Ambulances are not stealthy. They are designed to stand out, and will, in almost any environment. No matter where it's parked, folks will notice it.
NGL I’m certain my van is stealthier. I wonder how decommissioned ambulances are generally perceived as or if they’re noticed after the decals & lights are removed. Have you seen Dave’s rig from YT Campulance Man? I think that’s pretty low-key. Also, I’d have to stay at the more tolerant parking lots. Plus I’d go back to disbursed camping at the national forest 20 minutes away from my job.
Diesel vehicles in general, are more expensive to operate and more challenging to repair than their gas powered equivalent. Ambo conversions require deep pockets if you're not mechanically inclined. Check out the video Bob Weils posted on why he was getting rid of his ambo.
I’m still working that out. OFC larger, heavier vehicles have larger, heavier parts that can cost more. I found a diesel shop on Google maps that I’ll have to call on Monday to get a rundown on expected maintenance costs.
1) My state doesn’t do emissions on diesels; 2) I’m looking at used ambulances on auction - not new; 3) MPG are reported as better in diesels than in gas. These 3 points may reduce my cost of ownership. But I think I’m going to be clobbered by taxes, fees, and insurance.
Edit: I have a lot of questions about Bob’s ambulance experience. Personally, I’m seeing a lot of damage, incompetence, and failures through chain auto shops and some small repair shops. My first rig (‘92 GMC) started having engine problems. I spent $2500 on a tune-up & other work. A month later it overheated. A month after that the driveshaft fell out on a busy Highway at rush hour. There could have been fatalities but I pulled over immediately upon feeling strong vibrations not UNlike a flat tire. 2 weeks after fixing that the head gasket blew.
My current van ends up having something else broken after service. I had Mavis (big mistake!) do a brake job. The next day the right wheel seized. It took 2 weeks & cost $2500 in missed work, parts, & labor to fix that and there’s still something wrong. I brought it back 4x but they say it’s fine
I found a better mechanic that I’ll have look at the brakes if I don’t get an ambulance soon. I need to save more money for either.
You don’t need to have a diesel rig to have big problems.
Lessons learned are 1) To be more scrupulous looking for a mechanic- especially for old vans; and 2) Find the dealer-recommended service guide for your vehicle and be diligent about preventative maintenance.
It's more cost effective to downsize your stuff to fit into a van. If your current van is unsuitable, replace it with another van not an ambulance.
I worked hard for those things and I’ll never get back what I paid for. And I use them. I don’t see any place in my van for my tools. My winter clothing is too bulky and takes a lot of work to squeeze into the tiny shelf unit I built. Then there’s my breakaway camping, prospecting, and hunting gear that’s currently occupying the chicken coop that I sleep on. I’m ready for TEOTWAWKI.
