Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast
220 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 58 ratingsBuilt to Go is your #vanlife companion for long days on the road, working on your rig, or just relaxing by that perfect spot. Self-build? Living in your vehicle? Stealth Van? Our magazine format has something for every #vanlife interest.
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Episodes
020 The Goldfish Metaphor, Getting Rid of Single-use Plastic, a Nice Drain, Mitchell Indian Village, Fear of Wires, a Van with no Driver
April 23, 2020 02:38 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBHow 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...
019 What COVID Teaches Us About VanLife, Bulkheads/Partitions, Switch Solution, Tiny Inverters, Craters of the Moon
April 16, 2020 01:48 - 28 minutes - 26.6 MBSick 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 r...
018 Strange Ways to Cook, Iowa 80, No Slip Gel Mat, Water Filter Alternative, Lost In a Swamp
April 08, 2020 21:55 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBWhy 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 Co...
017 Mistakes I've Made, Propane Matters, B52 Crash Site, Determination, Window Socks
March 28, 2020 23:49 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBMistakes, 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 ...
016 SEX!, COVID-19 Resources, Windows (or not), Diamond Mind, One Strange Trip
March 20, 2020 02:24 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBYes, 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: D...
015 Air Conditioning, LED lights, Standing Mats, Lincoln Highway, Finding Tires
March 11, 2020 17:39 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBWant 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 ...
014 COVID-19 and Vanlife, Smugglers Notch, Nice Table, Heater Woes, Wire Guage
March 05, 2020 04:42 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBWelcome! 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...
013 Surviving the Freeze, Diesel Parking Heaters, Hot Hands, Enjoying the Winter
February 27, 2020 00:08 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBWelcome! 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 h...
012 Parking Spot Apps, CarPlay, 12v Microwave, Enchanted Highway, YMCA of the Rockies
February 19, 2020 18:14 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBIn 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 -...
011 Stealth Vans, Ventilations, Ace of Clubs House, ScanGauge II, ReStore
February 13, 2020 03:37 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBFebruary 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)
010 Security, SHURflo Electric Faucet, Multitools, Being Stupid, Racetrack Playa
February 05, 2020 15:38 - 30 minutes - 28 MBWelcome! 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://am...
009 Coffee!, Plants, Detectors, Olympian Wave 3
January 29, 2020 14:23 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBWelcome! 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...
008 Food Storage, Wall Coverings, A Bad Story, Luling, TX
January 23, 2020 00:33 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MBWelcome! 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: ...
007 Loneliness, Inverters, Sunstone Mining, Wind Deflectors
January 15, 2020 23:21 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBWelcome! 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/2QU...
006 Which Van, Floors, Echo Auto, Strange use for old tech, Meow Wolf
January 09, 2020 00:47 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBWelcome! 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 Au...
005 Keeping Clean, Peep Holes, Ottoman Beds, City Museum
January 02, 2020 04:34 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBWelcome! 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:...
004 Ikea, Solar vs. Split Charge, Dogbowl Sink, Bangor Maine
January 02, 2020 04:15 - 29 minutes - 27 MBWelcome! 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 i...
003 Toilets, Sound Deadening, I-70 Encounter, Ventline Vanair, Sanibel Causeway Islands
January 02, 2020 03:28 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBWelcome 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 Compostin...
002 Staying Warm, First Thing You Should Buy, Indiana Dunes, Saving Hotel Costs
January 01, 2020 17:30 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBWelcome! 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 exti...
001 Intros, Dry Lakes, 12v Oven, Backup Batteries
December 18, 2019 18:10 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBWelcome! 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 ...