That looks so much cleaner and lighter than what some of these guys do with 2x4s and 3/4" plywood! I'm saving this for when I get to building myself a new bed.
Hello Jim! You don't know how many times I saw your series!! Thanks a lot for sharing. My ford e250 high roof ambulance will be buy tomorrow. I'm from Chile, northern Patagonia, and your videos helps me a lot to Pre design the interior. My mail concern is the electrical wiring... it seems very intimidating... but you pull it out perfectly. Thanks again!! You inspired me, and maybe I'll share some of my work too.
Congrats to you both on your new RV project! Converting an ambulance is ingenious! Cabinetry is already in place! I am envious and hope to custom-build one myself one day! This is definitely inspiring and I wish you all a fun and exciting build.
Oh REALLY well done with that pull lout bed! Excellent design! Just genius. Your (adorable) wife looks really happy with it too! :D An ambulance! We never thought of that! But once I show my husband these videos, I think he's gonna start that search...
If only this had come out just a few weeks earlier I could have stolen your design. The last-minute bed design I whipped together for my ambulance worked but not nearly as appealing as yours. Great job Jim. Keep the videos coming - they're a source of great enjoyment and inspiration for my conversion.
Really ingenious! You need to add a strap to the upper wooden panel, attached to the edge opposite from the hinge, that lays across the upper panel, so your good lady can open it without having to reach so far. Hope you both enjoy many camping adventures.
That is and excellent idea rather than using the wood slats that pull apart. I think this way is probably a lot stronger and lighter. Thank you for the video! Keep up the good work.
Excellent work! We, meaning my husband, will be converting our van and I really prefer a folding bed for more daytime space. I think I have finally found what will work for us. Thank you for sharing your talent!
i feel when you are sleeping on the couch/bed it may slide maybe make a catch at the bottom half that spots it from sliding (similar to what a futon has to stop it from sliding)
Very ingenious use of the bench seat! Now will that slide out for the bed wiggle outwards while you're driving, hitting bumps, taking turns? Maybe you have some method to keep it stationary while running the roads?
like the alu frame idea with the foldover bottom , its simple and it works from wat i can see you prolly could've mounted the legs solidly and just lift it up a little when extending the frame
I work for a hospital and I'm trying to buy one of their retired "big boy" ambulances...Freightliner chassis. If I can fit it, this is definitely an idea for the inside.
If you haven't done it yet, you could remove the strobe light heads and put camp lights in place of them! So then if you want light outside of the truck you can have it when you need it
Jim Waltz that's the story with my pickup truck lol. And just when you think you're almost there and everything is going smooth, something has to go wrong lol
Now somebody with kids could do apply the same concept for the seat back by doing exactly what you did for the seat bottom and apply that concept to the seat back have it expand out and have legs come down so you can have a double decker bunk setup. That would work good to sleep two kids and two adults or 3 kids and 2 adults depending upon the size of children.
Hey Jim, EXCELLENT build. We're putting a bed in our ambulance and I haven't seen any solutions as well executed as this one. Where does one acquire legs like that? Thanks!
The legs are square aluminum tubing with caps on the ends. The hinge-support is simply a heavy duty shelf bracket that was riveted to the bed and legs. I used a pull-pin to hold the legs up. Thanks Dustin!
Hi Jim! Very nice design btw! I am in process of outfitting a campervan and was looking for inspiration. What I love about yours is that it keeps the whole box underneath intact and you could fit large items like skis and stuff. I have a few Q: for you please: 1. Does the bed rattle when driving over bumpy roads? 2. Is it sturdy enough that it won't move/shake while moving in bed? 3. Would you please be able to provide a few detailed pictures with how the ply falls and locks in place to keep the frame wide open? 4. Where would you purchase folding legs like this? Many thanks and great job once again!
Any update or changes with rhe ambulance conversion? Will be doing the same this winter! Also...who was the ambulance manufacturer? Thx for putting the vids up!
Jim, I went back and looked at every one of your videos and I am very impressed with your expertise and resourcefulness. Your videos are some of the best on UTube as far as step by step conversion. When you bought your ambulance did you find a lot of engine problems that needed to be fixed?
I see your from the ozarks I'm from Lebanon any chance I can see your rig in person? I may be interested in one of these for myself? maybe I can catch you at Truman 😁
Nice work, but, you should let her record! Except then we would not get to see her, and she is cool, so, maybe just the working parts you do Jazz! Thanks for sharing.
Hi, I just got my 2nd ambulance, but this is EXACTLY the same as my first one. It's basically a band equipment hauler. I love your design. Could you please tell me where you got the legs for the bed? Many thanks!
Thanks for posting this! Lots of great ideas, and you've got some great skills. So from a timeline, how long did the conversion take? Any plans to have the exterior painted? Cheers
I'm sure this depends on state (we're in Missouri) but here you can insure as an RV if it has a working sink and toilet. We currently have it titled as a Ford Econoline Van. Not expensive but RV insurance would be cheaper.
I have been considering converting an ambulance to a camper also. I like lots of storage. Have you had any problems converting? Since it is a commercial vehicle, have you had any problems getting vehicle changed over to passenger vehicle? I would like to see finished result videos. Got a thousand questions to ask you. sorry.
I bought an ambulance which I am converting to an RV. May I ask questions?1) is there anything you would do differently if building the bed again?2) how did you attach it to the wall so that it can still lift up for the storage beneath?3) do you have the support pieces about 6-7inches apart? I was afraid the aluminum might not be enough support for my sister that is about 280, sleeping alone, but if both of you are ok, then she should be, right? 4) Do you see any reason I couldn't do this, replacing your solid pieces of wood with peg board with holes to alleviate mold? Mold seems to be an issue under beds for many who live in small areas like this.5) my sister, like your wife, has one leg. I am afraid I can't get her into the ambulance (she lives hundreds of miles away, so haven't tried yet). How does your wife do it? My sister is on dialysis and I am hoping to take her on a trip while I still have her with me.6) did you ever consider using t-slotted aluminum framing instead of the plain tubing? I saw a different type of bed frame made with it in a cargo van (not including a lid) but couldn't figure out how to use it here. It did seem like an excellent alternative, but likely cost more.7) any other ambulance conversion tips to make life easier for a person with one leg?Thanks so much for making this video. It would be much appreciated to hear your answers and most helpful if they were numbered to match up with the questions. Thanks!
For the tools and materials easily available, I am very happy with the bed. It's solid, light weight, and simple to use. There is a piano hinge along the back edge that attaches to the storage box and allows the lid (couch) to open. The aluminum is incredibly solid and has held up well. Easily supporting both my wife and I, I have no doubt this could support your sister. Thanks for your interest!
hey there, Just wondering if you had any issues with insurance for your ambulance... Progressive just told me today that they couldnt cover it bc it is riskier because it use to be an ambulance? they said i couldnt insure it as a rv, or commercial vehicle with them... do you happen to know a company that will insure?
I read you titled as a standard E350 is that how the original title described the vehicle? Were there any unexpected issues as far as personal property taxes are concerned? I live near STL and am dangerously close to pulling the trigger on a ambulance conversion myself just want to make sure im not overlooking some legal landmine. the Missouri DOR is a real stickler for details.
That looks so much cleaner and lighter than what some of these guys do with 2x4s and 3/4" plywood! I'm saving this for when I get to building myself a new bed.
I know...I puzzled long and hard how to build this in such limited space. Works like a charm! Thanks Dan!
Hello Jim! You don't know how many times I saw your series!! Thanks a lot for sharing. My ford e250 high roof ambulance will be buy tomorrow. I'm from Chile, northern Patagonia, and your videos helps me a lot to Pre design the interior. My mail concern is the electrical wiring... it seems very intimidating... but you pull it out perfectly. Thanks again!! You inspired me, and maybe I'll share some of my work too.
Sounds great!
Congrats to you both on your new RV project! Converting an ambulance is ingenious! Cabinetry is already in place! I am envious and hope to custom-build one myself one day! This is definitely inspiring and I wish you all a fun and exciting build.
Also, leave the sirens and emergency lights intact - to help with traffic jams! Ha ha!
Thanks Matt! We are having a blast with our latest project!
Hahaha she looks so thrilled when she sits on the bed. What a sweetheart.
That's my girl!
Oh REALLY well done with that pull lout bed! Excellent design! Just genius. Your (adorable) wife looks really happy with it too! :D An ambulance! We never thought of that! But once I show my husband these videos, I think he's gonna start that search...
Thanks for your comments. Yes....my wife is a 'happy camper'!
If only this had come out just a few weeks earlier I could have stolen your design. The last-minute bed design I whipped together for my ambulance worked but not nearly as appealing as yours. Great job Jim. Keep the videos coming - they're a source of great enjoyment and inspiration for my conversion.
Thank you Pedro! It's been a fun project.
way to go guys ! super job. I truly hope it brings much happiness and many wonderful memories to all of you !! peace out...
Thanks bad...we hope so too!
Pretty creative!! Love the material pattern that you used!
Thanks Georga! She was a fun project!
Really ingenious! You need to add a strap to the upper wooden panel, attached to the edge opposite from the hinge, that lays across the upper panel, so your good lady can open it without having to reach so far. Hope you both enjoy many camping adventures.
Brilliant Susan!
Excellent execution. Thanks
That is and excellent idea rather than using the wood slats that pull apart. I think this way is probably a lot stronger and lighter. Thank you for the video! Keep up the good work.
Thanks Dan. It does seem simple and solid.
Great job! I Want a Murphy bed in that space.
excellent build
Thanks Margret!
great design for the pull out frame! I really like it!
Thanks Ang. It works really well!
great work on your RV hope it brings you years of happiness
Thanks China. I hope so too!
Jim Waltz
Great job... Enjoyed watching all 12 videos so far. Looking forward to your continued progress.
Thanks Chang!
Very nice!
Thanks Javier!
Excellent work! We, meaning my husband, will be converting our van and I really prefer a folding bed for more daytime space. I think I have finally found what will work for us. Thank you for sharing your talent!
Thanks coca! Best of luck on your conversion.
Totally just did this in my Ambo. Think I use a gage size smaller though.
Way to go Kevin!
i feel when you are sleeping on the couch/bed it may slide maybe make a catch at the bottom half that spots it from sliding (similar to what a futon has to stop it from sliding)
Do you have plans for how you did this
Not really. But the video does a pretty good job of explaining the process...
I realize how late I am, but I'm really impressed, fantastic work sir. It's also pretty cool how you two get along, very nice to watch. Happy trails!
Watched the entire build series, have been looking into getting an ambulance for a while now. Would love to see it one day, I am in Mid MO.
The ambulance is an amazing, solid, base for a camper.
Very ingenious use of the bench seat! Now will that slide out for the bed wiggle outwards while you're driving, hitting bumps, taking turns? Maybe you have some method to keep it stationary while running the roads?
I don't think it will, but if it does I can put a lynch pin in one end to hold it in place. Thanks Lawrence!
like the alu frame idea with the foldover bottom , its simple and it works
from wat i can see you prolly could've mounted the legs solidly and just lift it up a little when extending the frame
Thanks wat. It works great.
I work for a hospital and I'm trying to buy one of their retired "big boy" ambulances...Freightliner chassis. If I can fit it, this is definitely an idea for the inside.
If you haven't done it yet, you could remove the strobe light heads and put camp lights in place of them! So then if you want light outside of the truck you can have it when you need it
Replaced the right side lights with amber lenses. Works great! Thanks Zach!
Jim Waltz that's good! I know having the amber keeps it legal at least.
We're not quite 'legal' yet. But we're working on it!
Jim Waltz that's the story with my pickup truck lol. And just when you think you're almost there and everything is going smooth, something has to go wrong lol
Gotta love projects!
im just about to start my bed been struggling with it will definitely tring your way looks awesome awesome work you both have done
Thanks Johnny!
great fricken job. I live how you did it. thanks for the inspiration
Thank you Jerrett!
cool idea
Thanks Bill!
you have done a fantastic job thanks for sharing my mind is a wash with ideas
Clever! Great idea 👍🏼
Thank you Limiriv!
excellent design concept. i may attempt a similar unit for the 88 Xplorer i am gutting.
Thanks Wolf. It turned out amazingly simple and strong.
I would have appreciated seeing how you assembled the part that telescopes out.
Awesome idea can i use this for my caravan love it
That is really impressive.
Thanks Gil!
Jim , Great idea. Do you by chance still have the Stretcher cups and wheel holders that were on the Bench top that you removed ?
I may have still have them. I'll let you know.
Thanks
Now somebody with kids could do apply the same concept for the seat back by doing exactly what you did for the seat bottom and apply that concept to the seat back have it expand out and have legs come down so you can have a double decker bunk setup. That would work good to sleep two kids and two adults or 3 kids and 2 adults depending upon the size of children.
Hey Jim, EXCELLENT build. We're putting a bed in our ambulance and I haven't seen any solutions as well executed as this one. Where does one acquire legs like that? Thanks!
The legs are square aluminum tubing with caps on the ends. The hinge-support is simply a heavy duty shelf bracket that was riveted to the bed and legs. I used a pull-pin to hold the legs up. Thanks Dustin!
Are you going to show finished project
Your bed looked complex during construction, but it looks great in practice..
Thanks Alan. I was actually surprised by how well it works.
Awesome and innovative!
Thanks Tyson!
Pretty darn cool! :-)
Thank you Budhag!
Jim Waltz
Where's episode 13 or 14 ?
Hi Jim! Very nice design btw! I am in process of outfitting a campervan and was looking for inspiration. What I love about yours is that it keeps the whole box underneath intact and you could fit large items like skis and stuff. I have a few Q: for you please: 1. Does the bed rattle when driving over bumpy roads? 2. Is it sturdy enough that it won't move/shake while moving in bed? 3. Would you please be able to provide a few detailed pictures with how the ply falls and locks in place to keep the frame wide open? 4. Where would you purchase folding legs like this? Many thanks and great job once again!
Found legs... Just the other questions if you don't mind please.
wife's happy!
Happy...a little crazy...it's all good!
That cool what you guys did to transform an ambulance to a camper
Thanks Zach! It's been a ton of fun.
Any update or changes with rhe ambulance conversion? Will be doing the same this winter! Also...who was the ambulance manufacturer? Thx for putting the vids up!
good idea, thanks for the vid
Jim, I went back and looked at every one of your videos and I am very impressed with your expertise and resourcefulness. Your videos are some of the best on UTube as far as step by step conversion. When you bought your ambulance did you find a lot of engine problems that needed to be fixed?
Not with the engine; this diesel is know for it's go power. We had a lot of brake work to do. Thanks Big Joe!
I see your from the ozarks I'm from Lebanon any chance I can see your rig in person? I may be interested in one of these for myself? maybe I can catch you at Truman 😁
Actually live in Kansas City MO. Camp in the Ozarks sometimes. Let me know of you're in KC.
Excellent what you have done with this project, have you any other plans for this or will you guys just enjoy going camping. All the best from NZ
Thanks Ken! Planning some exterior finishes; lights, paint, etc.
Great job....
Nice work, but, you should let her record! Except then we would not get to see her, and she is cool, so, maybe just the working parts you do Jazz! Thanks for sharing.
My Pleasure!
So sorry u lost ur leg
Hope you're ok
It was a birth defect; so it's all she's known. Thanks for your thoughts!
Nice
Where did you get the fold out legs? Very nice design! Also are the mattress pads custom?
Great job. Did your wife make the cushions for the bed?
Hi, I just got my 2nd ambulance, but this is EXACTLY the same as my first one. It's basically a band equipment hauler. I love your design. Could you please tell me where you got the legs for the bed? Many thanks!
These were heavy duty shelf brackets purchased on Amazon.
I really like this Idea, can you send me all the details and where did you get those mattress?
The mattress is simply foam cushions; we ordered covers to fit.
Brilliant
Do u still have the streaker
Thanks for posting this! Lots of great ideas, and you've got some great skills. So from a timeline, how long did the conversion take?
Any plans to have the exterior painted?
Cheers
Thanks Doc!
Not yet. We have the "Ambulance" decals off, but it needs some finishing.
have you any information on insuring this for road use as an RV camper?
I'm sure this depends on state (we're in Missouri) but here you can insure as an RV if it has a working sink and toilet. We currently have it titled as a Ford Econoline Van. Not expensive but RV insurance would be cheaper.
What size are the mattresses?
Maybe we will ssee you on the road soon... :D
I have been considering converting an ambulance to a camper also. I like lots of storage. Have you had any problems converting? Since it is a commercial vehicle, have you had any problems getting vehicle changed over to passenger vehicle? I would like to see finished result videos. Got a thousand questions to ask you. sorry.
We were able to license it as a E350 van, which is what the chassis is based on.
I bought an ambulance which I am converting to an RV. May I ask questions?1) is there anything you would do differently if building the bed again?2) how did you attach it to the wall so that it can still lift up for the storage beneath?3) do you have the support pieces about 6-7inches apart? I was afraid the aluminum might not be enough support for my sister that is about 280, sleeping alone, but if both of you are ok, then she should be, right? 4) Do you see any reason I couldn't do this, replacing your solid pieces of wood with peg board with holes to alleviate mold? Mold seems to be an issue under beds for many who live in small areas like this.5) my sister, like your wife, has one leg. I am afraid I can't get her into the ambulance (she lives hundreds of miles away, so haven't tried yet). How does your wife do it? My sister is on dialysis and I am hoping to take her on a trip while I still have her with me.6) did you ever consider using t-slotted aluminum framing instead of the plain tubing? I saw a different type of bed frame made with it in a cargo van (not including a lid) but couldn't figure out how to use it here. It did seem like an excellent alternative, but likely cost more.7) any other ambulance conversion tips to make life easier for a person with one leg?Thanks so much for making this video. It would be much appreciated to hear your answers and most helpful if they were numbered to match up with the questions. Thanks!
For the tools and materials easily available, I am very happy with the bed. It's solid, light weight, and simple to use. There is a piano hinge along the back edge that attaches to the storage box and allows the lid (couch) to open. The aluminum is incredibly solid and has held up well. Easily supporting both my wife and I, I have no doubt this could support your sister. Thanks for your interest!
hello i am looking at an ambulance on craigslist like this. what is the ceiling height of yours? is it tall enough for 5 10 to stand? thanks.
Nope. Not sure off hand. I am 5' 10" and cannot stand up. Probably around 5 1/2 feet tall?
What color did you end up painting the outside? Have you yet?
Haven't yet. Stay posted!
오~호 이런 버젼 처음 봅니다.* ^^ *
hey there, Just wondering if you had any issues with insurance for your ambulance... Progressive just told me today that they couldnt cover it bc it is riskier because it use to be an ambulance? they said i couldnt insure it as a rv, or commercial vehicle with them... do you happen to know a company that will insure?
No problem. We had it licensed and insured as a Ford Econoline Van.
very good! you're very ingenious to find ways to built solid, durable, and cheap. I'm curious to know what are you doing for work? 😊
Actually my wife an I are both nurses. I have a history of construction and cabinetmaking. Thanks!
+Jim Waltz 🖒
So it's quite fitting you chose an ambulance to convert! Are you nurses in a hospital setting or nursing home type environment?
What are the dimensions of the sleeping area?
I didn't hear. What was the finished size of the bed when out?
When slid out it is right around 42" wide and 74" long. Not huge but comfortable for the two of us.
won't work for me. I'm 80 " and almost 42" wide tall lol
Jim, are you for hire? I am buying an ambulance and need help converting it as I am a newbie as well!
Thanks AJ! Sadly no....too many projects already. We're now starting a Sprinter Van RV Conversion. Videos to be coming soon.
I read you titled as a standard E350 is that how the original title described the vehicle? Were there any unexpected issues as far as personal property taxes are concerned? I live near STL and am dangerously close to pulling the trigger on a ambulance conversion myself just want to make sure im not overlooking some legal landmine. the Missouri DOR is a real stickler for details.
What did you find out? Ours was a real hassle!!
You don’t happen to have the design and specifications for this project?
The video series explains our process; but otherwise, we pretty much made it up as we went!
I love it
Thanks Masoud!
Ok ive watched every video need am update!!
We should be getting an update out in a month or so. Other projects have reared their ugly heads...
I'd hate to make and break down this bed on a daily. I can't see it
Seriously? Have you ever camped or had an RV?
Necessary
Do you make this bed and sell it because I will by one from you
Glad you like it George! I have way too many projects to build another....
Thank you so much I completely understand
+BudhagRizzo
ambulances
are the type of EMERGENCY vehicles
well aren't you handy!
Should've rehearsed first.
well aren't you handy!