Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

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!

First aid kits seem like a good idea, but are they useful? Ours is! Let's dive deep on this one. We'll also visit a mummified hand, see trees in the road, play with sharp things and stop a whole lot of bleeding.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io The AI made me do it PRODUCT REVIEW Clozex Emergency Laceration Closure https://amzn.to/44rakZV A PLACE TO VISIT Sewards Curiosities  https://wp.cga.ct.gov/osh/museum-of-curiosities/ TECH TALK Leatherman Tools https://amzn.to/4d77F9L RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Online Wilderness First Aid Certification https://survivalmed.org/courses/wfa-16-hr/ FIRST AID KIT Wilderness First Aid Training:  Red Cross American Outdoor School Emergency Number List: US poison control 1-800-222-122 General Emergency 911 Mental Health Support 988 Stop the Bleed Kit - TRAINING STRONGLY RECOMMENDED Pressure dressing (Israeli bandage or similar) - Maintains pressure over bleeding wounds Hemostatic gauze (e.g., QuikClot) - Promotes clotting in deep wounds; requires training Blister Tape (Moleskin) - Blister prevention Burn Cream - Minor burns Medical paper or silicone tape - Gentle adhesion to skin; secures dressings with minimal irritation Heavy-duty cloth or waterproof tape - Strong adhesion for securing splints, bandages, or emergency repairs Cotton swabs (e.g., Q-tips) - Applying ointments, cleaning small wounds, precise care Flat-style instant cold pack (single-use) - Temporary relief for sprains, bruises, burns, and insect bites Sterile gauze pads (various sizes) - Covering wounds, absorbing fluids Heavy-duty feminine pads (non-menstrual use) - Used as emergency absorbent dressing for bleeding control Irrigation syringe (10-20 mL) - Wound flushing Antiseptic wipes (benzalkonium or chlorhexidine) - Wound cleaning Hydrocolloid bandages - Blister prevention and treatment Adhesive bandages - Small cuts and abrasions Whistle - Emergency signaling; attract attention in remote areas Disposable thermometer - Fever monitoring Scalpel (individually wrapped, single-use) - Precision cutting in emergencies; backup cutting tool Stainless steel sewing needle - Removing splinters, emergency gear or fabric repair First Aid Guide - Reference Small compass (cheap but reliable) - Basic navigation in case of GPS failure or emergency Tick remover tool (e.g., Tick Key) - Safer removal of embedded ticks (optional, useful in wooded areas) CPR mask (one-way valve) - Rescue breathing TRAINING RECOMMENDED Sterile eye wash (saline solution) - Flush out irritants, dust, or debris from eyes Trauma shears (full size, usable) - Cutting tape, clothes Tweezers (fine tip) - Splinters, ticks Acetaminophen - Pain, fever (alternate to ibuprofen) Activated charcoal - for poisoning Zinc oxide diaper cream - Treats chafing, rashes, minor burns, insect bites; provides moisture barrier Meclizine or dimenhydrinate - Motion sickness, nausea Antacid tablets - Indigestion, heartburn Oral rehydration salts - Rehydration during illness Loperamide - Diarrhea Hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol) - Hand hygiene Nitrile gloves - Protective barrier Finger cots - Protect wounds on fingers; keep dressings dry Non-lubricated condoms - Emergency water carrier, wound protection, or improvised cover Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - Allergic reactions, sleep aid Hydrocortisone cream 1% - Skin irritation, rash Ibuprofen - Pain, inflammation, fever Loratadine or cetirizine - Non-drowsy allergy relief 2-day emergency supply of essential personal meds - Includes medications critical for survival or ongoing treatment (e.g., insulin, heart meds) Hard candy (glucose source) - Emergency sugar source for suspected diabetic hypoglycemia Naloxone nasal spray (e.g., Narcan) - Emergency treatment for opioid overdose; potentially life-saving Permanent marker (e.g., Sharpie) - Mark tourniquet times, label supplies, track wound changes, or leave emergency notes   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.  

Forget vans and SUVs! You can build a rig out of anything, and here are some strange ideas. We'll also visit a desert in Canada, put out a fire with a blanket, take apart MC4 connectors, and hear some tales from an old job.  If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io 1983 Toyota Mini-Cruiser NEWS Jeff on Treasures of Our Town https://treasuresofourtown.buzzsprout.com/2131068/episodes/17001173-the-boring-town-challenge-w-jeff-wagg Camping World Controversy https://www.thestreet.com/retail/largest-rv-dealer-unexpectedly-shuts-down-store-amid-flag-controversy Vermont Vanlife Murder https://www.courttv.com/news/vt-v-joseph-ferlazzo-van-life-and-death-murder-trial/ PRODUCT REVIEW Fire Blankets Susan in Canada https://amzn.to/3YnvTqm A PLACE TO VISIT Destination Osoyoos https://destinationosoyoos.com/osoyoos-visitor-centre/ 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.  

Charge without Solar or DC to DC? It's possible! But advisable? Well... We'll also visit the French Riviera, brew up a home grown WiFi network replacement, explore a WEIRD device, and take a look at Campendium. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io A very strange and yet interesting device.  NEWS Best Security Items for Vanlife https://tech.yahoo.com/cybersecurity/articles/best-security-tech-van-life-110000515.html Cracker Barrel Banning Overnight Camping?  https://www.rvtravel.com/cracker-barrel-banning-overnight-camping/ Know Your Rights at Immigration Check Points https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/border-zone PRODUCT REVIEW Galvanox Battery Voltage Tester (Cannot be used to check AA, AAA, etc batteries!) https://amzn.to/4ire8NO RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Campendium https://www.campendium.com TECH TALK Meshtastic https://meshtastic.org/ 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.