Episodes
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313 Electrical Terms, Dinosaurs, Carry a Tent, Vented Tanks, Writing a Book
Get comfortable with the electrical terms that matter for vanlife, plus a look at the Ninja FT405CO, a reminder to bring a tent, and a visit to Dinosaur Footprints Reservation in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Bunnies know best. PRODUCT REVIEW Ninja FT405CO https://link.amazon/B009NX8mQ A PLACE TO VISIT...
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312 The Least You Need, G-Whiz, Eternal Flame, City Codes
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....
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311 Counters, Hawaii, EveryVoyage, Flexible Solar
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...
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310 Steve and Audra!
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…
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309 12v Ovens, Lunar Lake, Backup Battery, Podcasts
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...
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308 Living with Looki, Golf after Death, Better Peeing, Electric Van Life
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...
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307 My Pod, HMdb, Aurora IL, Pee Sport, Charging All-In-Ones
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...
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306 Things Suck—Now What?, Window gasket, USB tester, Salem Woods
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...
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305 KISS, East Aurora, Community College, Road Rage, New Stereo
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...
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304 Which Gas? Crank No Start, Balbo, Stealth Dead Again, TrueFuel
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…
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303 Hitch Accessories, Influence Tricks, Arctic Air, Manual Database
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,...
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302 Different Shopping, Fuse Taps, Burned Regions, Tire Warehouse
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...
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301 10 Overrated Things, Dashboard Gardening, Corelle Covers, Modern Pompeii
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...
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300 Things I No Longer Carry, Woolly Mammoth, Folding Stools, SunCalc
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...
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299 Choosing the Best, ReStore, Electric Duster, Getting Not Stuck
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...
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298 Prime Deals? Flashlights, Iceland, Vanly, Best Broom
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...
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Bonus! Podcast Updates
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...
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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 hope and leave you in serious trouble. PRODUCT REVIEW…
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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, and an interesting road trip. A hint of how big some things...
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295 10 Stupid (but useful) Things, Tire Screws, Flat Routes, Fly the Plane
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...
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294 Mindfulness and Vanlife, Stones, Mosquitoes, GAS, Taula
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...
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293 USA Wins, Paracord, Garum, The Thrill of Vicotry
There are things that are better in the US than abroad and we'll discuss them. We'll also make things out of paracord, visit a hidden fish sauce factory, visit a rock (with monkeys) and find secrets in your pocket. A 50 year journey comes to an end NEWS New ProMaster City...
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Bonus! Malaga and Beyond
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!
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O'Hare Quickcast: Ford Recall, Van Bidets & Goldfish Experiments
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...
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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 Antarctica (again), and talk about different travel goals. THIS...
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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 constant companion. We also have a talk with Sherm about…
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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 particular order: Fatwood Bears Prostitutes Putting on pants...
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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, look at some space junk, and get up close and personal…
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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 seats, the most essential tool, different oil leaks, and...
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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 1977 Chinook, very similar to mine. NEWS Rocky Mountain Star...
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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! In this episode, I have a chat with three women who are...
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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
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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: •iOverlander — https://www.ioverlander.com •Campendium —...
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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 did actually sleep in this thing. PRODUCT REVIEW Vevor 400...
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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 (find the van!) NEWS Battle Born Batteries Bad...
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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 Parks Require ID, Or You Pay $$$...
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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. PRODUCT REVIEW STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST port...
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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 this pyramid for Denmark!" PRODUCT REVIEW CIARRA Portable...
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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 will give you ideas. Normal episode next time VEVOR VEVOR RV...
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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 excess food. The "oasis" of Currant, Nevada PRODUCT REVIEW...
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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 young women, two different paths. PRODUCT REVIEW AUTO-VOX 2...
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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 Batteries...
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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 complicated than that. Listen in and learn what a cop is…
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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 camper comes with its own bug museum. PRODUCT REVIEW…
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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 Canadian Tire https://www.canadiantire.ca FCC Notice: If you...
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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. Every truck camper comes with its own bug museum. PRODUCT...
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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 begins. Nice diorama The Canton Toll Booth And the issue at...
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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...
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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...
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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 PLACE TO VISIT Matawan Memorial...
About this show
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.
Hosted by
Jeff Wagg