Helloooooo- long time no see. Sorta. Finn & I are currently working on getting the truck fully ready to hit the road for good & also working on hiring on an editor so that maybe (just maybe) I’ll be able to show up ✨in all areas of my life✨ (lol) a lil more consistently. All that said, I’ll be posting more regular updates on Patreon, and I’ll hopefully be back posting semi regularly in a little under two weeks here on KZread🤞. Okay, be back soon enough :)

@BbkEddy16

Жыл бұрын

All the best! We’re not going anywhere dw :)

@JulesMarz

Жыл бұрын

Are you looking for an editor? :)

@--ag

Жыл бұрын

We miss you, and want you to be safe and happy 😊

@marcl3763

Жыл бұрын

I feel proud of you - and I dont even know you!!! Well done for getting this far. Have a great journey! Onward and upwards! Great vid and vibe!

@brandonsanders9674

Жыл бұрын

I need to get on the road and possibly want to be an editor someday! ❤ you and Finn are adorable together! 😉👍🌸

Inside heat on metal exposed to outside cold equals interior condensation…. Future lesion? Solution, insulation. ALWAYS enjoy your videos!! Everything has a first step, starting in the middle to figure that out, is ok. Difference between a good carpenter and a bad one, good one knows how to hide the mistakes.

Great job on the heater install. Next up, get some insulation in there so you don't have to use the heater as much. Your videos are more inspiring than you probably realize, so keep up the great work documenting everything.

@doctorvibes5091

Жыл бұрын

Yup yup

Ford's White Paint peels on every model they have made. Constant inspections and Maintenance, just like you are doing. Keep up the GOOD work. I am amazed in your skills and tenacity.

My mom always said don't be afraid to try new things, you couldn't walk but you learned. lol. Love how you mix time for yourself and the build. Great job!!! So inspiring!!

Finn is the cutest little creature. Never complain. Wish I have one like Finn 💕🐩💕

Watching you figure things out as you go and learning new things is so inspiring to me! So often we don't get to see the reality of people's builds or they already seem like professionals. Which then makes it feel impossible for the rest of us. Just love watching your journey and progress! 💚

Having two daughters of my own, It's great to see you progressing towards your goals. Your location is stunning and you videography is fabulous. The narration is straightforward and down to earth. Finally, you are lovely both inside and out.

The rain sounds on your truck at 11:42 and then combined with you preparing your food was such perfect ASMR. 😉

@accord_aero_r

Жыл бұрын

I can imagine it being hell when you're trying to sleep, though! But it's a simple fix; a sound deadener like Dynamat, Noico, etc covered up with a nice homey headliner would make the interior more peaceful when it matters.

We're already damn proud of you Mariah! 🤗

Finn in a blanket is the definition of adorbs!!

With every video I get a little more impressed by how fiercely independent you are - I have seen a lot of your videos. Keep going!

We're all rooting for you Mariah! Proud of you and all you've done so far!!

I love when sweet little Finn nudges you as if to say “ Mama, I’m ready to go to sleep”. Keep up the great vids.

DANGER THE HOLE YOU MADE FOR THE EXHAUST IS TO SMALL ; YOU NEED ABOUT A INCH OF CLEARINGS FROM THE WOOD ; BUY A TURRET PLATE or make that hole larger . PS the pump outlet should point upward not down.

@MariahAlice

Жыл бұрын

Someone needs to over explain this to me - I didn’t show it but the hole in the floor ended up being one big square instead of two holes- it felt simpler in the end to do it that way- is this what you mean?

@kalaehina814

Жыл бұрын

@@MariahAlice Yes basically clearance between the hot metal pipe and the wood

@movedbythemoon

Жыл бұрын

Idk anything about this stuff but thank you to people that can help others like us and educate us to avoid terrible accidents.

@rockstarfan886

Жыл бұрын

All this pipe does is carry heat like a car heater the pipe doesn't get hot like a wood stove its just hot air. Car vents are made of plastic and do the job just fine

@G58

Жыл бұрын

@@MariahAlice Get a carbon monoxide warning detector and locate it high up close to where you sleep. Carbon monoxide collects high up in rooms and is a very dangerous silent invisible killer!! Peace

Am I the only one that "felt so proud" of Mariah for accomplishing this??!! Good job!!

@lulusplannerlifegmz1202

Жыл бұрын

Omg! I’ve missed so much. Girl 😢 I teased. I’m so happy you starting new chapter. Love the new truck. Keep going and keep those videos coming. Thank you so much for sharing. Do you have Penpal?

@nicknomad7698

Жыл бұрын

Yup

@nicknomad7698

Жыл бұрын

Does everyone get a trophy in your world?

@nicknomad7698

Жыл бұрын

It's called be self sufficient you don't get a trophy you get a life lesson..

Love the content! My advice would be to make sure your diesel tank is in a spot where you can just pull up to a gas pump and just fill it with the nozzle. I have the same heater in my Chevy Express (much smaller space) and I'm filling it at LEAST once a week while living full time in Idaho (and it's not even that cold, yet) I've been contemplating the idea of getting two tanks(or just one bigger one) if I ever got a box truck.

Hope you have done the math on the diesel heater, they use quite a lot of 12v power and, especially if you are using the truck's main battery, you do not want to wake up with an engine that won't start !

I love how you are facing your fears and making your truck rebuild happen. I have a hard time with physical things myself. So seeing this encourages me. Even though I often need to call a pro, at least I won't be avoiding it.

So exciting. And I've said it before and it deserves mentioning again - Finn is so stinkin' cute.

P.S. I SEE THE FLOOR IS STILL BRRRR... A QUICK EFFECTIVE THING I DID WAS THE STYROFOM 4X8 INSULATION SHEETS AT HOME DEPOT. AND A COUPLE 6X8 TRUCK BED CARPETS IN THEIR CARPET DEPARTMENT. JUST CUT THE FOAM TO SIZE, UAW GORILLA TAPE TO HOLD DOWN AND LAY CARPET ON TOP. SUPER EFFECTIVE AND AFFORDABLE. I PUT A VID ON MY CHANNEL SHOWING HOW EASY IT IS.

It is weird that I’m like, super proud of you? Haha. It’s just so impressive to see you do all of this on your own. Keep on keeping on.

Love your videos. I've been married to my husband for almost 47 years. We've had 2 homes and he loves to do projects and not hire people if he doesn't have to. He can make multiple trips to the hardware store for one project. That being said, your doing some of your build work in the Home Depot parking lot, BRILLIANT! I continue to look forward to your videos. Best of luck!

Always a pleasure watching your videos. You always have a sense of calm about you that makes watching, more relaxing. All the best!

Finn's little yawn was adorable 😍

i'm loving this journey so far

Good to see you post a new video Mariah. I was beginning to worry that you and Finn had gone into hibernation for the winter, not to be seen again until spring. 😆 I'm not there to physically help you, all I can do is offer up encouragement and praise and tell you that you're doing just fine. Remember, one day older Mariah will be saying to herself " I've walked on the shores of oceans, I've stood on the side of scenic Mountains, I've walked in a forest of glistening snow-covered trees, I've swam in icy cold rivers and streams. But one of my fondest memories, is completing a live-in in home on wheels that I completed all on my own". 🤗

Please look into getting some insulation installed - it will ensure that you and Finn are comfortable anywhere. I recommend checking out Chuck Cassidy's channel for inspiration - he's a professional skoolie bus converter, but a lot of his tips and tricks would work in your situation too

It is amazing that you could install the diesel heater by yourself. I had to pay a van builder nearly $1,500 just for the labor part. I could have saved a lot of money if I could do what you just did.

Doing a great job with the remodel. When you find rust again, after sanding the area apply an etching primer before painting. The etching primer will penetrate the metal and stop the rust. Other than that advice you are doing a great job

@mirthroberts9035

Жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing and wondered why she was stirring the paint with the other side of the paint brush. I was wondering where the stir stick was. I'm just amazed at her doing all this alone. She's doing an awesome job.

I've been offgriding in Colorado for the last seven years. First couple winters living out of my truck. Been in a camper trailer since then. I set it up as a stationary cabin and skirted it, dug septic, made my own woodstove, set up some solar and haul my water in weekly. Offgriding out on rural farmland allows me to live close to plowed roads, while also living only ten minutes from mouth of the canyon. It's my "Basecamp". I built a shed for my tools and have a secure place to go home to. I've encountered bears on three different occasions, so I'm not a fan of sleeping up the canyon. Rather be in my trailer, watching them through the windows.

Get an RV tank heater for your batteries. just put it under them. I spent maybe 30 bucks for a pair of them, and they've kept my batteries safe through winter in ohio. And if you put them inside a semi-insulated enclosure, they won't use too much power keeping the batteries warm. Also... I put off installing my diesel heater for an entire year because of the fear of drilling a hole through something I shouldn't. That's some serious anxiety.

Mariah, you are a favorite and I also can’t get enuf of Finn’s cuteness. I have faith that you will learn, grow and succeed in this new venture because of your will and strength of character. I would like to offer a few suggestions tho. Getting back on the road is what makes you happy but sometimes delaying gratification can be the path of least resistance. I agree with the comment where someone said that some planning is a necessary part of the process. As you plan to head into cold weather, please consider insulating the van before you go. This will of course first require planning your placement of things. Will you be adding windows and if so, where, will you need a fan opening in the ceiling, etc. Please stay safe and warm. I look forward to your next update!

I know you like the mountains, but that footage of the transition from Monterey down towards Big Sur was... I would live there forever. Good work on this portion of the build!

Make sure that you insulate! Otherwise your van will generate a huge amount of dew on the sides. I would use about 2" of XPS styrofoam.

Looks like you got the roof completed just in the nick of time. I’d say you can handle projects just fine! Step by step and keep pushing til done. Enjoy! 😎

Love watching your build! Just one quick tip. Make sure to a mask to protect your lungs when sanding/painting :). Also would love to see a more detailed video of how your diesel heater build turned out.

Make sure to keep an eye on the tape you put on the roof when you start driving again! It will pull up because of the wind! Be safe!

@jackthefunshack8618

Жыл бұрын

not likely if it's that RV roof repair tape. I used that stuff to tape my flexible solar panels to my roof. Reight before we sold our RV I was going to try to take the solar with me, so we tried to take that tape up, we SOON figured out that was super difficult and so we gave up and simply replaced the small amount of tape we werer able to remove. We sold the RV with the solar. The new owners loved that the solar was all they needed to keep batteries topped up.

I had to stop as soon as you finished tucking Finn in. That was cute. He is living his best life.

Great job!!! I’m impressed. You overcame whatever fear you had and plowed forward. Now apply that logic to all you do and you’ll be surprised what you can accomplish! Just DO it!!!

You're a hardcore vanlifer. Rock on. 👍👍👍👍

No mistakes, No progress. You are doing a great job.👍

I really like how you keep talking about how you don't know what you are doing....but then you put in a bunch of research, do good prep work, and end up doing a real good job on the truck (ie, repainting, or roof sealing, heater install). It is great that you are showing a lot of people the essence that 90% of DIY is overcoming fears, doing your research, and not being too lazy/scared, and just embracing difficulty and mistakes.

Beautiful scenery on your walk Mariah

Mariah do not doubt yourself. You have talent & skill working with your hands. I am very impressed with the work I have seen you do. Remember. we impose our own limitations by thinking we can't. You can do anything just by setting your mind to it and beginning the project. Then, once you are actively working on the project all the pieces fall into place. I wish you success in everything you do & the very best of luck! Regards!

Sweet build Mariah. So much interior space but not too big on the outside! I once had a Uhaul truck like that and the plastic-covered wood side panels rotted out on the bottom due to the seal between the side panels and aluminum bottom rail leaking, so make sure to keep that seal at the bottom of the side panels in good condition so it does not leak.

Girl you are truly awesome your taking care of things in the right order the roof is probably the most important place to start 👍 Taking care of the small rust issue and doing it properly was awesome I'm glad you now have heat that will make life so much better BUT i personally think mounting the diesel tank behind the drivers seat is definitely not a good idea diesel fumes smell all the time especially when you're driving in the summer and the cab is warm mabe cover the tank with a wet/damp towel to keep the smell in Take care stay safe and God bless 🙋‍♂️🇬🇧🇺🇸

I think that as you get further into this build you are going to be surprised by how capable you are. Good to see you going for it.

I love the way you take the bull by the horns and just DO things. Nobody is an expert the first time they do something, and it's great to have the courage to just try. To maybe make a mistake, but learn from it then take on the next project. This kind of experience and confidence-building is invaluable to develop as you go through life.

@davep6977

Жыл бұрын

just remember, if you try something and it doesn't come out just right. It wasn't a failure-it was a learning experience

Being proactive on your roof will save you thousands in the future. If only people with campers would do the same. Doing that and installing the heater should prove to yourself that you can do anything you want to. Alan

I must say you are by far the most genuine van lifer I've seen on KZread. Keep it up!!!

You never know what you can do until you try. I feel so proud of you for having the courage to try something different. I'm 62 years old and I have never had the courage to do what you are doing. I really regret that.. keep doing you. I pray God 's protection around you. Be safe.

I have a feeling the main lesson from this build will be that having a plan beforehand would have made everything a lot easier, but this looks like you'll end up with a great little home regardless!

You are doing great! Keep doing lists and checking check boxes and you will do fine. Love watching the truck take shape. Your building adventure is an extension of your travel adventures.

Mariah - please get a carbon monoxide alarm for your rig (if you don't already have one). Fuel heaters are great - and well done on installing yours. If they get a leak, and you're sleeping in an well-sealed enclosed space, it could go badly...

I’m an old KZread grandpa and always feel the need to warn you young whippersnappers about all the mistakes I’ve made because I want you to be safe and pain free so I can continue to enjoy your creative ventures. Please consider some all terrain shoes rather than those “trippy-flippy-flop-sandals”. Especially on that rugged, rocky ground on high cliffs. Some of those places you go to seem like they’re a real long crawl and haul from an ER. I’ll leave now, best wishes and luck!

That looks a lot of fun in the rain. Can't wait for my box truck build.

I always thought that a box truck would make a great home on wheels ,more room,higher ceilings. And wider ,great job so far can’t wait to see the out come ❤

You are a true inspiration! Keep up the great work; don’t stop and nothing has to be perfect. Stay safe! 🙏🏾👏🏾🥰

As always, your awesome editorial captions are a mixture of self-deprecating humor, self-awareness, optimism, and experience-based cynicism. The attention to detail you show is clearly grounded in your previous experiences. We all tend to self-censor a bit when choosing what to share on social media, and van life influencers get their share of this. But as a non van-life viewer, I think you really provide a glimpse or sense of much of your process for both good and bad. You def sound like you're prone to overanalysis, and sometimes paralysis, inaction, or procrastination due to being overwhelmed (as you said). I'm not invested in the van life myself, but the personal journey aspect is pretty huge. I hope you continue to find what you want in this whole process, and that win or lose you come out of every experience for the better and with a net gain (or at least a minimum of negatives -- van life appears to be a real struggle skirting on the edge of financial hardships, much like many other forms of freelancing, self-employment, gig work, etc). Not trying to simp, in case it looks that way to some other commenter. Just relating where I can from my own experience. I've been self-employed for most of the past decade out of necessity, so I'm certainly projecting a lot of my own past life/financial insecurities as I pursued self-sufficiency, into this scenario.

Not sure if anyone else suggested this but diesel cans are usually yellow so someone doesn't get them messed up with gas. I would consider using a sharpie to label it...otherwise you could be looking at some expensive repairs later on. Keep up the good work! “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ”

You are a brave, carefree, awesome, bright, daring young lady. You aren't afraid of challenge. Finn is adorable he is probably the only dog in America that travels to the most beautiful places. Love your videos Mariah!! Keep them coming and be safe!!💕

said it before, say it again. You (and Finn) are absolute rockstars.

Bravo for taking on that heater install job on your own! I salute you homegirl!

I’m so glad that Finn is there experiencing with you , I love seeing him in your vlogs. You’re amazing Mariah! Don’t ever think you can’t do something. You clearly did that and great at it. Box is coming along nice… 💗🐾 sending love.

Chance favours the prepared mind! Love your work and adventures.. stay safe!! Achoo!

We need Finn Merch!! Love all your videos, they give me a sense of peace. Keep up the good work!

You're awesomely capable, some moments will suck and others you'll shine but that's okay, but you're doing great! Remember every carpenter, mechanic, artist, or otherwise was once a person who didn't know what they were doing before being taught or teaching themselves. You've got this! I also watched a lot of Regretlss' bus build videos at the chrome yellow shop for some build strategies and ideas to help me once I start.

I admire how you just throw yourself into the work. I always want to measure everything crazy precise, and then projects take forever. Tell Finn to quit hogging the spotlight. 😉

When I saw you had posted a new video I made myself a coffee and settled down to watch! Thanks for sharing your journey. I’m saving for my next build and watching you helps the time go by as I live vicariously through your build! So nice to see you develop your skills and confidence 👍💪🏼

Just discovered your channel, sat here and watched about 12 videos straight through, thoroughly enjoying your channel. I think I was seeing Carmel Valley? I used to work by Quail Lodge, looks familiar around there. One thing to help with your terrible gas mileage would be to get a bubble or something to mount on the front of the cab over to cut through the wind. Also, part of your build could be to cover the roof with solar panels, probably large enough area to charge batteries during the day then you can run off the batteries all night. Anyway, good luck on the build, will be watching and enjoying your process. Take care and be safe!

Bring it to Missouri and we will. give you a hand!

I'm so excited to see your home come together!

One thing I love about this young lady is that she takes a bit of time to enjoy the world around her, before she gets to work. I'm a 8 have a project, let's get er done then enjoy x thing guy. 😁 Not too sure how you are going to feel about the gas tank behind the driver seat. A good bump or a 2 am fuel up, this might result in a new video. You are doing a great job. Keep up the amazing work. I'm enjoying watching you with this.

The complicated heater install project needs so many skills to complete! . You are gonna do just fine ! All your other projects will be so less complicated, and you will certainly enjoy and acheive satisfaction in what you do.

You remind me of my daughter. Keep your head up and take one day at a time. You are doing amazing stuff. And take care of your cute little doggie.

I am enjoying your time with us. A box truck and a young lady a her little dog is different from all the other utubers I watch but that is one reason your daily adventures intregue me. See you on the next one. From Central Oklahoma

Great plan and execution so far! My life motto has been: "erring on the side of caution is better than future issues, or doing a job over".

You'll discover that there's really only a dozen or so rules when it comes to building things. The experience of applying those rules in a variety of situations is where the specifics of each situation is learned. "Is it sturdy, is it square, is it straight, etc..." You're doing just fine. Patience is extremely important. Sometimes just staring at something for a while, or even taking a break and getting your mind completely away from it works. If you're not sure, and you rush into something, that's like asking for a problem. Another thing that helps as long as you have plenty of time, is to consider a plan"B" even if you're pretty confident of a solution. It's good practice for visualizing your completed project taking into account that you might find more than one option. You seem like you don't get frustrated very easily which makes you a natural! Lol! You'll often be surprised at how many things aren't very difficult at all. Just being human means that you are very adaptable and versatile. Other people do all of these things so there's no reason why you can't. Great video!

Cool! She seems at peace,and she has alot of knowledge. That's awesome!

Bees aren't scary, but you know what are? Self-imposed expectations. Learn how to embrace imperfections.

This project is going very well. Love seeing the updates.

Girl you did it. Wow. That´s so cool and I really love your Videos. Can´t wait to see what you do next. Greetings from Germany.

I love what you're doing!!! Not someone who has loads of money to throw at something. I am moving into an old rv without anything ready, and going to try to stay sane and safe and get things done. I am glad you can park somewhere. That is so important

@awalktowardsglory

Жыл бұрын

So true, having a landing pad is important. She is fortunate to have a pad for fixing things and upgrades.

Great video heater setup looks awesome 🙂

Great vids. Wish you all the luck with the build.

It's really soothing to follow you on your journey. Thanks.

Congrats! So glad everything worked out with the build, getting jealous of the new digs.

I'm here to see that thing getting built and we are enjoying . Make that upper bunk/garage area bigger. Expand it out to a Queen or KIng bed and when you use the Vertical 2X4's and plywood as the bed platform, make cabinets behind them in the living area. Eazy ,Cheezy and just my 2 cents. That big thing is coming along nicely.

Good to see another video.Loving the build so far.

Here's a thought ,. box in the springs of your overhead door, 1X6 inch boards should do. When the door is closed, Come back approximately 6 inches, and measure to build a frame to install a wall / divider with a DOOR in the center, a little bit one way, or the other, So that you will have access to the latch on your overhead door. You might even put in FRENCH DOORS , 🤔🙂 There are a few ways you could do this. When traveling, or away from your truck, The roller door will be down, When you are at home in your truck, You will have a door , and windows to let in the light, and the view, and keep out bugs, and keep in your heat. BTW, if you have a TRAILER HITCH, They make an ATTACHMENT that fits in the Hitch Receiver that acts as a STEP to make it a little bit easier for you to enter, and exit the truck. Good idea on the roof, and the rust, You did a fine job with the heater as well,. Best of luck to you

Roof looks good and congrats on finally getting that heater installed! Hope all your projects are coming together smooth for you.

in my head, I totally saw your timelapse of you sliding in a circle dotting the roof with glue on like minute loop and I laughed harder than I probably should've 😅 also, that cliff you took a walk on was gorgeous. I'm really happy for you, Mariah. You're putting in some serious sweat into this thing. And even if it doesn't pan out, you have all you've done so far to deservedly feel proud of. Much love to you and Finn 🤙

I loveeee your videos so much! So excited to watch the truck transform.

Ahh I love watching your box truck videos, its so inspiring!

This is going to look so good when you’re done with it, don’t give up!! 😊

congrats on the heater install.. you can do anything you put your mind to.

Beautiful video, as always! I can't wait to see your final project.

Loving this wild & crazy you building your home. Thanks for sharing.

Glad to see you are banging along and doing such a nice job. Hot air rises. The RV coat you put on top will help your big metal roof radiate less to the cooler air passing above it, but a layer of insulation on the inside under that metal will buy you another 10-20 degrees all the time. I did holidays in Tracy last year with no heater and just insulation my lover and our dog. It wasn’t great but it was not bad either. If you drill that lip where the roof curves, you can make a baling wire web to hold up foam board or anything else to cover your entire ceiling. The sooner you do this or something similar, the happier you and Finn will be. I also hang used sleeping bags on both sides of the cutout pass through