Ambulance to camper conversion. Recommendations?

So, I want to make my own camper, looking at converting an ex ambulance. I want a coachbuilt (not panel van) body, reliable mechanicals and through-cab-to-rear access. A desirable feature would be not-too-excessive fuel consumption.
I have one slight concern regarding my licence. I’m limited to MAM or GVW of 3,500kg. Are any coach-built ambulances within my weight limit? If I have to take my C-class test I may as well get a really big motorhome!

Ambulance to camper conversion. Recommendations?

Keep the siren and blue lights

Sorry I know not really much use, but one of my mates converted an ambulance, did most of the work himself, and did a really good job of it too.

The only problem with it is that it drinks fuel at a very alarming rate.

Start with a very deep & thorough clean.

The biggest concern is the base vehicle the ones I see at auctions have done 250k plus generally and according to my mates wife who works for EMAS as a paramedic they only replace the vans when they are shot. You might get lucky and find a half decent one but the chances are against it!

You could try the MOD auctions ,they sometimes have low mileage stuff .

Get a 1950s ambulance, call it Bertie and find yourself on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.

Start with a very deep & thorough clean.

Theres a few Ambulance professionals on here. Wonder what they think/if they would? DRAC?

The other alternative would be a panel van of the high-cube variety. High volume, low weight. I want to put a double bed, storage for 2-4 bikes, a shower and cooking facilities. I’ve already sourced an Eberspacher 5kw diesel-fired auxiliary water heater!

My main question was the typical gross vehicle weight of coach-built ambulances. Any ideas?

There are Sprinters & VW LTs that meet your requirements but are over 3.5t.

Not sure how it works with the weight but you can get them derated to 3.5t. And if you convert to a camper and change the logbook then maybe the class changes (i know the MOT class does not sure what happens with weight)..

lots of info on this thread..

http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=231809&highlight=ambulance

If the ambulance has twin rear wheels – i.e. a pair on each side for back axle then it will be over a 3.5 tonne rating. However, you can get most commercial vehciles downgraded through the DVLA to a lower weight class. You’d need to ensure the weight you reduce it to is adequate for you and your conversion needs as if you get pulled into a weigh bridge by VOSA and are over its a big fine.

The frontline ambulances are normally 4.5 tonne Mercs etc. They can come with a hell of a lot of redundant wiring and gas plumbing and air suspension etc.

Plus points would be maintenace regime and well insulated.

Some of the patient transport mini-bus type ambulance that are just a panel van rather than a UVG plastic body look quite good.

Have a look at Merthyr Motor Vehicle Auctions for loads of choice of ambulances.

My top choice though would be an ex-Police van – search on van trader for Police Mercedes. They can come with insulation, windows, lighting and night heaters. Much lower mileage than ambulances and better servicing regime.

vantrader police Merc

or this one here;

http://kevskamper.blogspot.co.uk/

You must fit an aftermarket siren that sounds like the Ghostbusters car. Or a sample of KRS-one going “Woop woop”

Have you seen this thread: full of useful infos
Ducato van

Many ambulances are over 3.5t as you say. Many have troublesome airbag rear suspension, and the bodies are heavy.

Do you really want one… Occasionally you see a smart one but they are rare… The best had a caravan rear panel grafted over the back.

Even a streamlined/faired box van is fairly ‘traveler looking’ and you will struggle to get onto any kind of site.

Also once you get into this size category, it is hard to stay underweight due to the volume of the vehicle.

Probably one of the best options would be one of the older Ocado vans, like a cab in van front faired into a square box on the back. You see loads on eBay as horsebox conversions which is stupid as they don’t have the headroom.

The ambulances I hear around here seem to have V8 engines, something big and petrol anyway.

Might provide you with some suitable locations!!

Plus points would be maintenace regime and well insulated.

Mwahhaha, our workshops regularly removes various bolts and screws from unknown parts of our vehicles without replacing them when finished. It’s rather disconcerting when you find them in the door pocket during a daily clean. They also used screws straight through the rear saloon bodywork when replacing a sign that had debonded and flown off. The repair managed to flood a cupboard, for storing vacuum splints and a vacuum mattress, and the front cab with rainwater. Luckily none of the equipment got punctured. I could list more.

Double niche:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rover-109-Series-III-Ambulance-expedition-camper-4×4-TAX-EXEMPT-/261458210072?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3ce01fad18

Friends don’t let friends but old ambulances. Fixed on the cheap, electrics chopped, chopped again and again and again, parts replaced with parts off other ambulances, absolutely ragged for 300k thirsty, dirty, worn out and ugly. Also no walk through ambulances since about 2000 as standard now require sold bulkheads. Other problems to worry about… Expensive to fix air bag suspension systems, expensive ramp systems, lights and sirens have to be removed and the roofs/doors/ windows often leak.

Not to put you off, but after 11 years of driving the things I’d not recommend them for anything else. They are specialist vehicles and as such not as good a base as you’d expect! Maybe look for a van based horse box to convert or a box van?

This is my mates..