172 Keeping Tidy, AC vs. DC Switches, Road Gator Attack, Don’t Go Here

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

5 Mar 202030min

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

27 Feb 202031min

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/

19 Feb 202033min

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)

13 Feb 202029min

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

5 Feb 202030min

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/

29 Jan 202030min

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

23 Jan 202030min

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

15 Jan 202030min