Built To Go! A #Vanlife Podcast

Greetings from Malaga, Spain! We’ve had an amazing adventure and we’ve another week to go. Here’s an update, and some exciting news for small vans in the US!

Host Jeff Wagg records a short episode from Chicago O'Hare covering three quick topics: a major Ford truck recall for windshield wipers, a recommendation for Work Camper News for seasonal jobs and resources, and practical bidet solutions for vans and RVs. He also shares experiments with sealed ecospheres and Wollstad tanks as van-friendly aquatic options, plus a travel tale about canceled trains, a family rescue, and staying calm on the road.

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 Antarctica (again), and talk about different travel goals. THIS thing awaits you at SkoolieSwarm Route 66 Nellie’s No Cook Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbn24P6yiBI NEWS https://www.jalopnik.com/2130578/costco-open-standalone-gas-stationhttps://counciloncj.org/state-of-the-union-why-is-crime-going-down/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead%E2%80%93crime_hypothesis PRODUCT REVIEW https://amzn.to/4sKJLbf A PLACE TO VISIT https://skoolieswarm.com/route-66/ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION Antarctica https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TYfsYKQ3h5AuGL6qF-VqUv07ciLt-yxYUfiwOop6byw/edit?usp=sharing 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.

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 constant companion. We also have a talk with Sherm about the ethics of making content. PRODUCT REVIEW https://amzn.to/4sB2GoW RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-tours Sherm's Socials: https://www.youtube.com/@greenmachine.77/https://www.instagram.com/greenmachine.77https://www.tiktok.com/@greenmachine.77https://www.facebook.com/share/1U2fSTHzeg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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 particular order: Fatwood Bears Prostitutes Putting on pants Where to go next and why you shouldn't drive at night in Mexico. To check out Nellie's business at The Sassy Olive, use this link: http://www.thesassyolive.online/nellieinacan and this code might be of some use: Nellie10

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, look at some space junk, and get up close and personal with some major infrastructure. Alloy? Annoy. NEWS https://www.jalopnik.com/2111425/van-life-costs/ TECH TALK https://amzn.to/4upataKhttps://amzn.to/3N9U9Kf PRODUCT REVIEW https://amzn.to/47Eihvj A PLACE TO VISIT https://rmss.org RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION https://www.trustedhousesitters.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.

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 seats, the most essential tool, different oil leaks, and how to find someone to work on your rig. If you'd like more of Sherm, you're in luck: he'll be joining us on a future episode for a very different topic, but in the meantime, you can find him below: https://www.youtube.com/@greenmachine.77/https://www.instagram.com/greenmachine.77https://www.tiktok.com/@greenmachine.77https://www.facebook.com/share/1U2fSTHzeg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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 1977 Chinook, very similar to mine. NEWS https://www.rmss.orghttps://www.truckinginfo.com/news/justice-department-pulls-back-on-criminal-prosecution-of-diesel-emissions-delete PRODUCT REVIEW https://amzn.to/4seL6GP A PLACE TO VISIT https://www.bishopscastle.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.

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! In this episode, I have a chat with three women who are all living on the road in their own way, and have different perspectives on why they're out there, and how solo vanlife meshes with gatherings like Vanfest. Links: https://www.vanfestusa.comhttps://www.skoolieswarm.comhttps://amzn.to/4rhRjl7

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." https://www.vanfestusa.com

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: •iOverlander — https://www.ioverlander.com •Campendium — https://www.campendium.com •FreeCampsites — https://www.freecampsites.net •Recreation.gov — https://www.recreation.gov •CellMapper — https://www.cellmapper.net •US Forest Service Travel — https://apps.fs.fed.us/TravelAccess/ •Google Maps (Web) — https://maps.google.com •Google My Maps — https://www.google.com/mymaps •Ventusky (Weather Maps & Forecast Visualization) — https://www.ventusky.com •OpenSignal (Cell Coverage & Signal Maps) — https://www.opensignal.com •ChatGPT (Free AI via Web) — https://chat.openai.com •AAA Gas Prices — https://gasprices.aaa.com PRODUCT REVIEW A PLACE TO VISIT https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/nebraska/recreation/toadstool-geological-park-and-campground 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 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 https://www.thetravel.com/nps-new-id-rule-means-americans-may-pay-international-visitor-fees-up-to-250-usd-to-visit-national-parks/https://www.fool.com/retirement/2025/12/29/states-hit-hardest-if-aca-subsidies-lapse-2026/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/health-carehttps://coachmenrv.com/rvexhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQsYa6QSk8Uhttps://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69838431/volkswagen-id-buzz-2026-model-year-canceled/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r60lOAiRq34 PRODUCT REVIEW https://amzn.to/3NnhiIC 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'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. The actual plane we flew on. A few years later, it crashed into the sea with great loss of life. PRODUCT REVIEW https://amzn.to/491BurY A PLACE TO VISIT ICE CASTLES https://icecastles.com/ Senior Discount: senior26 RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION https://pharmacy.amazon.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.

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 this pyramid for Denmark!" PRODUCT REVIEW https://amzn.to/48grCdH A PLACE TO VISIT https://koa.com/blog/koa-campgrounds-that-are-open-all-year/ RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION https://www.ecoflow.com/us/blog/guide-to-overnight-parking-at-rest-areas BONUS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO9YThOUFFQ 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.

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 will give you ideas. Normal episode next time VEVOR VEVOR RV Air Conditioner, 13500 BTU Non-Ducted Rooftop RV AC, 65 dB Quiet Design, Highly Compatible with Air-conditioning Unit for Replacing https://www.vevor.com/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-c_13649/rv-air-conditioner-13500-btu-non-ducted-rooftop-rv-ac-65-db-quiet-for-replacing-p_010874325798?lang=en&currency=usd&utm_source=inhouse&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=42492674&shortkey=20251128pi6 VEVOR Diesel Heater, 8KW, DC 12V/24V, All in One Portable Diesel Air Heater with Remote Control and LCD Display, Fast Heating Low Noise, 1.3 Gal Fuel Tank for Vehicles, RVs, Vans, Tractors and Trucks https://www.vevor.com/diesel-heater-c_10321/vevor-fuel-pipe-hose-line-kit-196-9-replaceable-parking-heater-fuel-line-kit-p_010209133120?lang=en&currency=usd&utm_source=inhouse&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=42492674&shortkey=20251128pi6o 5% Off Anything at VEVOR http://www.vevor.com/utm_source=inhouse&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=42492674&utm_format_creative=114&shortkey=20251128pi6q SOLAR Traver Force 100W 12V 10BB Monocrystalline Solar Panel, Up to 25% High Efficiency Module with Grade A+ Cells, Waterproof for RVs, Motorhomes, Cabins, Marine, Boat https://amzn.to/48rGlRP 30A PWM Solar Charge Controller, 12V 24V Dual USB Solar Panel Battery Intelligent Regulator with LCD Display, Auto Parameter Adjustable, Timer Setting, Multiple Load Control Modes https://amzn.to/3Xjlxa6 Solar Cable Entry Gland, 0.33ft 10AWG Soft Solar Extension Cable and Connector, UV Resistance Dual Cable Entry Gland Housing on Rv, Boat, Camper (10cm, Black) https://amzn.to/4oZDtTg Dicor BT-1834-1 Butyl Seal Tape - 1/8" x 3/4" x 30' Repair Tape for RV, Trailer, Motorhome, Window, and Vent Sealing https://amzn.to/4opdi7A 12V 100Ah Lithium Battery,12V LiFePO4 Battery Built-in 100A BMS Protect, Group 31 Deep Cycle Portable Power,Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery for Trolling Motors, Yacht, Marine, RV, Home Energy https://amzn.to/4ioaSV7 WATER Portable Intelligent Electric Pressure Washer Pump 100W 160 PSI 12V Portable Pressure Powerful Washing Kit with 21.3 Feet PVC Hose for Home, Car, Garden, Projects (100 W-Black Hose) https://amzn.to/4onbrQv Fanttik NB8 Nano Portable Cordless Electric Sprayer w/2.1Gal Tank, Retractable Spray Head, 2600mAh Lithium Battery, IPX5, 72-98PSI, Portable Pressure Washer for Garden, Camping Shower and Pet Cleaning https://amzn.to/3M6xBZV LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness https://amzn.to/43Ye7wB Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw, Camping Water Filtration System, Water Purifier Survival for Travel, Backpacking and Emergency Preparedness, 1.5 gal Bag, 0.1 Micron, Light Blue https://amzn.to/4pFRcPa KITCHEN 5 Pieces Kitchen Gadgets Set - Space Saving Cooking Tools Accessories Cheese Chocolate Grater, Fruit Vegetable Peeler, Bottle Opener, Pizza Cutter, Burlap Bags with Drawstring Gift Set https://amzn.to/3KrXenu Kaskawise Upgrade Car Ceiling Cargo Net Pocket,31.5"x21.6" Double-Layer Car Roof Storage Organizer,Overhead Net for Truck,SUV & Van Camping,Travel Road Trips,Van Life Essentials https://amzn.to/4okYwi0 Portable Camping Cooking Utensils Set, Camp Kitchen & Campfire Cooking Equipment, RV Essentials, Camper Must-Haves Accessories, Outdoors Cookware, Christmas Stocking Stuffers Gifts https://amzn.to/4p7DXqH Kamenstein Round Multi Spice Container, Filled with Spices, 3.07 x 3.07 x 4.02 Inch https://amzn.to/4p7w4l2 ground pepper, fine sea salt, granulated garlic, paprika, cumin, and chopped onion Small enough to put in a ziploc bag with those DO NOT EAT silica gel packs Mirai Clinical Magnetic Soap Holder for Shower Wall -...

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 excess food. The "oasis" of Currant, Nevada PRODUCT REVIEW Sparking Stove Lighter https://amzn.to/49oscqI RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION https://www.littlefreepantries.org 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.

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 young women, two different paths. PRODUCT REVIEW AUTO-VOX 2 Solar Wireless Backup Camera System https://amzn.to/3JTSdUl A PLACE TO VISIT https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Avenue_Pumping_Station 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.

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 Batteries https://interestingengineering.com/energy/bluettis-world-first-sodium-power-station New Kia Electric Van https://www.motortrend.com/news/kia-pv5-electric-van-first-look-review Mercedes Brings Luxury to US https://www.motortrend.com/news/mercedes-version-of-van-life-first-class PRODUCT REVIEW https://amzn.to/4nKMQ7Lhttps://amzn.to/47st7oD A PLACE TO VISIT https://www.hawaiisurfcampers.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.