Thinking about converting and ambulance to an RV

[Halmfamily]

I have been wanting a "mobile man cave" as the wife calls it for awhile, something to boondock in the NF with. I want Something tough but not too big and have been looking at used ambulances on MDT chassis. Prices are very reasonable, $10000 for a 2005 with a 16' box and full service records. Most have 200000 plus miles.

My question is am I crazy to use the rig for an RV. They seem very tough, perfect size for an RV and already have battery banks and inverters. I'm thinking for less than $20000 I can have fully customized RV ready for anything.

So, what does the masses think? Give me your ideas, good or bad. Any other vehicles you could recommend.

Thanks for the insight.

[Halmfamily]

Grit dog wrote:

Halmfamily wrote:
Thanks for all the feedback. I am now looking at Class C's in the $10000 range and it looks like I can easily modify/update one to my needs. I want to stay away from one with slides and I hope I can find one with no water damage.

Again, thanks for all the feedback.

There’s about a bajillion RVs fr wale out here. Idk how it’s where you’re at. Not hard to find a decent one.
Begs the question though, what “custom mods” are you set on doing to the camper? You don’t have one, sound like you haven’t in the past either, but the “modifications” keep coming up. Better figure out what that is. Idk how much you can mod a camper except to repair, update the look or add functionality like solar power or something.
And only the latter are “mods”. Rest are basically repairs which most people strive to minimize.

Currently own a 42' FW that I pull with GMC DRW. Not the easiest rig to get into remote boondockable locations. I've done numerous mods to our FW but just looking for something I can take out to the Talladega National Forest and boondock when I want to. Mods would be a new bed, get rid of dinette and put a nice couch in and do interior updates like removing carpet, etc. Would add solar and a bigger battery bank as well. In reality I want a project.

[Grit_dog]

Halmfamily wrote:
Thanks for all the feedback. I am now looking at Class C's in the $10000 range and it looks like I can easily modify/update one to my needs. I want to stay away from one with slides and I hope I can find one with no water damage.

Again, thanks for all the feedback.

There’s about a bajillion RVs fr wale out here. Idk how it’s where you’re at. Not hard to find a decent one.
Begs the question though, what “custom mods” are you set on doing to the camper? You don’t have one, sound like you haven’t in the past either, but the “modifications” keep coming up. Better figure out what that is. Idk how much you can mod a camper except to repair, update the look or add functionality like solar power or something.
And only the latter are “mods”. Rest are basically repairs which most people strive to minimize.

[spoon059]

OP,, I might suggest that you look to spend more of your budget in initial purchase and find one that is in better shape. In my area, used Class C's are rough and often in very poor shape. I think you would be better served to spend $25K on a good quality vehicle to start and $5K on upgrading. You are more likely to find a solid vehicle at $25 than at $10... at least in my experience.

Good luck though!

[Halmfamily]

Thanks for all the feedback. I am now looking at Class C's in the $10000 range and it looks like I can easily modify/update one to my needs. I want to stay away from one with slides and I hope I can find one with no water damage.

Again, thanks for all the feedback.

[2012Coleman]

DownTheAvenue wrote:
IN my opinion, this is a stupid idea. You have to decide what your hobby is- camping or building a camper. For the $30000 you say you will invest, you can buy a nice class C or a B+ and start camping that day. For me I don't want to camp in something that looks like do-better row, and an old ambulance or school bus converted into a camper just screams white trash.

Give this man the prize...

[DownTheAvenue]

IN my opinion, this is a stupid idea. You have to decide what your hobby is- camping or building a camper. For the $30000 you say you will invest, you can buy a nice class C or a B+ and start camping that day. For me I don't want to camp in something that looks like do-better row, and an old ambulance or school bus converted into a camper just screams white trash.

[spoon059]

Not sure how tall you are, but ambulances are usually pretty short. I'm 6-04 and can't stand up inside one. They are pretty narrow as well, won't be very much room inside. They often aren't insulated, but rather depend on robust heating and cooling systems, powered by "free" fuel. They don't have water systems, or sewer systems... nor much room underneath to add them.

Seems like it would be a waste of money to me... but what do I know.

[mowermech]

Personally, I would try to find a military field ambulance to convert.
Yes, it will likely be a little smaller, but it will be built a LOT tougher, and it will be four wheel drive.
Or, go big and find a military two and a half ton 6X6 (diesel or multi-fuel) with the insulated work-shop body. Then you will start out with a 8X8X16 house to build whatever you want in, and lots of under-the-box room for tanks, storage compartments, etc.. You might even get lucky and find one of the expandable units, which would give you 16X16X8 living area when expanded. But, they are difficult to find.
When you settle on a unit, and start the build, be sure to keep us advised of your progress, and post pictures.
Good luck.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

Quit thinking about it!..:R

Bad idea for all the reasons posted - and more..:(

~

[Grit_dog]

Now if you found one super cheap and wanted a more spartan setup or the ability to haul toys in it, it may make more sense.

[Grit_dog]

Sounds fun for a project, but first blush says you could find a nice used C with MUCH lower miles, fully setup for about the same 20 grand.

[garyemunson]

Keep in mind converted units are not welcome in a lot of RV parks. Even if you only plan to boondock, resale value will be a lot less than a equivalent class C because of that when you go to get rid of it.

[Thom02099]

GordonThree wrote:

midnightsadie wrote:
true they have a lot of miles on them. I worked for a hospital for 30yrs and they sit in the lot at idle for hundreds of hrs.I.d just find me a good class C and go use it tomorrow, than be sinking money into a money pit that I can,t use till I get it done.

X2

+1...^^^^^This.

In addition to sitting at idle for long periods, they are frequently running at high speed (depending on weather conditions) to emergencies, sometimes at great distances here in the West. The ambulance service here in the county I reside has a coverage area of over 2000 square miles, with a major interstate. Running hot on the interstate is not uncommon. Driving up a twisty canyon for over an hour at speeds most folks wouldn't do under the same circumstances. No matter how well maintained, they get tired very quickly. In this area, equipment turnover is fairly high, given the above circumstances.

[valhalla360]

If you just want a project and think it would be cool...go for it.

If you want a small RV, just take the $20k and buy a ClassB ready to roll.

[JaxDad]

If that’s what you want to do a school buss would be a much better choice. Just be sure to buy a ‘County’ bus not a ‘City’ bus which has much lower gears and screams on the highway.

There’s a place in either PA or OH that specializes in them and has a huge inventory that’s constantly turning over, call them and you can ‘reserve’ a shortie with highway gears.

Besides, it’s a bunch easier to remove or cover up unneeded windows than it is to try to install them from scratch were there wasn’t any before.

Also, be aware, if you install electricity (other than 12 volts), propane, or plumbing you could very well be denied a stay in a conventional campground with it.