Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

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.  

Buying a rig is a bit tricky today, here are some places you can find what you're looking for. We'll also put solar on our hood(?), and tell the very long tale of why this podcast is late. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io File under "Everything is Content." NEWS Totally Solar Powered Rig https://tech.yahoo.com/transportation/articles/innovative-companys-futuristic-camper-van-104534818.html   New Rugged Starlink Dish  https://www.pcmag.com/news/starlinks-pricey-new-performance-dish-is-made-for-rugged-environments   VW id Buzz not Buzzing https://www.torquenews.com/18004/vw-id-buzz-not-working-out-us   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 easiest way to kill your van. How do I know? Because I just did it. We'll also talk about how to store you van long term, review a product that means you'll never get stuck again with a dead battery, and visit France...but not Europe.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io The original dream, altered, struggled for, and now dead.  NEWS GM to halt BrightDrop production, with little work planned until fall 2025 https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2025/04/11/gm-brightdrop-production-canada-ev-plant/83046035007/ Rivian Halts Amazon Van Production Because of a Parts Issue https://www.investopedia.com/rivian-halts-amazon-van-production-because-of-a-parts-issue-8696712 GM Van Sales Jump 44 Percent To 18K Units During Q4 2024 https://gmauthority.com/blog/2025/02/gm-van-sales-numbers-figures-results-fourth-quarter-2024-q4/ TECH TALK Long Term Van Storage https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/car-storage-what-to-know/ PRODUCT REVIEW AVAPOW Jump Starter https://amzn.to/4khyDyx A PLACE TO VISIT Saint Pierre & Miquelon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Pierre_and_Miquelon RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Ultimate Stealth Camping with Steve https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYuAxGxH-8E   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.  

Life happens while you're making plans, and the vehicle you're working on now probably won't last very long! We'll also look at safer battery storage, how to drive the WRONG way, a scary night, an excellent exchange, and a mixed bag of news.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io The Campster! No compromise!  NEWS New Vanfest Events in Arizona and Melbourne, FL https://www.vanfestusa.com E-bike Battery Fires https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8e84v5e4go Working from Home Makes us Happier https://farmingdale-observer.com/2025/05/16/scientists-have-been-studying-remote-work-for-four-years-and-have-reached-a-very-clear-conclusion-working-from-home-makes-us-happier/ PRODUCT REVIEW Zeee Fireproof Battery Pouch https://amzn.to/3Fh85Oz   A PLACE TO VISIT Jaws - On the Water! https://drafthouse.com/news/summer-jaws-celebration   RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Mini Pantry Movement https://littlefreepantry.org     SKEPTOID PODCAST GUEST HOST Are $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenges Effective? https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4989   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.  

So much great feedback on the first aid kit episode that I made a whole episode out of it! We'll also talk about other things you should have in your van, including a great app that's a must have.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io Yes, I camped in this.    Not a lot of notes this week! Thanks!