Building the Ambulance

The Ambulance

It was June 2021...after about a year of looking, I finally bought a 2009 ambulance with the hopes of refitting it into an off the grid camper. The truck was in Chicago. Now the problem "How to get it home?" At the time I was flying every day with very little time off. "Hey Mom, do you want to take a road trip?"

She said "sure" so she asked her friend, Simone, if she wanted to take a ride-along. The only bucket list wish that Simone had was to zip line so they maneuvered the tiny streets of Eureka Springs, Arkasas to find Ozark Mountain Zipline.

Eight months and $$$$$$$ later, I took off from flying and converted the ambulance to an off -grid tiny home. 

I sold the strecher to the guy we bought the ambulance from for $2500.00. Didn't think I would need a stretcher. The above photos show the "before"... now I'll show the "during" and "after" photos.

I installed 9 solar panels (900 watts) connected to 4 lithium ion battteries (400 amp hours) so I'll never run out of power. I glued each panel to the truck then used flex tape to hold them down...which meant that I had to climb up and down the ladder about 1,000 times. I tested the solar panels by driving 70 MPH against 30 MPH Oklahoma wind.

Because I am a fuel nerd, I bought three 12-gallon fuel tanks that fit pefectly in one of the side compartments. I added a pump and hose so I can fill the truck tank from each of the 12-gallon tanks. 

The above photo shows the 4 lithium ion batteries, the toilet, the fridge/freezer, two fold-up bikes, and the double bed frame. You can also see the silver wine goblet (absolutely needed for wine). Ranger (mom's dog) is laying in the front.

The batteries and inverter are located under the bed frame. The hose on the right of the photo is connected to the air conditioner and vented outside. 

The Garage, under the bed frame, folds the hot water tank, fold-up bikes, air-conditioner, freezer/fridge, and toilet.

The fridge @ 33 degrees and freezer at 0 degrees stays consistent thanks to the solar panels and batteries.  Looks like I need to make a beer run!!

The air conditioner is necessary because I'm going to need that in Alaska. The air conditioner also makes water which a bilge pump moves to the holding tank for the sink.

I used boat/marine electical panels, because it was easier. 

Double Bed

Huge double stainless sinks are perfect for hygiene, laundry, dishes, etc. 

The shower room is a perfect size for a midget. The water moves through several water filters and the hot water tank so you have endless  shower water. 

Wine rack and wine glass holder. Because you can't leave home without it!

Finally its May 3, 2022, 8  months later, this ambulance project is mostly complete. I'm ready to  leave Perkins, Oklahoma and drive over 3,000 miles to Juneau, Alaska.