$13K Ambulance Camper Proves You Can Build a Simple yet Practical Home on a Tight Budget

If you're not familiar with the art of converting ambulances into tiny homes, you might ask yourself, "Why an ambulance?" Well, used ambulances are typically cheap, offer a bunch of interior space, and have a strong build with pre-existing compartments.

Ben, the owner and builder of this rig, decided to take full advantage of these factors and build a full-time mobile home out of a 1995 Ford F-350 with all-wheel drive. Before we go any further, let's discuss his budget.

This ambulance turned tiny home cost a mere $13,000 (€11,941) to build, including the base vehicle. That's an extremely good deal for a 4x4 camper – for instance, a good camper conversion will cost you at least $20,000 (€18,371), and it doesn't include the donor vehicle.

Ben did three things that helped him keep costs to a minimum. First, he got the base vehicle for a good price of $9,000 (€8,267). Then, he did the conversion all by himself, which added up to about $4,000 (€3,674). What's more, he kept things very simple inside, as he didn't have any far-fetched needs when it came to living on the road.

Finally, instead of giving himself a hard time by removing the ambulance's existing interior, he made full use of it by integrating some parts of it into his new interior.

I'll start with the rig's exterior. Just like all ambulances, this vehicle came with many exterior storage compartments. Near the entrance, there's a tall compartment on the passenger side that serves as a closet. What's more, it can also be accessed from the inside.

At the rear, Ben mounted a motorcycle carrier that holds his Yamaha TW200. I think it's very useful to have a two-wheeler onboard, be it a motorbike or a bicycle, as it not only allows you to explore more easily, but you can also do shorter rides, like grocery shopping, without having to take your entire home with you.

Other compartments hold tools, gear, a spare tire, and all sorts of bits and bobs. There's even one that holds a tiny outdoor kitchen with a small countertop and a propane stove. Moreover, the rig's plumbing system is also housed in an exterior spot, comprising a 16-gallon (61-liter) freshwater tank, a 6-gallon (23-liter) greywater tank, and two backup 7-gallon (26-liter) tanks.

Lastly, a tall compartment on the driver's side stores an instant water heater, a propane canister, and a garbage can next to a garbage chute accessible from the inside.

Step inside, and you'll discover a well-organized space with a clean aesthetic. Ben opted for a tongue and groove ceiling and white walls, finishing off the look with wooden accents.

On your right, you'll find a closet,t the same one that can also be accessed from outside. Furthermore, Ben lined it with cedar wood to keep his clothes smelling nice. The spaces above and below it are also used for storage, with the lower one holding a Buddy heater, the only heat source in the rig.

The entrance is the only place in this rig where Ben can stand up straight. This is one disadvantage with most ambulances, but then again, you can't stand up in many other similarly-sized campers.

Also, in this area, Ben came up with a clever solution. He added a sink in the rig's floor to serve not only as a step but as a shower, as it's covered with a teak mat. The water is drained directly below. A sprayer nearby enables you to shower, while a curtain will make sure you don't soak up the surroundings. Even though it's a great idea, Ben explained that he hasn't used it, as he prefers washing himself outside.

The driver's cabin is connected to the living space by a sliding door. Ben really wanted this feature, so the base vehicle he chose had one already. Near it, you'll find a small bench hiding the electrical system, consisting of two 100 Ah, 12 V golf cart batteries. They can be charged via the 300 W solar panels on the roof or through the alternator. It's a basic setup, but it does the job.

Next, we have the kitchen. It features a butcherblock countertop made from Acacia wood, a built-in two-burner stove, a sink with a cover, as well as a slip-down countertop extension. What's more, a Dometic refrigerator box is housed underneath the bed, on a drawer slide. It's sturdy enough for you to also use it as a seat.

For storage, Ben uses multiple overhead cabinets. In fact, as I mentioned, all the cabinets inside came with the ambulance, so Ben just repurposed them. As he describes, he "made them a bit more homey and less medical."

If you flip up the countertop extension, you'll notice there's a tiny bench underneath. It comes with a seatbelt, so this is where you can safely seat a guest. Opposite the kitchen, you'll find another bench that also boasts a seatbelt. If you want to work on your laptop or enjoy a meal, all you have to do is slide out a massive table integrated into the bed frame.

One thing that's missing on this rig is a toilet, something many adventurers would like to have onboard. I feel like the perfect spot to integrate it, like on other campers, was under the passenger's side bench. Instead, Ben uses the space there for storage and as a dirty laundry bin.

The last part of the living space is the fixed bedroom, which is separated from the rest of the area by a divider made from walnut. It offers more of a mental separation, making the interior feel more like a home rather than a simple open space inside a vehicle.

Because the bed is positioned higher up, all the room left underneath can be used for storing bulkier items. Ben has a ton of garage space, which he doesn't even need that much, considering the many other storage spots. Furthermore, he can open a door from the inside for instant access to the garage.

All in all, Ben has created a cozy and practical tiny home on wheels, all while spending a mere $13K. It's not a complex build, but it perfectly matches his mobile lifestyle needs.