Thank you thank you thank you I've been considering an ambulance and I've been looking at quite a few just on UA-cam that is now with all the information you've given me I can now start looking more extensively thank you so much for the information. Have a great day and stay safe! TQ out
Good video David, I used to own a private ambulance company (23 units) and then sold ambulances (McCoy-Miller) for years so I know a little about ambulances, you did a good job explaining to the average person about the types of ambulances. Here is my 2 cents on a couple things: 1)Steer clear of the 6.0 diesel in Fords, they're a nightmare! I think the Chevy Duramax diesels are pretty good also. 2)Type III's like yours ride better than type I's also and the pass-thru is priceless. 3)Ford says 1 idle hour equals 33 miles driven (that's in gasoline police vehicles, not sure if that equates to diesels, I'm not a mechanic), you did a pretty good job explaining mileage vs. idle hours, easy to do the math to see what the real use might be. 4)Headroom in ambulance boxes is usually 66-68" with 72" optional in most brands. 5)Pretty much any of the builders that build aluminum ambulance boxes do a pretty good job nowdays and they are definitely better than bus bodies or box trucks, no comparison! Hope this info might help someone, I've followed and been a subscriber from the beginning of your adventure so stay safe out there and enjoy your travels!!
Excellent information thank you for sharing that. You're much more knowledgeable than me from your experience so I appreciate you being around!!! Thank you!!!
Forest Service retired ambos often have both 4WD and a 14' bed instead of 12'. Sometimes they use deisel truck chassis as well (Peterbilt or International).
The thing that causes the most wear on an engine is how many running cycles it goes through. Basically, the more you heat up the engine and cool it down. The heat expanding and contracting the metal is what causes the most common wear. Also, I have a class 2 with the 7.3 IDI. And despite it being less powerful, it is more reliable than the powerstroke. That's not up for debate, it's been proven.
I work for an ambulance service in Michigan, and have always thought ambulances were the best option for camping or living. I'm glad I stumbled across this channel.
Hi David and Lefty. I found my 1998 Ford 450 with a 7.3 engine ambulance for 11,500 with 36,000 miles on Ambulance Trader. Great video David👍🏻 Stay safe.
I've lived in RVs a long time, yes the palace on wheels is a sweet ride, but they break and QUICK, Cheap builds that look pretty. So I went looking for the right van to build out the right way and I lucked into a ridiculous truck...a 1987 ambulance for 900 bucks. I drove it 150 miles home and put a stupid amount of money into repairs and the wife absolutely hates my truck "people will stare" ahahaha ....let them envy. The build quality is off the charts and the cool factor is just amazing. There is nothing that comes close.
Plus, at $900.00 , you could invest $10,000 in New parts, and still be way ahead of the game! Even better if you are a motor head and can do all that yourself, so just parts cost.... Safe and Fun Travels!
Nicely done! Ambulances (we joking refer to the plural as ambuli...) are so well built that they make great platforms for builds. The build standards require that the box support the weight of the vehicle, in the event of a rollover, and that the doors must still open...while an RV would come apart in a similar event. And ambuli aren't used as primary run vehicles after they're 15 years old, so they're either sold or moved to back-up status...which means you can find great values in vehicles with lots of life left. Our first conversion (about 6 years ago) was a medium duty ambulance we got from a dealer. That one came with new batteries and a full mechanical clean bill of health, but as we've learned more we've become comfortable with getting them from auction sites directly from the government sellers. Our most recent Type 3 we got for a bit over $3000. BTW, we're up in the Flagstaff area...so let us know if you're ever up this way!
Hi and thank you for your comment. Its amazing how they're so mysterious at first, and then become just another vehicle after owning them for a while... Great deal on your rig for that price!!
I found that there is a difference in Type I, II ,III in the van configuration. Type I, is a standard van without a raised roof. Type II has a raised roof. Type III is a cutaway with a box. I have a Type II manufactured by Leader. It's a 1999 E- 350. My search was focused on a Type II for the headroom, and no wider than a standard van. This helps for parking and off road camping. It also had to be diesel, 4 wheel drive and rust free. I found my ambo in Southern California. It has all the ambulance equipment except for radios, red lenses, and the light bar was removed. The red lenses were changed to clear. All the lights still flash, just not red. I had it retitled to an RV. In Arizona this cut insurance by half and registration was also less expensive. After having my ambulance for 2 years. It's like a Tinker Toy you can drive. Always things to add and change.
The road to what you seek becomes much shorter when you give of yourself freely and have no expectations of return..............That said, Grief Prevention is priceless. Thanks David!
This year I bought a purple ambulance, originally from mackinac island! 3 days 4000 dollars later I brought her home. I'm a college freshman and Librarian in Wisconsin so this was a big investment in my eyes. Tiny house living is not common where I live. Hopefully once the pandemic settles down I'll get her out on the road :) Safe Travels Everyone!
Laws vary by State. Some places like Nevada, (where I live), make it most difficult to change a commercial vehicle to RV use. Insurance can also be a major problem. Before someone buys, they should take the VIN number and see about a policy. Long story version: I wanted to convert a bread truck. I called my insurance to be covered for the trip back from the seller. They said we don't cover commercial vehicles. I called a commercial carrier and they said what is the nature of your business. I said I am an individual. They said we only cover businesses. There is an even longer version if you want to hear it.
Insurance companies suck today we have USAA they use progressive for RVs they both give a hard time about things like this that they don't understand it's all about what the computer tells them.
@@KRich408 Even more complicated, as each State regulates insurance companies according to their own rules. So the same insurance company may have different rules in different States because of the State;s regulations there. .
Try Safeco Insurance. I use them for my shuttle bus conversion that passed as an RV for insurance purposes. I believe it’s worth inquiring with them about an ambulance
There is probably a difference between commercial vehicles and DECLASSIFIED FOR AMBULANCE PURPOSES THAN THE BREAD TRUCK AS AN EXAMPLE you don't decommission bread trucks Only compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges
@@zelda401 Nevada does not have a "used to be an ambulance" title. It is either a commercial vehicle or non commercial. If the title says commercial, it would need to be converted to non commercial title. Any electrical work done in the process is required to be preformed by a State licensed auto mechanic. $$$$. Once it has been converted you would likely only be able to get liability insurance through a few insurance companies. In some States like Arizona the process is much easier. Once it has an Arizona non commercial title, one may be able to transfer it into Nevada as non commercial, (maybe). My post and advice is look before you leap. See what your State requires to convert titles and see if anyone will insure you and at what cost.
When you’re looking at a class three. The better box is called Horton. Horton makes a very good box they use a lot of diamond plate and just look at the latches for the doorhandles made very well.
Just wanted to add a little more information about ambulances, You mentioned the three classes of ambulances. These are usually referred to as "types" instead of classes. The Boxes (Types 1 and 3) are usually referred to as modules or modular. One advantage of a modular is that the modular can be remounted to a newer chassis if the chassis is worn out or damaged in a collision. The variety of outside cabinets is often dependent on the primary function and operator of the vehicle. An EMT ambulance that does more interfacility transfers will typically be smaller and have less outside cabinets, then a paramedic unit. A fire department paramedic unit will usually have more outside cabinets then a strictly EMS paramedic unit. A Fire Rescue vehicle will be bigger and have more cabinets, these are commonly build on the medium duty chassis like the Kodiak. The reason that many of the modular style ambulances were on Ford Chassis are that Ford in that era was building a heavy duty cutaway van chassis. These were purpose build for vehicles such as motorhomes, campers, box vans and ambulances. Keep up the great videos.
What year(s) Ford are 'good' vs. Bad years? Where is best type of facility to have maintenance/repairs done when traveling? Specialty needs for Towing if needed? Thank you for all the insight for Ambu's!
This is info that one would only find if they're very specifically looking for it. That's what communities like these are all about and I appreciate it so much.
This video was great, tons of lessons you obviously learned the hard way condensed into a helpful video. I'm going a slightly different route then most, my ambulance will be my mobile shop and tow my camper behind. I'd really love to travel the country fixing people's rigs, I love working on RV's
That's a killer way to go! It's a big deal how we personalize these rigs. An extension of our inner self, so to speak. I'm a musician and I'm installing a recording studio in my rig. Now expanding solar and adding propane generator to accommodate for the massive draw. Then off to jam with the coyotes. They respond every time I hit a certain lick on the strat. Big fun for me. I intend to capture this and many more sounds of nature and produce an album of man mixing with nature to document these interactions. Well that and my music and hopefully the music of others I meet on the road. Between you and me we have provided folks with two examples of alternative applications for ambuli that many people would have never even considered....
The 'Powerstroke' 7.3 was *also* produced by Navistar/International. In International applications it was called the T444e. It also appears in some International medium-duty chassis trucks and buses.
@@OneYeBilly Yes, the 6.0 was also produced by Navistar/International. EGR delete, headstuds, and a good tune will make it every bit as reliable as the 7.3 and capable of more power too.
I have 2001 ford e450. Horton box on back. It was used as back up ambulance, so only 62,000 miles..it is huge. Very tall box. I found on craigs list. Asking 6,000. I paid 3,500.
I have bought 2 ambulances with mixed results. First I bought a 2003 Class III with the 7.3 Powerstroke from a small town in Ohio. The mileage was good and the hours were good but I later found out that there was bad hidden rust that caused me several thousand dollars on my drive home. I will never again buy a vehicle of any type that has come from the rust belt. My second Ambulance that I still have is a 2004 F350 4x4 Class I with the 6.0 Powerstroke. What a difference that engine makes. Going from the 7.3 to the 6.0 was like going from a 1970's carbureted 4 cylinder to a Nascar car. Amazing stock power in the 6.0. This ambulance had spent its entire life in Arizona so rust was not an issue whatsoever. The biggest downside to my current ambulance is that the standing height is only 69 1/2 inches. The other one was 72 inches. Typically, the biggest box is 170-171 inches long on the exterior and 72 inches tall on the interior. I have seen very few exceptions to being taller or longer. The most common interior heights are 68, 70 and 72 inches. Sorry for the book. Good video!
I found my medium duty ambulance on truck trader. It had 12000 miles on it garage kept at an oil refinery for $18500. The truck cab alone was worth $24000. Granted an fl60 was hard to get registered as a camper but the paperwork issues were worth it. I like the larger ones because I (I'm 5ft 9 in) am able to fully stand inside. Most of the best priced for the conditions I see are in Texas, New Jersey, and Florida
@@TheCampulanceMan sure is 1996 freightliner fl60 its a little big for daily driver activities and I really have to plan out my trips due to height and weight. But once its set up its nicer than places I have lived at in the past. Like a studio apartment on wheels
Thanks so much, Mr. Campulance....I learned a lot from listening to you and I'm grateful for that. With any luck some day in near future I will find my ambulance and make it our dream RV. Stay safe and be blessed.
Found ours a couple of months ago on purple wave auction here in midwest. Most city's and depts have to auction their vehicals. At least in my area they do. Ours is a 92 e350 7.3 idi type 3. 65k. Retired ambulance that our local sheriff dept picked up and use as a tactical command vehicle. It's in good shape. We have tons of plans for this spring for it. We truly appreciate your videos David, keep up the good work.
I have worked inside ambulances in previous years of my career. Ford makes on that is quite impressively large. It has a crew cab upfront and a box tall enough that my medic partner who is 6’4” could stand up in it even with the hanger bars in the ceiling. It was a bear to drive in traffic in DC but an absolute joy to work in with a critical patient.
We love ours! Still working on it when we can and love the space. We weren't able to find a pass through and that's the one we really wanted but love our 450 Ford Ambulance. Thank you.☺️
You may be able to make your own pass through. A friend did it and it was simple in his rig. Behind the wall, the cab back is already cut - they all come with no back wall.
@@dingfeldersmurfalot4560 Lol it’s in great shape. They got rid of it because it had a ghost battery drain. But I found it in the siren lights. Some burnt dc wires
Very, VERY helpful!!! Great job, Mr. Campulance. I also Liked 👍🏻, and Subscribed!!! Thanks again!!! I think Ambulaces make the most sense for storage, durability and price point. Your video was indeed, VERY helpful.
The number of cycles counts more. When the engine is cold and dry your start up makes 80-90% of your total engine wear (dry sump is a different story). Running idle with lubrication, no problem and drive line not being used.
Most modules (box) are built to accommodate a walkthrough, just covered-more for a smaller passthru-=> just open it up, you can make a handthru into a walkthrough, easily.
Pilips new and used ambulances in Harrisburg PA. That's where I found mine but I paid 15 for it. Since I know nothing and they know a lot I felt safer in buying one from them. Mine is a 2012 chevy deisel.
They sell nice rigs there, I've seen a lot that they have. I spoke with them when I was shopping but we couldn't agree on a price. It sounds like you got exactly what was right for you :)
No. I am in Michigan waiting for the ambulance to be worked on. A propane system for refrigator and stove/oven. New floor put in, closet built and bed constructed.
Thanks so much. I have been researching like crazy but never thought about an ambulance But it makes sense to me that they are built way better than any RV. I am going to start looking. Wish I wasn't in such a hurry to be out of my house so I could do this slowly but....thanks ever so much for this video and all of your tips on what to look out for. I may need some advice as I go forward.
Thanks for the boot camp. I am interested in the ambulance for my next boondocking vehicle but now see I had very little knowledge of them, this vid helps lower my learning curve😊
Thanks a lot for the info. I know this video is a year old, but still I'm very thankful for the tips. Clear, honest, to the point. I just started looking into this world of living in a vehicle and the ambulance idea and hope to make a serious move in the mid/long term. God bless!
Timely info since my biggest fear is the electrical system so I will definitely be searching for one with electrical schematics...tell Lefty he needs to demand more air time.
Great video brother! I actually have a old ambulance top quality rig I actually work on surgical instruments it's awesome! Dully 7.3.. it's a monster! Pays me 900 or more a day for service! I don't live in it small rig but I can sleep in mine shore power only! Thanks brother
One place you didn’t mention is auctions. Today I scored a 2007 Ford E450 ambulance for under 6K at an auction. It has a little over 96k miles on it. Just know that I was puking up kittens with the stress of auction but I got an amazing deal. Thanks!
Wow, thank you for all the information you covered on this video. We are presently trying to figure out what kind of traveling vehicle we want next. Now, we are thinking of an ambulance. Thanks, it’s another way to search out what we want and at a cheaper cost. 👍
Thank you David for this video! I am thinking about whether or not I want a ambulance and you provided great information to help me in my final decision.
Thanks for making a video to help those of us who are thinking about purchasing an ambulance for a over the road home. You seem very knowledgeable. I made notes, lol. I am 5'1" so I may not need a taller roof.
my father's 1978 E-250 and my 1987 E-150 both had a transmission cooler and both were extended ford van my dads was a v8 auto and mine was a 300 straight 6 with a manual transmission
David, thank you for your detailed analysis is indeed very useful for those interested in this way of living. But one thing that strikes me most I recognize it could be only ignorant prejudice but is the following: When we buy an ambulance we are subject to the possibility of some kind of reminiscent bacteria persisting inside the car and could put in peril our health and in this case how to be sure to wipe up duly and put away any sort fears
Howdy...most excellent video... well done. As someone who worked in the public safety field for 43 years and having extra duty to my law enforcement job I had to work on firetrucks and ambulance 🚑 and I know the build quality....is incredible along with the electrical......I also know if you choose all fluids and filters it can easily last for 30+ years before you have to do any major repairs..... Çhief Jones
Thank you for making this video, David!!! I am going through the exact same thought processes that you describe. Watching this video was like getting to sit down with you in person and learn from your experience! My girl Pickles the Pug sends greetings to Lefty. 🙂 We hope to see you down the road. 😀
For safety reasons (my own safety), one thing I'm not willing to compromise on is a passthrough. Whatever I end up with has to have one. A couple years ago, I read a review on a particular privately owned, very remote boondock spot that the owner would rent out, and the woman camping said someone was outside her camper that night circling it, messing around, trying doors, etc. She was terrified. She was in a pull behind camper, so she had to wait until she thought the creep was gone before she could exit the camper, run to the truck, then get out of there before he came back. Definitely stuck in my mind. I'd want to be able to just go straight to the driver's seat and leave a dangerous situation. Anyway, this is really great info, and I'm really appreciating the additional info people are giving in the comments. Thank you, and thanks to those commenting with additional info!
I initially saw my rig on eBay, but the seller was asking too much for it. So, I watched it until the eBay auction ended. It wasn’t relisted on eBay the following week as I expected it to be so I did a little research and got the phone number of the selling party (hospital); I called them and over a week’s time I drove across the state to look at it and we negotiated a fair price ($5,000). My rig is a 2010 Chevy G3500 type 3 van cutaway with a 6.6L Duramax. It gets pretty good fuel economy: 18 to 19 mpg, just the rig; towing loaded with a loaded 20’ enclosed trailer depending upon speed, wind, and hills (mountains), I have seen the worst mileage at 11 mpg to reasonable 14 mpg at highway speeds (70-75 mph) in the hills/mountains. Obviously, if I slow down then the mileage is better. I LOVE this rig; now to start building it out 😉
When looking ya should look for mileage under 90,000 , I use to be EMT/ paramedic and we drive the units hard especially when its a city ambulance. Remember to remove all red lights ,lifhtbar ,siren since its illegal to have on when not being used as a emergency vehicles .ya can turn the other lights into exterior just wire them into a switch
I went to govdeals and looked for firefighting ambulances. They're considerably lower mileage and are required by law to have regular maintenance done on them! Government auctions are state by state so you've gotta figure out the local states way to get rid of old vehicles. I know Washington seemed to use Seattle based auction houses but, on the east coast it seems like it's mostly GovDeals.
Correction on your Ford diesel info. All Diesels in Fords were built by International except the new 6.7 which is built by ford. And the 7.3 IDI is a great engine. Simple, no electronics and inexpensive to maintain comparably. I own 2 of them. Turbos are available for them as well.
I am in upstate NY and moved my search grid on FB but it’s cumbersome. Thanks for the other search options. In the past six months I am seeing the prices go up and now with Bob Wells buying one it probably will continue. But I will keep looking until I find what I want. Thanks for all the great info in this episode. Love to Lefty 🥰
Keep your search going and the right one will show up! I'm still seeing and hearing of good priced rigs so I know they're out there. Thank you Dee for your comment :)
I found your video very informative I intend moving to states sometime this year process of buying land North West or Canada considering converting an ambulance be of grid couple of years till shop built have converted a mobile library 36' here in UK great to find out the different types I'm also going to buy an ex fire dept fire engine great content thank you for sharing
Excellent info as always but a quick glance at that pretty boy at the end would be much appreciated. Now I have to watch another video to see that pup. 😊
❤❤❤ I learned more out of this short video than I have in most all of the other ones I’ve ever watched from anyone maybe it’s because it was information specific to what I was curious about. Great presentation I really really appreciate hearing this all in one place instead of having to dig all over the Internet for the same information. I know I’m only in fantasy land thinking one day maybe I could obtain an ambulance but that’s OK if I am better to die try and then not them know what could possibly be right
The problem in my area is they remove the box because it's shot bUt the engine is good so they sell the box. The engine is what's worth the most and they put on a new box that's cup to date. In case anyone wants to know the box is usually sold to construction outfits that need a cheap temperary office. They sell the box alone real cheap. Great video man. You are quickly making a convert.
Ford now makes a 7.3 gasoline engine. And ford makes more ambulances as they make a regular truck up to a 550/5500. Chevy 4500 is a kodiak or a big box truck looking truck. Great info on everything a newbie should start with.
I don’t own an ambulance but I rode in plenty during my paramedic career. I would just advise to check the box size because I’ve ridden in boxes that were very small and hard to move around in to large and very roomy!
If I recall correctly, idling a diesel is okay if it is under load, not so good if there is not adequate draw on the engine. Not so bad on a diesel. Not so good on a gasoline engine to idle long hours. I am guessing that, like on a sailboat, the hours denote time on a diesel only. Though I did notice that four stroke gas engines now have computers that monitor hours as well. Diesel engines are usually serviced based on hours in service. At least on a boat they do. That was also when they pulled military vehicle vehicles for service....oil and filter change, etc. Am guessing ambulances are the same. Great video. It will be interesting to know how ambulance prices will be affected by Covid, since most ambulances are being used to transport critically ill patients.
Thank you thank you thank you I've been considering an ambulance and I've been looking at quite a few just on UA-cam that is now with all the information you've given me I can now start looking more extensively thank you so much for the information. Have a great day and stay safe! TQ out
Thank you Terry!! Look in the comments also to see all the ways people have found their rigs!
@@TheCampulanceMan thanks again man I appreciate that
facebook.com/marketplace/item/787411605142704/
Thank you for sharing
It is a problem if you buy an ambulance and there are still patients left inside.
Good video David, I used to own a private ambulance company (23 units) and then sold ambulances (McCoy-Miller) for years so I know a little about ambulances, you did a good job explaining to the average person about the types of ambulances. Here is my 2 cents on a couple things: 1)Steer clear of the 6.0 diesel in Fords, they're a nightmare! I think the Chevy Duramax diesels are pretty good also. 2)Type III's like yours ride better than type I's also and the pass-thru is priceless. 3)Ford says 1 idle hour equals 33 miles driven (that's in gasoline police vehicles, not sure if that equates to diesels, I'm not a mechanic), you did a pretty good job explaining mileage vs. idle hours, easy to do the math to see what the real use might be. 4)Headroom in ambulance boxes is usually 66-68" with 72" optional in most brands. 5)Pretty much any of the builders that build aluminum ambulance boxes do a pretty good job nowdays and they are definitely better than bus bodies or box trucks, no comparison! Hope this info might help someone, I've followed and been a subscriber from the beginning of your adventure so stay safe out there and enjoy your travels!!
Excellent information thank you for sharing that. You're much more knowledgeable than me from your experience so I appreciate you being around!!! Thank you!!!
How about the medium duty ones, like on the Freightliner chassis? Is the headroom higher on those?
Do you mean 5.9L or are you rounding up to 6.0L?
Thanks for all the great additional information.
@@greendeane1 Specifically the 6.0 Ford diesel is the problematic one.
Forest Service retired ambos often have both 4WD and a 14' bed instead of 12'. Sometimes they use deisel truck chassis as well (Peterbilt or International).
Good tip thanks Alan!
Any tips on finding retired forest service ambos?
The thing that causes the most wear on an engine is how many running cycles it goes through. Basically, the more you heat up the engine and cool it down. The heat expanding and contracting the metal is what causes the most common wear. Also, I have a class 2 with the 7.3 IDI. And despite it being less powerful, it is more reliable than the powerstroke. That's not up for debate, it's been proven.
I work for an ambulance service in Michigan, and have always thought ambulances were the best option for camping or living. I'm glad I stumbled across this channel.
Hi Pete and thank you for watching and commenting!
Hi David and Lefty. I found my 1998 Ford 450 with a 7.3 engine ambulance for 11,500 with 36,000 miles on Ambulance Trader. Great video David👍🏻 Stay safe.
Thank you Linda for sharing!! 7.3!!!!!
Wow- ambulance trader ..who knew ! I knew nothing of ambulances !
I've lived in RVs a long time, yes the palace on wheels is a sweet ride, but they break and QUICK, Cheap builds that look pretty. So I went looking for the right van to build out the right way and I lucked into a ridiculous truck...a 1987 ambulance for 900 bucks. I drove it 150 miles home and put a stupid amount of money into repairs and the wife absolutely hates my truck "people will stare" ahahaha ....let them envy. The build quality is off the charts and the cool factor is just amazing. There is nothing that comes close.
Great story Jim! I've seen too many class A and C really have problems out here. Not so with an ambulance!!
I would love to find one for $900 that is in decent shape!
Plus, at $900.00 , you could invest $10,000 in New parts, and still be way ahead of the game! Even better if you are a motor head and can do all that yourself, so just parts cost.... Safe and Fun Travels!
Nicely done! Ambulances (we joking refer to the plural as ambuli...) are so well built that they make great platforms for builds. The build standards require that the box support the weight of the vehicle, in the event of a rollover, and that the doors must still open...while an RV would come apart in a similar event. And ambuli aren't used as primary run vehicles after they're 15 years old, so they're either sold or moved to back-up status...which means you can find great values in vehicles with lots of life left. Our first conversion (about 6 years ago) was a medium duty ambulance we got from a dealer. That one came with new batteries and a full mechanical clean bill of health, but as we've learned more we've become comfortable with getting them from auction sites directly from the government sellers. Our most recent Type 3 we got for a bit over $3000. BTW, we're up in the Flagstaff area...so let us know if you're ever up this way!
Hi and thank you for your comment. Its amazing how they're so mysterious at first, and then become just another vehicle after owning them for a while... Great deal on your rig for that price!!
What were the names of the government sellers?
@@burttscorner604 Ditto, name and pho E number for the AZ dealer?
Are you in the conversion business? I'd be interested in talking to you, do you have a way on contacting you?
I found that there is a difference in Type I, II ,III in the van configuration. Type I, is a standard van without a raised roof. Type II has a raised roof. Type III is a cutaway with a box. I have a Type II manufactured by Leader. It's a 1999 E- 350. My search was focused on a Type II for the headroom, and no wider than a standard van. This helps for parking and off road camping. It also had to be diesel, 4 wheel drive and rust free. I found my ambo in Southern California. It has all the ambulance equipment except for radios, red lenses, and the light bar was removed. The red lenses were changed to clear. All the lights still flash, just not red. I had it retitled to an RV. In Arizona this cut insurance by half and registration was also less expensive. After having my ambulance for 2 years. It's like a Tinker Toy you can drive. Always things to add and change.
The road to what you seek becomes much shorter when you give of yourself freely and have no expectations of return..............That said, Grief Prevention is priceless. Thanks David!
This year I bought a purple ambulance, originally from mackinac island! 3 days 4000 dollars later I brought her home. I'm a college freshman and Librarian in Wisconsin so this was a big investment in my eyes. Tiny house living is not common where I live. Hopefully once the pandemic settles down I'll get her out on the road :)
Safe Travels Everyone!
Purple!!! WOW! I'd love to see that :)
@@TheCampulanceMan my Instagram is laurielewandowski! I posted it on there before:)
Laws vary by State. Some places like Nevada, (where I live), make it most difficult to change a commercial vehicle to RV use. Insurance can also be a major problem.
Before someone buys, they should take the VIN number and see about a policy.
Long story version:
I wanted to convert a bread truck. I called my insurance to be covered for the trip back from the seller. They said we don't cover commercial vehicles. I called a commercial carrier and they said what is the nature of your business. I said I am an individual. They said we only cover businesses.
There is an even longer version if you want to hear it.
Insurance companies suck today we have USAA they use progressive for RVs they both give a hard time about things like this that they don't understand it's all about what the computer tells them.
@@KRich408 Even more complicated, as each State regulates insurance companies according to their own rules. So the same insurance company may have different rules in different States because of the State;s regulations there. .
Try Safeco Insurance.
I use them for my shuttle bus conversion that passed as an RV for insurance purposes. I believe it’s worth inquiring with them about an ambulance
There is probably a difference between commercial vehicles and DECLASSIFIED FOR AMBULANCE PURPOSES THAN THE BREAD TRUCK AS AN EXAMPLE you don't decommission bread trucks
Only compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges
@@zelda401 Nevada does not have a "used to be an ambulance" title. It is either a commercial vehicle or non commercial. If the title says commercial, it would need to be converted to non commercial title.
Any electrical work done in the process is required to be preformed by a State licensed auto mechanic. $$$$.
Once it has been converted you would likely only be able to get liability insurance through a few insurance companies.
In some States like Arizona the process is much easier. Once it has an Arizona non commercial title, one may be able to transfer it into Nevada as non commercial, (maybe).
My post and advice is look before you leap. See what your State requires to convert titles and see if anyone will insure you and at what cost.
When you’re looking at a class three. The better box is called Horton. Horton makes a very good box they use a lot of diamond plate and just look at the latches for the doorhandles made very well.
Just wanted to add a little more information about ambulances, You mentioned the three classes of ambulances. These are usually referred to as "types" instead of classes. The Boxes (Types 1 and 3) are usually referred to as modules or modular. One advantage of a modular is that the modular can be remounted to a newer chassis if the chassis is worn out or damaged in a collision. The variety of outside cabinets is often dependent on the primary function and operator of the vehicle. An EMT ambulance that does more interfacility transfers will typically be smaller and have less outside cabinets, then a paramedic unit. A fire department paramedic unit will usually have more outside cabinets then a strictly EMS paramedic unit. A Fire Rescue vehicle will be bigger and have more cabinets, these are commonly build on the medium duty chassis like the Kodiak. The reason that many of the modular style ambulances were on Ford Chassis are that Ford in that era was building a heavy duty cutaway van chassis. These were purpose build for vehicles such as motorhomes, campers, box vans and ambulances. Keep up the great videos.
Great info Jerry thank you!!!
Great information on the types of ambulances. Thank you Jerry McKibben.
Excellent info
What year(s) Ford are 'good' vs. Bad years? Where is best type of facility to have maintenance/repairs done when traveling? Specialty needs for Towing if needed? Thank you for all the insight for Ambu's!
This is info that one would only find if they're very specifically looking for it. That's what communities like these are all about and I appreciate it so much.
Just snagged mine yesterday in Dallas 98 e350 i love it ive had schoolies and RVs and nothing beats these ambulance
That's excellent! Welcome to the fleet!
I actually just decided today that ambulance may be my best option.
Excellent!!!
This video was great, tons of lessons you obviously learned the hard way condensed into a helpful video. I'm going a slightly different route then most, my ambulance will be my mobile shop and tow my camper behind. I'd really love to travel the country fixing people's rigs, I love working on RV's
Thanks for the comment. That's a great idea you have!
That's a killer way to go! It's a big deal how we personalize these rigs. An extension of our inner self, so to speak. I'm a musician and I'm installing a recording studio in my rig. Now expanding solar and adding propane generator to accommodate for the massive draw. Then off to jam with the coyotes. They respond every time I hit a certain lick on the strat. Big fun for me. I intend to capture this and many more sounds of nature and produce an album of man mixing with nature to document these interactions. Well that and my music and hopefully the music of others I meet on the road. Between you and me we have provided folks with two examples of alternative applications for ambuli that many people would have never even considered....
The 'Powerstroke' 7.3 was *also* produced by Navistar/International. In International applications it was called the T444e. It also appears in some International medium-duty chassis trucks and buses.
Good info - I wasn't aware. Thank you!
I have what says 6.0 on vin info but has Navistar. ?
@@OneYeBilly Yes, the 6.0 was also produced by Navistar/International. EGR delete, headstuds, and a good tune will make it every bit as reliable as the 7.3 and capable of more power too.
I have 2001 ford e450. Horton box on back. It was used as back up ambulance, so only 62,000 miles..it is huge. Very tall box. I found on craigs list. Asking 6,000. I paid 3,500.
Hi Kim - you're selling???
I have bought 2 ambulances with mixed results. First I bought a 2003 Class III with the 7.3 Powerstroke from a small town in Ohio. The mileage was good and the hours were good but I later found out that there was bad hidden rust that caused me several thousand dollars on my drive home. I will never again buy a vehicle of any type that has come from the rust belt. My second Ambulance that I still have is a 2004 F350 4x4 Class I with the 6.0 Powerstroke. What a difference that engine makes. Going from the 7.3 to the 6.0 was like going from a 1970's carbureted 4 cylinder to a Nascar car. Amazing stock power in the 6.0. This ambulance had spent its entire life in Arizona so rust was not an issue whatsoever. The biggest downside to my current ambulance is that the standing height is only 69 1/2 inches. The other one was 72 inches. Typically, the biggest box is 170-171 inches long on the exterior and 72 inches tall on the interior. I have seen very few exceptions to being taller or longer. The most common interior heights are 68, 70 and 72 inches. Sorry for the book. Good video!
Great info thank you!! I've never driven any diesel but the 7.3 but I'd imagine a newer design is improved. Thank you for watching and commenting!!
I found my medium duty ambulance on truck trader. It had 12000 miles on it garage kept at an oil refinery for $18500. The truck cab alone was worth $24000. Granted an fl60 was hard to get registered as a camper but the paperwork issues were worth it. I like the larger ones because I (I'm 5ft 9 in) am able to fully stand inside. Most of the best priced for the conditions I see are in Texas, New Jersey, and Florida
It was barely broken in! That's a Freightliner?
@@TheCampulanceMan sure is 1996 freightliner fl60 its a little big for daily driver activities and I really have to plan out my trips due to height and weight. But once its set up its nicer than places I have lived at in the past. Like a studio apartment on wheels
I recently met a FL ambulance owner and I got to crawl all over his. Wow was I jealous!
Thanks so much, Mr. Campulance....I learned a lot from listening to you and I'm grateful for that. With any luck some day in near future I will find my ambulance and make it our dream RV. Stay safe and be blessed.
I never thought about converting an ambulance, but it looks like a great idea.
A lot of value in them!!
Found ours a couple of months ago on purple wave auction here in midwest. Most city's and depts have to auction their vehicals. At least in my area they do. Ours is a 92 e350 7.3 idi type 3. 65k. Retired ambulance that our local sheriff dept picked up and use as a tactical command vehicle. It's in good shape. We have tons of plans for this spring for it. We truly appreciate your videos David, keep up the good work.
I hadn't heard of that site, thank you for sharing that. Have FUN on your planning and building and keep me updated on your progress!!
I had to watch this a second time because I’m actually going to go look at an ambulance tomorrow! I’m so excited and nervous!
Awesome!!! Did you see my more recent video on how to inspect a used ambulance?
I have worked inside ambulances in previous years of my career. Ford makes on that is quite impressively large. It has a crew cab upfront and a box tall enough that my medic partner who is 6’4” could stand up in it even with the hanger bars in the ceiling. It was a bear to drive in traffic in DC but an absolute joy to work in with a critical patient.
I wish mine was the high roof type. I need like 4 more inches of headroom.
We love ours! Still working on it when we can and love the space. We weren't able to find a pass through and that's the one we really wanted but love our 450 Ford Ambulance. Thank you.☺️
You may be able to make your own pass through. A friend did it and it was simple in his rig. Behind the wall, the cab back is already cut - they all come with no back wall.
Almost didn't watch because of length, but enjoyed every minute!
Thank you!!
I bought mine for 650.00. And I love it. 97 Ford with a new motor. In the middle of making it a home away from home
Excellent!!
That's GREAT! I'm hoping to get mine within the next 5 years
Jeez I can hardly buy a couch for 650! What shape is yours in???
@@dingfeldersmurfalot4560 Lol it’s in great shape. They got rid of it because it had a ghost battery drain. But I found it in the siren lights. Some burnt dc wires
@@OfficerSafetyIssues That's awesome! Great find!
Very, VERY helpful!!! Great job, Mr. Campulance. I also Liked 👍🏻, and Subscribed!!! Thanks again!!! I think Ambulaces make the most sense for storage, durability and price point. Your video was indeed, VERY helpful.
Thank you Mark!
The number of cycles counts more. When the engine is cold and dry your start up makes 80-90% of your total engine wear (dry sump is a different story). Running idle with lubrication, no problem and drive line not being used.
So idle in of itself does not damage the engine, good to know!
Most modules (box) are built to accommodate a walkthrough, just covered-more for a smaller passthru-=> just open it up, you can make a handthru into a walkthrough, easily.
I've had folks ask that question- can you make a pass through? Good tip.
Great thanks. I'm wanting to go full time in south central Alaska and really like ambulances and/or box trucks.
Pilips new and used ambulances in Harrisburg PA. That's where I found mine but I paid 15 for it. Since I know nothing and they know a lot I felt safer in buying one from them. Mine is a 2012 chevy deisel.
They sell nice rigs there, I've seen a lot that they have. I spoke with them when I was shopping but we couldn't agree on a price. It sounds like you got exactly what was right for you :)
Pam, are you located in the Pa. area? The wife and I are noobs to this and have also been looking on the Pili[s site.
No. I am in Michigan waiting for the ambulance to be worked on. A propane system for refrigator and stove/oven. New floor put in, closet built and bed constructed.
Thanks so much. I have been researching like crazy but never thought about an ambulance But it makes sense to me that they are built way better than any RV. I am going to start looking. Wish I wasn't in such a hurry to be out of my house so I could do this slowly but....thanks ever so much for this video and all of your tips on what to look out for. I may need some advice as I go forward.
Thank you for watching!
Thanks for the boot camp. I am interested in the ambulance for my next boondocking vehicle but now see I had very little knowledge of them, this vid helps lower my learning curve😊
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the information you are direct to the point with all the important stuff that matters job well done
Thank you Tanya :)
Thanks a lot for the info. I know this video is a year old, but still I'm very thankful for the tips. Clear, honest, to the point. I just started looking into this world of living in a vehicle and the ambulance idea and hope to make a serious move in the mid/long term. God bless!
Thank you! Very appreciated :)
Timely info since my biggest fear is the electrical system so I will definitely be searching for one with electrical schematics...tell Lefty he needs to demand more air time.
Thank you Cherel! Lefty was snoozing in the sunny cab on that chilly day... I'll tell him his fans missed him :)
Thank you very much. Amstii considering an ambulance. Watch your videos always.
Thanks for this video I was checking out government auctions and wanting to find a well maintained diesel powered vehicle.
Thanks Drew!
Great video brother! I actually have a old ambulance top quality rig I actually work on surgical instruments it's awesome! Dully 7.3.. it's a monster! Pays me 900 or more a day for service! I don't live in it small rig but I can sleep in mine shore power only! Thanks brother
Thanks!
Thank you for your generosity! It's very appreciated :)
One place you didn’t mention is auctions. Today I scored a 2007 Ford E450 ambulance for under 6K at an auction. It has a little over 96k miles on it. Just know that I was puking up kittens with the stress of auction but I got an amazing deal. Thanks!
Excellent! Good score!
I'm totally obsessed with your channel!!
Thanks so much for your videos. I've decided to go with an ambulance and I really appreciate all the clear-cut info!
Thank you Alyssa :)
Wow, thank you for all the information you covered on this video. We are presently trying to figure out what kind of traveling vehicle we want next. Now, we are thinking of an ambulance. Thanks, it’s another way to search out what we want and at a cheaper cost. 👍
Thank you for watching Mike - you should consider an ambulance. You get a lot of vehicle!
Phillipines is watching thank you for the idea.
Thank you for watching!
Thank you David for this video! I am thinking about whether or not I want a ambulance and you provided great information to help me in my final decision.
Thanks for making a video to help those of us who are thinking about purchasing an ambulance for a over the road home. You seem very knowledgeable. I made notes, lol. I am 5'1" so I may not need a taller roof.
Very good video! You've done a world of service to those looking to get into this lifestyle.
Thank you, very appreciated!
Thank you so much Campulance Man. This information is SO valuable!!!
Thank you for the in-depth video....a lot of great information...
Thank you :)
That is a lot of great info for those of us looking for a rig. Thank you, great video.
my father's 1978 E-250 and my 1987 E-150 both had a transmission cooler and both were extended ford van my dads was a v8 auto and mine was a 300 straight 6 with a manual transmission
Good info for those looking. Nice yours has the walk through for Lefty!
David, thank you for your detailed analysis is indeed very useful for those interested in this way of living. But one thing that strikes me most I recognize it could be only ignorant prejudice but is the following: When we buy an ambulance we are subject to the possibility of some kind of reminiscent bacteria persisting inside the car and could put in peril our health and in this case how to be sure to wipe up duly and put away any sort fears
Howdy...most excellent video... well done.
As someone who worked in the public safety field for 43 years and having extra duty to my law enforcement job I had to work on firetrucks and ambulance 🚑 and I know the build quality....is incredible along with the electrical......I also know if you choose all fluids and filters it can easily last for 30+ years before you have to do any major repairs.....
Çhief Jones
Thank you!
@@TheCampulanceMan your welcome
Thank you for making this video, David!!! I am going through the exact same thought processes that you describe. Watching this video was like getting to sit down with you in person and learn from your experience! My girl Pickles the Pug sends greetings to Lefty. 🙂 We hope to see you down the road. 😀
So glad it was informative!! We've got to get Lefty and Pickles together :))
For safety reasons (my own safety), one thing I'm not willing to compromise on is a passthrough. Whatever I end up with has to have one. A couple years ago, I read a review on a particular privately owned, very remote boondock spot that the owner would rent out, and the woman camping said someone was outside her camper that night circling it, messing around, trying doors, etc. She was terrified. She was in a pull behind camper, so she had to wait until she thought the creep was gone before she could exit the camper, run to the truck, then get out of there before he came back. Definitely stuck in my mind. I'd want to be able to just go straight to the driver's seat and leave a dangerous situation. Anyway, this is really great info, and I'm really appreciating the additional info people are giving in the comments. Thank you, and thanks to those commenting with additional info!
I believe that a pass through adds a lot to a rig. Space, mobility, convenience.
Glad I found your channel
Thank you Kato!!
I initially saw my rig on eBay, but the seller was asking too much for it. So, I watched it until the eBay auction ended. It wasn’t relisted on eBay the following week as I expected it to be so I did a little research and got the phone number of the selling party (hospital); I called them and over a week’s time I drove across the state to look at it and we negotiated a fair price ($5,000).
My rig is a 2010 Chevy G3500 type 3 van cutaway with a 6.6L Duramax. It gets pretty good fuel economy: 18 to 19 mpg, just the rig; towing loaded with a loaded 20’ enclosed trailer depending upon speed, wind, and hills (mountains), I have seen the worst mileage at 11 mpg to reasonable 14 mpg at highway speeds (70-75 mph) in the hills/mountains. Obviously, if I slow down then the mileage is better.
I LOVE this rig; now to start building it out 😉
Good recon!!! You did a great job chasing that down and sounds like you've got an excellent rig!! Thank you for commenting :)
lots of things going on.. specially for your dog so busy basking in the sun on the chair. lol
I'm still looking...and I'm having a hard time...But thank you for the information.
awesome review! thank you. this has been very helpful and well done!
When looking ya should look for mileage under 90,000 , I use to be EMT/ paramedic and we drive the units hard especially when its a city ambulance. Remember to remove all red lights ,lifhtbar ,siren since its illegal to have on when not being used as a emergency vehicles .ya can turn the other lights into exterior just wire them into a switch
New visitor. Excellent tutorial.
Thanks and welcome!
Well done . Now looking myself
Been looking for something to do some work on. Thanks for the ideas.
I'm looking to hire someone around November 2021 to work on my (not-yet-purchased) ambo. Anyone interested?
Thank you! This is great information, I now can do wider search for my ambulance which I plan to retire on. God bless!
I went to govdeals and looked for firefighting ambulances. They're considerably lower mileage and are required by law to have regular maintenance done on them!
Government auctions are state by state so you've gotta figure out the local states way to get rid of old vehicles. I know Washington seemed to use Seattle based auction houses but, on the east coast it seems like it's mostly GovDeals.
Great info thank you!
I have just started to look for a vehicle and an ambulance really suits all of my requirements. Thank you for all of your good information.
Good choice Denise - thank you for watching!!
Thank you David for the information. It sure makes it easier.
Thank you Carmen :)
Municibid (an online auction website) is where I found my ambulance.
Excellent thank you!
I appreciate your time and effort! You provided a lot of great information, all of it practical / useful!
I like the big dog 4x4 ambo's
👊😁👍🇺🇲
Correction on your Ford diesel info. All Diesels in Fords were built by International except the new 6.7 which is built by ford.
And the 7.3 IDI is a great engine. Simple, no electronics and inexpensive to maintain comparably. I own 2 of them. Turbos are available for them as well.
Thank you for that information. I've learned from comments like this :)
What years has the IdI in them ? Thanks
Thanks. Class 2 is better in driving inside narrow places.
THANK YOU SO MUCH! The amount and quality of information you have shared is priceless!
Thanks so much for the very comprehensive coverage on all things ambulance 👍
Thank you George!
I am in upstate NY and moved my search grid on FB but it’s cumbersome. Thanks for the other search options. In the past six months I am seeing the prices go up and now with Bob Wells buying one it probably will continue. But I will keep looking until I find what I want. Thanks for all the great info in this episode. Love to Lefty 🥰
Keep your search going and the right one will show up! I'm still seeing and hearing of good priced rigs so I know they're out there. Thank you Dee for your comment :)
Thank you that was very informative now I know all about ambulances
I could not find anything in that range with the low mileage, but I'm definitely gonna buy one in the next few weeks.
Keep on searching - they are out there!!! good luck :))
I always liked the type 2 ambulance
We just went and looked at some!
I found your video very informative I intend moving to states sometime this year process of buying land North West or Canada considering converting an ambulance be of grid couple of years till shop built have converted a mobile library 36' here in UK great to find out the different types I'm also going to buy an ex fire dept fire engine great content thank you for sharing
Thanks Mark - I'm gad that the video helped you. You have a great plan you're working on :)
Excellent info as always but a quick glance at that pretty boy at the end would be much appreciated. Now I have to watch another video to see that pup. 😊
❤❤❤ I learned more out of this short video than I have in most all of the other ones I’ve ever watched from anyone maybe it’s because it was information specific to what I was curious about. Great presentation I really really appreciate hearing this all in one place instead of having to dig all over the Internet for the same information. I know I’m only in fantasy land thinking one day maybe I could obtain an ambulance but that’s OK if I am better to die try and then not them know what could possibly be right
Thank you! It's great that the video helped you :))
Great video , I am just starting to look. Very helpful.
The problem in my area is they remove the box because it's shot bUt the engine is good so they sell the box. The engine is what's worth the most and they put on a new box that's cup to date.
In case anyone wants to know the box is usually sold to construction outfits that need a cheap temperary office. They sell the box alone real cheap.
Great video man. You are quickly making a convert.
My rig is a remount - the box is a 1996 on a 2002 chassis. The spec tag says REMOUNT.
Thank You for posting 👍
Most informative and well presented. thank you for your time in sharing. Give Lefty a pet n' a biscuit for helping out.
Thank you :)
Ford now makes a 7.3 gasoline engine. And ford makes more ambulances as they make a regular truck up to a 550/5500. Chevy 4500 is a kodiak or a big box truck looking truck. Great info on everything a newbie should start with.
Thanks Travis
I don’t own an ambulance but I rode in plenty during my paramedic career. I would just advise to check the box size because I’ve ridden in boxes that were very small and hard to move around in to large and very roomy!
Good tip! I've seen many different sizes out here.
David you have such great info !!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Thank you Wattsa!!
Got ours on facebook marketplace. Class 2, use it for weekend camping.
Excellent thank you for watching and commenting!
Prices have doubled since this video came out. Still worth it.
Prices have risen you're right. There are still good prices rigs out there, just not as many as before :/
This is one helluva useful video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
If I recall correctly, idling a diesel is okay if it is under load, not so good if there is not adequate draw on the engine. Not so bad on a diesel. Not so good on a gasoline engine to idle long hours. I am guessing that, like on a sailboat, the hours denote time on a diesel only. Though I did notice that four stroke gas engines now have computers that monitor hours as well. Diesel engines are usually serviced based on hours in service. At least on a boat they do. That was also when they pulled military vehicle vehicles for service....oil and filter change, etc. Am guessing ambulances are the same. Great video. It will be interesting to know how ambulance prices will be affected by Covid, since most ambulances are being used to transport critically ill patients.
Dave, great video! A lot of good information. One day I’ll be waking up in my ambulance : )