So, why do you have to go for an ambulance as a base car? To start with, they’re made to final. In fact, given the character of their exercise, that additionally means they’ve been pushed intensely, however they’re constructed to be dependable and sturdy. Furthermore, they function many inside and outdoors storage areas, initially meant for gear and gear.
Another excuse to decide on an ambulance is that they’re comparatively costly, particularly in comparison with the more and more in style basic vans which might be the go-to for conversions. Used ambulances include quite a lot of mileage, however they’re normally very well-maintained throughout lively use. Moreover, they’re well-insulated and supply a lot of inside house to create your dream residence on wheels.
I must also checklist just a few disadvantages. For instance, ambulances include loads of structural complexity to work round. Their sturdiness is a double-edged sword, as you in all probability must make an additional effort to change its building if you want so. Furthermore, even with all stickers and decals eliminated, they nonetheless entice consideration. So, if stealthiness is the identify of your recreation, maybe ambulances shouldn’t be your go-to base car.
That being stated, let’s check out at this time’s construct. We’re getting an in-depth take a look at it because of the Jarrod Tocci YouTube channel, as its proprietor met with each the builder of the van and its proprietor.
Picture: YouTube Screenshot / Jarrod Tocci
That is how the story goes – the proprietor offered his truck camper and home and acquired this ambulance to reside in it full-time. Like many van lifers, he deliberate so as to add varied parts over time as a substitute of doing it all of sudden.
After getting his fingers on the car, the very first thing he added for a Raptor liner, which is a sturdy protecting coating. Subsequent, he went for a customized roof rack and began constructing on the ambulance’s inside. However the full-on transformation started when he met up with Steve and Dave, which helped deliver his imaginative and prescient to life as we see it at this time.
The car is constructed on a 2001 Ford F-350 chassis with a 6.7-liter diesel engine and has round 216,000 miles (347,618 km) on it. Relating to dimensions, the camper is roughly 30 toes (9 meters) lengthy. It initially had an inside top of about six toes (1.82 meters), which was lowered to round 5’10” (virtually 1.78 meters) after the conversion. I’ll begin by speaking about its exterior.
Opening the rear doorways reveals a large storage, excellent for storing bicycles or something you want on the street. What’s extra, like in lots of different camper setups, the storage is accessible from the inside as properly, and the door is large enough to squeeze via it.
Picture: YouTube Screenshot / Jarrod Tocci
Each single exterior compartment was put to make use of – on the edges, there are two small doorways resulting in the storage. You’ll additionally discover that there isn’t any ladder to stand up on the roof. Being a rock climber myself, I like the straightforward resolution the builders opted for: they added small wall holds on one of many aspect doorways.
Shifting towards the entrance, you’ll uncover a compartment housing the water system, comprising a 40-gallon (151-liter) freshwater tank and a water heater. Proper beside, one other compartment integrates {the electrical} system. You’ll discover two 270 Ah batteries, a 3000 W inverter linked to 600 W photo voltaic panels on the roof, and varied different parts.
Now that we’ve bought that out of the best way, let’s head inside. While you open the ambulance’s fundamental door, an electrical step extends – consider it or not, this was a inventory function, and the proprietor simply needed to change its motor. As quickly as you head inside, you’ll discover the kitchen. Simply by the door, there’s a small bounce seat. I’m keen on the inside design the proprietor went for – it options loads of bamboo all-around, complemented by a mess of LED lights.
The kitchen options a big sink, an electrical two-burner range, a bunch of storage areas within the type of deep cupboards and drawers, and a big, full-size fridge/freezer. You may take a look at the views when cooking via a small window. On the wall beside the stovetop are varied switches for the water heater, pump, and lights, in addition to plugs.
Picture: YouTube Screenshot / Jarrod Tocci
Clearly, the centerpiece of this ambulance conversion is the bathe. Not solely is it spacious, nevertheless it doubles as a steam room, and it’s even fitted with a seat. The proprietor demonstrates its capabilities, and we are able to see how rapidly it warms up and produces steam. Think about how good it should really feel to take pleasure in it after an extended stroll outside, particularly when it’s chilly outdoors. One other exceptional element is the two-way mirror, which supplies off an elevated feeling of house when within the bathe.
You’ll must go via a small sliding door to hop within the driver’s seat. Certainly, it’s not very snug, however sacrifices typically must be made to maximise the accessible house. Simply subsequent to it, there are three drawers, the place the proprietor shops a toaster oven, recycling trash, and a laundry hamper.
Reverse the fridge, you’ll discover the seating space. Despite the fact that it’s fairly small, it boasts a lot of transferring components – there’s a swivel desk and a few under-floor storage, however right here’s the shocking bit: should you elevate the seat up, you’ll uncover the compost bathroom. It’s positioned ideally so you possibly can work in your laptop computer whereas sitting on it and even converse with a pal or member of the family reverse the desk. Nonetheless, you’d in all probability want an insane degree of confidence and laid-backness to try this.
Many storage areas are hidden across the van – for example, the headboard homes a large drawer, which slides open above the seat. The builders have actually gone the additional mile to verify the proprietor has loads of locations to retailer their stuff. You’ll discover different small storage areas within the bed room, with an AC simply above the mattress.
Picture: YouTube Screenshot / Jarrod Tocci
This ambulance camper conversion is able to stand up to all 4 seasons, and it’ll simply go off the crushed path because it’s a 4×4. You may have first rate kitchen utilities, loads of storage each inside and outdoors, and a steam bathe. Each design factor just isn’t solely sensible however nice to take a look at. Truthfully, it’s the very best ambulance conversion I’ve seen to date. The proprietor plans to checklist the car on the market, however they haven’t determined but on an actual value.
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