DIY 4x4 Ambulance Build For $13k - Better Than Most Campervan Tiny Houses
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
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VIDEO DESCRIPTION:
Ben gives us a tour of his 1995 F350 converted ambulance that he affectionally refers to as "The Big Girl"! Ben was not trying to reinvent the wheel when it came to this conversion. He shows all of the items he did keep in the ambulance; which translates to tons of storage, and tons of savings! With the help of friends and family he was able to do the compete conversion for around $13,000 which isn't bad for such a sturdy adventure mobile. Nice conversion Ben, thanks for the tour!
His IG - / adventure_ambo
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This Ambulance conversion has me really considering this type of build, how about you?
You need more space, Chris. You are not a minimalist, but a maximalist! Your camera gear, large fridge, large dog, large personality - a skoolie is better for you. This is a more compact lifestyle.
How tall are you?
Literally will not do ANY vehicular conversion that ISNT an ambulance !! Love how practical ambo conversions are !!
I would build one for Zeppelin Travels :-)
@@TheCrashoholic 99
Probably the best ambulance conversions I've seen.
@Patti Johnson That's not very expensive for basically a house.
How many did you see?
I agree 👍
@Patti Johnson That's what I meant.
@Patti Johnson yes I think too much for having the basics already!
Thank you for including what you do for money!! That's so often overlooked in all these TinyLiving/VanLiving videos on TH-cam. I can't count the number of times I've wonder, "yes yes, I see your batteries, greywater setup and minimal lifestyle, but how are you PAYING to live in a treehouse on top of this mountain?" Is this truly a way to live more simply, or is wealth and privilege that allows for it? I've built and lived in two different tiny homes now, and I'm working on my new bus currently. Only because my aunt owns 18 acres outright will I have a place to park it, and pay nearly nothing for rent. That's luck and privilege making it so I can live this way. We need more transparency about how people make a go of tiny living for it to be holistically understood as a transition we can make at large.
Great point, these are questions I always want answered. It seems like many of these people have the best name brand everything in there campers and driving a Mercedes Sprinter to boot... it needs to be more transparent how much the builds cost all together and how they continue to sustain the bills and money needed to live on the road.
Absolutely agree
Absolutely! Though I am far removed from the areas of Europe and the American continents where most of these fab stories emanate from, I too hv the same questions! A shame that -at 70+ now- mrs and I possibly cant practically do any of this now, but the realities do need real-life replies. All of the lucky folks doing this must ising a lot of different skill-sets matched to many opportunities. Info about these factors would be very useful
#vanlife is mostly an adventure for people with the means to indulge in it. I wouldn't necessarily call it privilege unless having money and deciding how you want to spend it is privilege. If it is, almost anyone with a job is privileged.
My thoughts exactly.
Add to that the insurance bill and vehicle details as well, like how many cylinders, what kind of tires, miles per gallon, etc., because all of these can be all very expensive many of the times you know...
Seems like a small thing, but the garbage shoot is genius.
chute 😉
shooting garbage is real messy 🤣
thanks@@johnwren3976 ! 😉
I liked that too.
Block Noise in Your Room With "SoundProof Curtains" That Stops Outside Noise by 80% (25 Db) Tested. Check Here: livesoundproof.com/best-soundproof-curtains/
Right on *
Using his fridge as a seat for his pull out table is ingenious. Love his build, very spacious and very functional. And all that for $13k? Extremely impressive. Very nice!
I love the chill energy of this dude. What a practical beautiful build!
Nicole Mayer couldn’t agree more. Highly intelligent, too.
The price was great too
Seems like a good dude like when he mentioned the ex girlfriend helping, was nice referring to her.
This guy is brutally honest about his build and his living space is really thought out. no space is wasted and it has a nice flow to it too.
33 years ago I told my 14 year old son, what a great camper an ambulance would make. So glad you saw the potential and followed though. Good for you. Stay safe out there and have great adventures. Personally, l planned on leavening the emergency lights and siren in place. Only because my dream was to camp the woods of Alaska. Figured they'd be would be good to have in case a grizzly got curious. Set then off with a panic button next to the bunk. I'm old now but still planning on getting out there. Merry Christmas.
Use an air horn as the lights and siren are illegal. It's nothing to hook up.
Use lights or get mauled by Grizz.... I think I would use the lights and sireeeeen!!
I love everything, however, an addition of a toilet would be a must from me!
💯
Definitely. It’s a beautiful home but for a lady we need to potty lol 😂
@@hinaakhtar115 men too need a toilet 😂
Indeed. My checklist would be a toilet, standing shower, bed, kitchen and fridge. I do love an ambulance conversion, especially those outside doors.
So far, this guy has the best conversion: th-cam.com/video/wssu8Wp9W74/w-d-xo.html
This is a close second.
I notice a lot of guys are less bothered by a toilet. I’d want one aswell
$13k total build cost, ambulance included! I'm sold on the campbulance idea! Very thorough, complete build, great innovative ideas.
Genius build. I would’ve sacrificed that second “seat” with the laundry in it for a compost toilet at least. Gotta have a toilet.
Thinking the same exact thing
That's what I said.
I agree some typeo f dedicated toilet system, like under the lift up counter would be nice, however, the spot next to the dometic fridge is open and could easily hold a natures head, lugaloo etc.........
A compost toilet doesn't deserve to be called a toilet, it's a poop bucket. I'd really prefer the collapsible toilet that just goes right into a bag you tie off. I drove OTR trucking for 10 years, never pooped on my truck. Plenty of dirt to squat down in lol
@@thefrub I mean if you were really desperate enough I suppose any garbage bag that you could clamp to some kind of opening to hold it there would do in a pinch.
I love the leather strap idea for handles! No way of knocking a knee or something against a regular drawer handle.
I made leather handles for our doors and drawer pulls. I just watched this for the first time and I saw his. Mine are also black with silver screws. Brilliant minds think alike! They work well but will stretch a bit over time.
@@patriciaburke8729 ~I figured they'd stretch a bit over time, but WOW, what an idea, sincerely! I want to keep this one to memory for even future crafts and stuff.
Wow, Ben did an amazing job transforming this rig, I'm a Paramedic and worked out of one of these rigs for several years, ours wasn't 4 wheel drive though. I can say this, that unit is a beast, these were built for saftey, the heavily reinforced box is extremely safe. The compartment where Ben has the propane is where the main oxygen bottle was stored, the seat he was sitting in was the airway jump seat. It's great to see these being used like this, man, the stories that unit could tell OMG. Great work Ben. 🌴😎🌴FL
"The more things you have, the more problems you have.". Ain't that the truth.
Lol my job when I got home to the trailer was to get rid of clothes an a bin an possibly some dishes it's small an clutters fast an came with bugs trapped in my wall I had to untrap to get to my plumbing leak.... An in order to get them gone for good this time... I can't have hiding spaces it's got to be clutter free an clean... More problems... For sure an it's not even a normal home... 254 sq ft.
The more EXPENSIVE your stuff, the more stress you have.
IT'S CALLED MINIMALISN
Spoken like a true headcase who can't afford decent living.
Delusional too: That backyard comment at the beginning.
Cuckoo... Cuckoo...
@@rizh5889 Why do you open things you don't like?
I've been bing watching all these camper van build stuffs but this is literally the best out of them. It feels really spacious and not suffocating. He even got his bike as a secondary ride.
I ran rescue for years. The ambulance with the walk-thru was my favorite one! This is a great reuse of a work horse!
Clever shower in stalled sink in doorway!
Keeping the original cabinets definitely helped keep costs down, as those are things he didn’t have to spend money to rebuild. Also, he’s kept as many of the original features as what worked for him.
$13k and is way better than a lots of RVs out there
Really good work you did amigo good for you 👍👍👍
And incredibly safe considering they were built to protect the crew and patients. 😎
I like how he acknowledges the safety and reliability of the ambulance. Saying his cabinets are safe because of the build of the ambulance is a nice addition to the video.
As a paramedic, I approve of this conversion. :)
Fellow medic here. If walls could talk haha
@@erickeys9524 Indeed! LOL
ha ha :)
I hope he doesn't have those dreams like ,,where people die in this ambulance,, that's kinda sad/scary but really good camper van.
Imagine live in the morgue... Hope those spirits don't come back there...
Dude me too lol
What’s miles per gallon on ambulance?
Coming from a retired female EMT-1A who worked 4.5 years for a private Ambulance Company, and many times having to drive the modular ambulances I have to say that this is the absolute best repurposed ambulance build that I've seen yet. I absolutely love 💕 this idea, and I think you did a fantastic job with the entire layout! I have to say out of all of the ambulances that I drove, that driving the modulars was the most comfortable, and stable hands down to handle over the Ford F-350 models that they came out with plus they had way more room to maneuver around in the back when giving patient care. Love that you utilized the old O2 compartment for your propane tank, as well as the on demand Hot H2O, and that you kept the original storage compartments, as well as adding the solar panels on your roof. I used to live full time in a 34 ft. Travel Trailer with two -outs that was originally going to be for just five years, that ended up turning out to be for fifteen years in total so I can relate to living in small spaces, and how your land yacht is laid out, and where each item goes is essentially important out of necessity. Watching your video took me down memory alley to not one but two really great and enjoyable times in my life making me long once again for the good old days and adventures. I wish you luck and happiness in your adventures in your "Big Ambi Girl". I'm curious to know just what kind of fuel she takes, as well as your gas ⛽ mileage. Have you added anything onto her like a Banks system to improve your fuel mileage (I'm not sure but I think maybe those are only for diesel engines though)?? Also curious to know if you had to insulate the living compartment for your travels to Montana and other cold states? Are you also using a propane heater? I'm don't recall you sharing that info but I could have easily missed that detail.
1:25 he’s showing cupboard below hanging closet and mentions a “buddy heater” and that the unit is really well insulated - am just watching in Oct 2023 but thought I’d reply 🇨🇦🙏
Dayum. This is actually one of my favorite builds. I'd double the solar, and get more than 1000 AH in batteries to power a TV and laptop. And add a toilet. Which could all be added to the build with little hassle. Outside of that, seems perfect. For $13k, better than perfect. Love the fact, it would be relatively cheap to repair compared to many other vehicles that do the same thing.
Saw one other build with a shower at the door. It's the way to go. And now that I have seen this, ambulance seems the way to go.
I would install electric stove convection instead of having to lug around space eating propane tanks.
LOVE THIS.. the big drawback of van builds is the 4x4 .. I’m a woods nut and my family is primarily based in New England.. that means SNOW.. and by personal preference, I want to get more “rugged” places.. THIS Is EXACTLY what I was wanting and didn’t remember existed 😁😁😁lol..
LOVE THIS!! 💕
.. hes put a lot of himself into his home.. it’s great!!
Did anyone notice in his book space "How to talk to girls"
How cute! 🥰
Okay now I have to go back and look! That’s adorable
@@SummerBaby728 go to 9:31 😊
Awe and he's so cute.
Sad
@@dementedpuppy
Not really . It’s just like asking for advice
The fact that his dirty laundry bin is in the same spot where the bio hazard bin in the ambulance I work in is so funny to me
lol!
Hahaha! That's hilarious. Thanks for sharing that.
That must be very soiled laundry to be considered a biohazard! :)
EMT = Empty My Trash
Sure, but only most of us in medical field would think of that )
This is a great space. And the fact that it is already insulated & equipped with so many cabinets is a huge plus. But I continue to sit on the fence about whether or not van life is worth it. Since this build cost $13K, that breaks down to $1,088 per month if you were paying to rent a regular apartment (outside of most cities, of course). And living in an apartment you do not have to worry about your water supply, how much power your batteries have, where to shower, where to go to the bathroom or where to park. Covid really changed the game, too, when gyms & restaurants were no longer accessible to use for showering & bathroom needs.
Yes, you have the freedom to roam but the gas mileage on this vehicle or a van with this much inside cannot do well on gas. You still have insurance & maintenance to worry about as well, not to mention safety & weather concerns. I want to try it so badly but I just cannot see how I would really save any money, and then the big question is how do you earn money if you do roam? I am so conflicted & I mean no hate at all. I just think I would have to go at it with the bear minimum (i.e. a mattress in a van or mini-van even) to try it out sort of like the nomads & Bob Wells teach. But that involves moving with the seasons to stay warm & living in the desert which scares me. LOL I am truly conflicted. But I would love to hit the open road. And again, great space.
This is the single best ambulance conversion I’ve seen yet!
A beautiful build by a clever guy! What really struck me is how spacious it is on the inside and that he has a full-sized bed. Incredible ideas.
I love how this guy isnt trying to show off how "perfect" his van and lifestlye is (especially the part of the video where his jackets fall off the rack). He uses the space semi-efficiently for the purpose it provides (even if its not 100% organized). He keeps it simple and clearly doesnt stress too much about keeping his van looking perfect and I respect that!
This is awesome! I had no idea an ambulance would be so spacious. The existing storage and cabinets are brilliant. I love what you've done to adapt it to your lifestyle! This is great!
I'm not sure I have ever seen a more sensible, utilitarian, comfy, economical build. S-W-E-E-T!
There's not one thing about this conversion that I don't like.....so awesome! Really inspiring and I can't wait to get my own ambo. Well done....thanks for sharing!
OMG. That modified sink as a shower basin is both a piece of art and absolutely genius. And the pull out hose is really slick. If and when I ever decide for an indoor shower, I think I may just use your idea!
I am pleased that he recognized the great design and pure utility of the original cabinets. He is right that something as technically perfect would not be practical for him to try and build. Nice ambulance build!
LOL and WOW! I recognize your home for what it was - I worked on an ambulance 🚑 for 12 years. I gotta say, I love what you've done with the place!! 😁🧡🏠
This is really smart. He had this well thought out. I’m really into alternative RV’s and alternative houses.
Love it that the "ambulance" van is wide than a normal van. Love what you have incorporated into your van. Excellent use of space.
This is great! I love all of the already established cabinets and storage. I'm seriously considering this lifestyle after retirement, would have never thought of an ambulance.
Biggest back yard and no planting grass, raking leaves, etc, got to love it!
You can’t imagine many deaths happen in an ambulance. Sage out those vibes and regain clarity at the highest levels. Take care ❤️
Or...just do what he’s doing and repurpose it to live a life to its fullest?
Sage and repurpose. I would think that is helpful. I was stuck on that, too lol.
I’d focus on the lives saved!
Such cool details to the build. The garbage shoot is fun and practical, the placing of the indoor shower is genius, has it been used? So many well thought details.
But where's the toilet?
Clever to keep the seat belts, well thought out.
Yeah, a potty would be great.
The chair Ben was seated in could be converted to a toilet if someone got creative. 😎
Boys dont have issues going outside has us girls my man son like no loo on boards
I'm usually not a "tiny home" person but THIS is awesome! Being a former paramedic I spent many an hour in the back of ambulances. Although they are adequate as emergency transport vehicles I never imagined they could be transformed into a practical/ comfortable living space. Very reasonably priced as well. At present I wouldn't see myself living in this home permanently but it makes a great RV! Enjoy the fruits of your MANY HOURS of labor.
I’d call her Blue Bell! Thank you for tour. I love your ambulance home. I wish I had one just like it. It’s truly wonderful.
The amount of storage is insane!! I don't think I've ever seen a van with that much storage. All of the sturdy cabinets are super nice!
I know why you laughed when talking about the PA system, I build ambulances for a living so I know that the PA system is also the siren amp. and I noticed the siren speakers are still in place under the front bumper. hahaha. nice build man. you did an excellent job.
Hi, you build Ambulances..how much do you charge for one??? I'm looking for one..
You’ve done a GREAT job on this ambulance conversion! Congratulations. You seem like such a nice guy, you deserve it. Enjoy!
I love this one. I like that he kept those awesome cabinets. Good for him. He did a beautiful job. Thanks for sharing.
AWESOME build! Wait… No toilet?!? Not that you have to always use it but middle of the night, raining, snowing, just don’t feel like it days; a toilet is a must have.
Nice build. I really like those original ambulance cabinets around the top. They're better than anything people build themselves.
This guy has such a sweet way of talking :)
The house is full with such clever ideas, shower hiding space, leather strap (no bumping issue), that dustbin idea is just too good!
This is just gorgeous. I can’t believe how that divider makes a huge difference, and really makes it homey.
Love that it came with cabinets...sturdy and saves on building costs.😃
But you really need someone that's done rebuilding vehicles before. It's not something you can really read as you go type of reno.. overall I like the concept
Who would of thought because this a probably one of the most brilliant ideas I've seen for tiny homes.
This is one of the coolest small living trucks!! So much was already built in. So nice!! $13000!?! That's amazing 😀
These ambulances seem perfectly suited to convert, love all the outdoor/indoor storage.
Even though much smaller than typical van / bus builds, this has everything you need in a much smaller more efficient area. Me personally love all the storage space. I do photography, videos and podcasting as well as outdoor sports stuff. I need that storage. And he had space for a "shower". I like it a lot.
Probably one of the best finds and conversions that I've watched; especially a built tough Ford with 4 X 4 . Small bike is perfect, but you could tow a small vehicle . The Gentleman is Focused & Organized ; knows what He wants in His Life. Excellent . Thanks and Good luck.
A dream tiny home. The interior cabinetry would cost thousands to duplicate...very industrial and tough. All the best for happy travels.
as an Indonesian i really love when he open the cabinet at 4:18 . Btw it's a beautiful campervan.
It's cool that it came with those high quality cupboards that you were able to repurpose. I really feel like an ambulance has a lot of pros compared to a minivan or even a sprinter
Good luck w the Sprinter, as Joe Smith mechanic isn't going to have knowledge of them...universal is a way to go. Cheaper parts, too.
I love that you have tile in your kitchen area.
Most people avoid doing tile work in a mobile house.
Very impressive. But I would definitely have to figure out a potty solution.
yeah, that's a fail for me
I agree
Bucket with a toilet seat and kitty litter lol
I like the closet space as a possible solution. There's so much storage space already, so it would be a great space for a toilet.
@kitt7459 that's what I said to.
Really nice build. What a bonus the cabinets with sliders and other found ambulance features. Subway tiles look great. How’s the power plant and drive train? You seem genuine and a decent human being. Smart too! Enjoy your freedom as long as possible.
I've learned of a drill attachment for removing decals; so in case you're interested: Decal Removal Eraser Wheel w/ Power Drill Arbor Adapter 4"
Awesome build! I love the simplicity, the fixed bed, the ice chest sized pull out fridge that doubles as a seat and the TW200. I'd swap the lead acid batteries for LiFePO4.
This dude is a genius, wow I’m impressed.
OMG, i never thought of converting an ambulance. Every one is built off of HD chasis. They would be perfect to do a small stretch on. Great idea.
Dude this looks way roomier than any van I've seen. It's boxy inside and out, but with such a small frame (living in a car) Id rather have boxy and spacious than curvy and small.
Dewwwwd....
Maybe he doesn’t want to travel around with his own shit that he later has to dispose of anyway? I don’t keep used Kleenex in my pocket ya know?
@@sarahshep592 Why not? You can make toilet paper out of it...
I spoke/wrote to soon on the last video I watched = YOU win the VALUE build. Absolutely incredible. Congratulations. God Bless & Godspeed.
He did a really good job. One of the best ambulance conversions I've seen.
IVE SEEN THIS GUY IN HIS VIDEO WHEN HE BOUGHT THIS AMBLANCE & ANOTHER AMBLANCE THAT HE SOLD & HE WENT TO ALASKA. I LIKE HOW HE PUT HIS MOTORCYCLE ON THE BACK & I LIKE THE MOTORCYCLE RACK EASY FOR ONE PERSON TO USE GOOD JOB!!
Cedar to keep the bugs an tiny space musty smells down great choice...
What he did with his build really makes sense to me, why reinvent the wheel. The cabinets are solid and well built and as far as I’m concerned they look good. He put his efforts into a well thought out space that meet his needs and is aesthetically pleasing. Good job and even better price. 🔝🍌
Great build for a sweet price... And a Rig that will go deeper in the forest than most.
Okay, first off I would like to say that this is the most user friendly, and well thought out ambulance build Ive ever seen. I love it! Ive been thinking about doing an ambulance conversion myself so Ive watched a lot of videos and this is by far my favorite build. And the garbage chute...... Brilliant!!!!
We couldn't agree more, the layout was so beautifully designed.
That is so awesome. Enjoy it always and be blessed as well. Safe travels where ever you go.
An ambulance!!!! That’s the most amazing creative idea I’ve seen so far. Those things were built with so many safety features.... 👏🏼
This is one of the best done conversions I've ever seen.
That shower by the door is ABSOLUTELY incredible!!!
This is probably one if the coolest campulances I've seen yet,great job
Campulance. I like that.
Frugal & Smart! Good idea to buy a ambulance for all the built-in storage space. So that's where old ambulances 🚑 go, Repurposed as Tiny Homes!!!! 🥰
May God protect you and keep you safe in your travels bro. Great job 😃👍
Love those glass cupboard doors with their special stay open hinges. Brilliant. Seems as smooth as silk. Congrats!
Great sensible build at a terrific DIY price. Think I missed the engine/drive train discussion on mileage hours. Hope it’s not too old or that he is prepared for engine or transmission rebuild upon need.
I’m sure he takes real good care of his home. Those older trucks are also very easy to fix and run maintenance on. Also not very expensive either.
It's really awesome that you can easily access the cab from the back. Garbage chute, entryway shower, slide out fridge /seat make this very unique with features I haven't seen in other vehicle homes. Wish there were a bathroom.
That is such a great build. I love all the compartments and storage on the outside, he got so lucky with that and the pass thru door and those cabinets. I just would have to have a bathroom for night time and times when I would wanna not let people know I’m there! I really really like this though. And He isn’t so bad himself either 😉
Yep!
You’re attracted to this low energy dude?
totally agree , I would need a bathroom too and he is a cutie 😉
@@CoveringFish
Don’t be a hater
as a former medic -- HELL YEAH!!! this looks amazing!
i have yet to find a better conversion then yours. this really makes me want to live in an ambulance. great build
Swapped Tonya to 4x4. Wow. Wasn't cheap...best idea ! Ice chest seats. Absolutely...great. love it good night.
Keep Moving On!
Im 61, retired and go for an interview in two days to see if I qualify for new affordable housing being built in my community.. How I envy and admire your talent, thrift, independent spirit, and freedom......If I was twenty years younger, Id follow your lead, and be able to have affordable living, personal freedom, and space.....Well done, Sir....
You are still young enough...go for it & live the life of freedom on the road...don't delay...
I know the feeling FM. The 'affordable' housing here where I am is not affordable, unless young and earning at least $35k a year. I'm a year younger but really want to break away from a locked in 'spot' over being on the road..
Nice conversion. I like how he kept some of the original cabinets there which saved him time and money. I can do away without built in stove. I'm ok with a portable stove. All i need is the sink and microwave save I don't cook
As many times as I have been in ambulances, I never imagined turning it into an actual home!
I’m sorry you’re always going in ambulances :(
@@Smil7001 You're very kind! (Although I don't count the times I end up going to the hospital...just the times I'm blessed to be able to leave!)
what a convinient ambulance. It already has storage. if i ever have a tiny house maybe i would get an ambulance this guy has
Just when you think it can't get any better he rolls a dirtbike off the back with its own ramp
I want to go 6 mis anyway in van or....
Lots if camping since childhood, took my 2 kids, gone even being disabled. I car camp. Hoping for a short small Kirkam Tbar tent. Saw an ambulance 4 sale and went to look and absolutely decided it was the rig 4 me. Don't have one yet. Maybe ine day. Watched a lot of videos of builds and say i love this build. Happy camping!
Very shipshape - an ingenious design. I like the comforts provided.
"The more things you have the more problems you have." I believe that with all my heart. More things make clutter which I believe clutters up the mind, being a minimalist frees up your mind and time to do other things in life!
Super nice guy! We met him and had a tour of his rig up in Neaderland, CO.
Is he from Colorado? Nederland is cool!
So cool! Love the Dometic storage and the sliding doors. We built a DIY travel trailer, and such cool ideas here.