Can you do Ambulance camper conversions? Ambulances are high, wide, and contain useful equipment that can be retained during the conversion while helping to keep the cost down.
Introduction – Ambulance Camper Conversions
Many people are choosing to buy used ambulances to convert to camper vans. Using the existing equipment in the ambulance allows people to save money, especially as old ambulances tend to be cheaper. While not many companies do conversions, you can easily find conversion kits that will allow you to do the work yourself. Conversion kits will save you time and money if you are into DIY. Most Australian ambulances are Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, which are high enough and wide enough to be a comfortable camper van. Not all ambulances are the same, so it is essential to check the specifications of the old ambulance that you want to buy to ensure it is the right vehicle for you.
Can you convert an ambulance into a camper?
You can convert an ambulance into a camper, but you need to choose the right type of ambulance. Ambulances are vehicles that provide care to transfer sick or injured people to a hospital, but not all of them are suitable for converting into a camper. When you start searching for an old ambulance to convert, make sure that you look at the vans since they are the best size for conversion. Decommissioned ambulances are becoming a popular choice for camper conversions as they are often cheaper than comparable vans. The purchase price increases as people realise just how good they are, but you can still get some bargains.
Generally, ambulances are only in service for about three years, and then they are sold. You can often get a good deal if you go to one of the ex-government vehicle auction websites. You can also find them on websites such as Gumtree. Even a relatively new ambulance is likely to be a reasonable price. You will need to check a few things before buying a used ambulance. Most ambulances get used a lot when they are in service, so look at the mileage before you buy. Although converting an ambulance into a camper can be expensive, it can be much cheaper than buying a ready-made camper van. Converting an ambulance will allow you to customise your camper van.
Even if you are not an expert in any trade, converting an ambulance into a camper van is possible. If you plan to do it yourself, watching YouTube videos can give you most of the know-how needed to convert an ambulance to suit you. It’s a good idea to start by checking your vehicle’s dimensions before you begin the conversion. You can find this information on the Mercedes-Benz website. If you find an ambulance that is not a Sprinter, go to the maker’s website for the specifications you need for your conversion.
What type of ambulance looks like a van?
The ambulance service has several vehicles, including four-wheel drives and buses; however, the most common type of ambulance is a van. In Australia, most ambulances are Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans. Some only have a back door, while others have side and rear doors.
How do you convert an ambulance into a camper?
There are several ways you can convert an ambulance to a camper. You could get it done by one of the many companies that offer conversion services or do it yourself. DIY camper van conversion kits are also available, but you won’t have as many options in Australia.
To begin your conversion, you should strip out the equipment you don’t need as you have limited space. Although ambulances generally have seating and storage space, you may find that it’s not conveniently located for your purposes. You can always relocate items such as cabinets or seating if they don’t fit your plans. You won’t have to worry about insulation if you have a used ambulance since your ambulance will already be well-insulated.
Most people begin their conversation by removing the equipment they don’t want so that they can start with a blank canvas. Once that’s done, you should organise the wiring and the plumbing. After that, you can install the walls and flooring. When your walls and flooring are done, you can begin fitting any other equipment. It is always a good idea to work from a plan because the amount of space in your ambulance is limited, and you will want to maximise comfort and convenience. You don’t want to have to reinstall anything because you find that it doesn’t fit. When planning, include outside storage, inside storage, living space, bed type and position, bathroom, shower, heating and cooling, solar panels, cost, and the kind of life you want on the open road. You’ll get it right the first time if you’ve got a plan.
Does an ambulance make a good camper?
The main feature of ambulances that makes them great campers is that they are wide, with an interior width of 1780mm, and reasonably high. You can expect the internal height to be between 1740mm and 2260mm; if you get one of the higher models, most people could expect to stand up.
There are a lot of advantages that come with buying an ambulance for converting to a camper. They are well built with sturdy construction, and they usually have seating and cabinets. The downside, of course, is that the seating and storage area may not be in the places that you want them. Even if some of the equipment is in the wrong place, you might find it possible to have it moved during the conversion process, so nothing goes to waste.
Ambulances already have electrical wiring in place, but it is pretty complicated, so if you are a novice at camper van conversions, you should hire a professional to organise the electrical systems, especially for the peace of mind that it is done correctly.
Your old ambulance will already be air-conditioned, and there will also be lighting. You will be able to save money on your conversion by keeping these; for more details about the pros and cons of converting a used ambulance into a camper van, head to Exploring Wild.
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”
Lewis carroll
How many MPG does an ambulance get?
The fuel consumption of an ambulance will depend on the model, the type of engine, the weight, and the usage of the vehicle. A 2021 Sprinter is expected to get around 21 MPG (about 9 km per litre). For more information about MPG, see Fuelly.
What are some examples of ambulance camper conversions?
If you go to The Wayward Home, you will be able to see images of 8 different ambulance conversions, with a different range of prices. One of the best things about converting an ambulance to a camper is that you can personalise it to suit your lifestyle, especially if you are looking to live in it full time. Companies such as Tiny Home Campers can help you customise your conversion and give you ideas about what is feasible.
FAQs about an Ambulance Camper Conversions
Do ambulances have generators?
Ambulances do not have generators. Instead, they usually have batteries to supply the power. A small generator could be installed, or even solar panels.
Are ambulances fuel efficient?
Ambulances are large and carry heavy equipment, so they are not necessarily very fuel-efficient. When doing an ambulance conversion, one way to improve fuel efficiency is to remove some of the weight. HPMag gives ten tips for increasing fuel efficiency.
What is an ambulance inverter?
An inverter is a device for changing direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverters do not produce power. Instead, the power is provided by a DC source. There are a lot of different brands, and to see more information about some of the best ambulance power inverters, see Best Ambulance Power Inverter of 2022.
Picture: goexplorevans
What engines are in ambulances?
In Australia, many ambulances are Mercedes Benz Sprinters. You can expect to find ambulances with a 3.0 litre V6 engine. Most Australian ambulances have an automatic transmission and run on diesel.
“Leave sooner, drive slower, live longer.”
Author Unknown
Conclusion – Ambulance Camper Conversions
Used ambulances can be converted into camper vans, and you might find that you can buy one more cheaply than a van of the same model. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter used in Australia is an excellent option for someone who wants to do their own conversion. It’s a high roof and wide base and comes with a lot of storage and seating. This could save you a lot of money and make it more affordable. Conversion kits allow you to customise your van without the expense of paying for a company. The wiring is complex, so most people need to get it done by a professional. Whether you do it yourself or get your conversion done by a specialist company, you can convert your ambulance into a camper van that you will love to use.
