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:
- Make sure it’s well maintained. If it looks beat up, chances are it probably is.
- Check the brakes and tires. These are usually the parts that wear down the quickest.
- Do a thorough inspection inside and out.
- 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
Thanks to some helpful forum members, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of places where you can find a used ambulance. We found it useful to start off with a general idea of the type of vehicle you’re looking for, and then narrow down the options based on specific criteria such as size, location, and price. There are plenty of resources out there to help you figure out exactly what you want, but here is a quick overview of the most popular sources for finding a used ambulance.
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, etc. There are several variations of this design, including cutaway beds, step-down beds, and even flatbeds.
Type II: Cargo Van
Type II ambulances (also known as “ambulance vans”) are basically just a van equipped with a lot of storage space, seating, and equipment. They’re the smallest, lightest type of emergency vehicle available. The most common models are Mercedes Sprinter vans or Ford Transits. They often sport a raised roof.
Type II ambulances are typically used for non-emergency medical transport, such as transferring patients between hospitals or transporting individuals with mobility issues to medical appointments. Despite their smaller size, they are outfitted with all the necessary medical equipment including stretchers, oxygen supply, basic life support tools, and sometimes even advanced life support apparatus. The raised roof feature provides additional space and comfort for both the patient and medical staff. These vehicles are popular due to their cost-effectiveness and efficiency, making them a valuable asset in the healthcare industry.
As far as camper conversions go, a great deal on a type II ambulance might make sense if you want to do a traditional camper van conversion and don’t need the extra space. The smaller space, compared to types I and III, means you’ll likely have to rip out a lot of what’s already in there. We didn’t look closely at many type II ambulances because we already knew we wanted the spaciousness of 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, anyone can build their own campulance. The real trick is finding the candidate to act as your blank canvas with the features you need, and getting over the hesitation to start cutting into it. The cabinets that come stock offer tons of storage for lots of gear.
Your living space will contain every convenience you personally require to camp, boondock, or, in some cases, live in for extended periods of time. The total cost is so fluid and your appliance selections greatly affect the bottom line. A two-burner stove instead of a camp stove, or a portable toilet instead of a bucket. A control panel to monitor your batteries and propane tanks can be installed.
The interior of your living space can be as luxurious or as simple as you desire. You can choose from a variety of options such as a pull-out bed or a fixed one, a compact yet efficient kitchenette, or a full-fledged one with a refrigerator and microwave. A heating system for those chilly nights and an air conditioner for the hot summer days can be included.
For entertainment, you can opt for a flat-screen TV with a satellite connection or a stereo system. If you work while on the road, a workstation with a comfortable chair can be added. The options are endless and each one can greatly affect the overall cost. It’s all about balancing what you need, what you want, and what you can afford.
Remember that your Ambulance RV conversion is extremely personalized with about 100 square feet of room, and plenty of space to add a full-sized bed or a wet bath. Enjoy biking the trails? You will probably add a bike rack to your build.
They already have plenty of storage available to repurpose into cabinets, or the cabinetry can be completely replaced. Since you are designing the water system, the kitchen countertop will be installed where it is most convenient.
Is It Legal Everywhere?
In some parts of the United States, you can legally buy and operate a used ambulance as a camper. But there are rules to follow. First off, you can’t display red and blue emergency lights on a public road, nor can you sound sirens. You must also make sure that you don’t run red lights yourself. If you do, you could end up facing fines and even jail time. So what about the ambulance symbol? Can you cover that up? Well, yes, you can. You just can’t flash the lights or sound the horn. And you certainly can’t put the ambulance logo on anything that appears on a public road.
But here’s the thing: while you might be able to legally operate a used ambulance as your personal vehicle, you still may not be able to camp in some RV parks. Administration in a few of these parks does not consider the campulance as an RV. They should tell that to my insurance company…They have no problem classifying it as an RV.
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.
| Component | Link | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Ford E350 Ambulance | 1 | |
| Wireless Backup Camera HD 1080P | 1 | |
| RICH SOLAR 200 Watt 12 Volt | 6 | |
| HQST Solar Panel Extension Cable 20 Feet 12AWG | 2 | |
| BougeRV Solar Connectors Y Branch | 1 | |
| Ampper Battery Switch, 12-48 V | 1 | |
| EPEVER 100 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller 200V | 1 | |
| BougeRV White Solar Double Cable E ntry Gland Box | 1 | |
| RICH SOLAR Solar Panel Mounting Hardware Z Brackets for RV Roof Boat Set of 4 Units | 6 | |
| HQST 12 Volt 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery | 4 | |
| Littelfuse 0298100 Bolt Down Auto Fuse 100A | 1 | |
| Victron Energy Lynx Distributor | 1 | |
| Littelfuse 0298400 Bolt Down Auto Fuse 400A | 1 | |
| Baomain ANL-400A Electrical Protection ANL Fuse 400 Amp with fuse holder 1 Pack | 1 | |
| Littelfuse 0MEG150.XP MEGA BP Slo-Blo Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse | 1 | |
| Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant (2) | 1 | |
| Victron MultiPlus 24/3000/70-50 120V VE.Bus Inverter Charger | 1 | |
| Blue Sea Systems ST Blade ATO/ATC Fuse Blocks | 1 | |
| 4/0 Gauge 4/0 AWG 10 Feet Red + 10 Feet Black | 1 | |
| WBHome Hydraulic Wire Crimper Battery Lug Terminal Cable Crimping Tool, 8 Dies, 12 Ton | 1 | |
| 10pcs 2 Gauge 2 AWG x 3/8” Pure Copper Cable Lug Terminal Ring Connectors | 1 | |
| 10L0L 4AWG 25-Inch Power Battery Inverter Cables Set | 1 | |
| 2 Gauge 2 AWG 5 Feet Black + 5 Feet Red | 1 | |
| 10 pcs WNI 4/0 Gauge x 3/8 Pure Copper Battery Welding Cable Lug Connector Ring Terminals | 1 | |
| Victron Energy Orion IP20 24/12-Volt 40 amp DC-DC Converter Non-Isolated, High Power | 1 | |
| ALOVECO LED RV Lights, 12V Led Lights Dimmable Camper Interior Lights 3000K RV Lights Interior Waterproof 12 Volt LED Ceiling Lights Motorhome Sailboat Yacht Case of 8 Packs | 1 | |
| Victron Energy SmartShunt 500 amp Battery Monitor (Bluetooth) | 1 | |
| MAXXAIR 0007000K MaxxFan Deluxe Fan with Remote and White Lid | 1 | |
| Turboo LED Pods, 4 Inch 60W LED Light Bar, 12000LM Spot Flood | 1 | |
| Diesel Heater 12V, 10L Tank, 5KW Diesel Air Heater, Fast Heating, Diesel Heater with LCD Switch & Remote Control | 1 | |
| Monarch Abode Hand Hammered Aluminum Matte Black Glasgow Dual Mount Sink (12 inches) | 1 | |
| BWE Black Vessel Sink Drain Fits Standard Bathroom Sink Hole 1-1/2″ to 1-3/4″ Bathroom Faucet Vessel Sink Pop Up Drain Stopper Without Overflow Matte Black | 1 | |
| GasOne 2106-012 Propane Regulator 12 Feet Universal QCC1 Grill Replacement with, Black | 1 | |
| SEAFLO 12v Water Pressure Diaphragm Pump 3.8 LPM 1.0 GPM 40 PSI | 1 | |
| Valterra W01-1400PB Clear Vinyl Tubing – 3/8″ I.D. x 10′ | 2 | |
| ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator with SECOP Compressor, 60 Liters Platinum Compact Refrigerator, DC 12/24V, AC 110-240V, 0℉ to 50℉, Home & Car Use (with Insulated Cover) | 1 | |
| Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon (ES4) – Eliminate Time for Hot Water – Shelf, Wall or Floor Mounted | 1 | |
| Starfire Solarus HT All-Season LT225/75R16 115R Tire | 6 | |
| Elkhart RV Motorhome Camper Trailer 20″ Double Step / 12″ Drop/Foldaway Entry Step | 1 | |
| Senville LETO Series Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump, 9000 BTU 110/120V, Works with Alexa, White | 1 |
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 will never be finished adding touches here and there on my ambulance camper rig, but because it is spaced out over the months it isn’t that hard of a hit to the pocketbook. The best way to save money is to plan ahead. In other words, if you are going to want a platform bed installed, it is best to have the plans drawn up beforehand. If you know what you want to spend, then you can make sure you don’t waste any money by making sure you only buy things you really need.
