What have I gotten myself into??

[afblangley]

I guess I decided against the renovated TN ambulance mainly on account of the AC hole cut out of the back wall and doors. I do stealth camping and think the AC unit hanging off the rear is going to be too much of a flag.

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.

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.

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.

 

[Sky King]

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 must disagree. Bob may have gotten a lemon but you take a chance buying used. Watch many more you tube ambo owners love theirs. Diesels are cheaper to run, get better milage, less maintenance, run way longer. Why do big trucks, heavy equipment, trains, ships, etc use diesels? Please tell me that. Have you ever owned a diesel? I've had VW diesel Rabbits that got 55 mpg. I had a Dodge 1/2 ton 2wd gas that only got 15mpg. Then got a 1 ton 4wd Dodge diesel that got 24mpg. Please let me know your diesel experience please & Thanks!

 

[bullfrog !]

I must disagree. Bob may have gotten a lemon but you take a chance buying used. Watch many more you tube ambo owners love theirs. Diesels are cheaper to run, get better milage, less maintenance, run way longer. Why do big trucks, heavy equipment, trains, ships, etc use diesels? Please tell me that. Have you ever owned a diesel? I've had VW diesel Rabbits that got 55 mpg. I had a Dodge 1/2 ton 2wd gas that only got 15mpg. Then got a 1 ton 4wd Dodge diesel that got 24mpg. Please let me know your diesel experience please & Thanks!

Many of the heavy duty tow trucks you will be calling will be running diesels as well! You would think their fees would be lower since their operating expenses are so low! Lol!!! Heavy duty vehicles are great for their intended purposes. Hopefully our rail system will improve. Used to be you parked your motorhome on a rail car and road the train to Copper Canyon in Mexico. Wish everyone that wanted to move heavy loads were able to easily do that in this country. Think of all the benefits. Smaller, lighter 1/2 ton or less towable trailer makes a lot more sense if more room is required than a vehicle can economically provide in my opinion.

 

[Lorelei072]

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.

 

[Sky King]

You get so much more in an ambo than a van. Font and rear heat and cold, a couch/bed, more storage than needed, top quality construction, insulated flat walls, countertop/desk, Those outside lights are great at night. Mine has a 250 amp 12v alternator so you can change your house batteries & power anything 12v. Just have to find the right one. Again Good Luck

 

[Matlock]

FWIW, I'm back in my original one-ton UHaul box van. Here in Ohio, I insure with State Farm, listed as a Commercial Vehicle (by vin#) and insured as commercial for personal use. Meaning, No hauling for profit.
I paid cash for it and can insure for liability only. (Uninsured and underinsured). Dirt cheap at $210.00 a half and $1k deductible. Yes, I risk everything but not other folks or their property.
Stealth is overrated. An ambulance is obvious regardless of exterior cosmetics. If you want interior height find a used high top van or buy a uhaul cutaway box van.
For insurance a High top is just a Van so no issues.

 

[Sky King]

Diesel engines last far longer than gas as a rule if properly maintained of course. I am with State farm & carry comp as well for deer. I hit 3 in 1 week.

 

[Sky King]

Diesel vs. Gasoline: Everything You Need to Know​

https://www.caranddriver.com/research/a31515330/diesel-vs-gasoline/

 

[LargeMarge]

I would like to see your RequirementsStatement.
.
This includes such trivialities as:
.. Why live mobile?
.. Destinations?
.. Souls aboard?
.. Boondarking, or a resort at a hundred fedbux a night with shuffleboard tournaments and canasta marathons and name-badges and a perky Activities Director?
.. Mechanical abilities?
.. Meals, showers; solitude or hopping to the next festival?
.. Tolerance for Lazer laser lazor shows, all-night music, and an abundance of Carhartt beanies with the label front-n-center?
.
Your RequirementsStatement can be as simple as you want.
2003, after a devastating diagnosis, we scribbled and drew our RequirementsStatement on a brown paper grocery bag.
Top of our list was -- and is -- 'Holding hands watching the sunrise'.
.
Within just a few minutes, our choice was clear... convert an old commercial truck to our concept of an ExpeditionVehicle.
Why old?
.. Most of the warranty issues are took care of [said somewhat illiterately].
.. Hardly any computers or sensors or expensive gadgets.
.
If I was me, I would look at advice from strange people on the WorldWideWeb ascue asscue askew [grammarians : is that a split infinitive? I do try... [nods innocently]].
Nobody knows my situation, fewer still are responsible for my decisions.

 

[Lorelei072]

I would like to see your RequirementsStatement.

That’s pretty personal. Are we going on a date?

.
This includes such trivialities as:
.. Why live mobile?
.. Destinations?
.. Souls aboard?
.. Boondarking, or a resort at a hundred fedbux a night with shuffleboard tournaments and canasta marathons and name-badges and a perky Activities Director?
.. Mechanical abilities?
.. Meals, showers; solitude or hopping to the next festival?
.. Tolerance for Lazer laser lazor shows, all-night music, and an abundance of Carhartt beanies with the label front-n-center?

Excellent questions

If I was me, I would look at advice from strange people on the WorldWideWeb ascue asscue askew [grammarians : is that a split infinitive? I do try... [nods innocently]].
Nobody knows my situation, fewer still are responsible for my decisions.

Good advice. I kinda felt halfway through this thread that the contrarians found me. It was worth the exercise of articulating my reasoning, deciding to start finding local diesel mechanics to talk to, and maybe even leave some tidbits of information for the next traveler imo

 

[NctryBen]

My neighbor had an ambulance he’d picked up. He wanted to sell me the back part to replace my truck box. But it was way too heavy for my one ton. Those things are heavy!! If it’s the cabinets or outside lights your getting it for… man… you can buy way better more efficient lighting and build much lighter more usable cabinets for a van. Ambulances are not stealthy… if you don’t have a recognizable town or ambulance service name on it with out of state license you’ll stick out a lot like a schoolie… cost to maintain would be high. If you’re on a budget? Not the best pick in my opinion.
We never had a rescue rig or ambulance with our fire department that I’d call economical. I maintained the trucks… and I wouldn’t consider one if I was strapped at all. The only thing I liked was all the buttons I could flip! Haha!
I hope whatever you get you are 100% happy with…

 

[afblangley]

I must disagree. Bob may have gotten a lemon but you take a chance buying used. Watch many more you tube ambo owners love theirs. Diesels are cheaper to run, get better milage, less maintenance, run way longer. Why do big trucks, heavy equipment, trains, ships, etc use diesels? Please tell me that. Have you ever owned a diesel? I've had VW diesel Rabbits that got 55 mpg. I had a Dodge 1/2 ton 2wd gas that only got 15mpg. Then got a 1 ton 4wd Dodge diesel that got 24mpg. Please let me know your diesel experience please & Thanks!

I've owned 3 diesel vehicles over the past decade: Ford E450 box truck, Fleetwood Discovery (class A diesel pusher), and my current daily driver, Sprinter. I don't know about semi trucks, trains or ships. From my experience, the diesel variant is more costly than its gas counterpart. From an operational standpoint, the slight increase in gas mileage is more than offset by the higher cost of diesel fuel. Similar story with maintenance, theoretically less but diesel mechanics change much higher rates.

I don't see how the often touted longevity is pertinent to how most folks use their vehicle. I typically buy vehicles new or low mileage, and then put a ton of miles on them. Almost 100k on the Sprinter in 3 years but also 125k on the gas powered Navigator that it replaced. Gas vehicles have long enough longevity to meet most people's needs.

I am not hating on diesel vehicles. When shipping for a class A I didn't even consider gas powered, even though they are cheaper to buy, operate, and maintain. Ditto with the gas Sprinters, which are also cheaper to maintain and repair than the diesel variant. If you don't believe me, call a service advisor at your local Mercedes dealer.

I'm not anti ambulance conversion. But anyone who thinks that it is going to be cheaper to operate, maintain, or easier to find someone to work on it, is fooling themselves. Ambos and skoolies have their advantages so long as you have the financial or mechanical resources to support it.

 

[Sky King]

I've owned well over a dozen diesels & ran a lumber company that ran both gas and diesel trucks from pickups, 1 tons, 2.5 ton, boom trucks. We bought a 1 ton Dodge V10 Gas & the same truck with a 5.9 Cummings diesel. Both worked great but the diesel got well over twice the milage & cost less on maintenance was less. I do agree I don't want a new diesel with all the sensors, computers, exhaust fluid etc. Simpler is better. Trains run on electric motors ran by diesel generators..

 

[Lorelei072]

I've owned 3 diesel vehicles over the past decade: Ford E450 box truck, Fleetwood Discovery (class A diesel pusher), and my current daily driver, Sprinter. I don't know about semi trucks, trains or ships. From my experience, the diesel variant is more costly than its gas counterpart. From an operational standpoint, the slight increase in gas mileage is more than offset by the higher cost of diesel fuel. Similar story with maintenance, theoretically less but diesel mechanics change much higher rates.

I don't see how the often touted longevity is pertinent to how most folks use their vehicle. I typically buy vehicles new or low mileage, and then put a ton of miles on them. Almost 100k on the Sprinter in 3 years but also 125k on the gas powered Navigator that it replaced. Gas vehicles have long enough longevity to meet most people's needs.

I am not hating on diesel vehicles. When shipping for a class A I didn't even consider gas powered, even though they are cheaper to buy, operate, and maintain. Ditto with the gas Sprinters, which are also cheaper to maintain and repair than the diesel variant. If you don't believe me, call a service advisor at your local Mercedes dealer.

I'm not anti ambulance conversion. But anyone who thinks that it is going to be cheaper to operate, maintain, or easier to find someone to work on it, is fooling themselves. Ambos and skoolies have their advantages so long as you have the financial or mechanical resources to support

I've owned 3 diesel vehicles over the past decade: Ford E450 box truck, Fleetwood Discovery (class A diesel pusher), and my current daily driver, Sprinter. I don't know about semi trucks, trains or ships. From my experience, the diesel variant is more costly than its gas counterpart. From an operational standpoint, the slight increase in gas mileage is more than offset by the higher cost of diesel fuel. Similar story with maintenance, theoretically less but diesel mechanics change much higher rates.

I don't see how the often touted longevity is pertinent to how most folks use their vehicle. I typically buy vehicles new or low mileage, and then put a ton of miles on them. Almost 100k on the Sprinter in 3 years but also 125k on the gas powered Navigator that it replaced. Gas vehicles have long enough longevity to meet most people's needs.

I am not hating on diesel vehicles. When shipping for a class A I didn't even consider gas powered, even though they are cheaper to buy, operate, and maintain. Ditto with the gas Sprinters, which are also cheaper to maintain and repair than the diesel variant. If you don't believe me, call a service advisor at your local Mercedes dealer.

I'm not anti ambulance conversion. But anyone who thinks that it is going to be cheaper to operate, maintain, or easier to find someone to work on it, is fooling themselves. Ambos and skoolies have their advantages so long as you have the financial or mechanical resources to support it.

Oh well you sure set me straight

I found fuelly driver-reporting that Chevy 4500s average 12 mpg to Ford 450s 8 mpg. 12 mpg is close to the 14 mpg I get in my 1994 Ford E150 conversion.

I do see (based on my driving) there will be an annual $2000 difference between Ford & Chevy mpg.

I apologize to everyone here if I said I was going to save big bucks and that I have a great diesel mechanic in my back pocket.

I am really trying to get this kind information beforehand. I need a cost breakdown of expected maintenance and have yet to find it.

 

[Sky King]

I just googled my 1993 ambo milage and got this which matches what I got on the trip home of almost 300 miles home. My Dodge 1 ton 4wd pickup got 24 mpg & towing/hauling over 20,000# still beat 20mpg with a 5.9 Cummins. Maybe it's the newer ones with all the junk you don't need?
People also ask

What is the gas mileage on a Ford Econoline E350 diesel?


EPA estimated fuel economy ratings are 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.

 

[Sky King]

Here's a 2000 E350 7.3 diesel
How many miles per gallon does a 2000 Ford e350 diesel get?


Based on data from 21 vehicles, 1,378 fuel-ups and 400,049 miles of driving, the 2000 Ford E-350 Econoline gets a combined Avg MPG of 13.86 with a 0.36 MPG margin of error.

 

[Sky King]

Maybe it's like wine and people, the older the better Here's another google on a 1993 7.3
How many miles per gallon does a 7.3 L diesel Ford get?


As you can tell, most people get 12-14 mpg in the city (based on various performance parts) and 17-20 mpg on the highway... that's about all you can expect. There are the occasional vehicles that will be the outliers of the "box and whisker" plot, but these are the norms for sure.Apr 13, 2011

 

[Lorelei072]

I just googled my 1993 ambo milage and got this which matches what I got on the trip home of almost 300 miles home. My Dodge 1 ton 4wd pickup got 24 mpg & towing/hauling over 20,000# still beat 20mpg with a 5.9 Cummins. Maybe it's the newer ones with all the junk you don't need?
People also ask

What is the gas mileage on a Ford Econoline E350 diesel?


EPA estimated fuel economy ratings are 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.

The auction ambulances are E450s & 4500s, though (not E350s)

 

[Sky King]

E450s are overkill & will ride rougher. 350s are 1 tons & plenty heavy duty. I'm Leary of auctions as you can get good ones but many people use auctions to dump junk. I've only bought 1 bad vehicle and that was from a supposed friend from Rotary that I trusted, my bad. Here's another search. I'd do a long distance craigslist search like I did & buy it from a fire dept not an ambulance company so you can get the history, maintenance, etc. Firemen take care of their equipment Again Good Luck! The link shows mileage & longevity
https://www.powerstroke.org/threads...=As you can tell, most,are the norms for sure.

 

[maki2]

There are alternatives to auctions. Shop locally. Cities and counties often list vehicles they are surplussing for sale on their own websites where they let people submit bids. Also talk to the managers of private ambulance services, they too might be getting ready to sell a vehicle.

Become an active researcher on your own behalf. Think outside those big auction venues. Start where you live and gradually widen that area to something still a reasonable drive away for a personal inspection.