#1 Buying an old Ford Box Truck [to live in]

We did a thing
Spotify Playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/7mt...
((The links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize any purchase.))
Camera Gear:
amzn.to/3Byk99f
amzn.to/3DfA1yL
Links to things in the truck:
My duvet: amzn.to/3hqKSe0
Duvet Cover (Pink Linen): www.brooklinen.com/products/l...
Carpet (blue): amzn.to/3r65AE6
My bullet Journal: amzn.to/36lA6PS
Books I'll forever own physical copies of:
City of girls: amzn.to/3bBxF1G
Where the Crawdads Sing: amzn.to/3xx2ACb
The Name of the Wind: amzn.to/3yIlkPt
The Wise Man's Fear: amzn.to/3AHsoxx
SUM (40 Tales From the Afterlife): amzn.to/2VJFLNP
Greenlights: amzn.to/3FmLo5X
Music by c418
Patreon: / mariahalice
Business: [e-mail]

[@MariahAlice]

Welcome to season two ;) PS: If anyone knows 12v electrical wizards in the western US and/or tig welders, pls dm me on instagram

[@civicgsr19]

How far west? I know lots of people in the Oklahoma area...

[@delbrett2257]

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!

[@KyleRuggles]

Check out Maker Space to build and use tools and park!

[@JRods2]

Should see if Pimp My Ride is still in business! 😉. Ford makes solid vehicles. Good choice

[@Parkitloveit]

Congratulations 🎉❤🏕💐

[@jkflorida]

Congrats on the new rig! Make sure you have an escape hatch into the drivers compartment.

[@astrogypsy]

I second that.

[@lardo666]

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.

[@astrogypsy]

@@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.

[@johnmcwilliam3395]

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.

[@juliehoot3916]

JKFlorida, what a great idea! For sure!

[@user-qq3hj6pl8o]

i love the idea of a vehicle hundreds or thousands of people used to transition from one home to another becoming a home itself ❤

[@sophietucker1255]

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.

[@Ask22]

53 year old male living in NY 100% agrees

[@tinymission7821]

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.

[@c11p]

She's BACK... and we are happy again :) A long path of new growth, learning, fun, and memories lay ahead, Mariah. GO GET YOURS.

[@michaelhite1433]

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.

[@raysway5760]

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

[@fastvette15]

I thought the same thing! I’m also going to watch her channel grow because of it!

[@waitshiftchance5893]

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.

[@KaltrinaDemiri]

Aww you can see how excited she is about this. Can't wait to see what you do with the box truck. Congrats!

[@brianc6277]

Oh thank God, I was scared you were gonna get an apartment, looking forward to watching Steve evolve.

[@melissacoburn6873]

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....

[@kjaubrey4816]

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.

[@davidsqvbcn]

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!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@robinscott962]

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 😊

[@kst357]

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.

[@Karanodom]

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.

[@JamesSmith-st9nw]

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 🙂

[@rb962]

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.

[@Maryjobeug]

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

[@missroxanne7123]

Your little dog just melts my heart

[@noxtwilight_]

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 😁❤

[@nancylainhighfill]

It will be fun to watch your new adventures! Best wishes for great outcomes!

[@magmantis]

Let's go Season 2! Glad to see I'm not the only one who sees life as just Seasons in a Television Show. 📺

[@nodak81]

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!

[@garycloud9631]

Good for you Mariah! You are going do great building out your new home. Excited to follow you on this new journey.

[@Killuaxzol]

Just found ur channel yesterday and was hoping you’d post your update today. I hopped on KZbin at the perfect time- good luck on your new journey! 😁

[@biz4twobiz463]

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

[@dougrogillio2223]

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!

[@JonUK4]

Seeing the emotional end to the last van and now the opening title as #1 is truly impactful.

[@WindieWindy]

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!

[@doctorvibes5091]

Back up cam a must. Instant life changer

[@mizpappas]

Box truck is a great way to go, for designing livable space. Well done.

[@Hay2I33]

I am so happy to see what comes next congratulations on the new van!

[@70sladyalways25]

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 😊

[@davidmussack4529]

You have a blank canvas, create, make a beautiful home. I’m so glad you have your dog with you. Be strong.

[@AprilJohnson34]

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.

[@elblunts6927]

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.

[@MOTrav]

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!

[@gigistacey724]

I am in awe of this young lady.

[@koda-manmusic6259]

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. 😊

[@lisalovell6616]

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!! ❤

[@derek_the_nerd]

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. 😊

[@VitorMadeira]

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.

[@doctorvibes5091]

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!

[@annmarieinthehouse]

Can’t wait to see what you create with Steve! Congrats to you both!

[@HeatherJ.Hopper]

Congratulations on your purchase of Steve. Super excited for the new content. Huge love ❤ from Canada.

[@TMCotton]

Congratulations on the new project - looking forward to following the build! If only I were 40 years younger and attractive 🥰

[@Winniebago]

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.

[@susansomersjohnson8748]

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.

[@psychopompous3207]

Do you have any plans to KZbin?

[@steveyost5530]

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.

[@OwnerOfOwn]

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!

[@chucky6367]

@Those Happy Days have a gorgeous truck, have a look at their layout. Looking forward to seeing the build journey and new adventures! ❤

[@AngelsEmbroideredkeychains]

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

[@ChristianSchaffer]

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 😂

[@jamesbuchholz6830]

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.

[@arturoalcantar2669]

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!!!!!

[@NebRadojkovic]

So, I am not sure why but this lady makes it all very enjoyable to watch.

[@rbmh]

Much better than a van. Fantastic idea. 5 stars excellent video.

[@scottj103]

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!😁

[@fabienbelanger4979]

You impress the hell out of me. "ROCK ON" MARIAH ALICE

[@michaelbell6079]

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 😃

[@Leonard_Smith]

Living in a box! Go Mariah! Love to Finn xx

[@hitnrun1805]

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!

[@Kodak54]

I'm so glad you were able to pick it up before Ian.

[@katrinaflorez2465]

Oh yay. I'm glad KZbin brought you to me. I'm excited to watch the progress.

[@betterthantelevision]

Steve has so much room for activities! Hope Finn is taking things well, good luck Mariah.

[@kylekislingbury36]

I can’t wait to see what it will look like once it’s finished!

[@contrafax]

Well done, such an awesome display of bravery. Thank you for having us along.

[@thunderroad7289]

Those can be made really nice inside. Enjoy and be safe young lady. Looking forward to how it looks when you are done

[@REGRETLYSS1]

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.

[@MariahAlice]

Soon soon!!

[@imccrae]

Looking forward to the next installment of this part of the journey ! So inspiring

[@robertcormier242]

You go girl ....I did it to my conversion van....everything my self. Great journey

[@zanpackard1423]

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. 🎉

[@MariahAlice]

this made me giggle omg, thanks!

[@jessicamartinezmadrigal8605]

The couch/bed/bathtub combo is what’s peaked my interest hmmmmmm can’t wait to see the finish product.

[@CircusStellaShow]

Congratulations, I'm super excited for you and Finn!

[@stoneyrunva]

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.

[@aaronrobbins1458]

I don't have any idea why KZbin suggested your videos to me. I saw the one in Utah where it snowed and then just wanted to see how you were doing, so I came straight to your newest video. I adore your box van. I often think about converting the exact box van style you've got there. You haven't done it yet, obviously, but I love that you're going to put in a bath tub. My greatest joy in the world is a nice hot bath. A box van with a tub in the back...perfection. I actually have a dream to build a van/bus/something into a mobile onsen/japanese bath house. You don't need to know that, but yeah, a bath in a box van...I love it. Water storage/weight is probably going to be your biggest problem, but you seem to have a good thinker in that noggin, so I have no doubt you can pull it off if it's important enough for you. Not that its important, but I completely understand your reasons for flying to florida to get the van. You are doing it right. Also, please, 2006 isn't that old. Keep up on the maintenance and she'll treat you right. I'm not sure about the name Steve, but I get it. I truly wish I could be living the box van life also, but that just wasn't in the cards yet. Maybe some day. Honestly, I think I'll end up south of the boarder, someplace with sloths, but again, you didn't need to know that. Any, I'm kinda a bit socially awkward and have no idea how to end this comment, so...yeah, keep it up and rock on.

[@batmanbrucewayne1]

Glad you stopped in Pensacola! I moved to Pensacola 11 years ago, it's nice here. If you ever want to come back let me know and I can show you around town.

[@deepowellexpectsuccess]

Happy for you! I think you are so brave. Been watching your videos for a while. Always happy when I see you posted. God Bless you and keep you safe!

[@TheMkt2009]

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!!

[@RichardHarlos]

Congratulations, Mariah. And a big *'welcome!'* to Steve. Looking forward to seeing how both of you grow through this process. Cheers!

[@daniellejones9712]

I'm not even finished with this video and you have become my life inspiration.

[@colinwhite5355]

Yesterday, I just bought my first small van to convert. 50 miles to view it, then the same again to bring it home. If it had been 3000 miles away it would still be there. Admire your courage.

[@nomadbrad503]

The 12’ box is my favorite platform! Building my 2nd one right now!

[@luvyou-baby]

you look really happy. it seems like you’re following your spirit’s desires & your intuition. 👍

[@cberti7]

Great idea, good luck. Excited to see your journey

[@scubasmith]

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.

[@lunaraynwolf7036]

This is going to be a fun adventure! Thanks for taking us a long! Can't wait to see what Steve will look like when the build is done!

[@waynepeterson1061]

New truck/van builds are so exciting. Looking forward to your design ideas. Congratulations on picking up Steve.

[@jotape1960]

Congratulations for your new vehicle!!! God bless you all!!!

[@remaxhudson]

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.

[@mikelees5093]

So looking forward, to your upcoming adventures.

[@LiveFree123]

Congratulations! I’m looking forward to watching your journey as you build out this truck. Wishing you all the best ❤️

[@phwlee]

Congrats on making such a huge decision and making that long journey following that decision and dream. Looking forward to seeing the build progress.

[@LovetalkswithRockie]

I am so stoked for you in this new adventure ! Can't wait to see what it all looks like once it's built out !

[@budsvtec]

Congratulations on the new truck - I can’t wait to see this one finished. I’m so happy you are still in the van life

[@Zazanotizza]

Mariah all I have to say is OMG!!!! I am so excited to see and be with you on this new journey. It's so beautiful to see your adventures! please never stop being who you are❣

[@nancyosmun3664]

I'm so happy for you! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

[@Suzannes_Trip]

I loved the smile on your face as you started driving your new truck headed to the left coast! What a wonderful new adventure! I'm sure there will be challenges, but how cool to be able to create yours and Finns new home!

[@noturningback84]

thats nice of you to help your friend move from texas to california