1986 4WD Ambulance Was Turned Into a No-Frills Tiny Home, Total Cost Was Just $7K

Meet Dritzz, an Alaskan man who lived in a 1986 4WD Chevrolet Silverado ambulance. He bought the ambulance for just $5,000 (€4,637) from Craigslist. At that time, it had only 35,000 miles (56,327 km) - that almost sounded too good to be true, but it turned out to be true after all. However, a significant drawback is the gas mileage – this ambulance gets about 6 MPG (39 L/100km).

Dritzz, like many other adventurers who converted ambulances on a low budget, built around several of the vehicle's original components, such as the sliding cabinets. That's how he managed to spend just $2,000 (€1,855) on the conversion.

As soon as you lay eyes on the vehicle, you'll know it used to be an ambulance. Not only because it still has the emergency lights (which don't work anymore; otherwise, it would be illegal to drive the vehicle) but also because it's finished in white with two strips colored blue and orange. What's more, there's even a sticker on the side of the vehicle with the instantly recognizable "Star of Life."

All ambulances come with various exterior compartments designed to house medical gear. When it comes to camper conversion, they're perfect to be used for storage. In Dritzz's case, he used one of these compartments to hold the plumbing system. It consists of two 6-gallon (23-liter) freshwater tanks connected to a water pump and a water heater Dritzz got from an old boat. Another tall compartment beside the one I just mentioned holds two 6 V batteries that form a 12 V system - we don't know their capacity.

In the driver's cabin, Dritzz didn't make any modifications. You'll find a massive control panel with so many switches and buttons – it's almost like you're inside an airplane cockpit. Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit.

Still, because it's an old vehicle, you'll have to follow a starting procedure to drive it: turn the motor batteries on, flip the master switch, and then start it up. All the buttons and switches and buttons are labeled, so you're good to go.

Step inside, and you'll notice the interior is very spacious. The kitchen is located on the passenger side, occupying most of the wall. It's built over the ambulance's interior and features a dual-burner induction stove, a tiny sink made from a stainless steel bowl, and various slide-screen cabinets that provide a lot of storage space, not just for kitchen stuff but also for Dritzz's personal belongings.

Another notable element is a laundry hamper/ trash bin compartment that Dritzz cut himself. Move closer to the driver's cabin, and you'll find the "seating area." It boasts a seat that came with the ambulance and a small counter where you can place your coffee or enjoy a meal.

Integrated into the wall are various switches for the lights, speakers, and a fan, as well as four outlets. You'll also find connections for oxygen tanks and more. Moreover, above are two slide-screen cabinets for some extra storage.

The living space is separated from the driver's cabin by a pass-through door. Next to it, you'll discover the rig's original electrical paneling – it looks very intimidating because of the sheer number of fuses and cables. I wish I could say it just looks intimidating, but it isn't actually that difficult to get a grasp of - however, that's not the case.

Opposite the seating area, just by the entrance, you'll notice a large closet, which is also accessible from the outside. Above it, there's a cubby with the ambulance's original heater next to it – it still works, although, according to Dritzz, it's not that powerful.

The final part of this rig's living space is the living room/bedroom. Dritzz added a long bench with enormous storage space underneath. Over it, he can pull down a Murphy Bed – this is how Dritzz managed to keep the interior so roomy. Moreover, the mattress is somewhere between a full-size and a twin-size, and there are many outlets integrated into the wall.

At the time the presentation video was filmed, Dritzz said he planned on adding a fridge in the closet and devising a shower pan right by the entrance. However, I was sad to find out in the video description that Dritzz passed away in an accident in Alaska.

Dritzz managed to create a no-frills yet practical and cozy tiny home. Keep in mind it was built for the same sum people pay for the utility systems in their camper van conversions. It might not be good enough for some people, but it did the job for him – it's a shame he isn't still enjoying it to this day.