174 The BEST Van, Secret Compact Van, Bacon!, SPAM Museum, Roller Paint Your Van

Are you part of "REAL" #vanlife? We have the answer. We'll also visit a place with no vans, find a place for shoes, build a van without insulation, review wainscoting paneling and take a trip through Radio Garden. A Place to Visit - Sacha Lodge A van-free paradise in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. sachalodge.com  One of many comfy spots in the lodge.  Resource Recommendation - Radio Garden A lovely way to experience the radio of the world, and perhaps find a radio station at your haunt for the night.  radio.garden 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.

10 Feb 202129min

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