Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

Can you work while living and traveling in a van? Of course you can! And there are more opportunities than you might imagine. I tell tales from the light and dark sides of Moon, Oklahoma, and spend a lot of time talking about insurance matters you need to consider. COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus Working From the Road You don't need a #vanlife job You need a job you can do remotely RV folks have some answers for us Great place to start: http://www.workamper.com Divine on the Road's Earning a Remote Income | Van Life Facebook Group. Tales From the Road An alien visits Moon, Oklahoma and makes brief contact with the beings living there. Google Maps: Moon, OK Q&A - How Do I Get Insurance? VIN determines if your vehicle is commercial or not Concentrate on liability insurance State Farm often comes up as the best

Minimalism? Yes, but what kind? An exploration... also, we review Curtis Tow Hitches, take a look at drive options for different vans, take a death march through Texas, and invite you to visit Starry Meadows, and maybe see Charon. COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus Video Games in Your Van A lot of #vanlife folks talk about "minimalism." What is it? And do you want it? Melissa Camara Wilkins discusses Types of Minimalism TECH TALK: FWD vs. RWD vs. 4WD There are pros and cons to each of these setups. What will you use your van for? What's your budget? That can help you choose the best option for you. A PLACE TO VISIT: Starry Meadows Like astronomy? Visit Colorado (or what to)? Check out the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society and their amazing site, Starry Meadows. https://csastro.org/ PRODUCT REVIEW: Curtis Tow Hitches Not planning on towing anything? You might still want a tow hitch for bikes, storage, etc. You can install it yourself. Curtis makes a decent product. https://amzn.to/3c6un1L Q&A - Kittens in a Van while at work? It's fraught to attempt to have a pet in a vehicle while you're away, but if you have no other choice, here are tips for making the best of an imperfect situation.

Video games in your van? YES! Here's how. Also, an electric dry box, an easy shower solution, Winter Island: the place to stay for a visit to Salem, MA and Roadside America, the only tourist guide you need. COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus Video Games in Your Van It's all about power and what you want to do. Clear winners: PC laptops and Nintendo Switch. But want to play the latests games on your favorite console? Doable. TECH TALK: Electric Dry Box Fight humidity with an enclosed space and a old-fashioned light bulb. A PLACE TO VISIT: Winter Island, Salem Massachusetts This historic 17th century fort will welcome you and your rig for a visit to the Witch City. Winter Island Info PRODUCT REVIEW: SmarterFresh Quick Connect Sink Faucet Sprayer Set This thing is great - it turns almost any sink into a shower you can use indoors or out https://amzn.to/2ShvGmv Q&A - Essential Tools? Which tools should you bring? Quick answer: pick how much space you want to devote to tools, and then take a subset of all the tools you used to build your van. Resource Recommendation: Roadside America While the website is great, get the app (pay for it!) and you'll never be without someplace interesting to visit. https://www.roadsideamerica.com/

How a goldfish teaches us what's important about the #vanlife community, can you have a plastic-free van?, review of the Camco Flexible Camper Drain, getting over the fear of wires, a visit to a cool archaeological site, and a story of a van with no driver. COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus The Goldfish Metaphor Someone wants advice on how to have a pet goldfish in their van. What's your response? It can teach us a lot about #vanlife and ourselves. TECH TALK: Fear of Wires I talk though an experiment in wiring designed to get you beyond you fear of electricity and cutting wires. A PLACE TO VISIT: Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village When in South Dakota, skip the Corn Palace. Go here: Mitchel Prehistoric Indian Village PRODUCT REVIEW: Camco Flexible Camper Drain 37420 This thing is great - I don't know why people use anything else! https://amzn.to/2VOCWHn Q&A - Single Use Plastics? Seanna wants to live without single use plastic. Can this be done in a van? Tales From the Road: What happens when you're in a van going down the highway and no one's driving?

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.

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 Cook It'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

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 Socks These 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

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.

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

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

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

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/

February 5, 2020 Welcome! In this episode, we discuss realties and myths of "Stealth Vans," the ins and outs of ventilation, a crazy place to visit in Texarkana, a really useful dashboard device, and a great place to find used furniture. TALES FROM THE ROAD: Can you find the ark inside Texarkana? I did, and I'll share the secret with you: Ace of Clubs House. TECH TALK: Ventilation. You don't just want it, you need it. Really. MaxxAir Fan with Rain Shield (Manual)

Welcome! In this episode, we discuss security in your rig, why you should have a multitool, the ShurFlo electric faucet, how to be stupid in the desert, and Racetrack Playa TALES FROM THE ROAD: Don't do this - a solo trip on rough desert "roads." TECH TALK: Multitools Leatherman Wingman: https://amzn.to/2vStcmh (I got it cheaper at Menards). Gerber Diesel: https://amzn.to/2tw0AhM PRODUCT REVIEW: SHURflo Electric Faucet If you use a submersed pump, this is a great solution. https://amzn.to/376DlsA A PLACE TO VISIT: Racetrack Playa A long drive on dirt roads in Death Valley, California "Supernatural" home to sailing stones Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/PTU8vdkKwLm2Ek3a6 Skeptoid article on the topic: https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4021 Video explaining how they move: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1hoiHvOeGc Photo by Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith

Welcome! In this episode, we discuss COFFEE, which detectors you should have, a review of the Camco Olympian Wave 3, and a discussion of pet plants. TALES FROM THE ROAD: A break down, a good Samaritan, and a difficult decision TECH TALK: Which detectors should you have? Smoke: https://amzn.to/3aSc1kH Carbon Monoxide CO: https://amzn.to/36BAd7F Explosive Gas:https://amzn.to/2S1GiVt (Runs on USB) PRODUCT REVIEW: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Slow to warm, but an economical way of keeping you van warm all night. https://amzn.to/37EYICb A PLACE TO VISIT: Aurora, NC Fossil Museum A fossil museum that delivers - dig your own without too much work. http://aurorafossilmuseum.org/

Welcome! In this episode, we discuss storing food, what to cover walls with, a place that smells bad but tastes good, and a disappointing visit to an interesting place. TALES FROM THE ROAD: Aurora, Indiana and a strange museum TECH TALK: Wall coverings Is wood the only option? Hell, no. A source for wall coverings, https://www.albrightssupply.com/ PRODUCT REVIEW: Alpicool 12v Compressor Fridge I love this thing, and i think it's a bargain. https://amzn.to/2TZrtWr A PLACE TO VISIT: Luling, TX Bad smells Good food

Welcome! In this episode, we discuss loneliness, if you really need an inverter, Sunstone Mining and a review of Window Deflectors TALES FROM THE ROAD: Aurora Maine, land of blueberries (and where our title image was taken) TECH TALK: Inverters Do you really need an inverter? Really really? Let's talk about it. PRODUCT REVIEW: Wind Deflectors I though for sure the cheap wind deflectors I bought would rip off, but a few thousand miles later, and they're just fine. https://amzn.to/2QUgRpJ A PLACE TO VISIT: Sunstone Mining in Southeast Oregon No need to tunnel, they're right on the surface! Spectrum Sunstone Mine Free mining on BLM land RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: eTrailer Wouldn't it be nice if there was a site that sold stuff that you can't find anywhere else? http://www.etrailer.com

Welcome! In this episode, we discuss ways to how to choose the right van, how to build your floor, Echo Auto, a weird thing I discovered one sleepy day, Meow Wolf and a few other things... TALES FROM THE ROAD: A strange way to learn a neat trick It turns out that you can't be sleepy and embarrassed at the same time. My beloved Wendigo TECH TALK: Floors Boring? Maybe, but your floor is the literal foundation of your van. You might want to pay attention. PRODUCT REVIEW: Echo Auto Love Alexa? Want to listen to any radio station in the world on the road, or play voice games while driving? NOTE: Since i recorded this, the price has gone up to $49. Sorry about that! Still worth it. https://amzn.to/37N6GZB A PLACE TO VISIT: Meow Wolf ANOTHER true pilgrimage for any curious person. It defies description. Just go, and become a better person for it. Meow Wolf -https://meowwolf.com/ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: Divine on the Road's Solo Female Van Live Sidney lives in a Ford Transit and shares her #vanlife adventures in a frank and honest way. If you'd like to hear the reality of the #vanlife community that Instagram promotes, this podcast is for you. https://divineontheroad.com/

Welcome! In this episode, we discuss ways to keep clean, peep holes, ottoman beds, the City Museum, and an app to help you stay away from bad weather while you're driving. TALES FROM THE ROAD: Montreal Parking Lot A PERFECT parking spot has a hidden problem, and what it taught me about the realities of vanlife. TECH TALK: Peep Holes Want to see what's going outside your van without being seen? Consider peep holes! PRODUCT REVIEW: Ottoman Bed An ottoman that turns into a bed: https://amzn.to/39ycTug A PLACE TO VISIT: City Museum A true pilgrimage for any curious person. It defies description. Just go, and become a better person for it. The City Museum - https://www.citymuseum.org/ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: Highway Weather app A great app for predicting the weather as you proceed on your route. It combines your planned GPS route with the weather forecast. Very useful! http://www.weatherroute.io/

Welcome! In this episode, we discuss using Ikea in your van, solar vs. split charge relays, and dogbowl sinks. TALES FROM THE ROAD: A twin at Lowes What do you do when you see a near copy of your van in the Lowes parking lot? You make a connection. TECH TALK: Solar vs. Split Charge Relay Which should you install first? The answer is: you shouldn't do what I did. A PLACE TO VISIT: Bangor, ME If you're a Stephen King fan, it's a no brainer that this should be on your list. But it should also be on your list if you want to experience some authentic New England. Pagurus at the Thomas Hill Standpipe, inspiration for IT. RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: Kombi Life on YouTube Kombi Life tells the story of Ben Jamin and his amazing van adventure traveling literally around the world in Volkswagen Vans. You really want to watch this. https://www.youtube.com/user/kombilife

Welcome back! In this episode, we discuss lavatory possibilities, the necessity of sound deadening, and unwelcome encounter on I-70, the Ventline Vanair and Sanibel's causeway islands. Some toilet solutions: What I have: DOMETIC 1223.0154 Gray 301097206 970 Series Portable Toilet-2.6 Gallon - https://amzn.to/37q2e2M A simple solution: Camco Portable Toilet Bucket with Seat and Lid Attachment - https://amzn.to/2MLsVXZ Most popular composting toilet: Nature's Head Self Contained Composting Toilet - https://amzn.to/2MNSBDd The She Wee, a solution for women: https://amzn.to/37wLSWh TALES FROM THE ROAD: Encounter on I-70 You know those perfect moments of vanlife you've dreamed of? Here's one that went wrong. TECH TALK: Sound Deadening Do you need sound deadening for your van? Maybe not. A PLACE TO VISIT: Sanibel Causeway Islands Sanibel is a special island just off the coast of Ft. Myers, Florida. But the journey there reveals a special place of its own. https://www.leegov.com/parks/beaches/causeway PRODUCT REVIEW: Ventline Vanair Here's a powered fan solution for those with limited roof space - https://amzn.to/2suOfKt RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: Insulation Advice on YouTube How to Insulate your Van: Greg Virgoe from Camp Quirky. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6eWGp14TL4

Welcome! In this episode, we discuss staying warm during the cold months, the first (and most important) thing you should buy for your van build, Indiana Dunes, and how I spent my first night in the van. TALES FROM THE ROAD: My First Night I put a cot in the van, some plastic crates, and headed out. I knew it would suck, but I also knew it would teach me a lot of what I needed to know to get the project going. TECH TALK: Buy this first! The first thing you should buy? A fire extinguisher. Seriously. Here's a good one that gives you lots of mounting options: https://amzn.to/2stOwxe A PLACE TO VISIT: Indiana Dunes It's true! Some of the best dunes in the US are found in Indiana, right on Lake Michigan. - Everything you need to know to plan your visit: https://www.nps.gov/indu RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: Element Van Life on YouTube YouTube has a wealth of information, and Nate's progression from an old Honda Element to a brand new NV200 can teach you a lot about van life. The fact that he's an accomplished video story teller makes each episode engaging, and over time, I think you'll consider Nate a friend you've never met just as I do. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX2_P3E87g-cBAtr1Lihfyw Indiana Dunes, photo by Witoki

Welcome! In this episode we do some necessary introductions. My name is Jeff Wagg and I converted a 2014 Nissan NV200 SV into a stealth camper van. Though I'm not living in it full time, I've traveled coast to coast over the past year and have learned quite a lot through the process. My hope is that this podcast will be your companion as you work on your rig, travel, or just wish for a little bit of #vanlife while you're doing things outside of your van. TALES FROM THE ROAD: Sevier Lake I visited Sevier Dry Lake in West Central Utah and discovered some odd and unexpected (creepy) things. - Campsite: https://goo.gl/maps/1yxof3j239yWn5VK8 - Boat location: https://goo.gl/maps/2sxFnyhEVV8chn3cA TECH TALK: Backup Batteries Do you have one? I do, and it's saved my butt a couple of times. Here are many to choose from- Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/2S13Prs A PLACE TO VISIT: Lunar Lake Want to drive on a dry lake bed without fear of getting stuck or getting salt all over everything? This is the place. - Directions to Lunar Lake: https://goo.gl/maps/15MGGGLgRVrWpdVYA RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION: Vansformation Only 20 episodes long, this British podcast is full of interesting information and suggestions for your build. http://vansformation.com/category/podcast/