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Darian Explores
United States
Registrace 9. 03. 2020
Hey! đ
Thanks for exploring my Channel! I'm Darian. I've lived in a self-converted Ram Promaster camper van since 2021. Now, I'm hanging out at mom's while I build my second tiny home on wheels! This time, I'm building my dream van - a Ford Transit High Roof with a murphy bed, indoor shower, oven, skylight, and luxurious, earthy interior design. đ
I'm sharing the entire DIY van build process here on CZcams with a mix of Shorts, Livestreams, and longer videos. By sharing my journey on CZcams, I hope to inspire other women to lean into their abilities, trust themselves, and to bask in the fruits of their labor. Subscribe to see it all go down!
Inquiries: darianexplores@iamsocial.la
Thanks for exploring my Channel! I'm Darian. I've lived in a self-converted Ram Promaster camper van since 2021. Now, I'm hanging out at mom's while I build my second tiny home on wheels! This time, I'm building my dream van - a Ford Transit High Roof with a murphy bed, indoor shower, oven, skylight, and luxurious, earthy interior design. đ
I'm sharing the entire DIY van build process here on CZcams with a mix of Shorts, Livestreams, and longer videos. By sharing my journey on CZcams, I hope to inspire other women to lean into their abilities, trust themselves, and to bask in the fruits of their labor. Subscribe to see it all go down!
Inquiries: darianexplores@iamsocial.la
A Day in the Life Converting a Ford Transit Van at 28 years old
Shop Quad Lock: bit.ly/quadlockmounts
Welcome to another day in the life of a solo 28 year woman building out my precious Ford Transit van all by myself.
Building this van has been taxing, but not for reasons you'd think. It's honestly been very hard to put my all into both work and this van build without help.
I made a tough decision to put work on the back burner the next couple months while I put as much time as possible into this van build. After all, the van build is temporary!
Right now I'm in my electrical stage. Let me know what you think. :)
__________________________
$50 off per electrical purchase w/ code DARIAN50 đđŒ signaturesolar.com/?ref=2xuohNxmBJUKf-
My roof rack đđŒ theswivelshop.com/?ref=6o0mx8wdew
All other van build supplies đđŒ amzn.to/473EReF
__________________________
MORE VIDEOS »
TIKTOK âș tiktok.com/@darian.explores
INSTAGRAM âș darian.explores
__________________________
YOU GET A DISCOUNT »
5% Off Swivel Seat w/ code darian5 âș theswivelshop.com/?ref=6o0mx8wdew
__________________________
NO COPYRIGHT MUSIC »
share.epidemicsound.com/nmxu9x
__________________________
Chapters
00:00 van build plan & finding balance
01:34 electrical progress
03:44 build build build
05:17 best dash gear
06:23 shopping & planning
08:44 build build build
12:09 reflecting
#solofemalevanlife #vanbuild #vanbuildseries
Welcome to another day in the life of a solo 28 year woman building out my precious Ford Transit van all by myself.
Building this van has been taxing, but not for reasons you'd think. It's honestly been very hard to put my all into both work and this van build without help.
I made a tough decision to put work on the back burner the next couple months while I put as much time as possible into this van build. After all, the van build is temporary!
Right now I'm in my electrical stage. Let me know what you think. :)
__________________________
$50 off per electrical purchase w/ code DARIAN50 đđŒ signaturesolar.com/?ref=2xuohNxmBJUKf-
My roof rack đđŒ theswivelshop.com/?ref=6o0mx8wdew
All other van build supplies đđŒ amzn.to/473EReF
__________________________
MORE VIDEOS »
TIKTOK âș tiktok.com/@darian.explores
INSTAGRAM âș darian.explores
__________________________
YOU GET A DISCOUNT »
5% Off Swivel Seat w/ code darian5 âș theswivelshop.com/?ref=6o0mx8wdew
__________________________
NO COPYRIGHT MUSIC »
share.epidemicsound.com/nmxu9x
__________________________
Chapters
00:00 van build plan & finding balance
01:34 electrical progress
03:44 build build build
05:17 best dash gear
06:23 shopping & planning
08:44 build build build
12:09 reflecting
#solofemalevanlife #vanbuild #vanbuildseries
zhlĂ©dnutĂ: 11 959
Video
7 Unique Safety Tips for Solo Female Vanlifers
zhlĂ©dnutĂ 694PĆed mÄsĂcem
There are so many safety tips out there for vanlifers, but solo women can never be too prepared. As I build out this van and get closer to getting on the road as a completely solo female vanlifer, I'm thinking more about how I'm preparing for my experience. I know many women are fearful about the risks of pursuing unconventional adventures like van life and solo travel, so these are tips that I...
Stay Safe On The Road: 5 Essential Tips For Solo Female Vanlifers
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Stay Safe On The Road: 5 Essential Tips For Solo Female Vanlifers
Roof Rack Installation: The Ultimate Solo Female Van Build
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Roof Rack Installation: The Ultimate Solo Female Van Build
Solo Female Van Build - Creating My DIY Electrical Bench!
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Solo Female Van Build - Creating My DIY Electrical Bench!
Returning Home To Transform My DIY Van Build (solo female van life)
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Returning Home To Transform My DIY Van Build (solo female van life)
I built my subfloor in UNDER 12 hours! (solo female van build)
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I built my subfloor in UNDER 12 hours! (solo female van build)
Van Build Update (where i've been + my progress so far)
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Van Build Update (where i've been my progress so far)
Converting a Ford Transit Campervan as a Solo Female Van Life Traveler
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Converting a Ford Transit Campervan as a Solo Female Van Life Traveler
We broke up. What's next for van life?
zhlĂ©dnutĂ 6KPĆed 10 mÄsĂci
We broke up. What's next for van life?
CROSSING THE MEXICO BORDER + GETTING LOST IN TIJUANA | van life travel
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Van Life Chore Day Before Traveling to Baja, Mexico
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Van Life Chore Day Before Traveling to Baja, Mexico
Life Update + A Day in the Van Life in Tucson, Arizona
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Life Update A Day in the Van Life in Tucson, Arizona
How to Install + Hardwire a Dash Camera in a Campervan (VIOFO A119 MINI!)
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How to Install Hardwire a Dash Camera in a Campervan (VIOFO A119 MINI!)
Van Build Repairs After 1 Year of Living in Our Van
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Van Build Repairs After 1 Year of Living in Our Van
Here are all the SHOWER & TOILET options in VAN LIFE
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Here are all the SHOWER & TOILET options in VAN LIFE
A Day in the Life of Maintaining a Camper Van | solo female vlog
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A Day in the Life of Maintaining a Camper Van | solo female vlog
10 Random Things in Our Van (that just make sense for van life)
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10 Random Things in Our Van (that just make sense for van life)
Is this the strangest trail in America?
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Is this the strangest trail in America?
The Reality of Summer Van Life (van life sucks)
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The Reality of Summer Van Life (van life sucks)
Mini van life projects and exploring Virginia Beach (travel vlog part 2)
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Mini van life projects and exploring Virginia Beach (travel vlog part 2)
Exploring Asheville's Famous Brewery District | van life travel vlog
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Exploring Asheville's Famous Brewery District | van life travel vlog
VAN LIFE EVENING & NIGHT ROUTINE | hot summer living in a van full time
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VAN LIFE EVENING & NIGHT ROUTINE | hot summer living in a van full time
Van Life Q&A - Answering your questions!
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Van Life Q&A - Answering your questions!
2 Minutes of Yosemite National Park (van life travel)
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2 Minutes of Yosemite National Park (van life travel)
Oregon Coast Roadtrip & Best Spots on Highway 101 | Van Life Vlog
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Oregon Coast Roadtrip & Best Spots on Highway 101 | Van Life Vlog
Sheesh thats alot money to spend on wiring a van.
Im stumped on my framing... if you dont know your blueprints its hard to just follow any framing videoss
Did you do rivet nuts the first time?
Happy for you, we are all alone in the end.
Geez u paid 2k for mine đą
You remind me of cleaninggirl
Powerstation is the way to go paid $1,200 for my power 2400 watts
You missed your calling as an electrical engineer, and your ability to fabricate geometrical structures out of plywood incredible. I can barely assemble an Ikea furniture. đ
One heck of a system for sure! Nice work.
The best! Thanks, Peyton!
Cool will be paid for in comparison to a house in about 2 years. Then keep on going for years more.
Exactly! đđŒ
Shocked? đ
đ Iâll pretend that was intentional
đ My entire electrical system and uses for smaller items are listed at darianexplores.com. đđ„đđđđ«đąđđđ„ đđČđŹđđđŠ đđšđŹđ đđđŻđđđ„ đž An electrical system is often the MOST expensive part of a van build. In my last van, I invested a bit less on my electrical system in the beginning, but ended up paying for it later when my off-brand lithium batteries started degrading in the first year⊠Waste of $$$. My battery this time was $1,300 for 400ah of EG4 lithium that will last me at least 15 years and offers full warranty for 10 years. Yes, electrical is expensive, but if you can make it work, itâs worth investing in a good system on the front end because electrical issues are also đ«đđ§đź expensive. đđŒââïž And since Iâm a solo female van lifer now, having a reliable electrical system will give me a lot of comfort and peace of mind on the road. Are you surprised by the cost of my system? Did you think it would be more? Less? Knowing Iâm covered under warranty and have 1-on-1 tech support available any time, I think itâs well worth it, but let me know what you think. đ My entire electrical system and uses for smaller items are listed at darianexplores.com.
Our name is spelt the same way đ„° Darian!â€
Awe! Love our name! đ
Beautiful.. pretty crazy you did this all yourself.. this organization is beautiful. Maybe being a female helps. Only thing Iâd change is the tape, you have such a beautiful install then use masking tape to label your wires.. I think a little $10 label maker would really clean that up to make it a perfectly clean setup
Yeah and I'm going to rebuild my drag car and take back my town from the ugly slow noisy smelly trucks and four bangers littering up the place..if you did then I got work to do and I don't want to..but I love living in my minivan with my pitbull and parked right next to my race car a mustang aka frankenstein.i will be installing solar power stations this yr because in sc the sun shines even at night..lol..nice job and you are not ugly.just saying hey
Amazing work
Thank you! đđŒđ©·
15 thousand dollar electric system to live in a van for instagram vibes.. wow.
Oof not quite that much
Make sure you scrape that paint there , sweetheart
Cool beans your a chick an tge work looks good think you may probably have some good content. Good luck.
And where she puts her shit???
Ohh.. oh yeah.. <333
Congratulation, you have graduated to a professional electrician master.
đđ„đđđđ«đąđđđ„ đđČđŹđđđŠ đđšđźđ« âĄïž My system is from Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com/?ref=2xuohNxmBJUKf- I could make a whole video for each of these electrical components but hereâs the quick rundown and an easy overview for those new to electrical. đ My van buildâs electrical system is equipped with: 400ah lithium battery 300 watts of solar Alternator charging Shore power And I have space in my system to increase my shore power, solar, or alternator charging availability at any time. A friend recommended I get my electrical system from Signature Solar because theyâre innovative, the highest quality, and they offer 1-on-1 tech support for life. Next steps in the van build: Building furniture đȘ”đ·đŒââïžđđŒ Try them for $50 off per purchase with code DARIAN50 đđŒ signaturesolar.com/?ref=2xuohNxmBJUKf-
Sweet
Way to go đ Adapt and overcome đđ€đœ
This build is gonna be so cool! Good work, Darian.
Thanks so much! đđŒ Wouldnât had been the same without your help!
I really admire a woman so like this...
Other way around, but it's a common mistake, even many suppliers advertise them wrong. The male connector is the larger one, the female the thinner one. It has to do with which metal pin fits inside of which, not which plastic housing fits inside of which. You'll notice the positive lead off any panel is always the female (thin plastic housing). Positive is always female to protect from shorts. But good video all the same, thanks
I have the same van I do express deliveries in it. It's ah beast..
Ah love that! đđŒ
You are definitely gonna need bigger panels if you want real power from them with sun power shutting its doors you should be able to find some sun powers for cheap and I suggest trying to find commercial size panels they are larger and produce more power sun power was one of my favorite brands to install Tesla was ok if it was panels and power walls but those solar roofs suck I hated those they looked cool and were super light but they were not fun to install
Also donât forget to add good 2 way ventilation for those components. It gets hot. Just like a fridge, they need space and air circulation. So an intake and exhaust fan will drastically reduce temperature and increase efficiency
VanLife gained popularity during the pandemic. 90% of VanLife now are less than 4 years in the lifestyle. Donât forget vans are small spaces and will test any relationship. Also make sure not the make a social media following as a couple. Always separate accounts. There has been hundreds of VanLife couples that fell apart since Covid. A bunch of them were seen coming. Like the Lydia and her bf that broke it off and then suicide. Crazy. Wish you the best . You need to love yourself first
Something about pretty girls and VanLife. CZcams only recommends this content to me Haha
Be careful of the predators.
What kind of van is it
You did a amazing job, Iâve been stressing about doing mine. đ
â ïž Buyer Beware â ïž Some of these sellers on Prime are little tricksters. This has happened to me a few times throughout this build where I purchased a product that used certain language, leading me to think the product was something that it wasnât. It happened again when installing my solar. đ„Č The whole listing said that the product (brackets + hardware) was made of aluminum. It did not mention anywhere (even under âmaterialâ) that the hardware was crappy carbon steel. Which - side note - is so crazy considering 80/20 aluminum struts are often used for outdoor purposes. Anyways, what I started doing was ordering 3 options of hardware and returning what I didnât need because I was spending too much time ordering and reordering supplies. My thoughts on the rest of the solar install đ Once I had the right solar mounting supplies, it was really easy! To save others the headache and back and forth I went through, Iâve linked all supplies in my bio. For now, I have 300ah of solar, primarily because I am dyingggg to have a roof deck in this van build. I can possibly upgrade to 450ah with 3 small 50 watt panels. Itâs a very close call. For now, Iâm going to stick with the 300ah, plus the alternator charging and solar power and see how it goes. đđđŒ $50 off per electrical purchase w/ code DARIAN50 đđŒ signaturesolar.com/?ref=2xuohNxmBJUKf-
BU MS
What system did you get? 12v, 24v, 48vi like the kind of battery you got
Itâs a 12v 400ah EG4 lithium battery! Got it here: signaturesolar.com/?ref=2xuohNxmBJUKf-
@@darian.explores that's nice. Fur 2.5 years I was trying to study 12v system etc then month ago now people are using 48v systems now. And using a reducer thing go from 48v to 12v on some things, they say it charges up faster and hold power way longer I'm like um that's some power to get juice by đ but people are starting to use 48v AC units. Some very costly vans use 48v. I'm still looking at 12v they say it cost more 1 48v 100ah is the same as 12v X4. But I like the 12v you got id ask about 12v x2 400AH. I been trying to study what home solar to get
Just to clarify, Thatâs ac where itâs going to be a alternate path to ground in the event of failure but dc power the ground completes the circuit so the electricity can flow and power the load, the frame on a vehicle is connected to the battery ground itâs part of your electrical system, no ground no work has to make a complete circuit. Looks like sheâs doing really great, better than most electricians Iâve seen. Is this the solar portion sheâs hooking up?
If it's rockin' don't bother knockin' . .
Doesnât hurt to have multiple grounds same as the vehicles electrical system, ensure good connection to bare steel. Good job!!
Good stuff!
Thanks so much!
The ground cable is part of the circuit neutral is a place where the power goes in case there's a short
That wiring job makes my heart hurt.
Translation: âA woman in pink installing an electrical system makes me feel insecure.â
â@@darian.explores Funny how you go straight to insulting someone. Maybe it's just a poor job that could have been done better and with more attention to detail, as well as in a manner that would reduce the chance of an electrical fire in an enclosed space potentially putting the occupants life in jeopardy. Electrical installations should be done with the utmost safety and care and just "winging it" is the absolute worst way the do anything in life that puts not only yourself but others lives in danger. But other than that it's still objectively a poor job. You didn't even read the install instructions for that victron inverter because if you had you would know it states. At the minimum, allow 10cm (4â) of clearance to the left and right sides to provide adequate ventilation. Please at least read install instructions. Instead of complaining that someone is insecure.
Sir, idk what you call your original comment, but it appears you went straight to insulating someone. You are making a lot of assumptions. đ My wiring is actually correct (coming from two electricians that have reviewed my work along the way). All manuals and dozens of forums have been read. Whoâs winging it again? Boy byeeee đđŒââïžđ©·âš
Hope theres no water spilling over it
@@StarfilmerOne no attention to electrical safety was taken. Sadly.
Pink drill. Must be weak
You must be a man
Youâre so lucky. Iâm 6â3 in a Tahoe lol youâre standing up and have three feet of open sky above you
Grateful for the vaulted ceiling đ
Give the electricity a place to go when thereâs a short⊠more like a constructed route for the electricity to take in order to return to its original source (transformer) but like you said so potential doesnât remain on whatever metal any exposed wires maybe touching/exposed too. A short is a close in your circuit between the current carrying conductors (positive neutral) vs current flowing on a ground wire would be known as a ground fault. Youâre really smart and talented keep up the great work!!!!
All that work just to be a loser in a vanâŠwild
Between the happiness, freedom, and profit these vans offer me, I feel like a winner. đ„° I hope you find the thing that makes you happy!
She's far more likely to survive when SHTF than you likely ever will
What a pathetic existence you must live to say something like that