263 In Transit, Cut it Out, Ground Mat, Norway, Stuck in Nevada

This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jCMwk60Q3l4 If you're curious about what kind of fridge to have in your van, this is the episode for you—we explore them ALL. We'll also visit a cult compound, learn how to decipher CCA on batteries, figure out how to test our iPhone Satellite Emergency system, and run into a tricky situation in Africa. Plus: News! FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity) If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo Our hollow world Refrigerator Links The Bodega TWW45 - best fridge I've ever tested. https://youtu.be/UuvDNb7TPBw The Setpower AJ30 - the fridge I use every day https://youtu.be/uWQuVMpTaSg Vanlife News Westphalia Van Returns to North America Westfalia Campers Returning To North America In 2024 No long term parking for camper vans in St. Petersburg. https://stpetecatalyst.com/city-officials-look-to-curb-van-life/ https://www.rigzone.com/news/eia_bumps_up_usa_diesel_price_forecast-18-sep-2023-174029-article/ Tech Talk CCA = Cold Cranking Amps How many amps the battery can put out over 30 seconds at 0ºF MCA = Marine Cranking Amps How many amps the battery can put out over 30 seconds at 0ºC Converting CCA to Amp Hours CCA ÷ 7.25 = Amp Hours Product Review The folks at Strike Hold sent me a couple of products to review.  http://www.strikehold.com use code BTG10 to receive 10% off Or you can use Amazon https://amzn.to/460CTLq A Place to Visit Koreshan State Park in Estero, Florida https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/koreshan-state-park Resource Recommendation How to test your iPhone's Satellite Emergency Communication System https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V35jHAkpUIk Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

21 Sep 202340min

This podcast is also available on YouTube and contains the FULL VIDEO OF THE MYSTERY ANIMAL: https://youtu.be/ZEvYBpiBPoA This is a bit of a departure, but we need to talk about this mystery animal, and why people are seeing things. What is it? And how can we be sure? We'll also review a tiny 150watt inverter, visit an important piece of history, learn an Anderson connector trick, and solve our new iPhone problem.  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity) If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo A remarkable piece of history Product Review The Pisfau 150 Watt charger is an inexpensive way to charge your laptop and other devices.  https://youtu.be/Qy2Pqxc3P2A A Place to Visit USS Olympia is just one part of the historic Independence Seaport Museum https://www.phillyseaport.org/ Resource Recommendation One solution to Apple's move towards USB-C is to use adapters for old devices. The ones with short cables are best.  https://amzn.to/3ZnkVk0 Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

13 Sep 202333min

This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wrSkvs0s_dQ   Be nice when you go to Canada, Eh? Americans have a reputation, and it's not always good. There are things you can do to show those Canadians that Americans are nice too. We'll also show a quick tip to extend wiper blade life, try an interesting app called Questo, defy death at crazy heights, and spend a night in the airport parking lot.    FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity) If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo This looks more fun than it was. :)    SkatorGator 3D A new video game with levels and vocals by Fisher Wagg https://www.weatheredsweater.com/skator-gator-3d Amazon Prime Still a bargain https://amzn.to/3LeTnYa Product Review Questo! The app that combines escape rooms with self-guided tours http://www.questoapp.com  A Place to Visit CN Tower EdgeWalk - this is a crazy thing to do https://www.cntower.ca/brave-the-edgewalk Video of Jeff doing this crazy thing https://youtu.be/20XTSGItG_k Resource Recommendation ArriveCan - the app that makes the border easier https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/services/arrivecan.html Global Entry - a program for Americans to ease border crossings https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

6 Sep 202330min

This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QEkoOge-9H0 You have a van. Is it your escape pod? Are you ready to go if disaster strikes? You can be. We'll also review Amazon Prime, visit the "center" of North America, encounter someone in the woods, and talk about "your van book."  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity) If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo A locked door - with no locks.   Product Review Amazon Prime, even with increased price, is still a bargain (especially for students) https://amzn.to/3ORyxiz A Place to Visit The Center of North America is a bit tricky to find... https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-geographical-center-of-north-america/ Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

30 Aug 202333min

This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLxzmOPi6aE Have you been scared off by how complicated solar is? It doesn't have to be. There's a very simple solar setup that requires very little knowledge and NO cutting or drilling. We'll also "Escape from NY" (across the MIssippippi), put hooks EVERYWHERE, and accompany buddha with a pizza.  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity) If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo A van in its happy place. Simple Solar Here's a list of all the solar things mentioned in this episode: Solar Panels https://amzn.to/3ssExH3 "Solar Generators" ugh. I mean Power Stations https://amzn.to/3KWcnKZ All kinds of adapters for MC4 (Solar) connectors https://amzn.to/3Ev4SXP PWM Solar Controllers https://amzn.to/3QTujcU A bargain, really.  And don't forget the fuses! https://amzn.to/3QT7eXy Resource Recommendation Lateral With Tom Scott podcast https://lateralcast.com/ Product Review Single Cup Keurig https://amzn.to/47JdrLL A Place to Visit Chain of Rocks Bridge, part of old Route 66 https://www.nps.gov/places/chain-of-rocks-bridge.htm Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

24 Aug 202333min

This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TTxiNRSZwcU Are you ready to start Vanlife? How can you be sure? There's ONE things that's essential. We'll also take a look at why 12v kettles might not be a good idea, visit a Subaru Factory in Indiana, and talk about how some religious organizations help in times of disaster.  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity) If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo Mega-Skookie in Pontiac, IL A Place to Visit Subaru lets you tour their Indiana plant https://web.subaru-sia.com/Tour/ Resource Recommendation Like factory tours? This list is out of date, but still has some good stuff.  https://factorytoursusa.com/ Product Review Stryker Sage Bath Cloths These are great for cleanup, but have a few quirks. https://homecare.stryker.com/sage-essential-bath-cloths-7800-7803 Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

16 Aug 202329min

This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoxdNAWRyfE I was wrong! 10 times! Time to 'fess up. We'll also visit Haiti, as well as the Museum of Bad Art. And we'll find a great source for RV windows, talk about a way to stay safe, and review some clever peg board from IKEA.  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity) If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo Vanlife, Chicago-style.   A Place to Visit Museum of Bad Art. That kinda says it all.  https://museumofbadart.org/ Resource Recommendation A good source for windows. http://www.rvwindows.com Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

9 Aug 202328min

This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9pvNVvE6JQ Your van is dangerous. We'll take a look at a popular video that explains why, and offer some suggestions. We'll also experience a close encounter, cook some soup right in the can, and visit one of my favorite childhood haunts. FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity) If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit ButMeACoffee.com/BuiltToGo Home.    Project of Science Video Thanks to Project of Science and the van owners for posting this.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iANPQBhP4yk A Place to Visit Dairy Witch. The One. The Only.  https://www.dairywitch.com/ Resource Recommendation The official standards for how to build a campervan http://rvia.org Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

2 Aug 202335min