How Much Does It Cost To Convert An Ambulance Into A Camper?

The “Campulance”

The cost to convert an ambulance into a camper varies depending on how much work you want to do and what your specific needs are. The largest cost is going to be the vehicle itself, followed by the electrical system, including solar panels, wiring, air conditioning, etc.

The term Campulance is a rather accurate description of an ambulance camper conversion. This comes from taking commercial vehicles and repurposing them for recreational use. Because of the limited space in the ambulance box, it cannot really be compared to a standard RV. However, a standard RV will cost many times more than your own do-it-yourself project.

The average cost to convert an ambulance to an RV camper will run between $10,000 – $20,000 USD.

My own conversion has reached about $17,000 including the $7,000 price tag for the vehicle. I will break down the details later in the article.

What to Look For In A Used Ambulance To Convert Into A Camper Van

I think the most important thing to consider when choosing a vehicle for your camper conversion is safety. You want to make sure you don’t put yourself or others in danger.

There are plenty of ambulances out there that are still very functional and safe. They won’t necessarily look brand new, but they’ll definitely be safer than a normal car.

If you decide to buy a used ambulance, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Make sure it’s well maintained. If it looks beat up, chances are it probably is.
2. Check the brakes and tires. These are usually the parts that wear down the quickest.
3. Do a thorough inspection inside and out.
4. Don’t forget to check under the hood. Is everything working properly? Does the battery charge? Are there any leaks? Is this a diesel or gas engine model?

Where to Find a Used Ambulance

With help from forum members, we put together a list of the best places to find a used ambulance. Start by deciding what type of vehicle you want, then narrow your search by size, location, and price. Many resources can guide you through the details, but here’s a quick overview of the most popular sources for used ambulances.

Craigslist

This is the obvious choice for many people. With over 10 million items listed each month, Craigslist is probably the largest source of used vehicles. You’ll definitely find something suitable if you do a good job searching. However, it’s important to keep in mind that while the site lists everything from cars to boats to RVs, it does not include information about medical equipment. To avoid wasting time browsing through listings that don’t meet your needs, make sure to filter by Vehicle Type.

eBay Motors

eBay Motors is one of the best resources for buying and selling used vehicles on the web. They offer a wide variety of makes and models, so you should have no problem finding something suitable. Just like Craigslist, eBay Motors doesn’t include information about medical equipment, so you’ll need to search specifically for ambulances.

Autotrader

Autotrader is another great resource for buying and selling used cars online. Like eBay Motors, they also offer a large selection of different types of vehicles, including ambulances. The only downside is that their prices aren’t always competitive compared to other sites.

Ambulance Types

There are three different kinds of ambulances suitable for conversion: Type I, II, and III. Each one has advantages and disadvantages. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Type I – An Ambulance Box on Cutaway Truck Chassis

The most common type of ambulance is the full-size type 1. These are typically based on a Ford F-450 cab chassis with either a straight bed or a cutaway bed. Their sturdy construction and rust-free aluminum metal frame box are legendary.

These vehicles are often used for transporting patients, particularly those requiring long-distance transport, such as trauma cases or cardiac arrest victims. They usually come with double Rear doors to load the patient to the back module. In some states, they are required to carry a physician and/or paramedic crew.

The box on a Type I ambulance is mounted on the rear of the vehicle chassis. It contains stretchers, patient monitors, oxygen tanks, and other medical equipment. There are several variations of this design, including cutaway beds, step-down beds, and even flatbeds.

Type II: Cargo Van

Type II ambulances, or “ambulance vans,” are the smallest and lightest emergency vehicles. They’re usually built from Mercedes Sprinters or Ford Transits and often feature a raised roof for added headroom. Inside, you’ll find seating, storage, and medical gear packed into a compact layout.

These vans handle non-emergency transport, such as moving patients between hospitals or taking people with mobility issues to appointments. Despite the smaller size, they carry essential equipment: stretchers, oxygen systems, and basic life support tools. Some even include advanced life support gear. The raised roof makes the ride more comfortable for both patients and staff.

For camper conversions, a Type II ambulance can be a good deal if you want a traditional van build. The trade-off is space—you’ll likely need to remove much of the original interior. We skipped most Type II options because we wanted the larger layout of a Type I or III.

Type III: An Ambulance Box on Cutaway Van Chassis

Type III is similar to type I except the cab and chassis are cargo van-based instead of a truck chassis. They are usually lighter than the type I truck chassis and have a walkthrough between the cab and box.

Type III ambulances are often preferred for their enhanced maneuverability due to their smaller size compared to Type I. This makes them particularly useful in urban areas or locations with narrow streets. Despite being lighter and smaller, they still offer ample space for medical equipment and personnel. The walkthrough feature between the cab and box allows for easy communication and movement of medical staff during emergencies, enhancing efficiency in patient care. Furthermore, Type III ambulances are typically more fuel-efficient and cost-effective compared to their Type I counterparts, making them a popular choice among many emergency medical service providers.

Common type III models include Chevy G3500 and G4500, Ford E-350, and E-450.  The most sought engine is the Powerstroke 7.3 Diesel Engines, noted for its durability.

Type III ambulances are ideal for camper conversions because of the cab walkthrough and larger floor space. They occasionally come with four-wheel drive, but these seem to be snapped up quickly, possibly due to their ability to convert into an all-wheel-drive ambulance.

Can I turn an Ambulance into a Camper?

With a few basic tools and some creativity, you can build your own campulance. The first step is finding the right vehicle—your blank canvas with the features you need—and pushing past the hesitation to cut into it. Stock cabinets already provide plenty of storage for gear.

You can outfit the living space with everything you need to camp, boondock, or even live in long-term. Costs vary widely, depending on your appliance choices. Swap a camp stove for a two-burner, or use a portable toilet instead of a bucket. You can also add a control panel to monitor batteries and propane levels.

The Interior

You can design the interior of your living space to feel either simple or luxurious. Choose a pull-out bed or a fixed one, a compact kitchenette or a full setup with refrigerator and microwave. Add heating for cold nights and air conditioning for hot summer days.

For entertainment, install a flat-screen TV with satellite or a stereo system. If you work on the road, set up a workstation with a comfortable chair. Every choice affects the cost, so balance your needs, wants, and budget.

An ambulance RV conversion gives you about 100 square feet to customize. You can fit a full-sized bed or even a wet bath. If you love biking, add a rack to your build.

The storage already inside can be repurposed into cabinets, or you can replace it entirely. Since you’re designing the water system yourself, you can place the kitchen countertop wherever it works best.

Is It Legal Everywhere?

In some parts of the United States, you can legally buy a used ambulance and turn it into a camper. But you have to follow the rules. You can’t drive on public roads with red and blue emergency lights, and you can’t sound the siren. You also need to obey traffic signals—running a red light could land you with fines or even jail time.

What about the ambulance symbol? You can cover it up, but you can’t use the lights or siren, and you can’t display the logo on anything that goes out on a public road.

The Good News

The good news is that you can easily find used ambulances for sale online. Just type “ambulance for sale” into Google and you’ll see plenty of options. Of course, prices vary depending on where you live, how old the vehicle is, and whether it’s been fully inspected.

However, before you purchase a used ambulance, there are several factors you should consider. For example, the mileage on the vehicle can drastically affect its longevity and reliability. It’s also crucial to check the ambulance’s maintenance history to ensure it has been properly cared for. Furthermore, you should consider the type of ambulance you need. There are different types such as Type I, II, and III, each with their own unique features and uses. Last but not least, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the legal requirements in your area for owning and operating an ambulance. This can help avoid any potential legal issues down the line.

Cost To Convert an Ambulance: Components Used

If you’re looking to buy a used ambulance, you should know that I have seen them ranging from $1,500 to $50,000. So if you’re thinking about converting your own ambulance into a camper, keep reading. We’ve listed the current breakdown of what we spent (so far) and the link to where we found the parts.

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The total at this point is $16,892 from all of the Amazon purchases and the original $7,000 for the used ambulance. I plan to add a welded-on back deck so that I can add a generator and tow hitch.

In Conclusion

I’ll never stop adding small touches to my ambulance camper, but spreading the upgrades out over months makes the cost easier to handle. The smartest way to save money is to plan ahead. For example, if you want a platform bed, draw up the plans before you start. Set a budget and stick to it, buying only what you truly need so nothing goes to waste.