AMBULANCE CONVERSION VAN TOUR | VAN LIFE with no experience, a small budget + a retired ambulance
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2020
- VAN TOUR (AMBULANCE) | Living the VAN LIFE with no experience, a small budget + a retired ambulance
We spent this summer converting this ex ambulance into a tiny home on wheels with the goal of living the van life. We had absolutely zero experience but we jumped into this DIY ambulance conversion and a small budget. Our budget van build cost us $6k CAD for the ambulance and $6k CAD for the build (that's roughly $4,500 USD for the van and $4,500 USD for the build). We completed our budget conversion in 10 weeks of working day & night and we are so proud of the result! It isn't perfect, but it's ours, and now we're stoked to be sharing it with you.
#vanlife #vantour #ambulanceconversion #budgetvanbuild
Keywords:
Ambulance Campervan Tour
Ex Ambulance Van Tour
Retired Ambulance Van Tour
Ambulance Conversion to RV
Ambulance Conversion to Camper
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➢ Instagram: / nickandraychel
➢ Blog (with travel & mindset tips): www.notluxe.com
➢ Pinterest: www.pinterest.ca/notluxetravel/
➢ We curate playlists! Follow us on Spotify! tiny.cc/l868mz
➢ Share this video: • AMBULANCE CONVERSION V...
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☆ WHAT'S IN OUR VAN? ☆
↠ General:
LED Lights: amzn.to/3k3l7jk
Fan/Vent: amzn.to/30VjETk
↠ Electrical:
Inverter: amzn.to/3j52ivd
↠ Kitchen:
Induction cooktop: amzn.to/3jUXkBN
Fridge: amzn.to/2Eyj72c
Scepter tanks for kitchen plumbing: amzn.to/3hPIWsM
Tile stickers: amzn.to/3iaygoE
Wood grain contact paper: amzn.to/3j5U6ur
Small propane stove: amzn.to/337MsKR
Coleman Fold N Go+ Propane Grill: amzn.to/3cvANs9
Unbreakable dinnerware set: amzn.to/33ZgSxN
Plastic mason jars: amzn.to/3kOSN3y
Sink: amzn.to/3kQP9qa
↠ Bathroom:
Portable toilet: amzn.to/2BMnoOA
Camping shower bag: amzn.to/335JIOk
↠ Decorative:
Rug: amzn.to/3111P5h
Throw blanket: amzn.to/3hPDgz7
Duvet cover: amzn.to/3i3cumG
Black throw pillow cases: amzn.to/3mLNeES
Mini potted artificial plants: amzn.to/2G3YQSR
Hanging artificial plants: amzn.to/3mU42cQ
Folding tables: amzn.to/2G9yA9O
Macrame wall hanging: amzn.to/2ECqztA
Woven belly baskets: amzn.to/3j4VjlY
Clip on battery powered lights: amzn.to/3mQXETR
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☆ WHAT WE USE FOR FILMING ☆
Camera we use for vlogging: amzn.to/3f64gso
*We LOVE this camera, it’s light-weight, versatile, has a tilt-screen and is amazing in low-light situations
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Camera we use for sit-down videos and still photos on Instagram: amzn.to/2Dluaeh
*Hi, Raychel here! I’ve had this camera for nearly 10 years, have travelled with it, and am still in love
↠ Lens we use with above camera for sit-down videos: amzn.to/33f07jk
↠ Royalty-free music we use in our videos: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
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DISCLAIMER: None of these items are sponsored items, however links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that we provide, we may receive a small commission with no additional charge to you. All recommendations and opinions of products are our own.
![He Lives In THIS Ambulance [Van Tour] | Ambulance Conversion](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MxN-57LzCfM/mqdefault.jpg)
![He Lives In THIS Ambulance [Van Tour] | Ambulance Conversion](/img/tr.png)
OMG we were so nervous/excited to show you our little build! Though simple, we’re super new to this world & very proud of it. The build cost roughly $6,000 CAD (~ $4,500 USD) including all of the decor & furnishings, plates, cups, grills, baskets etc. Anyway, we know the video is long but we tried to explain mostly everything in detail and we hope you got a good feel for our ambulance build!! THANK YOU FOR WATCHING!!
whats your solar setup?
Definitely something to be proud of
Bless you 2. See you down the road!
Q
What site do I use to find a companion for a man or woman on a tour around the world as often as possible
climbs up to roof to show us the solar... climbs down without showing solar lol
And talking for 7 minutes before showing anything interesting.
Need fold up ladder to access panels to clean snow/dirt off occasionally.
PUT A COVER ON THE BUCKET THEN PUT A WHOLE, PUT THE LINE THROUGH THE WHOLE SO WHEN YOU TAKE THE BUCK OUT YOU DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT SPILLING, BTW NOT YELLING JUST SEE CAPS BETTER. WHERE DO YOU TAKE A SHOWER? THIS TURNED OUT VERY HOMEY. GREAT JOB
Looks great! 👏 Congrats guys! 👍 Get a collapsible ladder! We have one for our trailer it folds up nice and small, works great!
Omg didn’t even know those existed!
@@nickandraychel YES THEY DO, THEY FOLD UP PRETTY SMALL
With ambulances and police cars you also have to take idle time into account. On some vehicles you can see the idle hours by checking it with an OBD reader but a good rule of thumb is whatever the odometer says, DOUBLE IT!
I've already set up a 2011 Ford E450 25' shuttle bus.
I didn't spare much expense on the electrical.
3000w Victron inverter, 400ah of Lithium, 2300w inverter generator.
Unfortunately, a big ash tree fell on it, while I was sleeping, with my dog.
Just bought a 2005 Ford e450 ambulance, with a blown motor, for under $2000.
It should be easy, to swap everything over.
And, you can't really appreciate how well an ambulance is built, until you get to know one.
I've got the same cooktop.
Yup.
It draws a ton of power.
Usually, I use my MSR Dragonfly backpacking stove.
It runs on white gas, gasoline, diesel, or, kerosene.
The induction stove is ok, as long as a charging source is available.
Just don't store cast iron pans above it.
That's how they get broken.
I ❤ the clip lights - genius.💡
Good idea about the temporary storage rack!
Love your aesthetic. One of best ambulance rebuilds I've seen. Magical travels.💞
Thank you so much!
No home is ever perfect, regardless of what kind of home it is. There's always things to improve and desire, but you folks have done yourselves a proper good job of building a nice comfy home fit for two minimalistic travelers 👍. Well done 👏 . Stay safe and well out there 💜 🤙
I love all the information you provided! The two of you gave me so many ideas that I'm excited to use when I have the opportunity to convert an ambo!
So glad!
ahhh this is so crazy, one of the ambulances I work in is this exact same model. I kind of loathe it so I couldn't imagine living in it, but you created a pretty nice space with it here
Great job.🎉 Enjoy
And stay safe 🎉
You should add some sort of clip on ladder but from the top of the ambulance so no one can see . Just pull out the ladder when you need it
This looks like a blast you two....great job and upward and onward! Nick your journey has been nothing but amazing and your beautiful Raychel is the perfect foil for you
Thanks Darlene, hope all is well!
Hi guys,
Awesome build you two did. I am on the verge of buying and building out the exact same rig. I found one here in Vancouver and have done 3 builds before so excited about doing another one. I like lots of your ideas and I have a few of my own as well from experience. Hopefully we chat again about having an ambulance tiny home.
Cheers
That’s awesome! We’d love to see your ambo!
The way nick looks at her reallyyyyy so inlove.
Aw ❤️❤️❤️
Love the entire setup.
Beautiful thank you
WTG! Y‘all did a great job on your build. Have fun and enjoy.Stay safe.
Thank you so much!
Great build! Beautiful home on wheels.
Thank you!
You're Van is Amazing. ❤👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Thank you Rocio!!
Looks awesome! Love the kitchen decor!
Thank you!!
Very nice.
Love the build, keep up the good work! 😀
Thank you so much!!
Great build! A telescopic ladder would be a huge benefit and is compact.
Good idea!
They are lovely. & made such a great job in their road home.
xo
Thank you so much!
Love it. Perfect size. I could so live in this
You and me both!
love the van journey it amazing
Thank you!
A very cozy home.
Thank you!!
Solid build y'all! I'm starting my search for an ambo soon and definitely got some good ideas from your build.
Awesome!! Keep us updated! Best of luck with your build :)
Buy some of those fold down steps to get to the roof. Its kinda like rock climbing to get up there on them.... They are not obviously steps.
Good idea! :)
Looks wonderful! Keep up the good work!!
Thank you! Cheers!
She does
He looks like he just missed out on being an extra in Dazed and Confused
You guys did a great job!
Thank you so much!
Looks nice it seems to suit you both.
Thank you!
Thats looks really good! Like the wood panels
Thank you!
congrats, very very nice build.
Thank you so much!
Thanks Again For Streaming
❤️
We are currently converting a school bus. Great looking build you have.
That's awesome!!! Thank you!!
Nice build guys Super cool 😎 looks awesome
Thanks so much!
Super simple, super easy, super awesome, super nice, super cheap.. a lot of vanners.. say super.. a lot!.. awesome video.. ❤️ 🇨🇦 🍁
Thank you so much 😊
I just bought my ambro and hopefully I can be ambroing soon.
Van city van life on youtube is from Canada, Cruz is cool and I've learned a lot from him.
That’s awesome!
The best ambulance built out I’ve seen so far!
Oh thank you!
good for you guys 👍🏻
Thank you!
Strong work guys love it 🤙🏽
Thank you!
Gorgeous build!
Thank you!
Love this idea so much
Thank you! Is this the Meggie I went to elementary school with!? If so, miss you! Thank you for supporting!
NICK & RAYCHEL Lol yes !! I’m just seeing your UA-cam now :) really hoping you guys do day to day vlogs in the ambulance .. love it
The induction cooktop works for small demands, just needs a biggg battery bank! The small burner must be butane.
The gray water storage will need an exterior solution eventually. One can use the vacuum pump in most Ambu’s to empty (if strained).
This is so cool
Thank you!
@@nickandraychel no problem
Awesome Bild!!! I'm looking for a new platform for my next build. Haven't decided yet? But I have to say.... I love your build!!
Thank you so much!!
I love it!
Thank you!
Very nice. I considered the ambulance route but my fiancee is 6'5 😆 we've decided to go with a school bus instead, love it!! Awesome vid!
Lol yeah it would've been a little tight for someone who is 6'5!!! Lol! Thank you :)
woahh ive seen buses and other vehicles turned into homes but i havent seen an ambulance before lol. looks cool asf 🙌🙌
Thank you!
I'll bet this project took a lot of patients
Bahaha
Greetings from Finland 🇫🇮👍
Hi!! Thank you for watching!
Very homie, nice job.
Thank you!
Omg he has sweet eyes!
solid!
Thanks so much!
Very cozy!! Love the ambiance!!! Did you say it was 26° in there?
Jeremy from Jersey just subscribed
Welcome!! :)
Tampa Florida check in
Hi!
I am doing the same thing in south florida
That's awesome! Have fun!
@@nickandraychel I am busy installing a new shower now that will be really cool. What part of south fl r u in?
We live in Canada!
Wow, love this! I am purchasing an ambo this year to convert for travels next summer, so excited! We are from Ontario and if you don't mind me asking, what insurance company did you go with/did you have to re-class it before getting insuance? We are having a hard time finding one willing to work with us, and most other van/ambo builds are American.
Looks great though!!! Love it! Will definitely be taking inspiration from your build for ours 💙
That's awesome to hear, thanks for reaching out! In BC, we all have only one mandatory insurance company called ICBC so we have to go through them. We got 1 day insurance to drive it from our dealer to our garage and on that one day it was classified as a cube van. After we had finished the conversion, we got another inspection and got it approved as a motorhome. There are pros & cons of ICBC, the main con being that the rates are high, sometimes I miss the private insurance in Ontario! That said, we have heard that it's more of a challenge to find someone to insure your van in Ontario, although it can be done. I would suggest joining some FB groups - I just found a group called VanLife Ontario, you could also reach out on reddit. Hope this semi-helps!
Nice job! The wood paneling looks like a cabin. Cool. Question: What’s the suspension like just going down a city street? Just outside NY, suburbs, highways, local, pot holes, manhole covers, you name it are horrible.
How does the Ambo feel?
It definitely gets tossed around quite a bit, we’re low in the rear because we did put a lot of weight in the back (we didn’t mean to lol) so if things aren’t secured then things will definitely rattle around. For the most part, going over manhole covers is fine but we try to go slow over brutal potholes or big bumps. It’s mostly fine but can sometimes feel sketchy. This could EASILY be avoided if we didn’t have SO MUCH storage in the back. It’s one of the downsides of an ambulance because all of our heavy storage is behind the back axel, it takes more of a toll on the struts and suspension. And because the van is too short to have overhead storage that makes sense, you’d have to be more creative to not pack it all in the back.
@@nickandraychel Consider checking into adding adjustable airbags. Better for the suspension and you can control the stiffness or flex of the ride.
I saw someone make there toilet in a drawer, and add storage on top
Great idea!
Hello, thanks so much for your videos! I am thinking of doing the same. Did you have a weight issue to register it? It seems that there are lots of regulation for heavy vehicles, is you ambulance considered a heavy vehicle?
The ideal time is probably double the mile if not more
If you biodegradable step you can drain to outside no problem
Can you provide a link. to the video that inspired the pump-sink setup? I'd like. to see if I can adapt it for my build. Loved the video -- thanks so much!
ua-cam.com/video/D2604Le2k0A/v-deo.html 🙂
@@nickandraychel Thanks so much -- look forward to running into you on the road somewhere and buying you both some drinks!
That’s an offer we’ll take ya up on!!!
Do you have a link for the clip lights? Those look like a great back up.
Hi Alex! This is an affiliate link (so we make money if you use this link) but hey, it's already in my list so here it is: amzn.to/3mQXETR
If you don't want to use our link you can just search Miday Clip on Lamp on Amazon :) we love them!
Hey I’m actually from Vancouver island I have a question how hard was it to insure I just bought a ambulance and haven’t looked to far into insurance also what insurance company do you use?
Q: Why do twenty-something's wear knitted winter hats all year long? Just curious. Best of luck.
What dimensions do you have in the back. Like width and length? Just curious. I’m guessing an ambulance will be small for what I need. But it would be worth knowing
Width is about 7 ft and length is about 13 ft :)
Showers?
@7:39 Nick youre 5'11" Bud!!!!!
LOLLLLL he's pissed
Did y'all mention about a shower.
We don’t have a shower in our build
I never understand as to why ppl have to show all their items inside their storage bins!!!
Can u give us an update on how u guys poo? Like do u have a spray, or does someone just step outside and u air it out for an hour or so, or do u just only use it after light meals? (i.e. no taco bell, dairy, pulled pork, etc)
We rarely poo in the van, in fact Nick has never, but we've done a whole whack of travelling together for years leading up to this, so we've shit, gotten sick, you name it, in the same room before. We try to save our #2s for Walmarts, Starbucks, truck stops, campsites, portapotties, etc.
@@nickandraychel ty ily & I hope u guys r safe
Hello. Do you have any contact information on the guy you brought your ambulance from..
Peep 💙
Our fav ❤️
Batteries are wired inparallel;
I'm kind of curious what the point was of climbing up to the roof to talk to us but not show anything on the roof?
It was a mistake
Can you tell us the name of the ambulance conversion company in BC?
Where do you get your insurance? We are thinking of doing this, but want to know how hard is this going to be to insure.
We have one mandatory insurance company in BC called ICBC so we had no choice but to get it insured by them. We made sure we hit certain requirements, so that they would insure it as a motorhome.
Nick & Raychel: where do you bathe & toilet ?
We have a dometic toilet behind the driver's seat for pee, for other toilet inquiries (lol) we rely on public toilets, and we shower with our Anytime Fitness membership
@@nickandraychel I thought all gyms were closed in lockdown, USA must be different. Or is it just the UK in lockdown.?
Stay safe on ur journey.
👍🙂👍
How are you insuring the converted ambulance? As soon as I say "converted to camper" it is uninsurable with everyone I've tried. Converted bus no problem just not an ambulance. Thanks.
So you didnt show the solar panels. Lol
Looks wonderful, ummm how do you shower?
The damn at otter creek.
Sorry we missed this, we have an Anytime Fitness membership so we can shower 24/7 at any of their locations
i consider this myself years back but not seriosly.After watching a few ambulance build videos i think its a brilient sensable thing.Alot of the build is done for you.lots of ! for the $.food for thought;they turn on the lights and go through lights and stop signs.its the rest of us that stop,go,stop,go.they also dont haul a lot of weight for the size of truck.i have heard that they are geared higher for that reason which should make mileage better.good luck, too cool. nomadic myway
the dishes are gonna fly out...that door latch cant compete with a flying pile of bowls
The dishes have never even came close to flying out, and we've taken this thing up some pretty crazy roads in the past few months.
There is a lady in Europe that made 2 million dollars turning ambulances into motor homes.
That is amazing
How did you get insurance
In BC, we only have one insurance company (ICBC) so we just got it insured as a motorhome through them
@@nickandraychel ok thanks I'm in AZ so its gonna be a pain
OMG 😍💋 💝💖❤️
I don't know if anybody's told you yet but you paid way too much for that like double I noticed this video is 8 months old is the van still running and driving
We live in Canada, it was a good price and we’d do it again. We’ve met others who bought ambulances in our province and spent much more. And yep! We’ve lived in this full time since posting the video.
@@nickandraychel I apologize I didn't mean no harm but I did not realize that they are so much more expensive in Canada. But it seems like y'all built it out pretty nice with everything you need it for a good price. That price was not too terribly bad for everything y'all did due to the cost of such inflation we have witnessed these days. Glad to see and hear you all are enjoying it and I wish you the best much love Respectively, Bo
WHY DONT YOU GET ONE OF THOSE LADDERS THAT EXTENDS AND PUT IN INSIDE AND TAKE IT OUT FOR ROOF ACCESS, WOULD NEVER CLIMB UP THE FRONT, BTW IF YOU DONT WANT ANYONE TO KNOW YOUR LIVING IN IT I WOULD SAY DONT PUT IT ON UA-cam
50 bucks says they keep their weed stash on the roof. 🤣
I clicked on this vid bc i thought u guys were a lesbian couple from the thumbnail icon and i was like yes! Finally! Lgbtqia+ van travel! Im only mildly disappointed, because u guys r alternative enough for me to enjoy the vid
Some of our favourite LGBTQIA+ creators are the Van Wives & "Let's Play Ride and Seek"- I'm sure there are many others on UA-cam, we just haven't discovered them yet!