Woman Living in Her Off-Grid Ambulance Camper Conversion | FULL-TIME VAN LIFE

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Take a full tour of this stunning DIY conversion of an ambulance into a camper van, built by Amanda and her dad over 7 months. The vehicle is a 2006 Ford E-350 cutaway that used to be an emergency response vehicle for the US Navy. Amanda bought it for $10,000 CAD and the conversion cost an additional $10,000 CAD. Outfitted with a full kitchen, fixed bed, work station, closet, composting toilet, solar power, and a woodstove, this van is ready for off-grid adventures! Amanda is a solo female traveler in Canada who is passionate about baking, making music, and yoga, and she works as a voice-over actor using a portable sound booth in her tiny house on wheels.
You can find out more about Amanda's voice-over work and follow her van life journey here:
www.amandalemay.ca/
/ amandalemay.ca
Folk Life Magazine is the publication that Amanda is volunteering for:
www.folklifemag.ca/
A huge thank you to Simon from Finding Simon for filming the footage for this video!
You can follow his boat-building adventures on RU-vid here:
/ @findingsimon
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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STAY IN TOUCH!
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: / exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: / exploringalternatives
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COMMENTS
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We want our channel and our comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and contribute. For this reason, comments that are inappropriate or hateful will be reported and/or deleted.
Please discuss and debate with respect, and report inappropriate or hateful comments directly to RU-vid.
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Simon Stiles from Finding Simon
/ @findingsimon
Photos of the Build:
Provided by Amanda Lemay
www.amandalemay.ca/
#vanlife #vantour #campervanconversion

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Опубликовано:

13 мар 2021

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Комментарии : 1 тыс.

@ExploringAlternatives 3 года назад

Thank you for watching! You can follow and find out more about Amanda here: instagram.com/amandalemay.ca/ www.amandalemay.ca/ This video was filmed by Finding Simon. Follow his boatbuilding adventures here: ru-vid.com/show-UCzOdwGHROHbeJgJgxl0XP8w

@myriampierre6299 3 года назад

@Frederic Reeber 00a00

@eugeniuszsokoow2811 3 года назад

u tell that u have 210amp battery bank but not tell witch type of this

@gopher4life1 3 года назад

One of the best conversion I've seen.

@theonlyonestanding8079 2 года назад

That's so cool your family help you build some things in your home .

@freddiestranger9783 2 года назад

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH WORLD WAR COVID-19????

@WilsonRidge 3 года назад

"a lovely gentleman that my dad curls with" is the most Canadian sentence...

@annekennedy8127 3 года назад

'curls with' is how we spell it in Canada

@WilsonRidge 3 года назад

@@annekennedy8127 oops. My Americanness is showing

@swedishgaygirl6078 3 года назад

I thought she said "that my dad cuddles with" at first 😂

@dealio1762 3 года назад

@@WilsonRidge americans dont spell curls curles

@WilsonRidge 3 года назад

@@dealio1762 I edited it for ya 😉

@rutyael18 3 года назад

i like the fact that her family contributed to the build and I love the van it looks sturdy

@taylorlibby7642 3 года назад

Ambulances are generally built to be bombproof. Good base vehicles to start with.

@rutyael18 3 года назад

@@taylorlibby7642 Wow that is really interesting never knew that. All the little doors outside the vehicle are a good design feature.

@taylorlibby7642 3 года назад

@@rutyael18Agreed. Every setup is slightly different, but the interior and exterior cubbies are a great feature. The drivetrains and suspension systems are extra burly too. The emergency lights and sirens are sometimes removed, sometimes not. Engines are mostly in the V8 and above class and they're heavy, so not the best gas mileage but pretty low maintenance. You can generally pick them up from local vehicle auctions reasonably.

@rutyael18 3 года назад

@@taylorlibby7642 amazing. We are not in the States or Canada. We live in Norway in Europe so it will be nothing short of a miracle if we ever saw one of those here.

@taylorlibby7642 3 года назад

@@rutyael18 Sounds like a great excuse for trip! ; ) I was privileged to be able to visit your country when I was younger! An amazingly beautiful place with very nice people are my memories.

@rickhuttono1 3 года назад

To the woman in the blue truck... 1) Noticed your having difficulty sliding your butcher table open and close... Try lubricating only the areas that rub against the housing... A lubricating wax works well on wood without destroying the wood... Check out "Paraffin Wax" as it has numerous functions, its east to store and some types can be used as a flammable fuel for cooking, etc... 2) Your wood stove has a Straight Exhaust Stack... Convert it into an "S" Exhaust Stack and it will increase the cabin heat approximately twice as much... OR... If your current controlled temperature is adequate... With an "S" Exhaust Stack you can reduce the amount of wood you burn by approximately half... Note: Its not actually the shape of an "S" as the bottom and top of the Exaust Stack must connect at the center of the stove and the roof... However, the longer the center horizontal Exhaust Stack Section is the more heart will be produced... Heat is dependant upon the amount of fuel (wood) placed into the stove... Would be nice if the comitt section allowed shop drawings...

@vicariouswild2828 3 года назад

Thanks so much for your suggestions, I'll look into that!

@shilde 3 года назад

Great advice 👏

@lilypeace9841 3 года назад

We need more Sweet people like you than earth 🌍 will become a paradise ❤️❤️❤️

@rickhuttono1 3 года назад

@@lilypeace9841 ... I always make an effort... Was that you driving the Blue Lagoon...

@Saxonx500 3 года назад

Also just rub the side with a wax candle

@barrybegley5379 2 года назад

AMANDA: This is quite possibly, of the hundreds of van builds that I have examined, the most organized and best use of space, not to mention the most aesthetically pleasing of ALL of them. Fine craftsmanship coupled with great build ideas. Thank you for sharing.

@StamfordBridge 3 года назад

Amazing. When you look at the shots of the kitchen, you can’t tell that it’s in a vehicle home and not a free-standing home.

@fearsomefawkes6724 3 года назад

Right, nicer stove than any apartment I've lived in

@dianemoonstone4715 2 года назад

It's really a wonderful build, but I want access to more running water. Just my own personal preference.

@marcellovalle7112 3 года назад

The space she got was amazing, it seemed very comfy.

@RebaMiran 3 года назад

I agree

@SakuraKaay 2 года назад

What i love about this van house is how essential and individualized everything is. I get overwhelmed with all the complicated ways ppl build a tiny house and lose interest. But they made this van house in a beautiful minimalistic way. You got my attention again tiny living.

@kevin_mitchell 7 месяцев назад

True, it's not claustrophobic like so many builds I see. I haven't seen the video yet, just the first minute of it, but had to comment on my first impressions.

@solchapeau6343 3 года назад

Of all the tiny homes I've seen, this is the one I would want to actually live in!

@ThatGirlLib 2 года назад

I need an indoor toilet and shower… plus more water to wash my hands.

@last7509 Год назад

This is well done. Definitely gonna build my own soon.

@CarolynsRVLife 3 года назад

Oh wow, that's a gorgeous home. I love the woodstove! I think getting rid of most of my books was the hardest thing to cull.

@shandelebroyles1099 2 года назад

You got rid of your books too??

@nedcassley5169 2 года назад

Books can be scanned and stored in the cloud or on hard drives.

@cathylynnpietranton 3 года назад

Amanda did an excellent job converting the emergency squad vehicle. Thanks Matt for sharing her story. We hope she has safe travels.👍👍❤

@vicariouswild2828 3 года назад

Thanks so much Cathy!

@Sindollx666x Год назад

I love this conversion, and her life! What I wouldn't give to be able to do voice over work, sing, draw & paint, & write my young adult fantasy novel!

@nikkineal6431 3 года назад

The cubic mini makes it look so cozy. Love this van.

@RicardoRoams 2 года назад

This is the best ambulance build out I've ever seen! I was glad to see you could access the front cab area. Having access to the front cab area would be a must for me. Your mobile recording studio is remarkable! I really am impressed!

@quietrestingplaces9172 3 года назад

I smiled the whole way through. Definitely "a dream!" So happy for her!

@kristannablue 3 года назад

Well done, dad.

@TexasFire_Cross 2 года назад

As someone who works in the back of ambulances regularly (and drives them when the medics need a firefighter driver so that they can both be in the back working a patient) ... this is an amazing idea. When the stretcher and bags are taken out, there is an amazing amount of room in the box.

@cindychurch925 Год назад

Thank you for your service as a firefighter and medic. You all are in my daily prayers.

@yushikuang7877 3 года назад

I am definitely not a nomade nor a minimalist. But i found your projet of travelling across the country to work on bakery to develop your skillset is so inspiring. Most people down size for economic reason. Instead you made it to pursue a dream. Bravo. You should come to Montreal...we have the finest bread and viennoiseries of north america. Impossible to not takes few pounds here.

@Lauren-vd4qe 3 года назад

no one wants to live in quebec now; they likely all want to leave instead!

@shandelebroyles1099 2 года назад

No, most are doing it because they want to travel and see..... More than not.

@alexlarson833 3 года назад

Now that’s a cool woman and an amazing ambulance to tiny house conversion!! Thanks for sharing your story Amanda 😁👍

@ExploringAlternatives 3 года назад

Thanks so much for watching, Alex :) :) Hope you have a great day!

@AgentFunk 3 года назад

Omg her dads smile is the best.

@apnachannel2009 3 года назад

this is honestly the most beautiful van i have ever seen, truly natural and built with lots of love by your dad!

@joanneforrest1830 3 года назад

Hands down the nicest convention van. Absolutely love it.

@wonderingwade1802 3 года назад

Damn that's a pretty sweet looking van!

@anntrope491 2 года назад

NICE HOME ON WHEELS...PERFECT CONTEMPORARY DESIGN...CLEAN LINES, LOVE THE CABINET COLOR! THE WOODSTOVE IS THE ICING ON THE CAKE....ALL YOUR SYSTEMS ARE JUST RIGHT TOO! YOU REALLY DID AN AMAZING JOB WITH THIS RIG!! HAPPY TRAILS!! ♡☆♡

@TVCAVEMAN213 2 года назад

A FANTASTIC job on the interior. Isn’t it amazing on how much you REALLY NEED to be completely. Only a few pairs of jeans, tee shirts, tops, and shoes, Fannys your Aunt, and Bobs your Uncle. Best of luck to you on your travels.

@iambubblez 2 года назад

this is so awesome...imagine the action this thing has seen, people who died, or were brought back to life too...its huge and awesomely done.

@sharoncochran8508 3 года назад

The best van build I've ever seen. I love the textiles used. The "giraffe" fabric is awesome!

@patriciahillman2866 2 года назад

Great for You! Enjoy your life while you are young and do your own thing. Be safe, live smartly, take care of your self, and always stay ALERT. Bless you.

@dianahernandez7529 2 года назад

WOW I just LOVE how you and your Beautiful Family got together and HELP you with your Beautiful Home . That is so smart of you you're very smart young woman God bless you may you always be happy and blessed. ❤️🙏❤️

@kevinwells4986 3 года назад

I don't know what is more impressive. The Van or her. Oh, yeah I do - her. But I love her ability to minimize, and to focus. She's going to make some company extremely happy, if she does not in fact start her own company. Talk about driven. I love this channel! By the way, I love this girl! I wish more young people could be like her.

@jimmyfortrue3741 3 года назад

Outstanding and reasonably priced set up. Love the wood stove and the Berkey.

@dianeibsen5994 Год назад

Blessed to be born into a family that cares.

@tthomas6013 2 года назад

“In touch with the business of living”, what a beautiful way to capture living life💜I love your abode!

@oxcaput7xo 3 года назад

Looks so cozy!! Amazing revamp

@jaydenmoon1165 2 года назад

Freaking beautiful design work - I especially loved that your whole family had a hand in helping - so awesome

@georgepetrin1334 2 года назад

Best designed ambulance to van conversion I've seen on youtube.

@BradleyProulx 3 года назад

I was the photographer for your condo when you sold it. We chatted about the road, radio, music, bread. LOVE this.

@badarock177 3 года назад

She's so proud of her dad's work, and he looks so loving and joyful, it brings tears to my eyes. I miss my dad so much.

@daviddemunn2645 2 года назад

Congrats on being able to do voiceovers in your tiny vehicle! I think that is so awesome! I myself couldn't live my life in a tiny vehicle especially in South Florida because of the hurricanes.

@campbellrob1919 2 года назад

Wow, by far the coolest van setup I've seen yet. Awesome.

@farleyboy1968 3 года назад

A Poem For The Ambulance Home This life can challenge you to the core, do you have a plan? For one entrepreneur, this was mobility outside of the van, When a mechanical conveyance of wonders gave the chance She purchased her rig and began transforming the ambulance. This has been done many times before with a look so Spartan With a desire to remain fashionable, the interior was parting, To see her abode from the inside, you would think it a chalet An adorable place to cook a meal, read a book and a getaway. This lady is not a prima donna and baby, did this need work But the satisfaction of being in the action was a joy and a perk, Her home has all of the comforts you need, including the fire Out of the many modified vehicles, here is one I truly admire. I hope that whoever sees Amanda on the road will honor her Paying a brief homage to her ingenuity that is steady and sure, There are myriad ways of calling a place home and this is one I salute this tiny home on wheels that truly feels cozy and fun! Written by Gary Cox 04/13/2021...to God be the glory For Amanda, my gift to you...be blessed always!

@intheshedwithjohnnyg8894 3 года назад

the place looks amazing , you and your father did an awesome job .

@jamesfishe5591 3 года назад

popcorn is very important🍿♥️

@roamingredneck4445 2 года назад

I'm building my old ambulance. Thanks for the inspiration.

@user-js4xl9nv8r 3 месяца назад

Hats off to you for choosing an alternative lifestyle. You are forced to live mindfully and thats a great thing. Safe travels. Thanks for sharing.

@joyn2967 3 года назад

Kudos to Amanda - Her Tiny Home on wheels is wonderful! I would love to get rid of 90% of my stuff and have that freedom she has. :)

@Plummetking 3 года назад

I have watched thousands of these conversion videos and this is one of the best ever.Congratulations!...................... And you have an awesome dad!

@alohatvj 2 года назад

The ambulance 🚑 ♥ 😍 conversion is super amazing 👏 🙌. I am very impressed with the build 😀 👏.

@nhstuff6658 2 года назад

Congrats to Amanda and Dad on superb execution of so many great ways to minimize but not lose utility. A very impressive DIY conversion. Travel well.

@offbeatwarble 3 года назад

Great van conversion and even better lifestyle, enjoy!

@bosse641 3 года назад

Simple and cozy little abode. Well done.

@dawnhill539 3 года назад

Wow! That is the best ambulance conversion I have seen !

@TenerifeHorseRescue 3 года назад

one of the best uses of small space

@DavidGetchel 3 года назад

The best ambulance conversion I've seen!

@shoralhookes804 3 года назад

Wow you would never think this was a ambulance ! Everything looks so beautiful I love it great job..😊

@ali.elramli 3 года назад

The beauty of life is in its simplicity .. We must live life as it is so that we do not weaken in front of its temptations

@brucejoy1369 3 года назад

Wow! What a beautiful job you have done with your ambulance

@darlenemoak63 3 года назад

I love the openness of the design inside the van - beautifully done. Good luck on your continuing journey!!

@dashie07e.92 3 года назад

AMAZING VAN HOME!!!!

@keepinganopenmind8216 2 года назад

Nice set up, you and your family did a nice job. I liked something you said in the video that I felt needed to be mentioned.. again.. Time. you said.. well you get in touch with daily life ... as in the time spent and energy needed to do things that you might normally not consider or not need to do at all.. Example.. daily water needs.. that can include getting water, washing hands or the need to dispose of the same water.. at the point of no return.. black / gray water disposal. It is absolutely a fact that anyone that has not lived a minimalist lifestyle will not relate to these issues.. both those of us that have.. will and do.. relate !

@josephkreissphotography 3 года назад

That’s awesome!!! We have a small RV but we are toying with the idea of a ambulance conversion to downsize more and have more freedom of maneuverability and travel! Thanks for sharing your rig!!

@maehay4065 3 года назад

She has a wonderful van and lots of storage space. Awesome rig!

@markwantling2893 3 года назад

I think you have a lovely home , glad you kept some off your vehicles past and incorporated it in your build. Stay safe 🙏 from the 🇬🇧

@CLance-mo7bo 3 года назад

THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST,VAN I HAVE SEEN!!!

@michaelvenne8692 2 года назад

AWESOME LITTLE HOME. I love the wood stove. Made with LOVE !!!! ❤️ I am thinking of doing this. I have no tie downs. I am ready. Great video’s to learn from.

@OurRetiredLife 3 года назад

I love her! And her tiny home is lovely!

@kit2130 3 года назад

I love that fireplace!!

@clairelivefreeordie2551 3 года назад

I wonder if this cuts down on heating costs?

@I-Told-U-So 3 года назад

My friend had an ambulance vehicle as a camper, it was constantly haunted inside while he sleeping!!! He ended up sold it and got a regular van fixed it also as a camper. He's now feeling so normal.

@saladbreath607 Год назад

You should check your cabinets (the stock ambulance ones) for latches on the lower inside corners of the frame. If you release both at once the entire front swings up on a hinge. Chances are if you have small struts inside, you have this option.

@shilde 3 года назад

They did a great job on this!! I love it. It’s so cozy and serene. I’m jealous.

@cheriemonami 3 года назад

Amanda, you're living the life. She's the first I've heard who has clued in to the fact that we all make waste. Composting, recycling, reusing, are band-aids. Life is messy. We're not the only ones, animals make waste also. Everything we do to lessen the waste, though, is slowing down the destruction of our planet while we figure out how to deal with it.

@CR-wk2re 3 года назад

I love the idea of just using the Berkey as the only water source. You can just store extra water in containers as needed. Nice and simple. I'm going to consider that for my rig.

@grlnexdoorable 2 года назад

Ice chest with gaskets would be great.

@cq7415 2 года назад

This is really nice. It is laid out so nicely and your kitchen area is so spacious. Lots of storage in outside compartments. Good idea. I admire her. Thanks for sharing.

@cindys3435 2 года назад

What a great job you and your dad did on your home. You guys could probably make some money doing that for others. I live near Calgary and I’m re-doing a 1985 3/4 ton van and I can’t wait until it’s ready. Good luck on your travels.

@talea5604 3 года назад

I love this van. I would buy it in a heartbeat!

@robertahill7400 3 года назад

I like that. Van life is "You're way more in touch with the business of living" 👍 ❤️💙

@gwenruckey6817 3 года назад

Thank you for your post. I enjoyed it immensely.

@gjonesii 3 года назад

What a spectacular build! Such a functional design. What an amazing father/daughter project. You rock!

@keeneterry1603 3 года назад

This is an amazing conversion.

@summertime439 3 года назад

Beautiful and cozy give it a high score 1000

@HOPEbus 3 года назад

New subscriber 👋🏽 Beautiful home , great use of space 👍🏽 I just helped my son do his mini van , as a parent it’s the most overflowing feeling u get when u help ur kids love a simpler happier way of living 🌎 🙏🏼💫♥️🚍🥳 Cheers to u

@Mziselman 3 года назад

A beautiful van as well as attitude. Nicely done.

@stefanitadio6236 3 года назад

Great conversion! Everything is beautiful and I like the family-contributed touches.

@forliberty1805 2 года назад

My husband and I LOVE the little wood stove!

@alexsamaris1667 3 года назад

Peg board the outside door and hang stuff like tools,extension cords, or lawn chairs....lots of uses for that space. Since its near the front door....umbrella, boots and cold weather gear would work nicely there.

@TheIregan 3 года назад

What a fantastic build out, and way to make a great life for yourself, Amanda! Super inspiring!

@WonderfulWorld-pr8xy 3 года назад

So cozy !!!!!

@neridaduncan2710 2 года назад

How the universe works. I was saying to my little granddaughter Today! "What I need is a decommissioned ambulance to convert into a mobile home" - and this pops up. This young lady is so easily likeable and the conversion is really great. I also like the fact she is not too bothered about running water and has a wood heater. I have looked at some small wood heaters for yachts that are soooo expensive and for the time being I have settled on a camping, collapsible, wood heater and agree the chimney is a bit of a giveaway if you are trying to be stealthy. Really glad to have watched this video - worth a 2nd or 3rd viewing. Nothing wrong with doing this as an older person but so wish i had had the forethought to do this when I was younger.

@honeybee.ukprepperprepordi6517 2 года назад

I love it all, I live in a 7.5ton horse lorry. The only thing I'd say is that, and I made this mistake in my first live in vehicle, the wood burner. I put my first burner about two feet off the floor and quickly discovered that it was a mistake. Heat rises and if it isn't on the floor you will be cold in winter as the heat will only really be from the burner up. The rest will be very cold space

@DanaKot336 3 года назад

This is so amazing🥺 basically my childhood-teen age dream but with extra kitchen space

@uatu3021 3 года назад

I wonder if the stovepipe could be remade to be telescopic, so it could be stealthier.

@rickhuttono1 3 года назад

My thoughts as well and yes it can... But that would require climbing atop the van every time for set up and shut down... Doing it from the inside would be extremely expensive and require constant maintenance to stop leaks as vehicles vibrate extensively during transit... For interior operations, the expensive is in designing and manufacturing a mechanical device for raising and lower and adding an interior donut type drain for rain run off... Which would require drilling another hole for the drain... Hence, Not Feasible...

@rickhuttono1 3 года назад

With a few minutes to ponder, there is a stealth solution for the Stove Exhaust Stack... 18 wheelers have exhaust pipes that extend above the cab... At the top of these exhaust pipes there are Hinged Flap Lids that prevent rain, birds and insects from getting inside the pipes... Remove the standard house exhaust cap and install a Hinged Flap Lid at the top of the stack... A Slightly Convexed Flap Lid will enhance rain runoff... Hence it will have the appearance of an Exhaust Pipe, not an interior stove... Note: Chimneys / Exhaust Stacks require a minor elevation above the highest point of the structure that it is active in... Not being present to measure and calculate the issue, visually observance indicates that the Exhaust Stack on the blue truck can be shortened by cutting off 1/4 to 1/3 of its existing height... Thus increasing it's stealth...

@shokojimhollingsworth3940 3 года назад

@@rickhuttono1 Cubic stoves require 12" of chimney above the roof exit, and at least 36" total piping above the stove to ensure a good draft. Hers looks about right, but as you say, it's hard to tell without measuring. Not sure how the hinged flap lid would work with a wood stove. 🤔 I use a marine stove cap designed for heavy storms.

@essendossev362 3 года назад

Yeah I know that with boats you can sometimes remove the stack and store it away when you're not using it, which would be a good option if she's just passing through somewhere, she can take it off in advance and keep stealthy.

@douglashughes2331 2 года назад

I love that her dad Curls! Canada is awesome.

@gloriamaggs5453 2 года назад

Thanks for sharing! This is the best ambulance conversion ever.....love the little wood stove...all so homey and cozy! G.

@TomBedlammusic 3 года назад

Hey another van lifer with a recording studio! I wonder how many of us there are :)

@dizheller2101 3 года назад

I'm planning on joining that group in the next few years (see my comment above). ♫♪

@Glimmerlight90 2 года назад

I am also one!

@miniskooliewanda 3 года назад

Love it! Well done! Very inspirational ☺

@1dyrfullymade Год назад

Your Dad is so cute and fluffy! Great memories in the making! 😊❤️

@CharlesButler 3 года назад

This by far is one of the best ambulances build I have seen so far! Wow. what amazing job you and your dad did! Nice layout, seems so comfy and still have room to walk around inside. Congratulations on this!!