What’s an AmbulanceCamper?

Seeing some of these ambulance campers that have been converted are amazing but, realistically, how many people can afford to go that route physically and monetarily?

In this site/channel I’m going to KISS (keep it simple silly) when it comes to informing you on selecting an ambulance, creating it and informing you why to choose certain rigs. 

When converting a rig you should be able to personally create something that has the strength, character and durability to give its passengers a comfortable, safe, enjoyable “camping” experience.  

Some questions that you need to answer:

• Which vehicle size works for my needs?
  Keep in mind personal height (short or tall rear box and pass throughs) and physical size of the vehicle (will you be driving in the city, on a beach, up hills…does it need to sleep more than two?).
  
  
• Are you towing?
  If you are, understand how much weight are you planing on pulling and if the vehicle is capable of pulling it and stopping safely. Depending on your application you might want to look at a E450 over the E350.
  
  
• Am I off roading?
  4 wheel drive can get very expensive but makes your rig very capable to handle the possibilities of unusual terrain (beaches, mountains, snow, etc.).
  
  
• Off grid?
  Things like solar, larger water tanks and water filtration systems are things you might want to consider.
  
  
• Activity’s storage.
  Keep in mind things like kayaks, surfboards, skate boards, bikes, ski’s, snowboards, firearms and how to store them safely and securely.
  
  
• Which amenities are a must?
  Sometimes it is the simplest things that make our experiences even more enjoyable. Things like a oven/stove top, direct hood vent, HOT shower, flushing toilet, a walkthrough from cab to box, deep sink/prep table or counter, cruise control, outdoor wash center with hot and cold water (nice to wash gear or pets/kids off), interior heat; diesel/electric, microwave, large bed, back up/security cameras, awnings, pet accessories, etc.)? Make a list. Go over it 10 times, then go over it again.
  
  
• Budget.
  Be realistic, the worst thing you can do is not be honest with yourself. You WILL end up NOT happy. Sometimes good things come to those who wait and save up a little more money. 
  
  
• How tall are you and could a smaller layout work?
  Sounds unusual but you can save a good amount of money if you don’t need a 6′ rear tall long based box. It also makes it a little easier to get around in places like cities and parking.
  
  
• Diesel or gas?
  Both have their disadvantages and advantages. Diesels are haulers, they can pull the most weight in the most efficient way. There is a reason all the big rigs are diesels and its because of the torque needed to move cargo in a cost effective reliable way.
  
  Diesels have less internal parts to make them operate compared to a gas so, they have less chances of having something fail. This is why you see many diesels with 200, 300, 400+ thousand miles on them but, that comes with a price.
  
  Maintenance can be very pricey for diesels and more frequent, gas on the other hand not as much.
  
  Fuel costs can be much different from each other, diesel being more costly and additives usually SHOULD be used at every fill up.
  
  Diesels need an extra winter maintenance regiment, where gas does not.
  
  These are only a few of the differences between the two, this conversation can go on a long while and I urge you to do your own research as well.
  
  
• Are you a campsite visitor?
  RV hook ups can make your life a lot easier for black and grey water disposal and 120v accessory applications.
  
  
• Where are you going to store the rig?
  Do you have a place to store the rig when not in use that has a 15/20/30/50amp panel to plug into? Do you have access to a site that you could dump your grey and black appropriately?
  
  

These are just suggestions. This is a big commitment and you have to make sure it’s right for you. The one thing I suggest to people on the constant is to just write everything down. Then at the end ask yourself…can I live better with less?