Ultimate Stealth 4x4 Ambulance Camper Conversion - The Best Sprinter Alternative
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- Опубликовано: 8 авг 2019
- Jerrod found this ambulance and drove it across the country to convert into this totally custom tiny home on wheels. I see these going for crazy low prices on online auction sites. If you are looking for a 4x4 tiny home on wheels, maybe one of these would be a nice option!
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So cool to see a van with a toilet and shower.
L
In such a small space it's a very efficient use of space.
@Everything Else what’s funny?
Having spent 42 years in the back of an ambulance I'm in no hurry to live in one, but great use of a retired vehicle.
Damn, how far away was the hospital
@@mrpw1402 XD LOL
😂😂😂😂
@Alison Chains Thanks I'll look for it.
You should be used to living it it by now. 😂
I spent 28 years in one as a medic.
I suggest that if you don't have any EMT or emergency medical training you remove the symbols on the back doors. Other people might get the wrong impression in an emergency situation (like an injury or accident) and approach your van for medical attention.
It's great for stealth, but yeah, being woken up at 3am with people holding a hurting, bloody body would not be conducive for sleep.
You might want to check on the legalities of it also. Don't need any problems
@@laurakramer396 Only One State has a Rule about having Markings on Car/Truck/Van that is Alabama. You can have the Markings if it is to be Used as Such for Emergency Situation or Events Only. Otherwise Can Not be on Road Way.
Nah he good
Yeah how you supposed to be low key when you have people comibg to you for jelp all the time
Awesome job on the conversion! I’d only suggest that you make it a point to show that you’re not an actual ambulance.
When I shuttled police patrol vehicles to the garage for service we used 'NOT IN SERVICE' tags on the door.
Is it even legal not too?
shaaaaaaa app azz👉👌
I hadn't previously considered an ambulance, but this is very cool. Lots of options for modifications with this rig. Great job!
Great conversion…I’m so glad to see you used the already enclosed features instead of ripping it all out! A great $$ saver and very efficient! I rode long distance transports for much of my medic career and spent many days and nights in the back of a similar box…this video was like going back home in the warm fuzzies I felt in my ❤️! Thank you for sharing and safe journeys!
A good way to fold your clothing is to roll it. Fold it the width of the shelf then roll.
You could use fabric bins in the cabinets
Marie Kondo actually teaches some great clothing folding/storage techniques on her channel.
I learned that in the 80's from an airline "stewardess" on tv showing how to pack a suitcase. It has always come in handy.
true that way its always easily accessible
People seem to love that but I always find it leading to wrinkles.
thanks for the mention on solar warranty, and showing an honest pros and cons of "van" life
One of the first things I would recommend when buying a van is to buy one you can stand-in. God, he looks compromised trying to stand
27:50 As soon as you mount your LG Commercial Solar Panels on your van it voids the warranty. Very good tip to share, thanks !
There's a voice, That keeps on calling me
Down the road, That's where I'll always be
Every stop I make, I make a new friend
Can't stay for long, Just turn around
and I'm gone again
Maybe tomorrow, I'll want to settle down
Until tomorrow, I'll just keep moving on
Very nice poem....I really liked. 😊
great idea, 4x4, diesel and Ford. I would have considered this before purchasing my Sprinter 4x4 but I never knew ambulances have 4x4.
As a reasonably new ambulance owner that is still working on the improvements before I take off with it, this video was a treat to watch. Thanks for sharing.
To change the lights you'd need the green plastic covers. I'd actually recommend getting amber in place of the front reds, then wire the side red and rear flashers to all solid running with clear caps to increase your flood lamps. It also makes it legal.
Coudersport PA is very very close to where I live. It’s awesome to see how their old ambulance 🚑 is used. Very very cool 😎👍
I bought my sprinter ambulance in PA! When I got it they took off the Stars of life,“ambulance “ wording, and the red lights to be legal. I am taking my time with it to “repurpose as much as possible…. Great job on the video!
NICE fridge/freezer solution. Also, best ambulance conversion I’ve seen. I’ve been conflicted between van or tiny house (or tiny house and ambulance for the vehicle) but this option looks promising as the solution to that dilemma. Also, really admire the total diy approach - you gotta be self sufficient so this is very inspiring knowing you’re doing it.
I've been to Coudersport PA! I love the Ambulance idea & don't change it. The paint job & it adds to the 'stealth' factor.
I think you would enjoy watching Lee Blake's RV build. He takes organization to another level, even down to matching paint on cabinets with the van interior fabric.
I like your van. Nicely thought out. Love the cabinets inside and out! For tool chest, Harbor Freight has some narrow metal ones with drawers and glides that would likely fit in your exterior cabinet for your tools.
THIS WAS AN ABSOLUTELY TOP NOTCH PRESENTATION .I HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING GETTING A AMBULANCE, BECAUSE IT IS PROBABLY THE MOST STURDY VEHICLE BUILT THAT YOU CAN TAKE ON THE ROAD.PLUS THE EXTRAS THAT YOU GET LIKE CABINETS... YOU GAVE ME A LOT OF GOOD INFO.
I hardly ever watch a whole video of this type but the ambulance was really interesting. Thanks
Since you aren't an ambulance, I would remove the Star of Lifes & change the lens on your red lights.
I'm surprised you are allowed to have red lights forward especially in California yet he has Texas plates on it so maybe vehicle laws are different possibly
Everything about this is awesome: man, dog & van. Love all three!
The shelves look sturdy. In addition having a window on the shelves make it easier to find things. I love all the storage you have.
WOW, what an awesome stealth home. I love it and these Ambulances sell cheap at auction. Not many other uses for a used van. I love your van / home and may copy you and do that same. Love all the storage space, the extra width, extra height and door to the cabin of it. Thanks for sharing
I used to be a medic in the Army and EMT in the US Virgin Is. These rigs have always been on my radar! In 2001 my wife and I bought a new 3/4 ton Dodge 4x4. I already had traded a friend for a military ambulance box .. so I took the new pickup's standard bed off and sold it .. and attached the military ambulance box. We managed to pick up a nice Jayco travel trailer with a 16ft slide out that we lived in while on the road for four years. We modified the box on the truck .. taking out all the military seats etc. and basically set it up as a large tool box .. containing a generator and air compressor for a nail gun. (air compressor comes in mighty handy) .. I also have room for one person to sleep in the box. I have never worried about stealth camping .. just find a safe place and do it. Only thing I wish that would have been better is to use a one ton instead of a 3/4 .. I have to use a sway bar etc. to stabilize a long heavy camper .. and drive less than 50 mph. Now the truck is my main tool box .. a work horse that I can lock up and keep people from seeing what I carry inside as well as there is plenty of room for anything I need to carry or move.
This was a great video .. and provides a lot of good ideas. I think a big dog and a second person will be a bit too crowded tho .. esp. for a long duration. 4x4 is a must .. it will get you out of a lot of problems.
Merwin ARTist, Just wanted to say, thank you for your service as a medic in the Army. 🇺🇸💕👍🏻👋🏻
@@judithdoolittle6951 .. I'll be happy when the wounds of war are allowed to heal .. not for us .. for those who have lost so much because of our oppression as a nation! When we allow them to heal .. we will heal too! 💕💖😊👍
Merwin ARTist 👍🏻 Agree.🇺🇸🙏🏻
DOG HAS A GROWTH ON UPPER EYE LID AND REALLY NEEDS IT NAILS CLIPPED. ENJOYED THE TOUR. THANKS.
Great job, Jerrod! I am so impressed by many of the changes you are making, particularly getting in that shower and a toilet! I cannot for the life of me imagine living with a plain bucket like so many people do.
As a retired (disabled) paramedic, I would *love* to have a decommissioned ambulance, and all the more so now. I also know how much they get beaten on, though, so I'll be interested to know how well it holds up for you.
You definitely do need to remove the Stars of Life and all red lights, though, as others have mentioned, and the siren, if that's still in there, and I'd move that up your list of 10,000 things to do. You do not need to get a ticket or whatever they do when people are found to be using either one of them illegally - and it *is* illegal to have the flashing red lights, for sure.
Jerrod has really come a long way since this build. It's great to look back and see where everyone starts though.
If you all ever make it towards Montana I’d love to show you my Ambulance build.
Well explained, I agree with your priorities on the setup and your dog looks like a good soul. Happy trails- hope it continues to serve you well.
4 wheel drive is a must if one has a travel camper, great renovation!
Put a 4" straight pipe on it with an aftermarket air filter and a tuner. Superchips makes a great one for the 7.3 powerstroke. Simple bolt on stuff that will give you a much better fuel mileage.
Tyler Quilling very difficult to modify the econoline chassis 7.3 because the engine is under the dash.
also no aftermarket options other than turbo compressor wheel and chips.
You can change the exhaust system after the turbo down pipe with minimal difficulty I have done that along with custom air intakes on E350 powerstrokes both 7.3 and the 6.0. Also you can put a lager fuel injector nozzles on yours. Look on Ebay there is a company that sells an injector upgrade kit that ranges from 70-100 horsepower that is simple to install
Very cool 😎 I really like your ambulance conversion to an RV. Congratulations on your new van life 🚌😊❤️👍🌎🎥 thanks for sharing and safe travels
The thing I like about the ambulance conversions is that they are so square, you might maybe get more mpg if they were more aerodynamic but, for the novice, they have to make the builds easier. Like you, I would keep all the existing cupboards but I'd try to soften the look of the rest of the van by wood cladding the walls.
This is one of the best walk thrus I’ve ever seen. Thanks!
I love this build and the fact you’ve kept so much of the original ambulance. I see so many completely gut their ambulances and yours has that charm and character, not to mention how sturdy and practical those cabinets are. Think the glass in those cabinets would look really smart with frosted glass, you could either use spray or film. Have you thought about packing cubes or soft baskets to organise your clothes? Would keep them neater and probably help you find them a lot easier 😊
I would love to get updates on your build and progress. Your at a point where people I've seen had to start compared to a complete build. Move in and build as you go. Amazing.
I've got a 1995 ambulance, E350 2 wheel drive. I removed the ambulance lettering, but left nearly everything else as is. Custom built some shelving for the exterior compartments, and added 400 watts of portable solar panels with a couple 100 amp-hour batteries. I use a 65 quart Whynter 12 / 110 volt fridge. I use a jetboil backpacking stove for coffee and quick meals on the inside, but I always cook outside with a small gas grill and gas burner, the cooking smells in such a small space are hard to eliminate. I just love the build quality of the ambulance, and I really couldn't be happier with it.
any trouble getting ins?
@@razor3003 no, progressive insured it as commercial and it was much cheaper.
@@oxycrimson Cool, I knew about Progressive also. I've been reading some people get their commercial veh registered as an rv & get that type of ins.
Post pics please !
Great Build love your-Home Keep safe out there
Love this and the dog is everything!!Love the glass cabinets!!!
The ambulance should have a shore power connect just above the door where the inverter is located.
Great build! Wonderful that you can retro fit the electrical to meet your needs... and your ingenuity with your toilet!
Great video! Thanks for showing this ambulance build!!
Craig's List? ahhh Bailey you're a lucky girl to have such a loving & fun dad!!! Love love the setup, modern and beautiful. Happy travel! Thank you for loving Bailey. She deserves all the love & adventure
That is awesome ….I've been on my build for about a year and a half, lots of similarities but , my ambulance is Canadian built so there are a few differences for sure. I put the 4 X 4 in after buying mine and have to say that has been the biggest expense and pain in the ass with my build. Great ideas and lots of thought into your rig.....thank you for sharing.
Due North what did you pay for your 4x4 conversion in Canada?
@@user-xx7pg3vw9k Little slow getting back to you....I've been off grid camping LOL. The conversion itself was 30 grand(parts and labor, ouch!) then I decided to put in a new tranny, upgraded heavy duty sway bar, new steering box, upgraded shocks, five inch lift, I also rebuilt the rear diff, all new brakes all the way around. Its like home renovations you do one thing and then you end up doing other stuff because you almost have to. Factory 4X4 ambulances are far and few between up here and if you do find one its a truck not a van, the trucks are longer and you don't have access from the cab to the back, I didn't really like that so I ended up doing a build. I also found that Canadians really don't have easy access to specialty type services like this so my beast is a real one off up here. Oh did I say Canada is expensive? Cheers
It might be because I’m an older (57) woman, but I am constantly amazed to see so many men over the age of 16 who still have a skateboard. Is it just me? Awesome build, though.
When you cut the fabric, be sure to keep a tab some place so it is easer to pull the reflectix out. Otherwise you end up bending the reflectix over and over. I did that on my RV
Great video, loved what you have done with your ambo... hope you have many happy years travelling...
Great build out... but seriously... the dog s the best! ✌🏼🐾
Love this! I just started looking at ambulances as I’m researching van life. I love all that built in storage. Alas- That 10mpg wouldn’t work for me- a senior woman with very low SS income. But I am sure there are smaller rigs. I’m glad you have Bailey. I want to travel with my dog and live mostly FT on the road. I say mostly because I feel I have to keep an apartment so I don’t lose my housing subsidy in case anything of a medical nature comes up. I don’t know why I’m rambling on. Lol
About the metal pipes- maybe you can get that foam pipe insulation that’s open along the length- or cut open pool noodles and wrap around.
Good luck on your travels. It’s a sweet set up.
I'm in the process of converting an ambulance to a camper and I really like your video. I have a few electrical questions on installing LEDs using the existing wires and switches.
This is really amazing. As you go on, you can raise the ceiling to accommodate your height over time. It will be worth the investment. Thank you for this, really impressive. You should be very proud of yourself.
Small world - I see the name "Coudersport" on the van. My family had a hunting cabin just outside Austin which is just a few miles from Coudersport. I loved that area.
That's really nice.If I were ever gonna live in a vehicle it would be a ambulance.I love that he has a bathroom and has so much storage.
Love the idea of ambulance rebuild, looks like so little 'rebuild' process!! Cool, just subscribed to your channel 😊
I was born and raised in Bradford-made me smile when I saw you were from Coudersport. Currently living in Yuma, AZ and hopefully purchasing a full out ambulance tomorrow. Had an ambulance van in past, 4x4, but weak engine. Safe Travels!
Go Bradford!
Love it love it on other ambulance video for tiny houses people did mention laws about removing the ambulance labels to avoid public misrepresentation and fines. I would love to have an ambulance build out!!!!
I haven't over ambulance and I turned into a camper they are great thank you for sharing
Excellent point! Blue Phoenix.” I was thinking the same thing because to me it doesn’t let me know it’s a conversion van rather than an ambulance..” He could make it a nice creamy white and leave the purple as accents.
Nice house !!! Beautiful dog ✌️🌼😁 This is one of the best house tour's I've seen .
And, this seems to be begging for a roof raise. Just a tiny one would make a Huge Difference...
I thought the same thing, Colorado camper van style, but that'd kill the stealth vibe. Maybe a high top "bubble" in the middle, less visible from outside.
@Marylee Macpherson you could probably do jumping jacks, lil sista. Lol! :)
@@robgindc1 Question : Dosent a hight room become obvious only when opened? If it's closed there is no way to see that there is a high roof right? So if in the city its better to keep it closed for stealth but off grid it's perfect.
@Ingenium that's perfect for me, only 5'4". That sucker is super duty, and rock solid! Not shake, rattly,& roll.
I don’t understand many of the choices made in this build, but to each their own…
Awesome build. I love the totally open stealth concept of an ambulance
The shelf above the water heater was where the cardiac monitor/defibrillator was carried. And as others have said, you really should remove/paint over the Star of Life decals. Also, you can sell the light bar and siren and sell them.
Just a thought. Think about the many lives this ambulance has saved.
The screams of the dead awaken him at midnight.
If it makes you feel better, no one is declared dead in the back of an ambulance. ;)
@Drakilicious well usually the ambulance is moving so technically they died on the road somewhere along the way to the hospital
@Drakilicious Considering that logic you could apply that to every space anywhere on the planet. Ever thought you could sit on top of a mass grave from thousands of years ago right now? No? Well, now you do, thank me later.
As a paramedic and van dweller you need to remove the star of life
I saw that ambulance back when it was in service! What a rig!
We live 12 miles from downtown Coudersport! Nice choice on design!
There should be an information decal (usually yellow) somewhere in the compartment where your bike mount is with the specs for inverter and other systems.
Jerrod & Bailey, thanks for the tour of your home...Jerrod, i have to say that i felt the same way about EBay, I'm an Amazon, person too, but i will start to look at thing on ebay, to buy.. i also believe your Wynter, frig was a great idea....
Thank you, Jerrod, for you love of animals, we are of the same tribe. 🤗
You re certainly correct about the exterior storage. Ambulances in rural areas carry more rescue equipment than in urban areas since backup may take longer to arrive. The small horizontal cabinet above your water heater is often used for a battery charger which charges cardiac monitor batteries. Again in rural areas the transport time is extended so batteries may need to be changed enroute.
Laws governing emergency vehicle markings and lighting vary by state but it is certainly improper if not illegal to display the Star of Life on a vehicle not carrying emergency equipment or personnel. In addition some states require that emergency lighting (even if not illuminated) be covered if the vehicle is out of service. I doubt these are LEDs on a vehicle of this age so you could either change the lenses to clear with amber bulbs or change the lenses to amber with clear bulbs. The first option is more stealthy since no one would know what color they are when illuminated.
Nice! I think more people are interested in non-conventional living... it's much more exciting to me!!! Great stuff!
I like how he plans on finding a travel partner. That move is straight out of the man scout handbook.
More like "SIMP City" :)
I'd roll my clothes. I do that when I pack my luggage. Folding leaves creases but I think rolling them is space saving as well. Thanks for sharing the vid!
Couple of points for you. You should be able to get replacement lens for the emergency lights if you would like. The most common company for the ambulance manufactures to use is Whelen. they have lens in several colors. Each light should be marked with the model # the larger ones appear to be 900 series while the smaller on the front are 600 series. Also the plug in on the exterior on the driver side by the front compartment is your shore power plug. you can run a extension cord to a wall plug say at a camp ground and that will provide power through the inverter to all of your plugs as you have already figured out, just saves you the step of having to remove the plug in inside the compartment.
Awesome conversion. Love it!
Love this setup. It's a shame that in the USA living in your vehicle is so stigmatized and even illegal even inspite of housing crisis and economy crisis.
it will be chic to live in one in a few years time, as the reset people remind us that 'having nothing is better'
This is my second time watching your video. I am thinking more about an ambulance because of the ease of build. As a married woman, I have to plan for the future of being alone. I want to travel, and the only way I see that happening is nomadic life. Bless you and your adorable dog.
It looks nice. The stains were not body fluids but most likely from chemical used to take care of patients.
Awesome storage it has lots of secret storage love it
Love this build !
That dog keeps looking at him like, "dad, can you hurry up I’m tired and just want to sleep. You’re annoying me." Or "you’re STILL talking?! Jeez I feel bad for everyone" OR "Yeah no you don’t cook, stop lying to them dad." 😂🤣
But it’s okay I’ve definitely learned especially just been watching the ambulance mobile homes, which I want to do so bad, the only thing so far I’m finding out is that I’m gonna have to do the propane cooker and then add some extra electricity for an instant water heater and make sure there is enough electricity to run a TV and a gaming PC/Console. And to run an AC system cold, since I can’t do sweating while sleeping and bringing my dog with me
He isss RREEADDYYYYYYYY!!! Lol! Well explained and informational! Love it! All he needs now is a partner to help him finish the rest of the build!
i'm glad to see you live with your fur baby. rock on! dogs are great
baskets for clothes in bins.. looks nice and organizes for you.. socks and undies in one, shirt, etc.. have fun and good luck !
I’m looking at one right now, going to get a small wood stove, that takes care of any moister problems.
A wood stove will solve your 'MOISTURE PROBLEM'???
Really???!!!
Think again!!!
What are major byproducts of burning anything?
Smoke, heat, CO2, CO, ash and WATER VAPOR!!! In an enclosed space burning wood will INCREASE YOUR HUMIDITY. Esp if it is cool/cold outdoors. Windows will become wet messes. And frost/ice over (on the interior) if it is cold enough outside.
That is just basic jr hs science.
Consider a different heating system if water vapor is already an issue! Burning wood for heat will NOT help in most locals. The desert would be an area of exception---- If it is not raining, of coarse!
Good luck!
Best Part is those old ambulance have lots of ground clearance perfect for offroad adventures
Very smart choice. Ambulances have so much already there..
Cutting foam - like your mattress adjustment - can be done cleanly and easily with an electric carving knife. Just FYI.
Time to install a pop up roof tent , you'll gain the extra height to stand and a extra bed or space , awesome set up you have good job
Colored light lenses are usually available at ambulance builders and other various emergency vehicle builders, at times the builder may place extra switched as back up or replacement switched as high use switched often ware out
You mentioned my favorite,Will Prose
When you take Rent/Mortgage out of the equation, suddenly you realize how free you really are in this world. How much small incomes can actually allow large savings. We were taught as kids to do the 9 to 5 or get a trade, work for 30+ years to retire to start living. For what? Mainly to work to pay the house off so you can keep working. It's literally the most insane thing when you break it down. Big houses are great for big families but not needed. We're to materialistic in this world and this style of living with Tiny Houses just shows how those who can get away from it are living free and healthier lifestyles. Love it, keep living free!
This post is so true. When you break it down, as said, it is crazy how we are taught to live life as the 'normal' people do. Roll on the day we ALL WAKE UP AND START TO LIVE LIFE INSTEAD IF SERVE IT.
The door slide bike rack is genius, pure genius! What a creative mind. Outstanding build!
Glad you kept those expensive aluminum cabinets. Sheer stupidity to pull them off. They look so good too!
My suggestion with the clear glass cabinets is to add a vinyl stick on the reverse side. Either stained glass or frosted look. Now add very tiny light strips and your cabinets become magical light boxes.
Use the PA system to scare off intruders! Ha ha ha.
You should change all the red lights to white with plexiglass DIY panels. One woman did that on RUclips. Some states are strict about no red lights on decommissioned vehicles.
The sharp knives next to your bed is very bad Feng Shui. How about a swing out / magnetized picture to cover them up? Find a solution. Its very Yang energy right where you sleep - not good for you. Subtle and constant disturbance of your sleep. No sharp objects next to bed.
That 7.3L engine - what a beauty. An excellent choice.
Ditto for your lovely dog, Bailey. So regal and composed. Great friend to have.
Very helpful! Was on the fence about how important it was to have headroom. I’m also doing an indoor outdoor shower! It’s the only way. Let’s take our ambulances on a double date! If you’re ever near the Kentucky area. Uh, seems hot men apparently do live in vans.
Very nice conversion. Well done!
Ebay's 'Buy it Now' feature is the best!!!
Congratulations and Enjoy‼️
I love all storage compartments! This would be easier for someone who doesn’t have any skills in building a cool rig! Besides a good clean up and someone to install the solar system and hook up some nice fancy girlie things I would consider going this route. But one where I can stand up would be much more comfortable especially in bad weather. Smart young man! The rig is very nice on the outside too! I’d leave the ambulance look for stealth parking. I love the access into the front seat for fast get aways if there ever was something going on. It’s built so solid with all the steal which would make me feel safe as a woman. 👍
I love this !!! Great idea.
Huh, so that's where Coudersport's ambulance went. Neat!