Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

We explore the least you need to do #vanlife: a practical way to get started without turning your van into a fully equipped house. We also review the Metolius G-WHIZ, share NomadLife’s City Camping Codes, visit the Cave of the Eternal Flame, and recount getting off an elevator on the wrong floor.

Yes, I even camped in this!

MAIN - Basic Needs for #Vanlife

• Basic One Person Tent
https://amzn.to/486j1Jv
• Simple Butane Stove
https://amzn.to/4eG6hgj
• Bulk Butane
https://amzn.to/4iamcVohttps://amzn.to/4iamcVo
• Simple Sleeping Bag
https://amzn.to/4seAuIY
• Bulk Hand Warmers
https://amzn.to/4yyUyau
• DaranEner 300W Power Station
https://amzn.to/4i9ZoVLhttps://amzn.to/4i9ZoVLhttps://amzn.to/4i9ZoVL

TECH TALK

• Power Calculator
https://quiettechreport.com/portable-power-station-runtime-calculator/

PRODUCT REVIEW

• Metolius G-WHIZ
https://amzn.to/4eKEbR7

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• NomadLife City Camping Codes
https://nomadlife.wiki/City_camping_codes/

A PLACE TO VISIT

• Eternal Flame Falls
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_Flame_Falls

BONUS: Brandon Hudgeons Music
Song: "Flies" in the closing

https://www.brandonhudgeons.com

FCC affiliate disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, Built to GO may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This week, we talk counters, not kitchen, review the BougeRV Arch 2.0 200W N-Type flexible solar panel, recommend EveryVoyage, and visit Hawaii—with a link to live lava.

No filters

Sorry, I messed up the episode numbers. This is officially 311!

Main Topic: Counters, Not Kitchen

• Countertops
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Countertop

PRODUCT REVIEW

• BougeRV Arch 2.0 200W N-Type flexible solar panel
https://www.bougerv.com/products/arch-n-type-200w-flexible-solar-panel

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• EveryVoyage
https://everyvoyage.com/

A PLACE TO VISIT

• Hawaii
https://www.gohawaii.com/
• Live Lava
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygQ1iv8iZr8

FCC Notice: I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support Built to Go at no additional cost to you.

This week, we interview YouTube sensations Steve & Audra, who live in their Ford Transit full time as they cross the country in search of new adventures. We talk about how they make it work, and the scariest moment they've had as nomads.

Everyone likes Steve & Audra. You will too, and they'll be at Vanfest Liftoff 2027 where you can meet them for yourself.

Follow Steve & Audra's adventures on:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteveAudra
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveandaudra/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steveandaudra
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/steveandaudra

This week, we revisit episode 1 and talk about how things changed and stayed the same.

Discretion is the better part of valor.

PRODUCT REVIEW

• 12v Ovens
https://amzn.to/4diqA35

A PLACE TO VISIT

• Lunar Lake
https://calval.cr.usgs.gov/apps/lunar-lake

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support Built to Go at no additional cost to you.

This week, we look at what it is like to live with an always-available AI wearable, cover safe solar-wire work, and make stops in Aurora, Ontario, and Ruidoso, New Mexico.

A slightly distorted and yet oddly accurate summary of my day.

PRODUCT REVIEW

• A simple solution
https://amzn.to/4iYZNME

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• Gus Bus Boondocks
https://www.youtube.com/@GusBusBoondocks/videos

A PLACE TO VISIT

• Putting Green Grave of Richard “Ruff” Jones, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Ruidoso, New Mexico
https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/59508

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support Built to Go at no additional cost to you.

This week, I'll explaing my camper pod project, we'll visit a couple of marsupials, test out a sporty device, and celebrate the return of VanFest!

The Pod - and the late van. :(`

NEWS

• VanFest USA Is Back!
https://vanfestusa.com/
• U.S. Losing Public Lands
https://www.npca.org/articles/11495-selling-off-and-selling-out
• A New Kind of Van Life: $180 to Camp for Seven Months
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/05/van-life-quartzsite-arizona
• This Law Could TRIPLE Solar Prices
https://youtu.be/lEf5LTBWJvU

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• Historical Marker Database
https://www.hmdb.org/

A PLACE TO VISIT

• Phillips Park Zoo, Aurora, Illinois
https://zoo.aurora.il.us/Home

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support Built to Go at no additional cost to you.

Things suck, so let’s go camping. We’ll also look at window seals, review WhatCable.uk, explain USB port colors, and visit Salem Woods in Massachusetts.

See? Woods.

TECH TALK

• Window Seals
https://youtube.com/shorts/rtqVytwF22c?si=P74Prv9hIyhzrc3U

PRODUCT REVIEW

• WhatCable.uk
https://www.whatcable.uk/

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• USB Port Colors Explained
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSN-chBhkrA

A PLACE TO VISIT

• Salem Woods, Salem, Massachusetts
https://www.salemwoods.org/

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support Built to Go at no additional cost to you.

You don't want the best. You want the optimal. Simple as possible. Really! We'll also visit East Aurora, NY, visit a community college, wrestle with clips and deal with a bit of road rage. And a new stereo!

Nice unit, all told.

KISS — Keep It Simple, Stupid

• A Message to Garcia — Elbert Hubbard

PRODUCT REVIEW

• Topdisplay Stereo Video
• Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gkIzq9
• Topdisplay: https://www.ustopdisplay.com/products/for-dodge-ram-1500-2500-3500-radio-upgrade?ref=JEFFWAGG Code "BuiltToGo"

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• Community Colleges — American Association of Community Colleges

A PLACE TO VISIT

• East Aurora, New York

Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, Built to GO may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Gasoline is getting more complicated than it used to be. This week we untangle octane ratings, ethanol blends, E15, Top Tier gasoline, and why the pump you used last year may not be dispensing the same fuel today. We'll also talk about welding safely on your vehicle, review TruFuel canned gasoline, celebrate the resurrection of the Max II ATV, visit one of Chicago's most unusual historical monuments, and recommend a thought-provoking look at the changing reality of stealth camping.

Yes, it's amphibious. No, the water isn't supposed to be in the gas tank

Main Topic: Gasoline Is Getting Complicated

• Understanding octane ratings: 87, 89, and premium
• What happens when your owner's manual recommends midgrade fuel
• E10 versus E15 and what the differences really mean
• Why some stations now sell E15 as their standard fuel
• Which vehicles should avoid higher ethanol blends
• What Top Tier gasoline means and whether it's worth seeking out

TECH TALK

• Welding on Your Rig

PRODUCT REVIEW

• TruFuel 4-Cycle Ethanol-Free Fuel
https://amzn.to/4gdtoA2

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• Stealth Camping Is Dead: The New Rules of Vanlife Nobody Wants to Talk About
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLQnnJYg1Fo

A PLACE TO VISIT

• Balbo Monument, Chicago
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balbo_Monument

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support Built to Go at no additional cost to you.

This week, we explore the strange and useful things you can attach to a trailer hitch, from hammocks and cranes to Starlink poles and a toilet seat. We’ll also talk about why you shouldn’t jack directly on pinch welds, review the Arctic Air Grip Go, visit the world’s largest penguin in Cut Bank, Montana, use NotebookLM to interrogate manuals, and explain why a stereo gets reviewed, or doesn’t.

Kid likes it moist...

Hitch Accessories for Vanlife

• Kaxiwei Hitch Mount Umbrella Holder
https://amzn.to/4fpmrvC
• Viking Solutions SwiveLift Crane
https://amzn.to/4yYn7zQ
• Hitch Mount Vise Plate
https://amzn.to/4bIC92w
• Hitch Mount Hammock
https://amzn.to/4wYYYXU
• EEZ RV Hitch Mount Starlink and Flag Pole
https://amzn.to/4beY2q7
• Log Sawhorse
https://amzn.to/4vSIJec
• Bumper Dumper
https://amzn.to/4fHXOZZ

PRODUCT REVIEW

• Arctic Air Grip Go
https://amzn.to/4wl3KPy

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• NotebookLM for Manuals
https://notebooklm.google.com/

A PLACE TO VISIT

• World’s Largest Penguin, Cut Bank, Montana
https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/797

FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

We take a look at different places to shop besides Home Depot and Amazon, visit some burned out forests, learn how to use Fuse Taps, spend some nights in a Tire Warehouse, and address some reader comments.

THIS is a fuse tap. :)

MAIN - Unexpected Places to Shop for Vanlife Gear

THANKS TO: Stefan

NEWS

Crossroads Folds
https://www.instagram.com/p/Da3UxBKPPrZ/

Starlink Changes European Roaming Policies
https://starlink.com/gb/support/article/0dd1c2c0-7bae-8c8f-43d4-9a64eb66662f

TECH TALK

Fuse Taps: The Right Way to Add a 12-Volt Circuit

PRODUCT REVIEW

LETOUR Magnetic Rechargeable Light Bar
https://amzn.to/44NVf3t

TALES FROM THE ROAD

How Sleeping in a Tire Warehouse Led Me to Vanlife

A PLACE TO VISIT

A Recovering Burned Region

READER COMMENTS

Insulation Follow-Up and Why Vans Are Overrated

QUOTE

“From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

This week, we'll look at 10 overrated things in vanlife, and not the ones you're thinking about. We'll also review a completely boring yet awesome kitchen item, visit a modern Pompeii, and grow tomatoes on the dashboard.

The Church (not really a cathedral)

PRODUCT REVIEW

• Silicone Corelle Covers
https://amzn.to/4fkxV2a

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• Urban Leaf Gardening In a Van?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJvCtMYO17Q

A PLACE TO VISIT

• Eldheimar Museum
https://visitwestmanislands.com/tour/eldheimar-museum/

FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

Back from RMSS, I take a look at Amazon Prime Day and find an interesting trend. We'll also take a look at flashlights, visit Iceland, consider Vanly and get too excited about janitorial supples.

I don't miss these days

PRODUCT REVIEW

•

• Korpai Folding 2-Step Stool
https://amzn.to/4bkbhFI

• Jacauto Folding Step Stool
https://amzn.to/4vDySJJ

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• SunCalc
https://www.suncalc.org/

A PLACE TO VISIT

• Woolly Mammoth
https://www.woollymammothchicago.com/

FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

What's the best tool: cheap or expensive? Well, it depends on a bunch of things. We'll take a look. We'll also visit a place filled with solutions, test some screws, and recommend a product that blows. Loudly.

I never got stuck when I drove one of these

PRODUCT REVIEW

• Zovair Cordless Electric Air Duster
https://amzn.to/3SFTwuf

A PLACE TO VISIT

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore
https://www.habitat.org/restores

FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

Back from RMSS, I take a look at Amazon Prime Day and find an interesting trend. We'll also take a look at flashlights, visit Iceland, consider Vanly and get too excited about janitorial supples.

A gift from insomnia

NEWS

• Vanfest Ends
https://www.vanfestusa.com
• Passengers
https://nofspodcast.com/passenger-review-vanlife-supernatural-horror
• Slate EV Truck
https://www.fastcompany.com/91561144/slate-auto-launch-design-process-ev-truck

PRODUCT REVIEW

• Vanlife Broom
https://amzn.to/4erpxP9

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• Vanly, AirBnB-style app
https://vanly.app/

A PLACE TO VISIT

• Iceland Van Rental
https://indiecampers.com/

FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

So - my planned podcast for this week was a dud, because despite recording 90 minutes worth of material, we ended up with nothing. The file is there, the time is right, but it didn't save what was recorded.

My file is like a ghost town - it used to be there, and now it's not.

So, here are some tidbits and updates on various topics.

FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

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 hope and leave you in serious trouble.

PRODUCT REVIEW

• XKASE Survival Kit
https://amzn.to/4uKJiGW

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• NotebookLM Podcast Generator
https://notebooklm.google.com

FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

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, and an interesting road trip.

A hint of how big some things are at the former Oriental Institute

NEWS

•

Volkswagen Van Back
https://newatlas.com/campervans/volkswagen-2027-id-camper-van-usa/

•

Vanlife Horror Movie Passenger
https://www.slashfilm.com/2177942/passenger-2026-movie-review/

•

Gus Bus
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/gus-bus-proves-that-the-all-electric-vanlife-is-all-it-s-cracked-up-to-be-269207.html=

PRODUCT REVIEW

• Rory Flow Portable Charger
https://amzn.to/4v3L31T

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• Vanlife Simulator Game
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2711690/VanLife_Simulator/

• Vanlife Game: Outbound
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GtUFav-Pog

FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

Are mindful when you're driving? I know you're paying attention; I'm asking if you're "mindful." We'll explore that, and a few stones of interest, mosquitoes, fuel prices, and the best way to find weird places to visit.

Not a Tow Truck

NEWS

• Brain Eating Amoeba
https://gearjunkie.com/parks-and-public-lands/brain-eating-amoeba-national-parks

• New Winnebago
https://camperreport.com/winnebago-arka-first-look-all-new-backcountry-adventure-motorhome/

• New Campground Rules
• https://www.sej.org/headlines/trump-administration-orders-rapid-end-to-some-hunting-rules-on-federal-lands

PRODUCT REVIEW

• Tire Screws
https://amzn.to/4dsISOg

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

• Flattest Route
https://www.flattestroute.com/

FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.

Are mindful when you're driving? I know you're paying attention; I'm asking if you're "mindful." We'll explore that, and a few stones of interest, mosquitoes, fuel prices, and the best way to find weird places to visit.

What is this stone?
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZNaQZKqHjkAgstDx5=

PRODUCT REVIEW

• Deep Woods OFF Dry
https://amzn.to/42RtsxX

A PLACE TO VISIT

• Talayotic Menorca
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1528/

FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will receive a small fee. This will not impact your price in any way.