Description
Built to Go is 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
- 2024 / 12 / 25240 BTG News, Windshield Washer Fluids, XMas Activity, A Potato, Bargain BedSome news from Built to GO! And windshield washer fluids explained, a story about a potato, a bargain of a bed, and how to find food and more when you really need it. Join us at VanFestUSA! February, 6-9 on...
- 2024 / 12 / 18239 Less Lethal Self Defense, Bens Street Food, Singing Tree, Power Station ProblemLooking for a self-defense device that's not a firearm? Consider these... carefully. We'll also try a new shelf stable food, listen to a singing tree, and learn about the Achille's heel of power...
- 2024 / 12 / 12238 Buying a Used Van, Diesel Heater vs. Power Station, Musk Sticks, Crossroads, Dwarf CarsLet's take a look at what you should look at when you're looking at a used van. We'll also dig deep into power stations and diesel heaters, try some pink treats, give up on privacy, and see some wee...
- 2024 / 12 / 4237 Bob Wells Journey, LED Myth, String Lights, Melk AbbeyBob Wells is the Godfather of Vanlife. Why happened? We'll also expose and LED myth, review some fun string lights, and visit an old place with an unexpected twist. Join us at VanFestUSA! February, 6-9 on...
- 2024 / 11 / 27236 BLACK Friday, Pins, Concentration Camp, Firelogs, Austrian AutobahnsBLACK Friday is upon us, and I have things to suggest. We'll also visit a concentration camp, some beautiful roads and learn why firelogs are bad for cooking. We'll also find a whole new community. Join us...
- 2024 / 11 / 21235 The ELEPHANT in the room, Baofeng Radios, Hidden Statues, Candle Heaters AGAINWhew. This is a heavy one, and I break a big rule here. This might be the last episode you listen to. But it has elephants, things that catch on fire, hidden art and crazy radios. Join us at VanFestUSA!...
- 2024 / 11 / 6234 The FUTURE of VanLife, Video Games, Covering your Rig, Rare Parts, Night Ghost TownMy voice is rough, but the content is here - let's explore what vanlife looks like in the future! Also, a couple of vanlife video games, the dangers of blue tarps, finding that rare part, and a tale involving...
- 2024 / 11 / 1BONUS: Death Valley, Racetrack PlayaFolks, my voice is near shot, so a short bonus episode this week about my recent trip to deepest, darkest, Death Valley. Full episode next week!
- 2024 / 10 / 23233 VanLife Experts, Leaks, Zipper Locks, Visiting History, NotebookLMThis week I tell you not to listen to me. And if you don't follow my advice, you'll learn about detecting leaks in your van, avoiding pick pockets, how to tell who is an "expert," and an impressive new AI...
- 2024 / 10 / 16232 VanFest LiftOff! Backup battery, Lunar Lake, Sevier Lake, Water BypassThis week, we're going back to episode 1 and re-doing some things, but we're also going to talk about VanFest: LiftOFF where I'll be attending and presenting! Join us! We'll also talk about some dry lake...
- 2024 / 10 / 9231 Staying Warm in Winter, Temp 12v Trick, Poozeum, Knots, JoolcaLet's have a rundown of all the different ways to stay warm this winter. We'll also visit a whole lot of poo, use a powerstation for temporary 12v needs, learn to tie knots the fun way, and explore the...
- 2024 / 10 / 2230 Vanlife is a Camel's Eye, Dongle Lights, Electric Cooking, Salem, MAA bit of rule breaking this week, as I talk about RELIGION (!) in a certain context, cooking with electricity, visiting Salem during "Spooky Season," abandoning friends, and a book recommendation that isn't...
- 2024 / 9 / 24229 The SPIRIT of Vanlife?, Free Books, Trash Can, Bench Testing, MothsAre you following "the spirit of van life"? Spoiler: Yes, you are. You're also about to hear about the importance of bench testing, learn a lesson from a moth, score some free books and learn about a very...
- 2024 / 9 / 18228 Fire Extinguishers, Gas vs. Diesel Heaters, Space Blankets, Bermuda, Royal MaleFire extinguishers may sound boring, but they're essential. Get one! Then we'll visit Bermuda, try out a space blanket, visit a unique store, make some custom badges, and compare gasoline heaters to diesel...
- 2024 / 9 / 4227 Defining Successful Vanlife, Air Fryer, Clem, Singing Road, Recycling, Propane LockerThis week, it's time to take a step back and realize who's in charge: it's YOU. So don't let anyone else define your success. We'll also talk about propane lockers, singing roads (really), where to recycle...
- 2024 / 8 / 28226 Solar Redux, Dawn Powerwash, Yi Yu Tang House, Hitches, Strange PowersBig Solar Redux! Let's talk about all things solar, especially how's improved over the years. We'll also visit 18th century China, hear about some risqué material from the early days of YouTube, and learn...
- 2024 / 8 / 21225 10 Things Builders Forget, RV Museum, Going Downhill, Free* Streaming, Dowsing for $$$10 things NOT to forget when you're building out your van! We'll also visit some vintage rigs, learn about going downhill, dowse for water and find some good cooking resources.  Pagurus in North...
- 2024 / 8 / 14224 Rag & Bone Buffet! AWD vs. 4WD, JDM, Squeal Test, Katoomba, EnZed, UrbEXA lot of little things add up to a whole episode! No central theme, just bits about marketing, breathing, driving, squealing, traveling, exploring, and troubleshooting. Something for everyone, I hope....
- 2024 / 8 / 8223 Things to Check While You're Driving, Android Radio, Sherri's Castle, Phone MountLate again! And I'm being buzzed! (Not like that). But we have 10 things to check while your driving to keep you van going, a visit to a mysterious staircase in the middle of the woods, a way to figure out...
- 2024 / 7 / 31222 10 Joyful Things about Vanlife, Jackery 1500 Charging, Dog Statue, VW ResourcesThis week, we eschew negativity and obfuscate obstinacy! Well, at least for the first section. We'll then visit DC, a dog with a plate, play with a Jackery 1500 and violate the warranty on a USB cable. And...
- 2024 / 7 / 24221 Listener Letters, Cabin Air Filters, Binoculars, Star Trek Set, Color Temp, Driving SchoolThis week, we'll focus on some great listener letters. We'll also visit the USS Enterprise, drive up a river, play with binoculars, measure things in Kelvin and learn if you have a cabin air...
- 2024 / 7 / 17220 TOLLS, Cold Bed, Arco, Casino Parking, Japanese Wood BurningFor whom the toll bells? It's YOU. We need to have a talk about this. We'll also explore Arco, Idaho, sleep in a casino parking lot, burn some wood artistically, and review some magnentic...
- 2024 / 7 / 11219 Fixed Address, Leaving Las Vegas, Car Dwelling Guide, Vanlife MagazineLiving full time has many challenges, but one of those is a "fixed address." We'll discuss. We'll also review a new Vanlife Magazine, visit a miniature world, leave Las Vegas, and learn what to do when we...
- 2024 / 7 / 3218 Keep Calm and Carry On, Being Ready, Ring Stickup Cam, Tinker Creek, CryptozoologyThere's a LOT going on, and it's important to remember what we're doing here—VANLIFE! We'll also talk about hitting the road with an unfinished rig, review the Ring Stickup Cam, visit Tinker Creek, Bigfoot,...
- 2024 / 6 / 26217 Hipcamp, Female Trucking, Awnings, Fossil Museum, Propane FixTWO Main features this week, how to deal with the heat and how to deal with pests. Then we'll slow down and enjoy some coffee mugs, learn about the two different fridge types, encounter some bad stones,...
- 2024 / 6 / 19216 Heat! Pests! Coffee Cups, Fridge Types, Stones, and Kira and the Survival PodTWO Main features this week, how to deal with the heat and how to deal with pests. Then we'll slow down and enjoy some coffee mugs, learn about the two different fridge types, encounter some bad stones,...
- 2024 / 6 / 12215 Trailer Life? Flex Paste, Small Toilet, Stolen Tractor, ShuteIs trailer life the way to go? Maybe! Let's take a look. And let's explore the realities of an inexpensive and small cassette toilet, find out where Shute fell (but not why), and steal a...
- 2024 / 6 / 5214 The Shakedown! Cheap Tools, Free Casino Money, Meow Wolf, Missing IngredientsPrepare for your shakedown! Your first trip will reveal all the flaws in your rig. It's OK! It's part of it. We also find some cheap and good tools, visit a few different planets, use chicken broth instead of...
- 2024 / 5 / 29213 All About TIRES, Fan Option, Propane Perils, Blinking Trees, PVC WoodTires are one of the most important part of your rig, and yet they're often ignored. Let's fix that. We'll also learn a bit about propane, try some PVC wood, review some fans and watch trees blink.   My...
- 2024 / 5 / 22212 Scamp Lessons, Bidets, Water Pump, Pig Slime, Drive Thru Tree, MeetupsI've just about done renovating the Scamp, and I've learned some things that might help your build. We'll also explore the potential of bidets, try out a small water pump, drive through at tree, and find the...
- 2024 / 5 / 15211 Time Travel, Diesel Heater Power, Phone Holder, Lost Mine, Road ConstructionA thought occurred, and it must be shared. Please bear with me. We'll also talk about right-sizing diesel heaters, review a phone holder that also charges, visit a lost mine and one of the largest arcades in...
- 2024 / 5 / 8210 Weird Van Thoughts, Kleen Tank, Leech Beach, Etsy, Drive InEvery have those late night thoughts? Are they different when you're in your van? Mine are. We'll also visit Wellfleet, shop Etsy, clean our black tanks, and learn why conduit is a good thing. Travel with...
- 2024 / 5 / 1209 RVing VS Vanlife, Tire Screws, Undermount AC, Gates of the Arctic, FlatlandIs Vanlife just RVing in smaller vehicles? Not really! Let's take a look at what's the same and what's different. We'll also play with some new "tire screws,"Â Travel with us on the Danube River through...
- 2024 / 4 / 24208 YES you can have AC!, Large Bladder, Adam Savage, Custom MattressFolks, it's time to consider having AC for your van. Off Grid! It's never been more possible, but it's still not easy. We'll also look at a large water bladder, visit some space junk, find a mattress solution...
- 2024 / 4 / 17207 A VanLife Code? Romex, Cheap PWM, Munzee, Soporific ThoreauIs it time for a crowd-sourced code of ethics for vanlifers? Let's discuss. We'll also explain why Romex is NOT for vans, how a cheap PWM controller might be all you need, and we play a bit of Munzee. And...
- 2024 / 4 / 10206 Getting Help, Stupid Truck Trick, American Vikings, Toilet BrushHelp! You're in trouble! What do you do? Let's talk about some devices and strategies to get back to civilization. We'll also visit weird Boston, save some data on our hotspot, and play with... a toilet...
- 2024 / 4 / 3205 Propane vs. Butane vs. Electric, African Van Drive, Roll o Lights, Buckingham FountainPropane, Butane or Electric? What's best for heat and cooking? YES! We'll also play with a new lighting idea, visit an iconic fountain, take a rid in Africa and find an easy way to check the...
- 2024 / 3 / 27204 AI Takes on Vanlife, Rice Krispie Kayaking, Pie Machine, Generators, CarMaxWhat does AI have to say about Vanlife? Turns out, quite a bit, but can we trust it? Let's see. We'll also explore gas generators, and unique vending machine in Texas, encounter some powerful critters, and...
- 2024 / 3 / 21203 Truck Vs. Van, Capetown, Toaster, Drill Problem, Eye SafetyWhew! I did some math, and it's led me to some difficult decisions. You'll see. We'll also explore Capetown, make some toast, and learn how to not go blind. Travel with us on the Danube River through...
- 2024 / 3 / 13202 5 GREAT Driving Roads, Give Up on USB A, Wine Bottle LightsSometimes, it's nice to remember the DRIVING part of travel. It can be fun! Here are five great drives. We'll also look at why you should NOT install USB A ports, we'll review some simple wine bottle lights,...
- 2024 / 3 / 6201 The 5V Van, Floor Glue, Moroccan Rocks, Mermaids5v Van? We’re getting to the point where it’s possible for “light” builds. It’s a great option for no builds! And you can add CarPlay Android Auto to just about any radio, why should you avoid gluing...
- 2024 / 2 / 28200 The iOverlander Problem, Quartzsite Attack, CarPlay, Nomad WikiiOverlander is the go to app for many of us. But there's a problem, and there may not be a way to fix it. We'll also take a look at an "attack" in Quartzsite, a way to add CarPlay to stock radios, and a great...
- 2024 / 2 / 23199 Trailer as Vanlife? Ottoman Cover, Dangerous Monitor, Blythe Intaglios, Lateral AGAINIs a camping trailer part of "vanlife"? I say yes. Why not? We'll discuss the pros and cons of living the life as a toad. We'll aslo find a clever way to hide your toilet, discover a problem with winter food,...
- 2024 / 2 / 20BONUS - Why I'm in Florida and 10 Lessons LearnedFolks - this week was eventful, and completely unanticipated. But here I sit in Florida, and I offer you a lengthy explanation and a list of lessons learned from it. This is NOT a normal episode. If you...
- 2024 / 2 / 8198 Skookies!, Alternate Power for Diesel Heater, Folding Dog Pool, Chasing 70Skoolies are great! But they're not without challenges - let's explore. We'll also "ride the whirlwind," visit an art museum, encounter a Catch 22, and Chase 70º. Travel with us on the Danube River...
- 2024 / 1 / 31197 VANFEST Review, IKEA Lights, Recovery Boards, Explorist.Life, WeBoostVan Fest Florida is finished, but it's also just the beginning. We'll take a look at how well our WeBoost has been doing, review some IKEA lamps, use our recovery boards, and talk about how we can all get to...
- 2024 / 1 / 24196 The DEF Story, Gravity Hills, Vevor Heater, Airbag Warning, Van Parking LawsWonder what DEF is? Even if you don't drive diesel, this might be interesting. We'll also watch our van roll uphill, update our Vevor Diesel Heater review, read some onerous laws, and more. Travel with us...
- 2024 / 1 / 17195 What is OODA? Gas vs. Diesel, VanFestUSA, Stupid Things I've Done, Pop Up Table, PrepperWhat is OODA? A way to get yourself out of trouble, that's what. We'll also review a pop-up table stool thing, visit Vanfest, check out Prepper Survival Guide and hear a tale of the very stupid. Travel...
- 2024 / 1 / 10194 Insurance, Water Pumps, Devils Ice Box, Weathertech, Blue Highways, Danger in TangierHow should you insure your rig? I don't have an answer, but I lay out the framework so you can find the best solution for you. We'll also visit the Devil's Icebox, check out Blue Highways, experience "danger"...
- 2024 / 1 / 4193 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CHANGES, Volcano Restaurant, Travel RouterChanges are a-comin' and I lay them all out here. I also visit an amazing restaurant in the Canary Islands and talk about my experiences with a handy travel router.  FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go...