054 Safety Tips, Door Steps, Atlas Obscura, 12v Kettles, Rodents

This week, I ask you to indulge me as I discuss my "Aurora" project, and plans for its future. It's a bit more personal than usual. We'll also review bamboo paper towels, visit some old trees, find out what's at the next exit, and deliver a pizza somewhere unusual.  We now have a Discord Server! What’s that? It’s a place to share and ask questions with the host of Built to GO and other listeners. It’s a new community, so it will take some time to get to size, but you can be part of that! This link will take you to a video that explains the concept. Join us! A Place to Visit - Cathedral State Park, Aurora WV The state's largest old growth forest.  https://wvstateparks.com/park/cathedral-state-park/ Product Review - Bamboo Paper Towels They come in a roll like regular paper towels, but they're washable! https://amzn.to/3weoMAG Resource Recommendation - Next Exit A classic resource for finding out where to go (so to speak). Good for emergencies!  https://thenextexit.com/

31 Maalis 202129min

Frank Olito, reporter for Insider.com, was intrigued by #vanlife. He rented a nicely built-out van and hit the road. What happened next was unexpected and we can learn from his experience.  We also discuss the film Nomadland, now streaming on Hulu. This conversation is at the end of the podcast for those who wish to avoid spoilers.  Pertinent Links: Frank's articles on Insider.com Nomandland on Hulu (Requires subscription, free trial available.) Outdoorsy.com, a van and RV rental service Tiny House Nation, a reality TV show about tiny homes.

26 Maalis 202151min

Let's take a look at some common "#vanlife myths. Are they all myths? And we'll visit a site in Oregon where a balloon created strange history, play with endoscope, tell a tale of "the knock," and share a resource for finding bits and bobs for your build.  We now have a Discord Server! What’s that? It’s a place to share and ask questions with the host of Built to GO and other listeners. It’s a new community, so it will take some time to get to size, but you can be part of that! This link will take you to a video that explains the concept. Join us! A Place to Visit - Mitchell Recreation Area, Bly, Oregon A place of tragedy and healing. Wikipedia Product Review - Wireless Endoscope These tiny camera probes could have some interesting uses in a van. https://amzn.to/3d4oe7M Resource Recommendation - Hard to Find Parts A great source for those RV-esque parts like outer doors, windows, and plumbing bits.  http://www.recpro.com

24 Maalis 202129min

Why can’t we get the “cool” vans in the US? And why is it so hard to find ANY van in the us right now? We’ll also take a look at the MacBook Air M1, a great #vanlife computer, prepare for NOT having Internet, and visit a tree in a rock.  We now have a Discord Server! What’s that? It’s a place to share and ask questions with the host of Built to GO and other listeners. It’s a new community, so it will take some time to get to size, but you can be part of that! This link will take you to a video that explains the concept. Join us! Find out more about the Chicken Tax Where to find vans Commercial Truck Trader RV Trader GovPlanet A Place to Visit - Tree in a Rock It’s a tree in a rock. And it’s been in the way for centuries. Roadside America Product Review - Apple MacBook Air M1 These tiny computers have a lot to offer for #vanlife. https://amzn.to/3tv6usG Resource Recommendation - Free Audio Books A great list: https://bookriot.com/11-websites-find-free-audiobooks-online/

17 Maalis 202130min

Is Anxiety stopping you from doing what you want? You're not alone. But there are ways to beat it. We'll also talk about Smart Alternators, Button Lamps, and explain a magic trick that you can do... when you're lucky!  We now have a Discord Server! What’s that? It’s a place to share and ask questions with the host of Built to GO and other listeners. It’s a new community, so it will take some time to get to size, but you can be part of that! This link will take you to a video that explains the concept. Join us! Anxiety The American Counseling Association has a great set of resources for learning about and coping with anxiety.  A Place to Visit - McFarthest Spot Find with Google Maps Find with What Three Words (increased.waxing.decreasing) History of McFarthest Spot Product Review - Button Lamps Ok, I love these things perhaps a bit too much  Amazon: https://amzn.to/ PIck a card, any card.

10 Maalis 202130min

What's the best Microvan to convert? We have answers! We'll also have a frank talk about mold, visit some historic ships in Philadelphia, review CHEAP LED flares, and make a big mistake driving in the desert. And we've launched our YouTube Channel! Built to GO! A Vanlife Channel is live.   Want to see Jeff's NV200? Here it is! Resource Recommendation - Nomadland, the Book A must read for those considering vandwelling. AudioBook on Audible.com.     Tech Talk - Mold Is mold dangerous? CDC Mold FAQ A Place to Visit - Philadelphia's Delaware River Waterfront See and tour historic vessels from the 19th and 20th century.  Philadelphia's Delware River Waterfront Product Review - CHEAP Twinkle Star Lights Three for $14, almost as good as the expensive ones! AAA batteries need attention.  Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uNE3I3\ Van News Volkswagen's long-awaited revival of microbus goes autonomous: ID.Buzz electric van on its way Richmond chooses Civic Plaza parking lot as vehicle parking site for homeless Hilltop Mall rejected as site after neighbors complained USPS Chooses Oshkosh Defense to Replace Its Mail-Delivery Trucks

3 Maalis 202131min

Nomadland! It's the movie everyone is talking about, but a few folks don't understand. We'll try to explain why reactions are so polarized. We'll also visit the Raven's Grin Inn, browse through Advanture Magazine, move a dome light, discuss vapor barriers and try a hand generator. Plus a shocking tale from the road! All in about 30 minutes! Whew!  And we've launched our YouTube Channel! Built to GO! A Vanlife Channel is live. What to see Jeff's NV200? Here it is! Nomadland Watch for free (trial) on Hulu.  AudioBook on Audible.com. Behind the Scenes on YouTube. Still from Nomadland (Custer State Park, SD.)   A Place to Visit - Raven's Grin Inn One of the craziest haunted fun house experiences you can have in the US.  Ravens Grin Inn Resource Recommendation - Advanture Magazine Free, online #vanlife magazine catering to adventure rigs. European-based, also has a print version available! Instagram: @advanturemagazine Product Review - Shikha Hand Crank Generator Charge your phone and batteries by hand! Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZG2hWo Some links are affiliate links, and the podcast host will receive a payment if you order from them. Anything provided by a manufacturer for review will be fully disclosed. All reviews are the opinion of the podcast host.

24 Helmi 202131min

You can run from the snow, but you can't necessarily hide from it. Here's a quick guide in how to drive and survive it. We'll also visit a time warp brewery, discuss the treasure chest under your vehicle, try out an LED flare, and get an unexpected visit from Jackson Pollock. Winter Driving A guide from AAA Recovery Boards Entrenching Tool A Place to Visit - Alexander Keith Visit and historic brewery with a surreal twist in Hallifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Alexander Keiths (novascotia.com)  Resource Recommendation - TripIt A nice tool for organizing your trips. TripIt  Product Review - Safety Puck 9 in 1 This handy item acts as a road flare, emergency flashlight and night vision saver. Tough! Duluth Trading Company Cheaper version (unreviewed) from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dz5K1l Some links are affiliate links, and the podcast host will receive a payment if you order from them. Anything provided by a manufacturer for review will be fully disclosed. All reviews are the opinion of the podcast host.

17 Helmi 202131min