Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

We explore the least you need to do #vanlife: a practical way to get started without turning your van into a fully equipped house. We also review the Metolius G-WHIZ, share NomadLife’s City Camping Codes, visit the Cave of the Eternal Flame, and recount getting off an elevator on the wrong floor. Yes, I even camped in this! MAIN - Basic Needs for #Vanlife Basic One Person Tent https://amzn.to/486j1Jv Simple Butane Stove https://amzn.to/4eG6hgj Bulk Butane https://amzn.to/4iamcVohttps://amzn.to/4iamcVo Simple Sleeping Bag https://amzn.to/4seAuIY Bulk Hand Warmers https://amzn.to/4yyUyau DaranEner 300W Power Station https://amzn.to/4i9ZoVLhttps://amzn.to/4i9ZoVL TECH TALK Power Calculator https://quiettechreport.com/portable-power-station-runtime-calculator/ PRODUCT REVIEW Metolius G-WHIZ https://amzn.to/4eKEbR7 RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION NomadLife City Camping Codes https://nomadlife.wiki/City_camping_codes/ A PLACE TO VISIT Eternal Flame Falls https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_Flame_Falls BONUS: Brandon Hudgeons Music Song: "Flies" in the closing https://www.brandonhudgeons.com FCC affiliate disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, Built to GO may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This week, we talk counters, not kitchen, review the BougeRV Arch 2.0 200W N-Type flexible solar panel, recommend EveryVoyage, and visit Hawaii—with a link to live lava. No filters Sorry, I messed up the episode numbers. This is officially 311! Main Topic: Counters, Not Kitchen Countertops https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Countertop PRODUCT REVIEW BougeRV Arch 2.0 200W N-Type flexible solar panel https://www.bougerv.com/products/arch-n-type-200w-flexible-solar-panel RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION EveryVoyage https://everyvoyage.com/ A PLACE TO VISIT Hawaii https://www.gohawaii.com/ Live Lava https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygQ1iv8iZr8 FCC Notice: I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support Built to Go at no additional cost to you.

This week, we interview YouTube sensations Steve & Audra, who live in their Ford Transit full time as they cross the country in search of new adventures. We talk about how they make it work, and the scariest moment they've had as nomads. Everyone likes Steve & Audra. You will too, and they'll be at Vanfest Liftoff 2027 where you can meet them for yourself. Follow Steve & Audra's adventures on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteveAudra Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveandaudra/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steveandaudra Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/steveandaudra

This week, we revisit episode 1 and talk about how things changed and stayed the same. Discretion is the better part of valor. PRODUCT REVIEW 12v Ovens https://amzn.to/4diqA35 A PLACE TO VISIT Lunar Lake https://calval.cr.usgs.gov/apps/lunar-lake As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support Built to Go at no additional cost to you.

This week, we look at what it is like to live with an always-available AI wearable, cover safe solar-wire work, and make stops in Aurora, Ontario, and Ruidoso, New Mexico. A slightly distorted and yet oddly accurate summary of my day. PRODUCT REVIEW A simple solution https://amzn.to/4iYZNME RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Gus Bus Boondocks https://www.youtube.com/@GusBusBoondocks/videos A PLACE TO VISIT Putting Green Grave of Richard “Ruff” Jones, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Ruidoso, New Mexico https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/59508 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support Built to Go at no additional cost to you.

This week, I'll explaing my camper pod project, we'll visit a couple of marsupials, test out a sporty device, and celebrate the return of VanFest! The Pod - and the late van. :(` NEWS VanFest USA Is Back! https://vanfestusa.com/ U.S. Losing Public Lands https://www.npca.org/articles/11495-selling-off-and-selling-out A New Kind of Van Life: $180 to Camp for Seven Months https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/05/van-life-quartzsite-arizona This Law Could TRIPLE Solar Prices https://youtu.be/lEf5LTBWJvU RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Historical Marker Database https://www.hmdb.org/ A PLACE TO VISIT Phillips Park Zoo, Aurora, Illinois https://zoo.aurora.il.us/Home As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support Built to Go at no additional cost to you.

Things suck, so let’s go camping. We’ll also look at window seals, review WhatCable.uk, explain USB port colors, and visit Salem Woods in Massachusetts. See? Woods. TECH TALK Window Seals https://youtube.com/shorts/rtqVytwF22c?si=P74Prv9hIyhzrc3U PRODUCT REVIEW WhatCable.uk https://www.whatcable.uk/ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION USB Port Colors Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSN-chBhkrA A PLACE TO VISIT Salem Woods, Salem, Massachusetts https://www.salemwoods.org/ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support Built to Go at no additional cost to you.

You don't want the best. You want the optimal. Simple as possible. Really! We'll also visit East Aurora, NY, visit a community college, wrestle with clips and deal with a bit of road rage. And a new stereo! Nice unit, all told. KISS — Keep It Simple, Stupid A Message to Garcia — Elbert Hubbard PRODUCT REVIEW Topdisplay Stereo Video Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gkIzq9 Topdisplay: https://www.ustopdisplay.com/products/for-dodge-ram-1500-2500-3500-radio-upgrade?ref=JEFFWAGG Code "BuiltToGo" RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Community Colleges — American Association of Community Colleges A PLACE TO VISIT East Aurora, New York Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, Built to GO may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Gasoline is getting more complicated than it used to be. This week we untangle octane ratings, ethanol blends, E15, Top Tier gasoline, and why the pump you used last year may not be dispensing the same fuel today. We'll also talk about welding safely on your vehicle, review TruFuel canned gasoline, celebrate the resurrection of the Max II ATV, visit one of Chicago's most unusual historical monuments, and recommend a thought-provoking look at the changing reality of stealth camping. Yes, it's amphibious. No, the water isn't supposed to be in the gas tank Main Topic: Gasoline Is Getting Complicated Understanding octane ratings: 87, 89, and premium What happens when your owner's manual recommends midgrade fuel E10 versus E15 and what the differences really mean Why some stations now sell E15 as their standard fuel Which vehicles should avoid higher ethanol blends What Top Tier gasoline means and whether it's worth seeking out TECH TALK Welding on Your Rig PRODUCT REVIEW TruFuel 4-Cycle Ethanol-Free Fuel https://amzn.to/4gdtoA2 RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Stealth Camping Is Dead: The New Rules of Vanlife Nobody Wants to Talk About https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLQnnJYg1Fo A PLACE TO VISIT Balbo Monument, Chicago https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balbo_Monument As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support Built to Go at no additional cost to you.

This week, we explore the strange and useful things you can attach to a trailer hitch, from hammocks and cranes to Starlink poles and a toilet seat. We’ll also talk about why you shouldn’t jack directly on pinch welds, review the Arctic Air Grip Go, visit the world’s largest penguin in Cut Bank, Montana, use NotebookLM to interrogate manuals, and explain why a stereo gets reviewed, or doesn’t. Kid likes it moist... Hitch Accessories for Vanlife Kaxiwei Hitch Mount Umbrella Holder https://amzn.to/4fpmrvC Viking Solutions SwiveLift Crane https://amzn.to/4yYn7zQ Hitch Mount Vise Plate https://amzn.to/4bIC92w Hitch Mount Hammock https://amzn.to/4wYYYXU EEZ RV Hitch Mount Starlink and Flag Pole https://amzn.to/4beY2q7 Log Sawhorse https://amzn.to/4vSIJec Bumper Dumper https://amzn.to/4fHXOZZ PRODUCT REVIEW Arctic Air Grip Go https://amzn.to/4wl3KPy RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION NotebookLM for Manuals https://notebooklm.google.com/ A PLACE TO VISIT World’s Largest Penguin, Cut Bank, Montana https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/797 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.

We take a look at different places to shop besides Home Depot and Amazon, visit some burned out forests, learn how to use Fuse Taps, spend some nights in a Tire Warehouse, and address some reader comments. THIS is a fuse tap. :) MAIN - Unexpected Places to Shop for Vanlife Gear THANKS TO: Stefan NEWS Crossroads Folds https://www.instagram.com/p/Da3UxBKPPrZ/ Starlink Changes European Roaming Policies https://starlink.com/gb/support/article/0dd1c2c0-7bae-8c8f-43d4-9a64eb66662f TECH TALK Fuse Taps: The Right Way to Add a 12-Volt Circuit PRODUCT REVIEW LETOUR Magnetic Rechargeable Light Bar https://amzn.to/44NVf3t TALES FROM THE ROAD How Sleeping in a Tire Warehouse Led Me to Vanlife A PLACE TO VISIT A Recovering Burned Region READER COMMENTS Insulation Follow-Up and Why Vans Are Overrated QUOTE “From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

This week, we'll look at 10 overrated things in vanlife, and not the ones you're thinking about. We'll also review a completely boring yet awesome kitchen item, visit a modern Pompeii, and grow tomatoes on the dashboard. The Church (not really a cathedral) PRODUCT REVIEW Silicone Corelle Covers https://amzn.to/4fkxV2a RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Urban Leaf Gardening In a Van? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJvCtMYO17Q A PLACE TO VISIT Eldheimar Museum https://visitwestmanislands.com/tour/eldheimar-museum/ 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.

Back from RMSS, I take a look at Amazon Prime Day and find an interesting trend. We'll also take a look at flashlights, visit Iceland, consider Vanly and get too excited about janitorial supples. I don't miss these days PRODUCT REVIEW Korpai Folding 2-Step Stool https://amzn.to/4bkbhFI Jacauto Folding Step Stool https://amzn.to/4vDySJJ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION SunCalc https://www.suncalc.org/ A PLACE TO VISIT Woolly Mammoth https://www.woollymammothchicago.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.

What's the best tool: cheap or expensive? Well, it depends on a bunch of things. We'll take a look. We'll also visit a place filled with solutions, test some screws, and recommend a product that blows. Loudly. I never got stuck when I drove one of these PRODUCT REVIEW Zovair Cordless Electric Air Duster https://amzn.to/3SFTwuf A PLACE TO VISIT Habitat for Humanity ReStore https://www.habitat.org/restores 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.

Back from RMSS, I take a look at Amazon Prime Day and find an interesting trend. We'll also take a look at flashlights, visit Iceland, consider Vanly and get too excited about janitorial supples. A gift from insomnia NEWS Vanfest Ends https://www.vanfestusa.com Passengers https://nofspodcast.com/passenger-review-vanlife-supernatural-horror Slate EV Truck https://www.fastcompany.com/91561144/slate-auto-launch-design-process-ev-truck PRODUCT REVIEW Vanlife Broom https://amzn.to/4erpxP9 RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Vanly, AirBnB-style app https://vanly.app/ A PLACE TO VISIT Iceland Van Rental https://indiecampers.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.

So - my planned podcast for this week was a dud, because despite recording 90 minutes worth of material, we ended up with nothing. The file is there, the time is right, but it didn't save what was recorded. My file is like a ghost town - it used to be there, and now it's not. So, here are some tidbits and updates on various topics. 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.

I screwed up, and I hope this fixes it: LiIon batteries are everywhere! Also, we'll take a deep dive into a pre-packaged survival kit, and talk about a custom podcast you can make This kit could save your life! Or, it could give you false hope and leave you in serious trouble. PRODUCT REVIEW XKASE Survival Kit https://amzn.to/4uKJiGW RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION NotebookLM Podcast Generator https://notebooklm.google.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.

All this stuff that is "our vans," where does it go? I mean, where does it all end up in the end? Let's explore. We'll also take a look at a couple of vanlife video games, the museum that things belong in, the BEST filters for your rig, and an interesting road trip. A hint of how big some things are at the former Oriental Institute NEWS Volkswagen Van Back https://newatlas.com/campervans/volkswagen-2027-id-camper-van-usa/ Vanlife Horror Movie Passenger https://www.slashfilm.com/2177942/passenger-2026-movie-review/ Gus Bus https://www.autoevolution.com/news/gus-bus-proves-that-the-all-electric-vanlife-is-all-it-s-cracked-up-to-be-269207.html = PRODUCT REVIEW Rory Flow Portable Charger https://amzn.to/4v3L31T RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Vanlife Simulator Game https://store.steampowered.com/app/2711690/VanLife_Simulator/ Vanlife Game: Outbound https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GtUFav-Pog 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.

Are mindful when you're driving? I know you're paying attention; I'm asking if you're "mindful." We'll explore that, and a few stones of interest, mosquitoes, fuel prices, and the best way to find weird places to visit. Not a Tow Truck NEWS Brain Eating Amoeba https://gearjunkie.com/parks-and-public-lands/brain-eating-amoeba-national-parks New Winnebago https://camperreport.com/winnebago-arka-first-look-all-new-backcountry-adventure-motorhome/ New Campground Rules https://www.sej.org/headlines/trump-administration-orders-rapid-end-to-some-hunting-rules-on-federal-lands PRODUCT REVIEW Tire Screws https://amzn.to/4dsISOg RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Flattest Route https://www.flattestroute.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.

Are mindful when you're driving? I know you're paying attention; I'm asking if you're "mindful." We'll explore that, and a few stones of interest, mosquitoes, fuel prices, and the best way to find weird places to visit. What is this stone? https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZNaQZKqHjkAgstDx5= PRODUCT REVIEW Deep Woods OFF Dry https://amzn.to/42RtsxX A PLACE TO VISIT Talayotic Menorca https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1528/ 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.