Introducing Greg and Ginger, the proprietors and creators of this unique DIY ambulance tiny house. Before we delve into the specifics of the vehicle, allow me to provide some background on this couple. Who knows, their tale may ignite a spark within you to embark on a mobile lifestyle.
With a limited number of vacation days at their disposal, Greg and Ginger were constantly yearning for more time to satisfy their adventurous spirit. At one point, Ginger proposed the idea of embracing this lifestyle full-time.
After experiencing the joys of life on the road, they realized their desire to venture off the beaten path. Thus, they settled on a 4×4 ambulance. After an extensive search, they purchased this vehicle without seeing it firsthand, as they were under quarantine in Mexico. The purpose of their camper was not only to enable them to explore unconventional routes but also to facilitate long-term off-grid travel in any season.
Presenting a Freightliner FL60 ambulance equipped with an 8.3-liter Cummins engine and an Alisson automatic transmission. It spans a length of 25 feet (7.6 meters) and stands at a height of 10.5 feet (3.2 meters). Furthermore, this formidable machine achieves approximately 10 MPG (23.5 L/100km) on the highway.
Initially, the duo allocated $56,000 (€51,917) for the entire project, encompassing the base vehicle. For an overlander, particularly one as well-equipped as this (as you will soon discover), that is quite economical. Ultimately, they slightly exceeded their budget by a mere $3,000 (€2,781), with a total expenditure of $59,000 (€51,917). One of the primary methods they employed to keep costs low was undertaking the conversion themselves.
The couple opted for this robust vehicle due to its durability, safety features, and off-road capabilities. Additionally, the rig sits upon split aluminum rims adorned with rugged Continental off-road tires.
As Greg elucidated, when considering an ambulance’s engine, it is crucial to take into account the engine hours rather than the mileage on the odometer. This is because ambulances typically idle for extended periods to ensure the continuous operation of medical equipment, rather than covering long distances.
Apart from the tires, the couple implemented various exterior enhancements to the rig. Notably, they upgraded the fuel tank capacity. The vehicle initially possessed a 40-gallon (151-liter) fuel tank, which they replaced with two 55-gallon (208-liter) fuel tanks, allowing them to travel approximately 900 miles (1,448 km).
On the driver’s side, you will find three storage compartments. The tallest one, closest to the driver’s cabin, houses the electrical system – a highly robust system at that. Its notable components include two 24 V, 433 Ah Tesla batteries, as well as solar charge controllers connected to 1,200 W solar panels on the roof. It is safe to say that going off-grid is not a concern in this rig.
Converting an ambulance can be a hassle, especially when it comes to dealing with the complicated wiring and large electrical panels. The wiring in this particular ambulance was a complete mess, as shown in the gallery documenting the conversion process. To make matters worse, there was no wiring diagram to guide the process.
Greg, an electrical engineer, spent a whopping two weeks meticulously routing each wire to determine its purpose and then organizing everything accordingly. It’s hard to imagine how long it would have taken someone without experience in this field.
On the driver’s side, there is another compartment that houses the plumbing system. This includes an electric water heater, a three-stage water filtration system, and a UV filter. Unfortunately, the capacity of the water tanks in Greg and Ginger’s rig is not mentioned.
At the back of the ambulance, Greg installed a custom-made rack that not only covers a residential A/C unit but also integrates a storage box. This rack also has the capability to hold two bikes and a spare tire. Additionally, half of the rack can be swung away to reveal the rear door, providing access to the garage space under the bed where tools are stored.
While all these features are impressive, they are not necessarily unique to this camper. However, one standout exterior element is the custom-made hammock holder. This simple addition allows the couple to easily attach a hammock to the rig’s entrance, providing a cozy outdoor lounging spot.
Stepping inside the ambulance, you immediately notice the spacious interior. Despite the relatively small size of the rig, measuring 112 square feet (10.4 square meters), Greg and Ginger have implemented various space-saving solutions.
Just by the entrance, there is a large apartment-size Isotherm fridge/freezer. Above the door, a residential A/C unit is installed to keep the interior cool.
On the left side of the living space, you’ll find the dinette area, which consists of two benches with a dinette table in between. This area can comfortably accommodate up to six people, as the dinette seat can be extended. Additionally, the space underneath the bench seats is utilized for storage purposes.
The living space is filled with natural light thanks to a long window on the wall beside the dinette area. All the windows in this area come with built-in bug screens and blackout shades for privacy.
Moving towards the back of the ambulance, you’ll come across the bedroom. This is one of the couple’s clever solutions – during the day, the rear part of the bed can be raised to form a backrest, transforming the bed into a couch. To convert it back into a bed, the couple simply needs to lower the table in the dinette area, allowing the couch to fully extend and become a full-size bed. This process is done electronically. Additionally, the bed’s mattress is placed on a Froli system, which promotes air circulation under the mattress to prevent mold growth.
Image: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny House Giant Journey
Greg crafted a unique headboard for the bed, consisting of a Sirocco fan and multiple compartments for storage, one of which doubles as a charging station. Another notable aspect of the bedroom is a skylight, perfectly positioned for stargazing from the comfort of the bed.
In terms of entertainment, Greh and Ginger installed a Logitech surround sound speaker system and a monitor attached to the ceiling above the bedroom on a swivel mount. This combination is ideal for watching movies in bed with exceptional audio.
The kitchen is situated on the driver’s side of the interior. It features a lightweight butcher block countertop that provides ample space, a sink, a white-and-blue tiled backsplash, a two-burner induction stove, and a hidden induction air fryer oven on a slide-out.
One clever design element here is a built-in drying rack located under a flip-up section of the countertop. Greg and Ginger came up with a custom aluminum pan underneath the rack, tilted towards the back to drain directly into the greywater system.
Image: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny House Giant Journey
The microwave is another concealed appliance, positioned near the ceiling and integrated into a locking slide drawer, similar to the air fryer oven. Additionally, the largest storage area in the kitchen is a large pull-out pantry.
Above the pantry, you’ll find the control center of the vehicle. It includes various switches for lights, fans, tank heaters, and more, along with a Victron battery monitoring system, an inverter controller, and a controller for heated floors.
The compact space next to the pass-through door leading to the driver’s cabin is dedicated to the bathroom – indicated by a sign that reads “Poop Deck.” The bathroom features a composting toilet and a shower with a teak mat and a curtain.
Overall, I’m amazed by Greg and Ginger’s resourcefulness in constructing this small mobile home. Despite its relatively compact interior, it incorporates numerous practical features. It’s certainly one of the finest ambulance campers I’ve had the opportunity to write about.
According to the Source autoevolution.com