Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: lagnar on January 03, 2014, 05:32:36 PM

Title: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: lagnar on January 03, 2014, 05:32:36 PM: Just bought an Ambulance looking to convert it to a fulltime hunt rig.

I was looking for another 2002-2003 7.3L engine with low miles, came across an Ambulance, great shape 60K miles, walk-thru cab to interior, four wheel drive, etc etc.
Anyone know of a great installer? looking to do Lights and a canopy and tent topper outside, probably camo-wrap the whole thing. want to do LP hot water, heater and a stovetop (small), improve Bed, convert gurney braces to bike and/or four wheeler tie downs, Sound mat the inside (after a real real real good cleanout and sanitizing, Clorox etc... re-do the cab for some serious driving.
Any hints or other ideas that would be primo?

Anyone know of someone that has tried it? would love to get some dos and don'ts.

Researching which State to Register it in??? I'm a Washington res, but could easily put it in Utah or California... Guessing California would be difficult and expensive (everything there is)

I'll post picts if anyone gives a flip!? Thanks
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: TheSkyBuster on January 03, 2014, 05:34:40 PM: Sweet. :tup:

Tagged
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: snowpack on January 03, 2014, 05:35:46 PM: All the possibilities. I wonder if you park it at a trailhead/gate if people will assume something bad happened and then just go hunt elsewhere?
But if it looks too much like an ambulance, I'd think tweekers would be trying to get in to steal drugs.
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: runningboard on January 03, 2014, 05:39:59 PM: I'd like to see pic before & after. I was travelling in MT & saw an old ambulance built on a Dodge van chassis but it was 4wd and tall, had the same idea but lacked funds at the time. good luck
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on January 03, 2014, 05:53:16 PM: Is the current engine a diesel? If so what's wrong with it? :dunno:
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: lagnar on January 03, 2014, 05:54:07 PM: good start from this...
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: lagnar on January 03, 2014, 05:58:53 PM: 2003 F350 Diesle Four wheel drive with only 60K. City documents for all service from day one to present.
Worst area is the drivers area, Older bad fabric and not too clean, Soon to look like a common Lariat model interior.
I have one more escape clause if I don't like it on Monday.
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: bobcat on January 03, 2014, 06:21:15 PM: That's a pretty cool idea. Do you mind saying how much you paid? Just curious.
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: stevemiller on January 03, 2014, 06:32:21 PM: Looks just like the 1 I bought and turned into EMERGENCY ESSPRESSO (then sold it lol)All the possibilities to be a great hunting rig.I put the gen. in 1 of the compartments in the outside rear.
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: pilebuck on January 03, 2014, 07:01:57 PM: I wouldn't even think about registering it in Calif smog and other problems.Depending on where u live wa state u might not have to smog it.Pretty good idea I would go for it :tup:
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: DeerThug on January 03, 2014, 07:31:23 PM: Sorry no help but I knew a guy that converted a hurst into a hunting traveling band rig. No way i could sleep in that thing but it had beefed up suspension and could haul a lot.
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: cwuwildcat on January 03, 2014, 07:36:02 PM: I know the vehicles aren't the same, but might want to take a look at this for ideas!

http://www.viralnova.com/bought-fire-truck/ (http://www.viralnova.com/bought-fire-truck/)
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: stevemiller on January 03, 2014, 07:45:19 PM: That thing is awsome,thanks for sharing that link. :yeah:
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: Vulcan on January 03, 2014, 07:54:44 PM: Tag! 8)
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: MarkyMark on January 03, 2014, 08:32:23 PM: What company did the box conversion? I would check the subfloor in the back. Several companies use marine grade plywood for a subfloor which in itself may not be bad. Just make sure it has an all aluminum floor underneath. All of the emergency lights can have clear lenses put on them. And can be wired to the existing scene lights and you will have some awesome exterior illumination. Another cool thing is if it has an onboard charger/110 VAC converter. I used to sell emergency vehicles and always thought this would make a great hunting rig.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: STED9r on January 04, 2014, 09:06:34 AM: Looks like a Taylor build, though could be Wheeled.
Taylor, probably the worst mod box put there.
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: huntnphool on January 04, 2014, 09:14:27 AM: Sounds like you better document everything you do very well, you will likely be getting several help requests if it turns out well. :tup:
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: highside74 on January 04, 2014, 09:35:19 AM: Talk to Russ Long at Longs custom metal craft in Tacoma 253-471-8554. He can build anything and he has done many semi to 5th wheel hauler builds from the ground up. If you can think it, he can build it.
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: jrebel on January 04, 2014, 09:38:45 AM: First you need clean the heck out of every nook and cranny...these things can hold some nasty stuff from all the sick pt's they see. Trust me on this, there is a ton of documentation supporting this.

Then I would do is get a generator to power the external 30 amp outlet.....this will insure you can use the lights and heater while still keeping your block heater going and battery charging.

Next....I would buy a used gurney and modify it to be a comfy cot. This will allow you to take it in and out. If you have company over you could take it out and giving your company more leg room.

An awning would be super nice too....maybe one of the back and one off the side.

OH......Almost forgot, if you have the funds and it has not been done yet.....I would certainly change out all the interior and exterior (scene lights) to LED. The halogen bulbs can be expensive and don't last long....especially if you are on bumpy roads.

I will keep thinking as there are endless possibilities. I work out of these things and have always thought they would make a cool hunting rig. Looks like you found a really nice one.

Jrebel
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: Bill W on January 04, 2014, 10:02:36 AM: Sounds like a re-do of what was in the Corey Ford stories of the "lower 40" hunting and fishing club.
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: MarkyMark on January 04, 2014, 03:54:04 PM: Not a wheeled coach it doesn't have corner extrusions. My guess is a MedTec by looking at the rub rails and interior cabinetry. A MedTec would be decent.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: actionshooter on January 04, 2014, 04:28:57 PM: That's awesome, are you going to update the thread through the build?
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: STED9r on January 04, 2014, 05:35:06 PM: Quote from: MarkyMark on January 04, 2014, 03:54:04 PM
Not a wheeled coach it doesn't have corner extrusions. My guess is a MedTec by looking at the rub rails and interior cabinetry. A MedTec would be decent.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
No exp with med tech. Could also be a Mckoy Miller looking at action panel. Looks like it has an inverter in it so batt charging and ac power there.
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: MarkyMark on January 04, 2014, 06:48:23 PM: So were closing in on a manufacturer somewhere between Elkhart and Goshen Indiana. Hahaha!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: kglacken on January 04, 2014, 08:51:51 PM: Awesome! Love overhaling stuff for hunting. We took the box off a uhaul truck and welded it to a 30 foot expanded metal trailer. All complete with outdoor heated shower, fridge, flat screen and surround sound. two small lazy boy style chairs, bunks, carpet, AC, wood panelling, front porch, and big storage cage in the front. Yeah its a little overt the top, but when you get started on a project like that its hard to stop adding stuff. :chuckle: Already thinking about taking the box off putting a bigger one on for more space! :tup: Good luck with your project! Keep us updated!
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: runningboard on January 04, 2014, 09:26:39 PM: Quote from: kglacken on January 04, 2014, 08:51:51 PM
Awesome! Love overhaling stuff for hunting. We took the box off a uhaul truck and welded it to a 30 foot expanded metal trailer. All complete with outdoor heated shower, fridge, flat screen and surround sound. two small lazy boy style chairs, bunks, carpet, AC, wood panelling, front porch, and big storage cage in the front. Yeah its a little overt the top, but when you get started on a project like that its hard to stop adding stuff. :chuckle: Already thinking about taking the box off putting a bigger one on for more space! :tup: Good luck with your project! Keep us updated!
do you have any pics?
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: Whitpirate on January 04, 2014, 09:33:33 PM: Looks like it could be a fun and expensive project!
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: lagnar on January 04, 2014, 10:12:01 PM: Its a McCoy Miller Box, I'll check it out in detail tomorrow, I'm surprised at the response, I will keep pictures of the progress. Probably headed to Utah or Washington, both have cattle farms and easier to register F350s with modifications. found a "sunday camper" site that has a cool truck tent topper and a canopy that wraps around. Gotta collect more cans for this project!!
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: MarkyMark on January 04, 2014, 11:00:24 PM: Many models of the McCoy Miller have a low voltage switching system that controls most of the systems on the box including lights and hvac. Just want to give you a heads up in case you're not familiar. Maybe that stuff won't even matter to you. Sounds like a fun project. Good luck and keep us posted!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: Kuduman on January 04, 2014, 11:35:42 PM: what a great idea. Looking forward to seeing the progress

good luck
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: full choke on January 05, 2014, 11:16:19 PM: Cool project! I have no experience whatsoever in this realm, but eagerly look forward to seeing your progress. When I saw the thread title I immediately thought of these guys:
http://earthroamer.com/xv-lt/ (http://earthroamer.com/xv-lt/)

Maybe a little more eloborate than you were thinking but there is some really cool pics of interiors. Pretty cool what some people can do. Good luck and thanks for sharing. :tup:
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: STED9r on January 06, 2014, 01:56:02 PM: Watch the loads on those printed circuit boards and use caution when moving wiring around. The 1980's technology are bygones for a reason....
Would be a good idea to run the hi/low mod box dome lights with a separate relay off the circ board, or be sure to keep bulbs at 35 watts.
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: lagnar on January 07, 2014, 11:56:16 PM: update;
Picked up the ambulance, traveled 350 miles to warehouse driving about 90+ miles an hour behind another "real" Ambulance. Every Cop I saw waved and smiled.
I figured I can wear my pajamas and park this thing in front of any store, no questions.
Real tempted to get one of those fake arm/hands that they stick out of the trunk lids as a joke… might make someone nervous.
Wont get back to the auto until mid feb. Update with pix then.
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: MarkyMark on January 08, 2014, 09:06:18 PM: Cool project. Can't wait to see where this goes.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: Ricochet on January 08, 2014, 09:24:17 PM: I built motorhomes for Monaco for ten years, first thing that comes to mind is adding LP and carbon monoxide detectors. Be safe. Sounds like a fun project. :tup:
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: follow maggie on January 10, 2014, 09:34:58 AM: This is cool. Definitely need in progress pics when you get going on it.
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: TheHunt on January 15, 2014, 08:54:25 AM: Quote from: follow maggie on January 10, 2014, 09:34:58 AM
This is cool. Definitely need in progress pics when you get going on it.

:yeah:
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: MarkyMark on March 04, 2014, 10:29:00 PM: So how is the project coming along?
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: Happy Gilmore on March 05, 2014, 09:41:28 AM: Might be worth talking to the fab/sheet metal shop in Snoqualmie. I'm at a loss at the moment of their name. They've been converting bread vans into mobile food trucks for a while. I stopped to talk with them about something else. Their work looks really nice. They install stoves, hot water, ac/vents lights barn doors on the side etc. They might be a good resource for customization/metal and accessory work.
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: MarkyMark on September 25, 2014, 08:00:57 PM: How's this project going???
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on September 25, 2014, 08:18:30 PM: :yeah:
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: MarkyMark on October 31, 2014, 07:14:17 PM: Still waiting for the update...
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 03, 2014, 06:01:36 PM: :yeah: love to see some progress pics
Title: Re: converting an Ambulance to a camper
Post by: Special T on November 03, 2014, 06:26:18 PM: Got to follow. plenty of coolness potential.