024 Top Vanlife Myths, SS Badger, Laundry, Solar Controllers, A Storm, Travels with Charley

Nothing beats shower power! We talk about how to use it, where to find it, and how to get it in your van. We'll also visit a sculpture garden filled with dead people, review VanLab, a "build in a box" solution for your new rig, hear the brave tale of Squeaky the Van, and explain how to get packages while you're on the road.  The magic juice box Shore Power Look for a heavy duty, 14AWG flat  extension cord. 12 feet is a good length. https://amzn.to/3tr4xOM Product Review - VanLab Flat pack complete furniture solutions for your NV200 or LWD Ford Transit (Sprinter coming soon!) Two people and four hours is all it takes to have your van built out. VanLabUSA A Place to Visit - Hope Cemetery in Barre, VT Stone masons create amazing artwork to memorialize their dead. Atlas Obscura - Hope Cemetery Tales From the Road - Squeaky the Van This week's tale was brought to by Liz James of the Cracked Cup Podcast. Have a listen! 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.

3 Feb 202129min

Do you nee a van for #vanlife? We say: NO. In fact, you may have everything you need to hit the road today. We'll also offer a simple guide to battery buying, a story about a nice guy finishing last, and review a 12v kettle. We'll also visit some cemeteries and offer an idea of who can install your electrical system.  A lovely day in Bangor, Maine   Product Review - Sunsebell 12v Kettle Simple, robust and effective - if a bit slow Pro-Tip: fill your coffee cup and dump just the contents into the kettle so you'll heat exactly the right amount of water https://amzn.to/3opcHUn A Place to Visit - Cemeteries! No matter where you go, there they are - and they're always interesting. FindAGrave can help you find yards and individuals Q & A - Where to get power installed? Find a major car stereo installer - just Google "Local Car Stereo Installation" Chain stores are less likely to be useful than independent shops 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.

27 Jan 202130min

The electric vans are coming! Will they be good for #vanlife? We'll also travel down a musical road, catch up with the Tappet Brothers, nearly kill a coworker, review the Geyser Shower System and find ways to keep bugs out.  Note: we've enabled third party advertising. Your feedback is welcome! If you hear anything you don't like, please let us know at jeff@builttogo.com.    Product Review - Geyser Shower System An all-in-one solution for having water, even hot water, in your van. geysersystems.com/ Resource Recommendation - Car Talk 30 years of radio can teach you how to troubleshoot your rig.  CarTalk.com A Place to Visit - The Musical Road of Lancaster, CA Drive down this road and it will play a song for you. https://www.roadsideamerica.com/video/56821 Q & A - Window Screens? Door socks: https://amzn.to/3qPzxGr Gutter screens: https://amzn.to/2Neir6k 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.

20 Jan 202131min

I'm back after a week of quarantine, and have some thoughts about being sick in a van (which I wasn't). Also, we'll explore deer whistles, finding community online, report on a great #vanlife book, and do a little urban exploration in Ohio with a friend.  TALES FROM THE ROAD - WE WANT YOURS! Send us your Tales From the Road and if we use the on the air, you'll receive a College of Curiosity SWAG bag, including some things appropriate for #vanlife. We'd prefer audio, but text could work and we'll help get it done for you. Send it to: jeff@builttogo.com. Thanks!   Product Review - Deer Whistles They don't work, so I'm not linking them Resource Recommendation - How to Live in a Van and Travel by Mike Hudson Like having a travel buddy through your whole #vanlife journey  https://amzn.to/3bzxrWA   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.

13 Jan 202130min

Folks, I contracted COVID-19 at the end of 2020 - a final parting gift. As such, I was unable to produce a normal episode as I can speak for a long time, can’t think much at all, and only have my iPad with me which isn’t set up for the podcast. The rather crappy sound is from recording in a very empty hotel room (where I’m quarantining) and the small iPad microphones.  I’m very grateful to Liz and Hal Bidlack for contributing the bulk of this episode, and to round things out, I’ve added a copy of my first solo podcast: Oddments.  I hope to back to normal by next week. Thanks very much for listening and I hope you enjoy this unusual episode.  PS - I have a very mild case, but you really don’t want to get this. I urge you to follow guidelines to keep yourself and others safe.

7 Jan 202127min

Should you have a gun in your van? We present the pros and cons, and reveal our bias. We'll also visit Ausable Chasm, talk about refilling disposable propane tanks, maximize solar power in winter, take a look at shop4seatscom and have a tale with the Mythbusters.  === As self harm is mentioned in this episode, it's important to point out that help is always available. I used to be a listener with this group, and they're the real deal. Don't make a permanent mistake for a temporary problem. Click for anonymous, confidential help. === TALES FROM THE ROAD - WE WANT YOURS! Send us your Tales From the Road and if we use the on the air, you'll receive a College of Curiosity SWAG bag, including some things appropriate for #vanlife. We'd prefer audio, but text could work and we'll help get it done for you. Send it to: jeff@builttogo.com. Thanks!   Guns in Vans A resource for some of the legal issues with gun ownership concealedcarry.com/ Statistics showing risk to self and family from gun ownership Study: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M13-1301?articleid=1814426& Article: https://www.vox.com/2015/10/1/18000520/gun-risk-death Less lethal option - Byrna Shoots plastic balls or pepper spray balls https://byrna.com/ Resource Recommendation - Shop4Seats.com One resource for RV and Van furniture such as seats and beds   Product Review - Propane Refilling Gadgets My recommendation: don't. One story. Another story.  A Place to Visit: AuSable Chasm A lovely riparian canyon environment with easy hiking and float trips. https://www.ausablechasm.com/ 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.

30 Dec 202030min

This week, we're focussing on safety tips that DON'T involve someone messing with you and your van. You know, the ones that are much more likely to kill you. We'll also try to keep mouse rats out of our rigs, visit Atlas Obscura, take a look at door steps for roof access, discuss 12v kettles and hear some more on how the penis-free can urinate in comfort.  Is your load secure? (Photo by Ildar Sagdejev) AD: Team Rubicon I've been a volunteer with Team Rubicon for years now. If you're looking for a way to travel and do REAL good for communities around the world, this organization can help you get there.  Right now, there is a real need for food supportive services. If you have a day, a week, or a month to give to help get food to people, Team Rubicon is one of many organizations that can help you get the job done.  Though the organization is closely allied with veterans, you do not need to have been in the military to participate.  TALES FROM THE ROAD - WE WANT YOURS! Send us your Tales From the Road and if we use the on the air, you'll receive a College of Curiosity SWAG bag, including some things appropriate for #vanlife. We'd prefer audio, but text could work and we'll help get it done for you. Send it to: jeff@builttogo.com. Thanks! Female Urination Devices Some love them, some hate them. https://amzn.to/2WICxqO Resource Recommendation - Atlas Obscura A comprehensive guide to the world's most interesting places Product Review - Door Steps A quick and easy way to gain access to your roof for solar panel cleaning, packing, or whatever. https://amzn.to/2KNX7U4 Q&A - 12v Kettles Before you buy a kettle, figure out how you're going to power it and how you're going to recharge your battery. I use mine only when I'm driving. Look for one that has a light, is completely enclosed, and doesn't have a removable base. https://amzn.to/3hf7U5H 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.

23 Dec 202030min

Moving in to the new place has taught me some realities of vanlife, especially regarding cube vans. We'll visit some amazing biology, review hand crank radios, talk about upgrading alternators, a tool for figuring out bolt sizes, and a monster in Salem Woods. AD: Robinhood   I’ve found an app that makes it dead simple to buy and sell stocks, even if you don’t know what you’re doing. And that app, is Robinhood. I’ve used it for years without a hitch. No contracts, no hidden fees, no gotchas. When you open your account, they’ll give you a free stock. That’s right, one share of a publicly traded company will be yours. It could be a big name like Apple or Google, but more likely it will be a smaller stock, like Zynga or Sirius. You will have to enter your bank’s information. But if you’re willing to do that, there’s literally a free stock waiting for you. And for me - and that helps keep the show going. Give it a try is join.robinhood.com/jeffw118 If you decide it’s not for you, sell the stock, keep the money and close your account. Easy peasy. I promise to only promote products that I use and trust, and Robinhood is one. If you have a different experience, please let me know. And thanks for giving it a look. TALES FROM THE ROAD - WE WANT YOURS! Send us your Tales From the Road and if we use the on the air, you'll receive a College of Curiosity SWAG bag, including some things appropriate for #vanlife. We'd prefer audio, but text could work and we'll help get it done for you. Send it to: jeff@builttogo.com. Thanks! A Place to Visit: Dismals Canyon Home to the only Dismalites in North America Bioluminescent "glow worms" make the area look like a galaxy at night.  https://www.dismalscanyon.com/ Product Review - Hand Crank Radios A must-have for anyone spending time in areas subject to severe weather. Look for: Lithium Battery Flexible Light Weather alerts (not just radio) Ability to charge cell phones Many good options: https://amzn.to/3oYMBYQ 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.

16 Dec 202031min