Why You Should Choose an Ambulance Conversion
last updated: Jul 16, 2024
The vanlife trend has captured the hearts of thousands of individuals searching for greater freedom and flexibility while travelling. Among the choices for customised, camper van conversion projects, ambulance camper conversions have emerged as an innovative option.
These sturdy vehicles, known for their features and solid build, are a great option for a self-build RV conversion. This article delves into the reasons behind the growing popularity of ambulance conversions and provides guidance on how to find and select a vehicle, plus the steps you’ll need to take to turn it into a tiny home on wheels.
The benefits of choosing an Ambulance Conversion
Ambulances are constructed to high standards to ensure longevity and dependability making them a perfect candidate for camper van transformations.
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when considering an ambulance conversion:
Strong and Dependable
Ambulances are engineered to withstand harsh environments offering a trustworthy mode of transportation for your journeys. They usually have diesel engines that can cope with many miles, and are 4×4 to get you through all types of terrain.
Large Space and Integrated Amenities
Ambulances have a decent internal space and plenty of head height to work with. They also feature already installed electrical systems, convenient storage solutions and other amenities such as lights and heaters – all of which can be easily altered for your camper van layout.
Distinctive Appeal
Choosing an ambulance brings about an aesthetic and an intriguing history that adds character to your conversion project while distinguishing it from conventional campervans.
So, with these benefits ticking your boxes, you’ve decided you want to convert an ambulance into a camper – here’s a guide to kickstart the process:
Finding a Decommissioned Vehicle
Start by browsing through auction websites, government surplus sales and dealers that specialise in used ambulances. Consider factors like vehicle size, height and engine type, the mileage and overall condition to ensure the ambulance aligns with your requirements and budget. Reviewing the vehicle history and examining the vehicle’s records will help you to identify any issues and prevent unexpected setbacks.
Planning Your Van Build
Before you start ripping out parts of the interior, it’s essential to plan your layout of your campervan conversion.
Draw some sketches and walk through where everything will be located, focus on optimising every inch of space and prioritise function over anything aesthetic. To do this, you’ll need to first consider where your key systems like your electrical/solar panel set-up, plumbing for water supply and heating outlets will be placed. Then you can design your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and storage around them. Consider if you’d like a fixed bed or one that folds up into a dining space. If you choose the latter, think about where you will store all your bedding when it’s not in use!
Start Converting
When you’ve got a solid plan in place you can then start removing interior components, clearing out any equipment and materials you don’t need.
Step 1:
When you’ve got a solid plan in place you can then start removing interior components, clearing out any equipment and materials you don’t need.
Step 2:
Install insulation materials to the floor, walls and ceiling, adding in a vapour barrier to protect the insulation from moisture and keep it all in place.
Step 3:
Add windows. A van can get very hot and stuffy when cooking food, showering (if you choose to install an indoor shower), and it’s just no fun sleeping in a hot and sweaty box in warm temperatures, so placing windows to maximise airflow is crucial! Consider smaller, sliding windows each side in the bedroom, a max fan above your cooking area and even a skylight to watch the stars while chilling in bed at night.
Step 4:
Craft custom furniture that fits your design and equipment. This usually includes kitchen worktop, sink, spaces for a small oven/ stove top and a mini fridge, cupboards for food and equipment, and a dining table/ bench.
Step 5:
Set up a 12v electrical system to meet daily needs and a plumbing system for both clean water supply and waste disposal.
For in-depth electrical set-up guidance, check out our resources here or if you’d like a bespoke electrical set-up created for you check out our design service tailored exactly to your needs. Alternatively, check out our bespoke electrical consultation service with qualified off-grid electrical engineer – who can help you with any aspect of your camper van electrical system, here.
Step 6:
Consider creative decal designs to add a touch to your campervan’s exterior.
What costs are involved in an ambulance conversion?
- The ambulance purchase price
- Insurance
- Road Tax
- MOT / Inspection
- Conversion materials
An ambulance conversion can cost from $4000 to $50,000 or more. It all greatly depends on the cost of the base-van and the sort of equipment you fit into the final conversion. Below you can see an example of an aambulance conversion that was completed for less than $4000. (Watch this video for how they did it here).
Converting an ambulance into a campervan offers plenty of advantages, allowing you to create a unique DIY camper with plenty of living space and practical options.
If you’re ready to get stuck into your build, check out these other pages for more details and step-by-step instructions:
Or for more detailed guidance on converting any vehicle into a motorhome, check out our van conversion guide here.
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