Living In An Ambulance Pros And Cons | Ambulance Conversion Life 

My 7.3 was sluggish until I put a basic "chip" in it for mileage. It woke it up and saved on fuel. I am not a fan of a TON of modification but a better air cleaner and a simple chip make a BIG difference. Don't worry about the driveline....totally durable and appropriate.

Thank you for making this, lots of food for thought when considering ambulance for camper. Safe travels.

Everyone is waiting for a complete tour inside and out, if you wouldn't mind when you have time. Happy travels.

Thanks for making these. I’ve been binge watching, from oldest forward. I’m seriously thinking about taking the plunge, part time anyway. Like you divorced guy with dog, two in my case. Lefty has a lot of personality! Your videos, to this point, from the beginning, have improved in video, sound and editing, greatly, very watchable. Thanks for all the content. Thumbs up👍🏼.

Might I recommend one or two ground clearance cameras and even a couple of side blind spot cameras😃. Reference earth romer class c and other super c RV's. Being a paramedic I am well aquatinted with these ambulances⚕️

I love it. After driving ambulances and having a diesel long bed pickup truck, I am used to these vehicles and most of my EMS work was in the Houston - Galveston areas. I've driven the Ford van chassis, the Ford F450 chassis, the Chevy van chassis, the Chevy Duromax diesel and even a Dodge Ram chassis. One of the earlier ones was a big Braun box on a Ford van chassis. This big Braun had stabilizers and had such a smooth ride that I said it was like driving your living room. I owned two at one time back in 2010 when my ex husband (also retired medic) had our own service. Starting out, we were running out of a small office but we were on call 24/7 so we took the unit everywhere we went. I had a couple of spare cabinets on the outside where I stored our cooler, bedding and backpacks. We alternated ambulances each week. One was a Wheeled Coach and the other was a large box McCoy Miller. The big difference in your diesel ambulance and regular vehicle is to have regular preventative maintenance done on a regular schedule and we kept a maintenance log.

You made my palms sweat when talking about the wiring. I don’t even know where to begin and that may effect my decision to purchase an ambulance.

Planning on making a purchase of an ex ambulance. Thank u so much for your input.

You don't have a lot of room to change the rim/tire combo BUT I have converted 16" duallys to single 19.5 ...if someone wants to do that you can buy adapters to run special rims OR call Rickson Rims and talk to Heather about a set of rims. They wear like IRON and are much safer than 16" LT tires. The 19.5 is a full steel cased tire like tractor trailer.

I love your practical advice. Thank you for what you do!

You'll have to learn to plan farther ahead as ambulances are heavy and dont stop like a van. Dont ever put it in a skid, the rear will want to come around on you. You will have to get use to driving without being able to look out the rear, use the side mirrors. Use a daily checklist and check out your campulance daily and pretrip. I'd try to maintain some of the original ambulance wireing...they come with great side and rear lights. Most have front reds which can be modified with regular clear covers so you can switch on front area lighting when stationary. I would suggest wireless tire pressure monitoring,,,check tires daily and maintain the pressure,,,tires are expensive. Dont skimp on service, service regularly.

These kinds of info is really priceless... Thanks again for all the time and energy you put into your contents... Cheers!

thanks for sharing! I'm just starting on an ambulance build...concur entirely with your comments regarding visibility, acceleration, etc All the best

Thank you for sharing your Pro's and Con's.The more information available on such a conversion, the better prepared you are to get it right. Thank you.

Hi Lefty!!!! Thank for the great information!!!! Safe travels!!!!

Loving all your videos and all your how to projects. Keep sharing as much information suggestions on full-time living in an ambulance. I'm grateful of all your videos

Love your methodical info so helpful, I’m very grateful to you ... safe travels my friend 🤗🙌

Another great video. Very informative, especially the part about the dual wheels headache. Never considered that. Keep 'em coming!

Tiny tips from a truck driver... Get an air chuck with the straight dual head, add valve stem extensions to inside duals, get flow through valve caps so you can check and fill without removal.

This was a very informative tutorial! Great job with the info!

Thanks for making these videos! I just came across your channel and have been bing watching. I'm in search of a rig right now and appreciate all the great advice you give it has been so helpful. I love seeing Lefty enjoying life! He is such a sweetheart. Happy safe travels to you and Lefty...

Thank youuuuuuu soooo much for all your valuable knowledge and advice.

Awesome video, very clear and concise info! Thanks!

I appreciate your point on how loud it is to run a diesel ambulance. Unfortunately that was a horribly disappointing shock when we were shopping one to convert. My noise sensitivity runs stronger than most folks, so THAT had to be a deal breaker for me. Sure glad others can live with it and gain a mighty fine home and rig for travel. New sub- learning from and enjoying your shares.

Thank you so much for a great beginner tutorial. The wiring would be the only thing l would need to hire out but l'm really intrigued with the possibility after l finish up the rehab of my 70 Airstream Ambassador. Being a single woman l like the structural security and the size is no issue. I learned to drive on a 30' produce box truck.

THANKS FOR THE INFO.. I LIKE YOUR BIKE SET UP 👍🏼..

Like the new microphone, great audio.

What a great explanations pros and cons, I hsve two cams in the back

I've got a 7.3l 2003 e450. Ambo. Redoing the entire fuel system now. Ready to remount the tank.

It's a pretty good list when even the cons are able to be overcome. 🍁👵❤🐕🇨🇦

Love this ❤️

Another good video. Very clear without Lefty’s usual input. I was looking at shuttle buses but am now sure I want an ambulance. But I will have to pay someone to add those additional systems which I would have had to do with the shuttle bus. Thank you for helping me make my top five priority list : backup camera, solar, diesel heater, water, bathroom. Also I know the 7.3 was until 2003 and I need an Allison transmission. And to check the interior height if I don’t want to be bending over. Thanks again. I will keep bingeing and learning. Lefty my other favorite spoiled brat.

You made so many great points about driving a bigger rig than most people have driven,I was wondering about the braking on the vehicle it is heavy and I would imagine it would have heavy duty brakes or take longer to brake smoothly at speed. (Potential con) A pro to the list, In my experience driving a big vehicle is sitting up higher than most other vehicles on the road,which I personally miss going back to a regular vehicle(I use to drive a bus and seeing above most traffic helps stay out of trouble). Seriously great video man lots to think about.

Thanks for the video it does give you some food for thought 😉🙏✌💞🐶💞👍👌😊

Great video and lots of great tips. My Ford E-450 Braun has a mirror (in addition to the rear view mirror) that gives a decent view out the rear door windows. I’m definitely still going to install a rear camera and maybe a rear view mirror camera.

Everything you said is spot on but here is the single most important point. Every person has to meet their own specific criteria. What they "Think" they want and need and the only way you will "Truly" find that out is to jump in with both feet and try it and be ready to say, "Well, I guess this wasn't what I really wanted." Then you sell it and buy your next choice that you are "Sure" is the right choice. Examples. For camping, I started out with an extended cab, short bed 4x4 that I already owned and put a used, tall, cap on the back. I made a plywood platform on one side and put a twin mattress on it. That was doable but I wanted to be able to climb in more comfortably and walk around a little. Then I bought a high top, awd conversion van with doors on both sides. I liked the compactness of it and the luxury interior, but the rear folding seat was just a back and bottom which was too short to sleep comfortably on. I learned latter that they make some with a leaf that extends them. If a tree hadn't fallen on it, I would probably still own it. Then I went to my next choice which was a Turtle Top shuttle bus. That was great but it was too big for a daily driver. Now I'm in a Chevy Tahoe which has a shorter wheelbase than my pickup and a Suburban, but I can still put a beach lounge chair in back to sleep on. With the back seats removed I can climb in a side door and sit on the bed, so I think this is a great daily driver/camper combination. I'll do my walking around outside. I put a Harbor Freight folding carrier on the trailer hitch for my electric, two-wheel drive bike for the bike trails and beach. To live in, I always thought of a 45' Coach Bus so I could bring my "furniture/stuff" and it would already have a bathroom and some have generators with converters to 110v. But then there is maneuverability and parking issues. I would have to tow some kind of vehicle behind it. If I get rid of all my suffocating "Stuff", an ambulance should be the better, "Swiss Army Knife" alternative. Bottom line is, you really have no idea what you want until you try it. "The best laid plans.........." If I could get my head right, that high-top, awd van would be really sweet to live in. It's hard to give up the space you have with an apartment or home, and, you have to get over the feeling of, "Living in a van down by the river." Especially when your mind is programmed that to be an adult, you have to live in a conventional structure.

Excellent video! I learned a quite a few things from this!

Just converting an ambo in the uk and its always the Electrics that cause the headaches!.. After detaching any engine systems charging ECU GPS Ect I have ripped out all wiring and started again in the Box. For some reason USA ambos use the same over complicated relay Genesis or Pheonix setup as the UK but if the system feels a problem it goes in to Patient survival mode and shuts down and it can be a nightmare to find and repair the Fault .. The big loom in my ambo had 164 wires in it and some were coiled up but were 40ft long!! Lovin the channel and your Ambo is Mega Mate..

I've been living in my 14 foot trailer since June 30th last year..just moving to my tiny home on Friday! Can't wait! I know what u r dealing with except I'm mostly stationery...I moved 2x last year in 3 months..it's been different especially in winter! I got used to a colder snowier winter...just like I had in Winnipeg years ago! Love it here!

Thanks for the tips. I’m a student pilot and looking into something like this to put all my money into flying and school.(as well as bikes! Nice KTM! I’ve got a Yamaha r1 and Honda xr650l)

I truly enjoy your videos. I a fairly new subscriber. How I miss the nomadic life I enjoyed for 1 year. Due to health issues with my eye sight and use of my legs I had to quit driving. I used what I had which was a Toyota Rav4. I definitely like the idea of an ambulance. Who knows if I can get my eye sight and legs fixed I just might be on the road again. Thanks for the great videos.

I’ve been looking at off-grid living vehicles for over three years now. I’m an electrical engineer with physical hands on experience. I just finally found the ambulances as being a great vehicle and excited to say the least. Thank you for your video sir. 👍

Awesome Video! would love to have a ambo meet up sometime. Working up the guts and motivation to start purchasing my solar setup. Your videos are motivating and help me along the way.

I hav an AmboRV and an AmboRV trailer. Since the boom with diesel fuel being mucho dinero I parked the self propelled rig and use the trailer and my pump gas Silverado as a tail dagger. I dig the AmboRV for similar reasons. Outlast every RV I've ever seen. The modual I use on the trailer was new in 1980. It's setup as a hunters cabin complete with reload stations for 12ga, handgun and my rifle calibers. People I meet get a kick out of the rig. Cant beat the build quality of the modules.

Wow Thank You! I'm a firefighter who often works on ambulances which are being repurposed into support vehicles within the department. Really good info! I think you were very wise to utilize the existing storage rather than trying to remove all or part of them I often see ex ambulances which were purchased then the owner tried to do a major rebuild into a camper by stripping the back for more space. These units are usually for sale in partially finished condition. One point about the electrical center. If considering a purchase, look carefully for the location of the power junctions. Some are very difficult to access. In one case, I had to leave unused equipment in place as it could not be removed. I think the vehicle was built around the wiring.

Hi David, it was great to meet you at the ParTr. If you were at Slab City we are sad to have missed you.

WHAT A GOOD DOG / AND GOOD LOOKING / YOUR BEST FRIEND / AND THE BEST INFO CHANNEL ABOUT ANYTHING YOU TALK ABOUT / GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR ADVENTURE / AND MAY GOD BLESS AND BE WITH YOU ALL OF THE TIME / LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR NEXT VIDEO

Your ambulance sounds like a school bus. That's pretty dang cool! :)

Audio sounds great. I moved from Syracuse NY to Fayetteville AR 6 months ago and bought an ambo a month after I moved. I put a ton of work and money into it to get it up and running. I really hope to be living in it by fall. I also have a great video idea for you. I have a pit named Kyra and I will be living in the ambo with her. Will you make a video about living with an animal? I know it’s tough with the weather conditions and keeping them warm and cool.

I guess I need to be looking for a van to live in if it is hard to handle. I was under the understanding from another it was easier. Be blessed!

As someone who just bought one, thanks for the video. I feel pretty fortunate to have the original Braun wiring schematic manual, I wish I felt more comfortable working with electricity but at least it will help the people who help me. I feel the same way about driving the powerstroke and how far you have to push the pedal down to get up & go but that engine is all about the grunt and not the giddy up. I needed something to get across country without human contact to visit my mom in this lovely pandemic so.... Ambulance seemed like a good way to go.

Just finding my way to this type of content now (as usual, a little late to the game). Really appreciate the content!

You make the most informative 👌best videos I've watched. Thank you so much. I'm thinking of getting an ambulance since watching your videos. I'm retiring soon and will most likely be on my on.

Great video !!! Anything you live in you need to your wiring if not new, you need to know what goes where and why !!!

Well done video. Thanks.

Great job 👏

We got a short taste of traveling in our camper but it was all ready to go and nothing to fix or change like what you took on and was only for a couple months. I think I could do it longer but not sure if forever. Would need a home base eventually. Love to Lefty!

Very informative. Thank you... I am so very interested and watched thousands of videos.... this is definitely by far the best one ☝️ the only thing is where start? Where to buy and things to look for when buying an ambulance.

When you said "I feel like I'm not cramped up in here"...Lefty looked at you and raised his right ear like "WHAT".... LMAO 😂

Totally love your channel

Thanks for you’re input. I just got my ambulance on 3/18/22. I took a 2 hour Uber ride to pick it up. Almost went into panic mode, thinking how far I’d have to drive it back home. It’s the first time in a vehicle this sized. Really easy two hour drive back. Mainly backroads through small towns. 60mph tops. I just wanted to keep going………..

give LEFTY a scratch on the belly for being such a good boy while you shared these tips!!!

Enjoy your videos! Also enjoying the comments below!

We ❤ our ambulance!

Thanks!

Have you thought of a dual tire pressure equalization monitoring system? The Red Cross use to have them on our Emergency Response Vehicles, which is basically an ambulance. They worked well for checking tire pressures, and added a safety aspect as well. Just did a quick search and Crossfire is a brand that is either similar or exactly what we had in the ERVs. Just a thought.

Helpful video.

HiDave, George, a follower from the Uk. You talking aboput the wieht of the vehicle and the way it rocks when going over bumps. In the uk, our ambulances have Concrete slabs built into the chassis, which is to ensure a smother ride for patients, particularly where they have back or neck injuries. The effect is teh eocking motion of the suspension. These vehicles have to be handled carefully and with respect. Speed and 'getawsy' expectations have to be lowered accordingly. Many thanks.

I am getting my solar and backup camera installed in a few weeks. Now I just wish I could leave my job and just go. I will have to settle for a few longer trips atleast this year. Heading to Colorado early September for a few weeks if your close.

Just a thought since you haven't run a Power stroke much. Carry a spare starter, AND a Cam Position Sensor (CPS) ...it's the one thing that can leave you stranded. Buy a GOOD one as well ...generics are junk

Great Information...thanks....t

Well done video

Found your video interesting. I just purchased a 1994 ford diesel to convert. My problem is the wiring and not able to find anyone that can even explain what is what. Your video is the first one of any detail. I am going about it the same as you but I have many questions and no resources to contact. I will be following you. I am from upstate ny but now in SD.

Appreciate the video. Have you ever considered watching videos made by people who live full time on sailboats to see what they do to remain off-grid and how they go about power sources? Might be some good ideas that you can use.

Excellent video, very articulate and covered a lot of things. Wondering if you or other people have suggestions on how to make the exterior look less like an ambulance. I’ve heard of ambulance campers being flagged down at the scene of an accident. Also could you talk a little bit about what lights on the vehicle you can legally use if you are driving or parked. Obviously you can’t use flashing lights or a siren. You mentioned that you installed solar power, I’m wondering if you still have available rooftop to put a cargo platform or rack. Also curious if you or others who have converted ambulances have towed a small cargo trailer or small travel trailer. Thanks for your generosity!

Great video.....t

Catching up on your videos- love your channel- thanks for the back up camera suggestion. Are you seeing a problem getting fuel- especially in eastern parts of the country?

We bought a 1998 E450 Ambulance with 125k miles on it. We put 3000 miles on it this summer. It cost 3300 to buy it. I have put shocks, new rear brakes, rear spring shackles and a trailer hitch. I cut the rear bumper off too. It's getting 12mpg right now. Pretty sure about all I could do to improve mileage is to lighten the truck. I was told you can get .5 mpg by taking 400 pounds off the truck. Not sure it's worth doing. My rig came with studded all terrain tires that are new. I figure when they wear out I will put easier rolling tires and that might yield better mikeage

Great video! I'm curious why you didn't utilize the existing ventilation system that came with the ambulance. It seems like some people don't like them because they're underpowered and some people do, so they replace the fan with a more powerful marine fan to avoid having to cut into the roof and instead use the existing system.

Super informative vid. I’m about to purchase mine! One question, how’s the headroom inside the box? You look tall like me, I’m 6-3.

Just found you today and subbed, this was such a well thought out video, well done. Do you have any idea at all how well / what kind of / how much insulation there is in these things?? I am in Canada so similar to NY weather but you may not be in that cold slimate much. It is just as important for warm weather (reflection) and many do not consider this. TY in advance.

hi there! A really interesting perspective on a US Ambulance. Nice presentation 👏👍 ref wiring: my UK Mercedes based 5000kg Emergency Ambulance has 10km (6 miles) of wiring built in…. 😬 Ref braking, the Telma Retarder braking system makes a huge difference over a regular van. One question, i have always been curious about the difference between US and European Ambulances… our Emergency vehicles are between 2.1 and 3.0L engines (150-190hp) and (speaking only for my 2.1L Mercedes, it accelerates like a beast and just keeps going well North of 110mph) Again, it’s a twin wheel (dually) 5 ton chassis based on a Mercedes Sprinter. So my question is, why do American ambulances have such huge engines? My fuel economy is around 23-25mpg urban. Is that comparable? (Diesel is currently $2 per litre/ approx $7.50 a (US gallon) or $9 for an imperial gallon) Are your engines bigger because they can afford to be because diesel is cheap? Build quality cannot be overstated. When you own an ambulance it kind of spoils all of the van conversions that I have a look at. Some of them look like showrooms but i sure wouldn’t want to bounce them around for fear of cupboard units splitting and flexing! I drag my 🚑 through the undergrowth like it’s a tractor! And being an Aluminium (our spelling) exterior, it takes quite a beating from branches etc without seeming to get damaged. The built in cupboards are glued and screwed and bolted so well, Not only can you literally hang off them without them budging but they are almost impossible to remove LOL and every single bolt and nut is stainless steel. I don’t think European ambulances are quite as big interior but my interior is still 6 foot 4 inches wide which makes having a bed long ways a no-brainer! Headroom is 6 foot 3 inches (And that is without removing any of the overhead grab handles) Vehicle servicing: As you rightly said the ambulance service cannot afford for their vehicles to be off the road so ambulances receive servicing every eight weeks and everything is replaced like for like with Mercedes parts. My odometer reads 317k miles but The vehicle is on its second engine And the service record is very extensive. The box that sits on the chassis has an external skin of aluminium over stainless steel struts and then insulation and then more aluminium and then finally the interior wall covering so there is a lot to keep the elements outside. Ambulances come with air-conditioning diesel heaters all kinds of interior lights and power sockets everywhere. Double glazed windows with privacy tint come as standard. The roof is solid enough to probably sit a small elephant on top of so it makes a great viewing deck as well as support for panels and racks etc. And again like you said, random people are always curious and asking if it is an ambulance and I have lost count of the people who want to have a look inside. It has an exclusive “wow” factor That you don’t really get with a regular van. And finally because mine is based on a medium wheelbase (although the box is just shy of a LWB length) it’s easy to park pretty much everywhere and being rear wheel drive with four tires at the back, I have not missed the absence of four-wheel-drive. And the best part? I only paid £3000 ($4000) for a one owner 2008 Mercedes dually (direct from the NHS) with what amounts to 70% of the conversion already done! (Lighting, heating insulation, windows, twin fans, sunroof, storage etc. On December 1 2021, I will have been living in ‘Ambi’ for two years. Best decision ever. Stay safe, and thanks in advance for any replies 😘

My 1991 Ford E350 ambulance came with a back up camera, praise God! However, removed the approx 10 inch box monitor and replaced the system with a new flat screen model which fits on my dash. I couldn't imagine driving g without it! Wiring nightmare!!! I'm not an electric brain so I struggle. I want solar installed so I can boondock and desperately need to install a heater if I plan to go anywhere during winter months ever again! Also plan to upgrade insulation. Have decided on how I want to convert the module, bed, cabinets, garage, table, etc. Awaiting nicer weather here in central Kentucky but am anxious to hit the road and make some memories.

Hi, I just found your channel and I'm getting some really good insight to somethings, others I know exactly where you're coming from. I just purchased an ambulance myself, can you tell me where you got those mirrors? If you had a model or any other info I'd appreciate it, mine has the full metal stationary brackets but they can stick out too far at times. I appreciate any help, thanks!

I’m searching for one. Type 3 with pass-thru like yours. Dealership for repairs has got to be a fortune, for any car. Their labor charge thru the roof.

Great informative video on ambulances. I also looking to travel with my big dog and KTM, visit friends and family and get some good riding in between. How you do manage Lefty when you go riding?

Great build out. I've got a few questions/suggestions for you. Have you thought about adding a wireless monitoring system for your tires? I do believe they are available for dualies. Is everything in the "house" running on 120v? Having 1 or 2 12volt plugs wired direct to the batteries, and not through the inverter should save you battery life for those times you aren't hooked up to shore power, and low on incoming solar. Phone charging and a fan are great items to run on 12v. Why are you trying so many hotspots? Which has been working the best? Does your phone have the ability to broadcast as a hotspot to your tablet or tv, instead of a separate hotspot all together?

Thanks for doing this video! I was a likely a main culprit on asking you to make this video :). Yes, I really want to get an ambulance, very close to what you have. You have the right engine and the size is good. The ONLY negative that I see with yours, is the inside height. I would want it a little taller, not much. Now, if I can locate one that has seen very little use or used in a busy metro area with daily shootings!

you should look into valve stem extenders. Cool video. Thanks

Your conversations on driving an ambulance has me wondering if buying an ambulance 2000 miles away from Houston is doable. For a first drive.😮😊I want to live in it for a season in life, then hopefully a mortgage free Air-Crete dome home.

Nice rig! Those diesel heaters seem like the way to go - have you thought about covering the fuel tank? Did you need special insurance? thx

👌 nice. Are the existing walls and roof typically insulated? Storage doors look like maybe 1.5 inch

Got three kids, I want to get rid of my tacoma and get an ambulance now! I think we would enjoy it.

Valve stem extenders are inexpensive and easy to install on the dual rear wheels.

pros: you don't need to call 911 if you're in a medical emergency, just sit on the chair and consult yourself to see what's wrong. Bonus: it's free and no insurance needed

I am planning on buying a diesel ambulance next year. I will be RVing full time and pulling a trailer. I wanted a diesel truck with plenty of power and towing capabilities. With older ambulances, they are a lower price than big diesel pick ups, are built stronger, have inverters, and plenty of storage. So an ambulance seems like the best option. My question is that I have seen some diesel ambulances with a switch that you switch on and leave the vehicle idling to use it like a generator. Have you ever seen that type of switch or know anything about it? Thanks for your insights.

What monitor are you using for your backup camera, as I'm interested in installing the same backup camera you use? I'll be sure to use your affiliate link.

I think you can buy a dually valve stem extender kit. All stainless steel.

I've been thinking about an ambulance for awhile now. Just can't seem to save up enough money fast enough. I was an EMT for 7.5 years then I became a Truck Driver. A minivan or even a full size cargo seems too small for me. So I'm still planning on an ambulance.

Any idea where I can find insurance. Or what it is I have to do to get a used ambulance insured. Progressive (the conversion go to, says no) I feel like I have called everyone.