Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast
Society & Culture
About
Your #vanlife companion for long days on the road, working on your rig, or just relaxing by that perfect spot. Self-build? Living in your vehicle? Stealth Van? Our magazine format has something for every #vanlife interest.
Episodes
- 297 Big Battery Episode! Survival Kits, Custom Podcasts
I screwed up, and I hope this fixes it: LiIon batteries are everywhere! Also, we'll take a deep dive into a pre-packaged survival kit, and talk about a custom podcast you can make This kit could save your life! Or, it could give you false…
- 296 Where Does it Go? Vanlife games, Fancy Filters, Indiana Jones Museum
All this stuff that is "our vans," where does it go? I mean, where does it all end up in the end? Let's explore. We'll also take a look at a couple of vanlife video games, the museum that things belong in, the BEST filters for your rig, an…
- 295 10 Stupid (but useful) Things, Tire Screws, Flat Routes, Fly the Plane
Episode 295 of Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast discusses driving mindfulness, fuel prices, finding unique destinations, and reviews tire screws and a flat route planner. It also touches on news regarding brain-eating amoebas in national pa…
- 294 Mindfulness and Vanlife, Stones, Mosquitoes, GAS, Taula
This episode of the Built To Go! Vanlife Podcast explores mindfulness on the road, discusses intriguing stones, mosquitoes, and fuel costs. It also covers finding unique travel destinations and features a review of a mosquito repellent.
- 293 USA Wins, Paracord, Garum, The Thrill of Vicotry
Episode 293 of Built To Go! #Vanlife Podcast covers topics including advantages in the US, paracord uses, a garum factory visit, and a rock formation with monkeys. It also mentions a 50-year journey ending and includes news about the ProMa…
- Bonus! Malaga and Beyond
This bonus episode from Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast provides an update from Malaga, Spain, during an ongoing adventure. It also includes news relevant to small vans in the United States.
- O'Hare Quickcast: Ford Recall, Van Bidets & Goldfish Experiments
In this episode of Built To Go!, host Jeff Wagg covers a Ford recall, discusses bidet options for vans, and shares his experiments with sealed ecospheres. He also touches on resources for seasonal jobs and a personal travel story.
- 292 No Cook Eating, Skoolieswarm 66, Antarctica, Analog Meters
What if you wanted to hit the road, but without the need to refrigerate, cook, or clean up? It's possible, and we'll talk about how. We'll also talk about analog vs. digital multimeters, introduce you to Skoolieswarm Route 66, visit Antarc…
- 291 Gas Price, Turbo Fan, Content Ethics, Rick Steves, WIndmills
President Gas is President Gas again. Kudos to you who got that reference, and I hate to break it to you: you're old. But in addition to gas prices, we'll talk about free audio tours, why windmills won't help you, and a new fan that is my…
- Bonus! Three Folks Living YOUR Dream
This is a recording of a conversation I had with three vanlifers, all "living the dream," and all doing it differently. Recorded at VanFest: Lift Off 2026, Bruce, Jon and Nellie all have tips and stories from the road, involving, in no par…
- 290 Solar Awnings, Pet Sitting, Saw All, RMSS, SMart Car
You could have an awning that provides shade. But since it's blocking the sun anyway, why can't it generate power too? We investigate. We also take a look at an interesting opportunity to sleep under a roof, review a saw that does it all,…
- 289 An interview with RV Tech Sherm of the The Green Machine
Something special this week, an hour-long interview with Sherm, a fellow vanlifer who masquerades as an RV Tech during the day. We chat about a variety of topics, including the difference between an RV and a campervan, mice, greasy leather…
- 288 Which Vanlifer are You, Diesel Tank, Solar Panel Voltage, Bishops Castle
If you need help, do you ask for it? Or do you help yourself? Can you do both? We'll explore. We'll also take a trip to Bishops Castle, explore diesel heater tanks, find water everywhere, and hear a tale about an old friend A tour of a 197…
- Bonus Again! A VanFest Conversation
Hello folks - I'm going to release all the VanFest content as "Bonus" episodes, which just means it doesn't follow the normal format. I've a few more interview episodes that will air in the coming weeks, and your feedback is always welcome…
- Bonus! Vanfest, and what to do when everything goes wrong.
Hello! Just a big long story this week as I recover from "things" that have been happening these past couple of weeks. Be it ever so humble, there's no place like "van." Vanfest https://www.vanfestusa.com
- 287 Best Vanlife Apps-ish, an overlooked resource, Toadstool Geology, Strange Electronics
The best apps for vanlife aren't apps! We'll explain. We'll also try an induction cooktop, visit another planet, consider the oldest tool ever found, turn lights into fans, and hear a tale of lost youth. NOT me. Ever. VANLIFE WEBSITES: •iO…
- 286 Pets on the Road, Portable Solar, Loves Camping, Frozen Pipes
Hitting the road with your canine companion? Excellent! But there are things to consider, and we consider them. We'll also review a new type of portable solar panel, camping at Loves, defrosting pipes, and being dragged into the world. I d…
- 285 Lonelieness, New Heater, RV Shows, Ghost Town, Battleborn
There's a connection between loneliness and vanlife. But it goes both ways, and AI can play a role. We'll also visit RV Shows, get spooked, take a stab at the "goldfish problem," and examine a new heater. Aurora NV, 1870 Aurora NV, 2019 (f…
- 284 Malta, 2026 News, Warsaw, Echo Auto, Xenophobia
Back from Malta! Can you vanlife there? Yes! Sorta! Kinda. We'll also visit an impressive castle, argue politics with an AI while driving, and sift through a raft of bad news As seen in Valetta. Illegally parked, but... hmmm. NEWS National…
- 283 EV Camper Research, Exhaust Solution, Ice Castles, Leo, Drugs
Can an EV be a camper van? We'll take a look at two contenders. We'll also visit some Ice Castles, talk about the I-word, and get some drugs The actual plane we flew on. A few years later, it crashed into the sea with great loss of life. P…
- 282 WRONG AGAIN!, Winter Campgrounds, Rest Area Camping, Portable Vent Hood, Mystery Rock
I'm wrong again! A periodic episode in which I come clean on mistakes, and other things that I need to 'fess up to. We'll also explore some winter campgrounds, talk A LOT about rest area camping, and review a portable vent hood. "I claim t…
- Bonus! 2025 Black Friday Deals?
Black Friday! It's like Black Francis, but with more enthusiasm! Ehem. Look, here's a big list of stuff I found that's for sale on Black Friday. Some normal stuff, some weird stuff. Not a lot of great bargains, but I'll bet some of them wi…
- 280 BIG HEAT, Currant NV, Little Free Pantries, Stove Lighters
It's the BIG HEAT. We'll take a look at nearly every way to heat a van and discuss how practical they are. We'll also have an extended visit to a place named after a small fruit, take a look at vapor barrier, and provide a resource for exc…
- 279 Aurora Bright Spots, Wireless Cams, Free Water, Thermal Bridging
This week we demonstrate the concept that everywhere is somewhere, and the receipt is long and curly. We'll also play with some solar powered cameras, have an ice cream in Maine, find some free water, and explore thermal bridging. Two youn…
- 278 Vanlife CANCELED? 5v Circuit, Bluetti Review, Hawaii, Donating Your Van
In the past week, I realized that my truck is the perfect vanlife vehicle for me. Learn why! And we'll visit Aldi, Mississippi, have a bit of a cry, and explore the basics of stealth camping. Potential. NEWS New Sodium Ion Bluetti Batterie…
- 277 Cops Redux! An interview with former ticket writer, Hal Bidlack.
It's a big topic, and one that deserves some attention—so why not talk to the people we're talking about? Hal Bidlack has had a storied life, but part of that story involves his time with "the police," though his role was a bit more compli…
- 276 Cops, Visit a Word, Smart Multimeter, Dead Alternator, Gray Water Wonders
It's time to talk about dealing with the police, and how changes in the US have made vanlife a riskier proposition. We'll also drive without an alternator, admit that Hal was right, visit a word, and evaporate some gray water. Every truck…
- 275 Big Announcement!, MICE, Canadian Tire, Tread Rug, De-Vanning
The Big Announcement is here! And so are the mice, and they've very very hungry. We also have a lovely visit to Canadian Tire, praise the lowly tread rug, and turn a camper back into a van. Why does the fluff...move? A PLACE TO VISIT Canad…
- 274 Truck Camper Lessons, Easy Water, Ghost Dancing, Converters, Lady Van, Epiphany
Finally, we hit the road, and we learn some things about truck camper life. We'll also explore a simple water system, talk about ways to adjust voltage, visit a Lady Van, Ghost Dancing and learn a very important thing on the drive home. Ev…
- 273 10 Forgotten Roads, Gorilla Rubber Spray, Volo, Dickson Mounds, TripIt
There's more than just Route 66! Let's explore some other roads of legend. We'll also spray some goo, solve a weird furnace problem, visit the Batmobile, and explore an unexpected and unbelievable museum with a big problem. The mystery beg…
- 272 Pickup Truck Instead? Stealth Advice, Propane Lockers, Mississippi Parthenon, Aldi
In the past week, I realized that my truck is the perfect vanlife vehicle for me. Learn why! And we'll visit Aldi, Mississippi, have a bit of a cry, and explore the basics of stealth camping. The transplant begins. NEWS Starlink Slow Mode…
- 271 Controlling Noise, USB Water Pump, Toyota Plant, Front Hitches
This week, we offer 10 ideas for keeping noise down in your van, play with a USB water pump, visit a Toyota plant, explain why use front hitches are, and learn how to tie some important knots. Sunset indeed. NEWS De Minimis Shipments Taxed…
- 270 Absorption Fridge, Matawan, Hardboard, AI Role Play, Self Recovery
The 3-Way fridge is falling out of fashion, but should it? Maybe not! We'll also visit a gruesome scene, talk about dangerous deeds, talk to Willy Wonka, and tell a tale of peril in Arizona. Just yards away for her permanent pasture. A PLA…
- 269 Rag & Bone Buffet, Autocamp, BT Remote, 100 Best State Parks, Ohms
Lots of corrections and updates this week, plus a visit to an Autocamp, 100 Best State Parks, A Remote, and A Bit of Resistance Mathieson State Park NEWS Bob Wells on the legality of Vanlife https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-psEy2K30Tw Amer…
- 268 Digital Nomads, ANZAC Memorial, A Wren, Flexi Solar, Polarity
Do you live in your van or out of your van? We'll take an in-depth look at one person's story. We'll also try out a moisture meter, wash dishes without water, learn about a particular border, and visit a very nice Sandwich. If you're looki…
- 267 Living in the World, Moisture Meter, Waterless Washing, Sandwich, Border Map
Do you live in your van or out of your van? We'll take an in-depth look at one person's story. We'll also try out a moisture meter, wash dishes without water, learn about a particular border, and visit a very nice Sandwich. If you're looki…
- 266 WATER, Camco Drain, Rules, Wing Rot, Gray Water
Water is a resource and a troublesome. We'll explore some strategies for dealing with this heavy and precious substance. We'll also review a unique drain, hang out with some movie stars, talk about gray water strategies and spend some time…
- 265 The Truth About Sprinters, Parks Canada, Robert the Doll, Wet Spots
I've often talked about my Sprinter and why I think people should avoid them. Now - here the truth! And then head to Canada and visit their national parks, hear a tale about dogs and sharks, get some essential shoes, and drill some holes.…
- 264 Legislative Changes, Macbook Air, Solar for Portables, Bermuda Triangle, SS Badger
I'm at sea, but I'm persevering to share with you some possible impact from recent legislation. I'll also tell a tale of loss in the Bermuda Triangle, talk about solar charging options for portable power banks, and tell you how to avoid Ch…
- 263 In Transit, Cut it Out, Ground Mat, Norway, Stuck in Nevada
There are time when you're neither here no there, and wonderful things can happen. We'll also tackle some of a rig's worst issues, look at a way to keep dirt out of your rig, get stuck in Nevada and visit Norway. If you're looking for my p…
- 262 Getting Rid of Your Rig, Swivel Magnet, Suspension Upgrades, Bright Drop
Parting is such sweet sorrow, but it sure is a relief sometimes. But how? Swivel Magnets can make life easier, a few simple upgrades can improve your ride, and someone tests a Bright Drop. If you're looking for my personal articles, you ca…
- 261 Where to Find a Rig, Solar for Your Hood, A Long, Arduous Road
Buying a rig is a bit tricky today, here are some places you can find what you're looking for. We'll also put solar on our hood(?), and tell the very long tale of why this podcast is late. If you're looking for my personal articles, you ca…
- 260 How to Kill Your Van
The easiest way to kill your van. How do I know? Because I just did it. We'll also talk about how to store you van long term, review a product that means you'll never get stuck again with a dead battery, and visit France...but not Europe.…
- 259 Your Van Won’t Last, Overloaded, Free Pantries, Scampinging, Battery Bag
Life happens while you're making plans, and the vehicle you're working on now probably won't last very long! We'll also look at safer battery storage, how to drive the WRONG way, a scary night, an excellent exchange, and a mixed bag of new…
- 258 First Aid Kit Redux, Other Stuff you Should Have
So much great feedback on the first aid kit episode that I made a whole episode out of it! We'll also talk about other things you should have in your van, including a great app that's a must have. If you're looking for my personal articles…
- 257 First Aid Kit, Cabinet of Curiosities, Trees in the Road, Leathermans, Wound Closure
First aid kits seem like a good idea, but are they useful? Ours is! Let's dive deep on this one. We'll also visit a mummified hand, see trees in the road, play with sharp things and stop a whole lot of bleeding. If you're looking for my pe…
- 256 10 Unusual Vehicles, Fire Blankets, MC4 Connectors, Osoyoos Desert
Forget vans and SUVs! You can build a rig out of anything, and here are some strange ideas. We'll also visit a desert in Canada, put out a fire with a blanket, take apart MC4 connectors, and hear some tales from an old job. If you're looki…
- 255 Alternative Charging Options, Meshtastic, Leatherman Voltage Tester, Campendium
Charge without Solar or DC to DC? It's possible! But advisable? Well... We'll also visit the French Riviera, brew up a home grown WiFi network replacement, explore a WEIRD device, and take a look at Campendium. If you're looking for my per…
- 254 Driving Myths, Multitools, Boat Board, Cigarette Lighter Outlets, A Sad Moment
Do you embrace driving myths? Let's find out! We'll also explore Boat Board, multitools, the reason you should still have cigarette lighter outlets, and experience a sad moment. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them…
- 253 Extreme Weather, Ventusky, Iceland, Wrong Fuel, Monkey Magnets
Extreme weather affects folks living in vehicles more than most—what do you do? We'll explore. We'll also visit Iceland! Land of the vanlife test drive, and figure out what to do when you have the wrong fuel in your rig. Monkey Magnets and…