257 First Aid Kit, Cabinet of Curiosities, Trees in the Road, Leathermans, Wound Closure

Lots of questions about solar power, so this episode breaks format a bit and focuses on how solar works, what you need, and whether you really need it. Also, a visit to Fort Ransom, ND, an unsatisfying tale about Writing Rock, an introduction to Solar Expert Will Prowse, and AC in a Van? COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus    SOLAR! This is the equipment I'm using. There are many other excellent components, but these are what I'm using Rich Solar 100W Monocrystalline Panel https://amzn.to/2Cwwzmg Renogy 20amp MPPT Controller https://amzn.to/38VaXvU  Tales From the Road Writing Rock - Where is it     A Place to Visit Fort Ransom, ND State Park Fort City Resource Recommendation: Will Prowse, DIY Solar Will is THE expert on solar setups. Watch a few of his videos and you'll know a lot. YouTube    BONUS: AC in a Van? Tim Campbell may have figured it out! Watch this video and see what you think. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxpxg82UV3g

13 Juli 202030min

We announce the winner of our contest, troubleshoot with Lord Occam, have an encounter at Standing Rock and point out the importance of brown signs. COVID-19 is growing stronger, but we can still travel! We just need to do a few things different. We'll also discuss the important of ground wires, review a Dometic toilet, joyously recommend commercialtrucktrader.com, visit the Timberline Lodge and tell a boat ramp story.  COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus    CONTEST WINNER: Brian from North Carolina! Congratulations! We'll have other contests in the future. Tales From the Road A trip to Standing Rock turns into an encounter with the locals.    Resource Recommendation Brown Signs Take the time to stop and see things that "Historic Markers" or "Scenic View" signs are pointing to. It's a great way to learn about a place and take a moment to appreciate where you are.  Tech Talk: Lord Occam's Method  Lord Occam said "The simplest solution is likely correct." But every new piece of evidence requires you to apply it again.    Product Review: Flottebo Ikea Table The brackets are an odd shape, but if you're looking for a $30 solution to having a swing away table in your van, this might be the ticket. Ikea Flottebo Side Table

8 Juli 202029min

COVID-19 is growing stronger, but we can still travel! We just need to do a few things different. We'll also discuss the important of ground wires, review a Dometic toilet, joyously recommend commercialtrucktrader.com, visit the Timberline Lodge and tell a boat ramp story.  COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus  CONTEST!!!! If you live in the US and e-mail me before July 7th, 2020 with a story or other item of interest that I can put in the podcast, you'll be entered to win a brand new PWM Solar Charge controller. Every entry will receive a Hook Waka Bang sticker. Your privacy will be respected - nothing shared, stored, folded, spindled or mutilated.   Travel during COVID-19? You can do it, but set your expectations and be a lot more self-contained.  Tales From the Road Playing stupid games on abandoned coast guard bases isn't the smartest thing to do.    Resource Recommendation Commercial Truck Trader:  The BEST place to search for vans online. Truly an astounding display of vannage.  Tech Talk: Ground Wires Ground wires are just as important as the power wires. Take care of them.  Product Review: Dometic 970 Camping Toilet Not quite like being in a house, but a perfectly reasonable solution.  https://amzn.to/3eVepZC

1 Juli 202029min

High top or low top? That IS the question this week, and while high tops have a lot of appeal, low tops have a place as well. We'll also visit Gillette Castle, the Oregon Coast, and review Ikea Eket and suggest American Van. How can you secure your van? Not personal security, but keeping people out of your van! The Amazon Fire HD 8 has a cool secret, and Salvage One is an interesting place to visit in Chicago. Would like a free water pump? We tell you how. And FINALLY, and explanation for all the Aurora references. And we try Rock Auto and report back. COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus  CONTEST!!!! If you live in the US and e-mail me before July 7th, 2020 with a story or other item of interest that I can put in the podcast, you'll be entered to win a brand new PWM Solar Charge controller. Every entry will receive a Hook Waka Bang sticker. Your privacy will be respected - nothing shared, stored, folded, spindled or mutilated.   High-top or Low-top? It boils down to this: do you want to optimize living or driving/parking?  Tales From the Road A trip to the Oregon Coast! Sort of. Florence to Astoria has some of the most picturesque driving the US. If you can see it.   Resource Recommendation American Van:  A catalog of commercial vans that might have something just for you.  Tech Talk: Curtain Dividers  The secret to hanging a curtain between the front and the back is a shower curtain tension rod.  Product Review: Ikea Eket Eket is a different type of Ikea product, not made of MDF and it doesn't need hex wrenches! What's best is that it comes in different depths.   A Place to Visit: Gillette Castle One of my favorite spots in New England, this castle was the home of William Gillette, creator of "Sherlock Holmes" as we know him. It's full of surprises.  Gillette Castle State Park

24 Juni 202031min

How can you secure your van? Not personal security, but keeping people out of your van! The Amazon Fire HD 8 has a cool secret, and Salvage One is an interesting place to visit in Chicago. Would like a free water pump? We tell you how. And FINALLY, and explanation for all the Aurora references. And we try Rock Auto and report back.  COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus    Van Security Keep your stuff out of site, hide small things, and learn a couple of tricks like kill switches, locking swivel seats, and chained steering wheels. Tales From the Road The Auroras explained, finally. What does it mean? You'll have to listen to find out.   Resource Recommendation Rock Auto - more than just an annoying commercial. It's actually pretty great!  Tech Talk: Free Water Pump! Ok, we'll spill the secret - your free water pump is... gravity. But it can be all you need.  Product Review: Amazon Fire HD 8 Not really a review, but rather an interesting way to use it as an Alexa hub.  Amazon Fire HD tablets. https://amzn.to/3ftHSts

18 Juni 202031min

What if you'd rather just buy a van? We talk about the realities, some of them harsh. We'll also review the Stanley Cook Kit (it's great!), talk about how to screw properly (really) and I'll tell the tale of what it's like on our Interstates now that COVID-19 is firmly with us.    COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus    Pre-Built Vans They're expensive. RV Trader is a great place to start, to get an idea of prices, etc.   Conversion Trader is focussed specifically on self-built vans.  Sportsmobile has the best full-sized, custom conversions. Tales From the Road Things are weird an eerie on the nation's interstates. Bring snacks.  Q&A - Window Tint Is it legal to tint your windows? Maybe? Sometimes. Could be. We discuss. Resource Recommendation Perhaps the very first "#vanlife" book, Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck.    Tech Talk: Screw With Care! Don't just screw willy nilly into your van. Every hole is a potential problem, and it's a good idea to know how your drill works as well.   Product Review: Stanley Adventure Prep + Cook Set - 1.58 Quart, Stainless Steel This is a great, compact, and flexible cooking solution perfect for vans.  https://amzn.to/3hgDPm5

11 Juni 202030min

Another Top 10? Who knows—but here are some tips about #vanlife that might help you make decisons. A House on the Rock (and so much more), Pre-made Camper Kits, a Choose My Own Adventure Idea, Free Templates, and a Velcro Wall.   COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus    Top 10 Tips #vanlife can be easier if you know a few things. Here some of them are.   Tales From the Road What if someone else told you where to go? In a nice way?  Q&A -Premade Kits?  Is a premade kit your ticket to #vanlife? Maybe. Wayfarer Vans is the most well known.   Resource Recommendation Free van build tool? Yes! But the templates are the real value. Thank you, SportsMobile.  A Place to Visit: House on the Rock One of the three "most curious" spots in the US. You can't prepare for this - just go. House on the Rock

26 Maj 202030min

Top 10? Who knows - but here are some myths about #vanlife that need to go away. A moving highway? Yes, it exists and it's called the "Badger." How do the pros do laundry? Infrequently. And we'll explain the difference between solar charge controllers, tell a story of a storm and recommend Travels with Charley.   COVID-19: This the BEST resource https://vanlifers.co/pages/coronavirus    Top 10 Myths #vanlife is gaining popularity and so are the stereotypes. Don't buy them. Tales From the Road What can a storm teach us about perspective? Q&A - Laundry?  Use the laundromat? The Scrubba promises to let you do your laundry in a bag. For a price. https://amzn.to/3bQRegx A mini washing machine. https://amzn.to/3cOJo8v A fine salad spinner washing machine. https://amzn.to/3e6ehp9 Resource Recommendation Perhaps the very first "#vanlife" book, Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck.  Tech Talk: Solar Charge Controllers Will Prowse is the god of solar. Here's is explanation, which is a lot more thorough than mine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB6zojol9o0 A Place to Visit: SS Badger The last coal-fired steamship running the United States today. https://www.ssbadger.com/

20 Maj 202028min