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION OVERNIGHT PARKING AREAS https://www.ecoflow.com/us/blog/guide-to-overnight-parking-at-rest-areas BONUS Willi Carlisle - Vanlife https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO9YThOUFFQ FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

Black Friday! It's like Black Francis, but with more enthusiasm! Ehem. Look, here's a big list of stuff I found that's for sale on Black Friday. Some normal stuff, some weird stuff. Not a lot of great bargains, but I'll bet some of them will give you ideas. Normal episode next time    VEVOR   VEVOR RV Air Conditioner, 13500 BTU Non-Ducted Rooftop RV AC, 65 dB Quiet Design, Highly Compatible with Air-conditioning Unit for Replacing https://www.vevor.com/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-c_13649/rv-air-conditioner-13500-btu-non-ducted-rooftop-rv-ac-65-db-quiet-for-replacing-p_010874325798?lang=en&currency=usd&utm_source=inhouse&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=42492674&shortkey=20251128pi6 VEVOR Diesel Heater, 8KW, DC 12V/24V, All in One Portable Diesel Air Heater with Remote Control and LCD Display, Fast Heating Low Noise, 1.3 Gal Fuel Tank for Vehicles, RVs, Vans, Tractors and Trucks https://www.vevor.com/diesel-heater-c_10321/vevor-fuel-pipe-hose-line-kit-196-9-replaceable-parking-heater-fuel-line-kit-p_010209133120?lang=en&currency=usd&utm_source=inhouse&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=42492674&shortkey=20251128pi6o   5% Off Anything at VEVOR http://www.vevor.com/utm_source=inhouse&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=42492674&utm_format_creative=114&shortkey=20251128pi6q SOLAR Traver Force 100W 12V 10BB Monocrystalline Solar Panel, Up to 25% High Efficiency Module with Grade A+ Cells, Waterproof for RVs, Motorhomes, Cabins, Marine, Boat https://amzn.to/48rGlRP   30A PWM Solar Charge Controller, 12V 24V Dual USB Solar Panel Battery Intelligent Regulator with LCD Display, Auto Parameter Adjustable, Timer Setting, Multiple Load Control Modes https://amzn.to/3Xjlxa6   Solar Cable Entry Gland, 0.33ft 10AWG Soft Solar Extension Cable and Connector, UV Resistance Dual Cable Entry Gland Housing on Rv, Boat, Camper (10cm, Black) https://amzn.to/4oZDtTg   Dicor BT-1834-1 Butyl Seal Tape - 1/8" x 3/4" x 30' Repair Tape for RV, Trailer, Motorhome, Window, and Vent Sealing https://amzn.to/4opdi7A   12V 100Ah Lithium Battery,12V LiFePO4 Battery Built-in 100A BMS Protect, Group 31 Deep Cycle Portable Power,Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery for Trolling Motors, Yacht, Marine, RV, Home Energy https://amzn.to/4ioaSV7 WATER Portable Intelligent Electric Pressure Washer Pump 100W 160 PSI 12V Portable Pressure Powerful Washing Kit with 21.3 Feet PVC Hose for Home, Car, Garden, Projects (100 W-Black Hose) https://amzn.to/4onbrQv   Fanttik NB8 Nano Portable Cordless Electric Sprayer w/2.1Gal Tank, Retractable Spray Head, 2600mAh Lithium Battery, IPX5, 72-98PSI, Portable Pressure Washer for Garden, Camping Shower and Pet Cleaning https://amzn.to/3M6xBZV   LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness https://amzn.to/43Ye7wB   Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Camping Water Filtration System, Water Purifier Survival for Travel, Backpacking and Emergency Preparedness, 1.5 gal Bag, 0.1 Micron, Light Blue https://amzn.to/4pFRcPa KITCHEN   5 Pieces Kitchen Gadgets Set - Space Saving Cooking Tools Accessories Cheese Chocolate Grater, Fruit Vegetable Peeler, Bottle Opener, Pizza Cutter, Burlap Bags with Drawstring Gift Set https://amzn.to/3KrXenu   Kaskawise Upgrade Car Ceiling Cargo Net Pocket,31.5"x21.6" Double-Layer Car Roof Storage Organizer,Overhead Net for Truck,SUV & Van Camping,Travel Road Trips,Van Life Essentials https://amzn.to/4okYwi0   Portable Camping Cooking Utensils Set, Camp Kitchen & Campfire Cooking Equipment, RV Essentials, Camper Must-Haves Accessories, Outdoors Cookware, Christmas Stocking Stuffers Gifts https://amzn.to/4p7DXqH   Kamenstein Round Multi Spice Container, Filled with Spices, 3.07 x 3.07 x 4.02 Inch https://amzn.to/4p7w4l2 ground pepper, fine sea salt, granulated garlic, paprika, cumin, and chopped onion Small enough to put in a ziploc bag with those DO NOT EAT silica gel packs   Mirai Clinical Magnetic Soap Holder for Shower Wall - Stainless Steel Savers for Bar Soap - Easy Clean Magnetic Soap Bar Holder Self Draining - Wall Mount Soap Tray for Shower Bathroom Kitchen Sink https://amzn.to/3MtKMUI 2sets Wood Magnetic Bar Soap Holder for Shower Wall,Magnet Air Dry Soap Saver Self Draining, Eco-Friendly Wooden Soap Dish for Soaps & Beard Shampoo Bars https://amzn.to/4peMuYY   Propane or Butane Stove Dual Fuel Stove Portable Camping Stove with Carrying Case&Windblocker, 10,000 BTU Butane Propane Stove, Automatic Ignition for Emergency Preparedness Kit (Fuel Not Included) https://amzn.to/3Kfvpig   Smart & Safe Butane Fuel Canister - Self-Sealing Nozzle - 28 Pack for Outdoor Cooking, Camping, and Emergency Use  https://amzn.to/4ipNir7   COMFORT Sealy 12-Volt Heated Car Blanket, Portable Electric Blanket with 3 Heating Levels & 4 Hours Auto Off for Car, Truck, SUV, RV or Camping, Machine Washable, 59" X 43", Navy https://amzn.to/4akWGdv   Gaiatop Mini Portable Stroller Fan, Battery Operated Small Clip on, Detachable 3 Speed Rechargeable, 360° Rotate Flexible Tripod Better Cooling for Car Seat Crib Treadmill Travel Black https://amzn.to/3KaI5H7   FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.    

It's the BIG HEAT. We'll take a look at nearly every way to heat a van and discuss how practical they are. We'll also have an extended visit to a place named after a small fruit, take a look at vapor barrier, and provide a resource for excess food. The "oasis" of Currant, Nevada PRODUCT REVIEW Sparking Stove Lighter https://amzn.to/49oscqI RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Little Free Pantries https://www.littlefreepantries.org FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

This week we demonstrate the concept that everywhere is somewhere, and the receipt is long and curly. We'll also play with some solar powered cameras, have an ice cream in Maine, find some free water, and explore thermal bridging.  Two young women, two different paths. PRODUCT REVIEW AUTO-VOX 2 Solar Wireless Backup Camera System https://amzn.to/3JTSdUl A PLACE TO VISIT Chicago Water Pumps https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Avenue_Pumping_Station FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

In the past week, I realized that my truck is the perfect vanlife vehicle for me. Learn why! And we'll visit Aldi, Mississippi, have a bit of a cry, and explore the basics of stealth camping. Potential. NEWS New Sodium Ion Bluetti Batteries https://interestingengineering.com/energy/bluettis-world-first-sodium-power-station New Kia Electric Van https://www.motortrend.com/news/kia-pv5-electric-van-first-look-review Mercedes Brings Luxury to US https://www.motortrend.com/news/mercedes-version-of-van-life-first-class PRODUCT REVIEW Bluetti Apex 300 https://amzn.to/4nKMQ7L Bluette Hub D1 https://amzn.to/47st7oD A PLACE TO VISIT Hawaii Surf Campers https://www.hawaiisurfcampers.com/ FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

It's a big topic, and one that deserves some attention—so why not talk to the people we're talking about? Hal Bidlack has had a storied life, but part of that story involves his time with "the police," though his role was a bit more complicated than that. Listen in and learn what a cop is thinking after they pull you over.  Lt. Col. Hal Bidlack, PhD, USAF Ret. on patrol. He's was the office you wanted to encounter.     

The Big Announcement is here! And so are the mice, and they've very very hungry. We also have a lovely visit to Canadian Tire, praise the lowly tread rug, and turn a camper back into a van.  Why does the fluff...move?    A PLACE TO VISIT Canadian Tire https://www.canadiantire.ca   FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

Finally, we hit the road, and we learn some things about truck camper life. We'll also explore a simple water system, talk about ways to adjust voltage, visit a Lady Van, Ghost Dancing and learn a very important thing on the drive home.  Every truck camper comes with its own bug museum.   PRODUCT REVIEW Digury 5 Gallon Water System https://amzn.to/3KebLCW A PLACE TO VISIT Ghost Dancing https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ghost-dancing-van-missouri RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION The Lady Van https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89UwM8sLg9c FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

There's more than just Route 66! Let's explore some other roads of legend. We'll also spray some goo, solve a weird furnace problem, visit the Batmobile, and explore an unexpected and unbelievable museum with a big problem. The mystery begins. Nice diorama The Canton Toll Booth And the issue at hand.  What the museum used to look like.  PRODUCT REVIEW Gorilla Rubber Spray https://amzn.to/41UFhUd A PLACE TO VISIT Volo Museums https://www.volocars.com RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Trip It https://www.tripit.com   FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

In the past week, I realized that my truck is the perfect vanlife vehicle for me. Learn why! And we'll visit Aldi, Mississippi, have a bit of a cry, and explore the basics of stealth camping. The transplant begins. NEWS Starlink Slow Mode https://www.pcmag.com/news/starlink-replaces-free-pause-mode-with-5-monthly-charge   Bluetti Power System https://www.theverge.com/news/767283/all-in-one-vanlife-power-system-rvsolar-bluetti   Grizzly Pacifica Concept https://www.autoguide.com/auto/auto-news/chrysler-pacifica-grizzly-peak-concept-is-all-about-that-vanlife-44624167 PRODUCT REVIEW USB Water Pump amazon.com/dp/B08DCCJ3FH?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title A PLACE TO VISIT Windsor Ruins, Gibson, MS https://roadsideamerica.com/story/12415 RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Stealth Camping Guide https://beyondthebucketlist.co/vanlife-stealth-camping/ FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.  

This week, we offer 10 ideas for keeping noise down in your van, play with a USB water pump, visit a Toyota plant, explain why use front hitches are, and learn how to tie some important knots.  Sunset indeed. NEWS De Minimis Shipments Taxed https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/what-end-de-minimis-exemption-means-us-shoppers-businesses-2025-08-29/ New Way to Harness Solar Power https://www.technology.org/2025/09/03/black-metal-could-give-a-heavy-boost-to-solar-power-generation/ Man Fined for Sitting https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/saratoga-springs-storyteller-issued-tickets-21022015.php PRODUCT REVIEW USB Water Pump amazon.com/dp/B08DCCJ3FH?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title A PLACE TO VISIT Toyota Plant Tour https://tmmc.ca/en/plant-tour/ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Camping Knots https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzAgyJWp4Og 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.  

The 3-Way fridge is falling out of fashion, but should it? Maybe not! We'll also visit a gruesome scene, talk about dangerous deeds, talk to Willy Wonka, and tell a tale of peril in Arizona. Just yards away for her permanent pasture. A PLACE TO VISIT Matawan Memorial https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/matawan-new-jersey-shark-attack-of-1916 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.  

Lots of corrections and updates this week, plus a visit to an Autocamp, 100 Best State Parks, A Remote, and A Bit of Resistance Mathieson State Park NEWS Bob Wells on the legality of Vanlife https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-psEy2K30Tw Americans put the brakes on #VanLife https://www.ft.com/content/c31e24db-4f19-4bb8-8aa5-e93167606ba1 Embracing Van Life in Retirement https://www.success.com/embracing-van-life-in-retirement/ PRODUCT REVIEW Bluetooth Car Stereo Remote https://amzn.to/4oZfHr4 A PLACE TO VISIT Autocamp https://www.autocamp.com RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Top 100 State Parks https://www.hometogo.com/united-states/state-parks/#state-park-index-methodology 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.        

Do you live in your van or out of your van? We'll take an in-depth look at one person's story. We'll also try out a moisture meter, wash dishes without water, learn about a particular border, and visit a very nice Sandwich.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io The entrance to the ANZAC Memorial   NEWS DEF CHANGES https://www.thedrive.com/news/epa-tells-truck-makers-to-stop-forcing-limp-mode-for-low-def HOMELESSNESS CRIMINALIZED https://www.axios.com/2025/08/12/trump-dc-homelessness-crackdown-advocates BLM LAND UNDER ATTACK https://wessiler.substack.com/p/mike-lee-reintroduces-smaller-public PRODUCT REVIEW Bouge RV 200w Flexible Solar Panel https://amzn.to/4lpmozm A PLACE TO VISIT ANZAC Memorial https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Citizen Remote https://www.citizenremote.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.  

Do you live in your van or out of your van? We'll take an in-depth look at one person's story. We'll also try out a moisture meter, wash dishes without water, learn about a particular border, and visit a very nice Sandwich.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io A church, a bed, and a person known simply as "the best."   PRODUCT REVIEW Moisture Meter https://amzn.to/3J40Afm A PLACE TO VISIT Sandwich, MA https://www.sandwichmass.org/ TECH TALK MagiCare Cleaning Cloths https://amzn.to/45qcVSL RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION The "100 Mile Border" https://reason.com/wp-content/uploads/assets/db/14891731882597.jpg Criminal Legal News https://www.criminallegalnews.org/news/2025/jul/1/understanding-your-constitutional-rights-100-mile-border-zone-primer-non-citizens-united-states-when-confronted-law-enforcement/   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.  

Water is a resource and a troublesome. We'll explore some strategies for dealing with this heavy and precious substance. We'll also review a unique drain, hang out with some movie stars, talk about gray water strategies and spend some time with wood rot.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io Hmm, this seems like a bit too much ventilation. NEWS San Francisco Bans RV parking beyond two hours https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/san-francisco-ban-homeless-people-living-rvs-new-123948047 New Toyota Van Concept https://www.carscoops.com/2025/07/toyota-x-van-gear-crossover-minivan-rumors/ GM Commits to New Battery Technology https://insideevs.com/news/766646/gm-lmr-battery-cost-savings-lfp/ Work Van Thefts on the Rise https://abc13.com/post/houston-business-owner-says-work-vans-are-sitting-ducks-thieves-targeted-tools-equipment/17231444/ PRODUCT REVIEW Camco RV Drain Trap https://amzn.to/3TX33ul A PLACE TO VISIT Rules Restaurant, London https://rules.co.uk/ 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.  

I've often talked about my Sprinter and why I think people should avoid them. Now - here the truth! And then head to Canada and visit their national parks, hear a tale about dogs and sharks, get some essential shoes, and drill some holes. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io Here, there be sharks. They're swimming around our ankles.  Where did they go?  The 25 most famous Bermuda Triangle disapearances https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbpnpgw7c2s     NEWS Free Camping at Canada Parks https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/conseils-tips/choisis-canada-choose/admission-camping Ticks on the Rise https://www.binghamton.edu/news/story/5610/ticks-are-surging-and-spreading-across-the-u.s-heres-how-to-protect-yourself PRODUCT REVIEW Skecher Slip-Ins Shoes https://amzn.to/3Ulan2R A PLACE TO VISIT  Robert the Doll at the Fort East Martello Museum https://www.kwahs.org/fort-east-martello-museum/ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Parks Canada App https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/app 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.  

I'm at sea, but I'm persevering to share with you some possible impact from recent legislation. I'll also tell a tale of loss in the Bermuda Triangle, talk about solar charging options for portable power banks, and tell you how to avoid Chicago Traffic in Style.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io Well, good morning to you too! PRODUCT REVIEW MacBook Air 15GB https://amzn.to/44kaxh0 A PLACE TO VISIT SS Badger https://ssbadger.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.  

There are time when you're neither here no there, and wonderful things can happen. We'll also tackle some of a rig's worst issues, look at a way to keep dirt out of your rig, get stuck in Nevada and visit Norway.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io Hard to see this from a van. PRODUCT REVIEW Stansport Tatami Straw Ground Mat 60" L x 78" W https://amzn.to/44LP7cA RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Chris Boden - Be Weird https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bscBYTMg4sE 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.  

Parting is such sweet sorrow, but it sure is a relief sometimes. But how? Swivel Magnets can make life easier, a few simple upgrades can improve your ride, and someone tests a Bright Drop.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io File under "Everything is Content." NEWS Public Lands at Risk https://www.fieldandstream.com/stories/conservation/public-lands-and-waters/map-of-public-lands-for-sale-budget-bill PRODUCT REVIEW Excellent Swivel Magnets https://amzn.to/43QwEeE   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.