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 KZfaq🤞. Okay, be back soon enough :)

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! 💚

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!!

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.

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

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.

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

Finn in a blanket is the definition of adorbs!!

We're already damn proud of you Mariah! 🤗

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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'm loving this journey so far

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Beautiful scenery on your walk Mariah

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.

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.

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.

Finn's little yawn was adorable 😍

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

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

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

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.

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

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!!!

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!

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.

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

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! 😎

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.

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.

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

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.

And there was heat....cozy heat. Fin admired your handy work and stayed warm.

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". 🤗

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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 shouldn't doubt yourself. You've conquered every project I've seen on this channel nicy, it's actually quite impressive.

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

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!!💕

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

Wow, really coming along nicely ! It will be a super build for sure ! Cannot wait for more !

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 !

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 👍💪🏼

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

Go Mariah, we will always be here for you... 😍😍😍happy to see you happy and well... You never fail to amaze me every time you post a new video...specially now that you are doing a box truck build... 😍😍😍

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.

Loved seeing that your zest for adventure is coming full circle.....

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 ❤

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.

So incouraged by your starting over. Having things simple and just enjoying a project. Thanks !!

More work than last time. Great work. Stay safe.

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!

You did the roof perfect with the correct stuff!!!

Man I admire your bravery. Seriously, what comes across in the videos is just fearlessness. I need to get off my ass and get working on my build. Watching you just reminds me that it doesn't have to be complex or difficult. You just have to think it through and keep doing it. Thanks for sharing.

I'm really impressed that your tackling this on your own. Good for you

Enjoying your channel and wish you all the best with your build.

Your truly amazing and inspiring. Thanks for videos. God bless you.

You rule, stay positive and make it fun!! You are doing great!

That is a wonderful place to put the heater thank you for showing me that I could not think of where to put it.

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 🙋‍♂️🇬🇧🇺🇸

It was cute when she painted the truck cab with a paint brush :)

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

Really enjoy the build, your doing fine

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

You really looked relaxed doing the roof and heater. You help me think happy thoughts and I can tell your build will be just right for you, when you are done.

Well, colour me impressed. I admire your willingness to go all in

Yayyyyyyy! Missed your vibes after finding your channel. So happy to see you trugging on along honey bunches ✨❣️❣️

HI Mariah. As an RV owner you really did a nice job on the roof of your truck. The roof is the most important part of your truck to keep water out. You nailed it with the proper products. Maintenance and inspection will be your best friend from here on in. Ottawa Ontario Canada.

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.

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

way to go with the heater. glad you got that done.

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.

Good luck to your heater installation process. 😊 Really enjoy following the process of your rig transformation 😊

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.

Loved all your videos and the progression you made so far!

You go girl! ✋ Alot of people wouldn't even attempt to fit that themselves so a huge pat on the back in order. What a sense of accomplishment. And when you know things inside out you don't feel overwhelmed if something starts playing up further down the line. Great job! 👏👏 And Finn is just adorable the way he climbs inside your sweater 🥺🥰🐾 Love & respect from Scotland ❤️

I'm LOVING watching you conquer fear and take ownership of this build. You can tell it feels different than the van for you. So great, Finn even seems more playful and carefree!

Even in moments of doubt, you totally have this project, and are majorly inspiring for everyone along this journey with you! Keep up the awesomeness pushing through and past all of the little hiccups along the way and doing things that you feel totally overwhelmed by. You are doing amazing!

I appreciate your expertise in mechanical work like using drilling machine very efficiently. Even I am facing a problem whenever I use drilling machine. Love Mariah 💖

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 made an excellent job of the roof..

I love the 831 during summer, much cooler than other parts in CA

I admire that you just go and do the thing even though it is scary. I would have gotten stuck.

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