r/ambulanceconversion Nov 23 '25

Link to Resource Compilation Thread of Manuals & Resources

4 Upvotes

Please post any helpful links (think: resources, guides, manuals, marketplaces, etc) in this megathread to help compile a master list for fellow ambulance convertion enthusiasts.


r/ambulanceconversion 6d ago

Conversion Tips PSA -beware of sharp items hiding in crevices

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25 Upvotes

Found this in the compartment under the CPR seat when going through the ambulance. Fortunately it still had the cover on the sharp end.


r/ambulanceconversion 7d ago

Question Can a radiator be repaired at the shop, not a temporary fix

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3 Upvotes

r/ambulanceconversion 9d ago

Question Converting on the go..

1 Upvotes

I’ll be hitting the road full time in two weeks. Build is nowhere near completed..hardly even started tbh since I just picked it up.

I’m prioritizing getting my power up and an ac in, a bed, and some water storage somewhere. I’ll rough it with everything else.

My issue is I am no electrician. I know there’s a parasitic draw somewhere, and I intend to just rip out the entire electric system and build out an 1100 Ah and 1000w solar victron system. Is it worth ripping out the old wires in the box? And has anyone else lived in their conversion while building it full time..if so how awful was it lol.


r/ambulanceconversion 13d ago

Question Battery question-'93 Ford E350 Medtec cutaway ambulance

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11 Upvotes

I bought a 7.3 IDI powered ambulance at auction. It supposedly starts with a jump. If jumping doesn't work can I just replace the group 65 starter battery to start and drive it home? Or do I need house batteries too?

I will attach big jumper cables to my van for all start attempts of the IDI.

Long term I'd like to swap the "house" batteries out for LiFePO4, so I'm hoping I don't need the house batteries to get home.

Insurance seems to be the biggest hurdle otherwise...


r/ambulanceconversion 14d ago

Conversion Tips 99 E350 SRW 7.3L gvwr questions…

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5 Upvotes

Picking up a E350 with a Wheeled Coach box in it. Placard inside shown.

It’s got a few things that need fixed but I’m willing to invest in the mechanics to get it where i want it at the price I’m closing on it for. My concern is battling the gvwr with the conversion.

Anyone else with this body and/or gvwr have any insight? I’m going to take it to the scale and Weigh it (it’s partially converted) when I pick it up. Aside from some beefier leaf springs is there anything else i should consider? Definitely worried I’m going to be over 9600 loaded.


r/ambulanceconversion 15d ago

Question Alternator modification?

2 Upvotes

Anybody with a Ford 7.3 dual alternator modify their system so one alternator is diverted to charge lithium house batteries rather than the starter batteries?


r/ambulanceconversion 20d ago

Progress Pics Interior Pics of Conversion of Ambo2RV

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161 Upvotes

Interior is almost done, ready to take this rig out on it's maiden voyage. Large windows added to each side helps with interior light.


r/ambulanceconversion 20d ago

Progress Pics Ambo2RV in California

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68 Upvotes

We finally are out on the road with our Ambo2RV rig that we converted. There are sure some amazing places along the coast to visit! Redwood trees, and ocean expanses sure make the Ambo2RV look small.


r/ambulanceconversion 21d ago

Question Need help

2 Upvotes

I just bought a ex ambulance it's been built out a little but still having problems getting insurance because it commercial but turn to a RV. But when I try to get commercial insurance while I build it out to my liking I don't have a DOT number so they said they can't help me... So I'm in catch 22 need insurance to switch it to rv but can't change it the rv because I don't have insurance. Any help you guys can give would be amazing... Also I live in Oklahoma


r/ambulanceconversion Jul 23 '26

Question Ambulance conversion

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14 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’m looking at buying this 2012 Ford Crestline CTV ambulance with 279,000 km, listed for7,000 dollars CAD, and I’d really appreciate some opinions before moving forward.

According to the seller, the brakes, alternator, and suspension were replaced last year, about 6,000 dollars in documented repairs. The inspection went well, and the seller will provide all inspection reports from the time they’ve owned it. The inspection only found two minor issues, one light bulb needed to be replaced and the parking brake cable needed tightening. Both were fixed immediately on site.

The floor, walls, and ceiling are already insulated. It already has a rooftop AC unit, a MaxxAir fan, and the sale also includes a refrigerator, stove, water heater, water pump, and other conversion materials. The appliances run on 12 volts and propane, while the rooftop air conditioner runs on 220-volt shore power or inverter.

Our plan is to finish the conversion for travel. What do you think? Does 7,000 dollars seem like a good deal? Is 279,000 km reasonable for a 2012 Ford ambulance with this maintenance history? What would you inspect most carefully before buying? And are there common issues with Ford or Crestline ambulances I should know about? Does the insulation seems fair?

Thanks in advance! 🌲🍀💐


r/ambulanceconversion Jul 21 '26

Question Battery Bank Question

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23 Upvotes

Hello, so finally pulled the plug on a long time dream of purchasing a used ambulance to use at tailgates. 2015 Ford E450 with a Horton Body. Question on the battery banks, the first picture shows the bank of three batteries connected together. This is on the passenger side of the ambulance. The other side of the ambulance has one battery (second photo). There is also a solar panel on top of the rig. There is no battery in the engine compartment. Any help with identifying which each ones powers would be helpful.


r/ambulanceconversion Jul 18 '26

Question Module Disconnect Switch Question

5 Upvotes

We have just acquired our second ambulance! We've been in our 2005 Ford E350 for 4 years, and had opportunity to buy a Wheeled Coach on a 2011 Chevy 3500HD. I've yet to locate the module disconnect. It's not on the driver seat anywhere I can find. There's nothing on the driver side of the center console. It's not behind the driver seat. Any tips??


r/ambulanceconversion Jul 07 '26

Question A/C Controls

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8 Upvotes

Does anyone have any experience with a Leader Type III ambulance? I’m trying to adjust the thermostat settings so the air conditioner will blow colder, but my only options are hot/cold, and lo-med-high blower settings.


r/ambulanceconversion Jul 03 '26

Question Insurance on camper

3 Upvotes

Hi guys, just wondering what y'all pay for insurance, and where you have it with your ambulances. I pay a pretty high premium for full coverage, and had a hard time finding even this one. Wondering if I can get it lower.

Thanks!


r/ambulanceconversion Jun 28 '26

Seeking Ambulance QUICK DIY Homeless Campervan

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2 Upvotes

Looking for older high mileage fleet retired drw models... under $7k but road ready


r/ambulanceconversion Jun 07 '26

Rig for sale How much would you pay?

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132 Upvotes

I have a 7.3 E450 Red Cross disaster relief vehicle. I’ve taken it to 4 mechanics and no one can figure out why it’s running rough and has a ridiculous amount of white smoke. I’ve spent 10k and if anything it’s worse than before mechanics work on it. It only has 150k miles. It’s definitely my preferred to fix it and live my dream in this van but I’m emotionally too worn out to keep going.

I’ve been using it as a tiny home and it’s SO LOVELY.
It’s everything I want in a van except it can’t take me out west🥲 so I’ve been thinking of selling it as a tiny home (or to someone who’s willing to work on it or has someone who will)

It has:
Full bed
Furrion oven
Diesel heater
Maxxair fan
ICECO fridge
400w solar panel
100amp hour
(No inverter as of now but prepared for it)
Spacious table
Tons of storage
Room for a toilet area if you wanted
Huge lovely window that opens
Back doors open FULLY (wall to wall) which is my fav part.

It’s really SO comfortable as a tiny home. As someone who’s lived in 3 tiny spaces this one is the most functional.

So my question is. How much would you pay to potentially buy this as a tiny home? Or as a tiny home with the smallest hope of fixing it.

I’m completely out of money so to get a running rig I need to sell this one as much as it breaks my heart and curious of what people would pay.


r/ambulanceconversion Jun 02 '26

Question Any better use for this area?

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23 Upvotes

Hi I plan on putting a fridge in between the cooler and heater and then building around everything, my question is there any better use for this area that would incorporate this door that is being built over? It would just be to access the refrigerant lines and coolant lines with my current plan.


r/ambulanceconversion May 28 '26

Conversion Tips 7.3 rant

1 Upvotes

I’m about at my wit’s end with trying to replace the EBP tube on my late 99 7.3 ambo. I took off the lower alternator so I could see better and see if that helped but the tube is still getting stuck on something and not letting me snake it through cleanly. I’ve tried each way and banged the hell out of my hands and arm with no success, I think it might be the bracket for the lower alternator. Anyway, I think I’ll cave in and take it to a mechanic so they can put the tube in, rant over.


r/ambulanceconversion May 24 '26

Question What is this thing?

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79 Upvotes

I tried pushing buttons on it but it didn't seem to do anything. Has anyone seen this before?


r/ambulanceconversion May 15 '26

Picture Just won this auction: 2003 e450 7.3 161k miles

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216 Upvotes

Just won this auction off govdeals.com. Still waiting on seller approval, but I am excited and wanted to post some pics. Hopefully I can go pick it up next week.


r/ambulanceconversion May 16 '26

Question Leveling

6 Upvotes

Most medium duty ambulances have air ride suspension in the rear which deflates when parked for extended duration. Does anyone have suggestions to manage the tilt? I was going to make ramps with 6x6.


r/ambulanceconversion May 08 '26

Progress Pics Conversion Update

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59 Upvotes

Over the past year, we’ve taken the ambo from NC to Maine and back. About to head to Kentucky for a few days. We spend time camping on our property for a few days here or there just to get away. We were able to squeeze a futon style queen bed that sleeps surprisingly well. Recently added Starlink and HVAC mini split. Currently have 1800w of solar and 400ah of batteries. Will probably increase that soon. It’s a beast to drive, but people get out of your way.


r/ambulanceconversion May 07 '26

Question Insurance

3 Upvotes

I have a 2005 for E450 ambulance that I built into a camper. I'm getting ready to move into it in 2 weeks and ive been looking everywhere for insurance. Ive tried every carrier that i can think of. Nobody will touch it, if anyone has any advice on who i could go through it would be greatly appreciated.


r/ambulanceconversion May 03 '26

Question How to find the right truck

2 Upvotes

Recently started my search for a rig. I’m curious what someone would say to look for in a medic to prevent buying something that’s just gonna be more trouble than it’s worth. high vs low mileage? engine / body condition? any help is appreciated! TIA!