225 10 Things Builders Forget, RV Museum, Going Downhill, Free* Streaming, Dowsing for $$$

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 Mars 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 Feb 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 Feb 202131min

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