#1 Buying an old Ford Box Truck [to live in]
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- Опубліковано 27 сер 2024
- We did a thing
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![#2 Prepping the Box Truck for departure [cutting a large hole]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_5YxBERtoLk/mqdefault.jpg)
![#2 Prepping the Box Truck for departure [cutting a large hole]](/img/tr.png)
![#3 First days living in the Box Truck [highway 395]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_-tsIor6soY/mqdefault.jpg)
Welcome to season two ;)
PS: If anyone knows 12v electrical wizards in the western US and/or tig welders, pls dm me on instagram
How far west? I know lots of people in the Oklahoma area...
Come to NW Mo, mig welder, electrical experience, not going to work daily so lots of free labor and help. Can even spray some paint lol Maybe a climb thru window from the cab to the back would be a cool safety feature to have!
Check out Maker Space to build and use tools and park!
Should see if Pimp My Ride is still in business! 😉. Ford makes solid vehicles. Good choice
Congratulations 🎉❤🏕💐
Congrats on the new rig! Make sure you have an escape hatch into the drivers compartment.
I second that.
If you have a fire, that hatch is your ticket to survival. Think where to put it so it won't get blocked by all the good things you build in the back. Maybe plan to use it to avoid rain and cold outside - then it will always be clear.
Also - fire and carbon monoxide detectors are affordable - fit them soon, then bad things happening at night can't become really bad...
Have fun - if I was 40 years younger the road would be tempting me too.
@@lardo666 Also, getting from the domestic area to the driver's seat without going outside is a plus if weird sh!t goes down and you have to leave in a hurry.
Yes! That is a must have in these box rigs. Not to mention, RV regulations mandate a secondary egress path. I'd think she'd have that covered with an egress window in the sleeping area though. And it's not so much as for an “escape” (Though equally important for a solo camper.), but as an: “It’s pouring down rain hatch.”
They are actually pretty easy to fabricate/install on these boxes. Pass-Through seals are cheap. The center jump seat is easily removable. She really doesn’t have a choice, regardless. And let's not forget how much Finn would appreciate it.
JKFlorida, what a great idea! For sure!
She's BACK... and we are happy again :)
A long path of new growth, learning, fun, and memories lay ahead, Mariah.
GO GET YOURS.
i love the idea of a vehicle hundreds or thousands of people used to transition from one home to another becoming a home itself ❤
At 70 yrs old now I can assure you that life is never certain but the moving forward is always worth the effort. Doing something even if you don't know how doesn't mean you can't do it or at least try. There is almost always more than one way to do something don't let the YT EXPERTS tell you are doing it wrong, you're just doing it different. Don't scrimp on the safety items like electricity and wiring. Always fix the small things or else they will turn into huge things. You'll do it and it will be great.
53 year old male living in NY 100% agrees
i wish i saw this video a year from now so i could just binge watch how steve gets built and becomes a home. mariah takes us thru such a heartwarming story over the last few videos
I thought the same thing! I’m also going to watch her channel grow because of it!
Aww you can see how excited she is about this. Can't wait to see what you do with the box truck. Congrats!
Lady, I have followed you from the beginning and you are capable of more than you think ! The smile on your face, the enthusiasm in your voice tells me this will be a success and your own when done. Patiently waiting for your build videos! Oh and your first batch of pancakes in the new home 🙂
Months ago you inspired me to retire early (I’m 53) buy a van, and build it out. Van arrived in Nov. and I’ve been on the road for 2 weeks now. I learned how to use power tools, wire up electrical, and put in plumbing. Is it perfect? Nope! In some places the trim needed trim to hide mistakes, but I did it. I built my home. You’re right to follow your heart because love builds your soul
Really????? OMG! That’s awesome, Mariah!!!!! My most sincere congratulations for this new companion 🚐😍😍😍. I can’t wait seeing you enjoying it from the very begging to a whole world of new adventures in your life 😊😊😊. What a piece of news!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
I’ve watched the last few of your videos and have enjoyed them so much! My little white chihuahua mix dog passed away in January and I have grieved more than I expected. He was 14 and was my little buddy, like your dog. His name was Steve! So when you named your new truck Steve I squealed a little!! You are so inspiring!! Can’t wait to see how you transform Steve and create your new home!! Watching from Houston 😊
I agree. If a joker blocks you in, you could be stranded in there, depending on a cell signal. Then, who do you call? No window to crawl out. Great truck.
Your little dog just melts my heart
I'm super excited to watch you create a life with Steve!
FYI you do make sense, some of us understand exactly how you feel. Edit to add, keep following your intuition, instinct and you can't go wrong... mostly 😁❤
Oh thank God, I was scared you were gonna get an apartment, looking forward to watching Steve evolve.
I got the 07 version of that truck from Uhaul 3 years ago. I have a floating queen bed, 900 amp hours of gel batteries, 700 watts residential solar, a hatch, two fans and a deck on the roof, swing doors with drop bolts, a pass through, a desk where you’ve planned your desk and shower where you planned your kitchen. I love it. It kicks ass and I have not spent base promaster money on it yet. Get motorcraft plugs and coils as soon as you can. The OEM ones can fail in ways that kill the engine. 10 ply sidewall AT tires are good as are airbag bump stops on your rear leaf springs. Also protect your Catalytic Converter. It is very easy to take and not cheap to replace. I’m working on the latter after experiencing the former. The ramp pulled out to four or five feet does not have room to drop making a very nice outdoor workbench. Look at superstrut in the electrical isle of the next Home Despot or Lols you stop in. Along with more space, weight is now much less of an issue for you. You canz haz nice things!
Box truck is a great way to go, for designing livable space. Well done.
The U-Haul is a good choice, they use a really well built box. It’s corners are aluminum and very strong unlike many others that use fiberglass or plastic. They E-series is one of the best commercial grade platforms. I has 2 that went well over 300k miles. One thing you’ll have to do is watch the wear on the front tires. The front bushings tend to wear and through off the alignment. Everything else is over built. These vans can also be converted to 4x4. Checkout Brandon Gross’s ambulance build and Cole Webb’s U-Haul build. Cole did exactly what it looks like you want to do. Also, this platform was in production from 1992-2014, so parts are plentiful. Checked out your Patreon.
Congratulations Mariah! I love following your adventures. You have been an inspiration to me to follow my dream. I've purchased a converted Ford transit van and will start living out of it ,on the road within the year. Maybe someday our paths may cross.
All the best and safe travels
. PS. My adventures started in Alaska this June and I'll be here in Homer untill January. Then back to FL. To where my van waits for me.
Do you have any plans to UA-cam?
You go girl ....I did it to my conversion van....everything my self. Great journey
Your stop in Pensacola beach is our favorite vacationing spot. I know exactly where you were. You are very resourceful with your “van plan”. I planned to do the exact same thing. But, we bought a cargo trailer & rigged it ourselves for travel the same as you are doing. Very simple & we love it. Godspeed!
Wow! A Box truck!? Didn’t see that coming! But I know it’s going to be amazing when you are done converting it! You a such a strong person!! So excited for you and Finn for this next chapter!! ❤
Enjoy it while you're young and healthy. I'm 41 now and starting to have heart problems. I'd love to do what you're doing but I don't think I'll ever be able to now. I'll have to live vicariously through your videos!
Ive been watching you for a while now and if no one has told you lately. Im proud of you. You have grown so much inside and out. You can see happiness all over your face and it looks good on you. Stay happy my friend
Congrats on the new rig! Will be interesting to see your build out progress over time. I’m sure you have plenty of ideas to mull over as you start the work. If you can work it in a side door would be a cool addition. Have fun!
Finn just melts my heart. He’s so precious! I am so excited for your new journey and can’t wait to see how you build out your new home 😊
I am a contractor who travels and lives all over the place for work. I purchased a trailer sailboat and lived on it for quite a while and now have a short, 35 ft school bus.
I technically have an address at a friend's house but I am on the bus more than I am there. It is very spartan at the moment but I really enjoy it.
My plans are to one day have it fully outfitted to be able to do disaster relief work but I do want it self sustaining first.
Enjoy your journey and never let anybody make you feel small for not living what they consider a normal life.
You are a very brave young lady with the world at your feet ! Enjoy your journey and enjoy life as you obviously are ! I worked as a mechanic at uhaul ,these trucks are very well built ,Good luck in your new adventure !! You only live life once and live to create memories ! 20 years from now you will look back at this time in your life and smile 😃
Awesome, congrats on your new home. I can see the glow of happiness in your face, good for you. Will be cheering from this side on your new project endeavor and get to learn more of Steve.
Much better than a van. Fantastic idea. 5 stars excellent video.
I keep watching all these box truck episodes over and over. It gets me excited about my own journey. Just so happens, this episode was uploaded the day after I bought my box truck. I still have tons of work to do but maybe we will cross paths one day. 😊
Back up cam a must. Instant life changer
Congratulations on your purchase of Steve. Super excited for the new content.
Huge love ❤ from Canada.
I am so happy to see what comes next congratulations on the new van!
I am in awe of this young lady.
I just bought an e450 shuttle bus myself. "The wheels on my hoome go... round and round, round and round... round and round. The wheels on my home go round and round, so early in the morning". Maybe one day we'll run into each other on the road.
I don't normally comment but I have watched all your videos. This is honestly so exciting. I'm so happy you are sharing this experience. Can't wait for what is to come. Good luck! You'll do amazing regardless of what happens because you did it!
I am so freaking excited for you and Finn - also the fact that you can build a bed in that upper loft has me reconsidering my whole life and whether or not I should upgrade my rig 😂
Was this mentioned/hinted as a plan... because that was my absolute first though when I saw it ("well, that's where the bed will go") but... it sounded like she had other plans for it. And what about... "guest bed?" ... That upper space is practically a whole guest room! And, she already has a couch/bed/bathtub, and a lot of ideas. Alas... we wait.
wow, that's an interesting choice for a new home on wheels. Also, you are extremely brave to drive through the deep south of the USA. Congrats! Merci
Outstanding! I just stumbled on this video now.
Thank you so very much for this precious little video.
I will watch it with my teenager child and my wife.
Thank you and greetings from the Algarve.
Love the name and your excitement about this. Poor Finn is not sure what is happening and really just wants to know where his warm bed went but he looks like he is hanging in there.
Seeing the emotional end to the last van and now the opening title as #1 is truly impactful.
I did this same thing with a box truck, I built it out as more a rough and tumble work and play rig. Drove it from Missouri to Alaska to Wyoming, I miss that little home on wheels!!
Jeez, there's so many things you can do to that thing. I'd remove the overhead door & put in a back wall with a door like Brian the Adventurevanman did and make a hatch or access door so you can get to the cargo compartment from the cab without having to go outside. Plus it would allow you to bug out safely if something was going on outside & you needed to get away. This build is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
I absolutely love seeing the excitement in your eyes and hearing it in your voice! I agree with you Mariah, that box truck is already more you than the van ever was. Not that the van wasn’t nice. It’s just a feeling I got when you first rented the U-Haul. Can’t wait to see what’s to come!😁
Congrats on your new truck! I know you will turn it into your perfect home. A word of caution when you come back to Florida, if you are near any lakes or ponds, make sure to have your dog on a leash and close to you. Gators love little dogs. Best of luck with the build. I look forward to following your progress.
The 12’ box is my favorite platform! Building my 2nd one right now!
VERY KOOL!!! FOR 22 YEARS I'VE DRIVEN A 16' BOX TRUCK FOR WORK AND EVERY TIME I'M IN IT, NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T PICTURE/PLAN OUT IN MY HEAD ABOUT HOW EASY AND KOOL IT'D BE TO BUILD IT OUT AND LIVE IN IT. I ENVY YOU. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY TRAVEL ADVENTURES! BTW...I THINK I'D HAVE THAT TRUCK LOOKED OVER REALLY WELL BY A GOOD MECHANIC IF YOU CAN. JUST FOR THE PEACE OF MIND... GREAT VIDEO!!!!!
Just found ur channel yesterday and was hoping you’d post your update today. I hopped on UA-cam at the perfect time- good luck on your new journey! 😁
Living in a box! Go Mariah!
Love to Finn xx
Congratulations on the new project - looking forward to following the build! If only I were 40 years younger and attractive 🥰
That’s awesome, over the last year I’ve built a house by myself and the best advice I can give is take it one precut at a time and before you know it you will be done and have a bunch of new skills and tools.
Can’t wait to see what you create with Steve! Congrats to you both!
It will be fun to watch your new adventures! Best wishes for great outcomes!
Oh gosh one thing I hope that you do is to make an entryway from the inside of the box truck to get into the cab. That way you can get out of weird situations whether it's weather related or a bear is bugging you or some weirdo person. That way if you're sleeping you can just get up and go right straight into the cab instead of having to get out to get into the cab. I have a shuttle bus and that's exactly why I bought one so I wouldn't have to get out of a camper to get to the front of the truck to get out of a weird situation. Anyway keep on keeping on toots! I can't wait to see your creation....
Let's go Season 2! Glad to see I'm not the only one who sees life as just Seasons in a Television Show. 📺
Good for you Mariah! You are going do great building out your new home. Excited to follow you on this new journey.
So excited for phase 2! Hopefully you can make it though NM again! I’ll keep an eye out for a super fly ford box truck. 😊
@Those Happy Days have a gorgeous truck, have a look at their layout.
Looking forward to seeing the build journey and new adventures! ❤
Wow, what an upgrade! Will be interesting to watch the build. Felicidades!!
Going old pickup truck and travel trailer myself and think I may get going soon thank goodness! (Fingers crossed) Can't wait to get my dogs out this apartment and into the country. Hope the box truck treats you well!
I’m so excited for you ! I’m buying a box truck too and I’m turning it into my tiny home and I’m very happy to watch ur journey as well
You are so brave and so ... powerful... I am not sure you realize. You are doing something great and you are living your dream. You will never forget these times and keep up the great work. For the rest of us that are not brave and not powerful. Follow your heart, it seems to be doing a great job so far.
Those can be made really nice inside. Enjoy and be safe young lady. Looking forward to how it looks when you are done
Team ford baby!! We have the exact same front cab lol. So excited for you Mariah. Can’t wait to get Steve and Monarch together.
Soon soon!!
Steve has so much room for activities! Hope Finn is taking things well, good luck Mariah.
I like to hear that compassion in your voice. The excitement and joy. I’m so glad to hear that you are following your dreams. I wish I would have done the same. I don’t know you but just saying I am proud of you for doing what you are doing. Have fun and be safe out there. Maybe God bless your journey through life.
You made a good choice. It has a very heavy duty chassis and parts will be easy to get. The engines in these trucks will go many miles easily. Change the oil every 5K miles full synthetic. If you ever come to Maryland you have a safe place to park and fun place to explore.
I can’t wait to see what it will look like once it’s finished!
Not. At. All. What I was expecting 😂😂😂 and yet, it fits. Glad to have you back! (Even if it’s sporadic). Can’t wait to follow your build out. Congratulations. 🎉
this made me giggle omg, thanks!
As others have said, an escape hatch/pass thru is a must. When people have been loud late at night or i sense trouble I can be out of bed and gone in 30 seconds.
have to admit that this scares the crap out of me. Good luck! Something you said a long time ago stuck with me. You took a break from your van and did car camping for a few days in California and mentioned how it allowed you to make more adventurous choices because the car was small and nimble. I hope the van does not hold you back from adventures because of size or being older. Recently you mentioned you did think a lot about places you wanted to go and how a bigger rig could get into 80% of them so I know you have thought about this. I am going small for my rig because of what you said and the freedom it allows me. Always a fan! Can't wait to see what you learn in the build process.
The couch/bed/bathtub combo is what’s peaked my interest hmmmmmm can’t wait to see the finish product.
One thing to know about Florida. Any inland body of water can have alligators. Never get close to the edge of the bank where they can drag you or your pet in. They are very stealthy and extremely fast and strong.
The east coast is such a paradise when compared to the west coast with the possible exception of weather. Individual, feelings, and emotions seem to be the top priorities in the west. Community, family, and freedoms are the top priorities in the east. Best of luck with your new build. Safe travels.
So, I am not sure why but this lady makes it all very enjoyable to watch.
The Ford Box Truck 🚚 should make a great home. Congratulations on the purchase 👏.
I'm happy for you - and also a little envious... have fun and looking forward to watching your adventure!
Oh yay. I'm glad UA-cam brought you to me. I'm excited to watch the progress.
you look really happy. it seems like you’re following your spirit’s desires & your intuition. 👍
Oh that will be an adventure!! There is so much to see on a trip across the USA.
You impress the hell out of me. "ROCK ON" MARIAH ALICE
Ok, so. I have been watching your blogs for maybe 2 or more years, I have seen the everyday ups and downs of your life. I have never commented on any of them as didnt want to be seen as just another old guy watching a young woman, but feel the need to now. I wish more people would have your outlook on life, it's there to be lived, to be shared, to be loved but mainly to do with it as we please. You do that. I am proud of all my children, I hope your family are proud of you. I would be proud to have you as a daughter..
LMFAO the minecraft fire and music!!!! I bought a 24 foot box truck a year ago and haven't looked back! Enjoy the build, hopefully patreons let your creative side flow!
Yea, new adventures. Looking forward to it.
I'm not even finished with this video and you have become my life inspiration.
I think you made the right choice. With a little work you can create a fantastic new home and survive anything, go anywhere.
Solar panels, water, fuel....you can do anything! Good luck!
Everytimem I see someone doing there van life is making me hella jealous of there life possibilities....keep up the good work! Whish one day that I would be doing van life like you, and everyone else I watch on you tube.
Think you helped me make my choice. Been back and forth on a van and a box truck. Thank you! First time I've seen your videos as well and I'm looking forward to seeing your journey.
You have a blank canvas, create, make a beautiful home. I’m so glad you have your dog with you. Be strong.
Wow!!! That’s going to be gorgeous!!! That’s awesome!!! Yes!!! It’s a fantastic idea!!!
👠🚌👠
Oh yayyy congratulations that is so kool,I can't wait to see the build and ur journey to get there..ty so much for sharing your beautiful adventures with me.💜✌
Cannot wait to watch your build progress.
Can’t wait to see you start the build process 😘💜💚💜😘
Hi Steve. Welcome. Can't wait to see the adventures you get up to.
Having driven from New York to San Francisco this summer and then spent 30 days traveling around in hotels and then driving from Denver back to Pennsylvania. I understand the exhaustion of driving that far and how it can make you go crazy. I actually had to sleep for three days before I get healthy again.
This is AWESOME!!!! Look at ALL that room!!!
Looks like it will be a fun build. So many possibilities.
I cant wait to see the process and the grand finale. Wow I am in awe of you. 🙌🙌🙌🤗🥰
I'm so glad you were able to pick it up before Ian.