This Children's Ambulance Was Converted Into a Camper, It Still Has All the Stock Features

A few days ago, I wrote an article about why ambulances and skoolies are suitable alternatives to camper vans. Regarding ambulances, one of their pros is that you can use their stock interior to build out your living space. However, if you're not into their stock construction, you're going to have a hard time removing everything due to the components' sturdiness.

Many people who do ambulance camper conversions keep at least a part of the interior in their mobile home build. Take Keith and his ambulance as an example - he wanted to take full advantage of what a stock interior offers, so he kept just about everything the vehicle came with.

Keith was interested in the mobile lifestyle but felt he needed something different from a camper van. He started looking into ambulances and found this 2009 model based on a Ford E-350, which used to be a children's ambulance.

Keith kept most of the storage, electrical, and other stock features. Why? Not only due to their functionalities but also because he greatly respects the rescue services and the technology that goes into these vehicles.

As soon as you lay eyes on the vehicle, you'll know it used to be an ambulance. Of course, to drive any used ambulance, you're legally required to remove the emergency lights and other features. Still, an ambulance camper will catch the eye of bystanders – if you like the attention, then it's not a problem. However, if you want to stealth camp, you might want to check out other types of conversions.

This ambulance is finished in white all around its exterior. Before we move inside, let me tell you more about the numerous exterior features – I won't talk about each, as that would take too much. Instead, I'll try to keep it short and sweet by presenting the most notable details.

At the rear of the passenger side, you'll discover a tall compartment holding a gas/propane heater connected to an outdoor shower, a 42-gallon (159-liter) freshwater tank, a water pump, and a propane canister. Moreover, a drawer on the same side of the vehicle houses the vehicle's batteries.

One distinctive exterior feature is located at the ambulance's rear: a lift that can be folded out. First responders used it to bring equipment and place children in gurneys on it. Now, Keith uses it either as an outdoor table for cooking or as a bench. Moreover, it can be electronically lowered and raised.

On the driver's side, you'll discover an enormous compartment toward the rear. It stores a spare tire and various gear, and its top part serves as a pass-through to the interior. Another compartment holds some tools.

You'll discover the ambulance's power system in a tall compartment on the driver's side, near the cabin. It comprises a Victron MultiPlus 3,000 W inverter/charger, two 206 Ah batteries, a DC/DC charger allowing the batteries to charge while driving, and a solar charge controller connected to two 400 W solar panels on the roof. Furthermore, the system can also be charged via a shore power connection, so there are a total of three ways to keep the batteries juiced up.

Step inside, and you'll discover the stock interior was kept as original, with some additions. On your right, you'll find a spacious closet with a hanging rod. This compartment can also be accessed from the outside – however, Keith added a polycarbonate sheet to let some light shine through when the door is opened. Above the closet, you'll find the original A/C unit, which still works, keeping the interior hot or cold, as needed.

The next part I want to talk about is the bathroom. Well, it's not a fixed bathroom like in other campers, but Keith added a Porta Potty right by the door separating the living space from the driver's cabin, behind a seat that came with the ambulance. It's a tight spot, but it does the job.

By the way, you'll find the rig's original electrical cabinet above the pass-through door. At first glance, with so many wires and fuses, it seems confusing to tackle it. However, Keith explained that if you take some time to understand how everything works and where the wires run through, it's not that hard. One helpful detail is that every single wire has words on it telling you what they're connected to.

The kitchen is located on the driver's side of the interior. It features an induction stove, many storage compartments created from the ambulance's stock cabinets, a massive apartment-size fridge, a tall pull-out drawer, and a deep stainless steel sink integrated into a counter Keith bought from a big-box store.

Regarding design, Keith didn't make any significant changes. He added a plastic background tile in the kitchen that imitates metal. Moreover, he kept the ambulance's original stickers with characters from Sesame Street that used to entertain the children who, unfortunately, needed emergency services.

Next to the seat I mentioned earlier, there's a swivel table, perfect for enjoying a meal or working on your laptop. Nearby, behind the induction stove, you'll notice the rig's control center, consisting of a bunch of switches for the light and more. Moreover, Keith even kept the original connection for air and oxygen, and they still work in the slim chance that somebody will ever need to use them.

The following part of the living space is occupied by the bedroom/lounge. Keith wanted to have a dual-purpose space integrating a hybrid couch/bed, and he found a relatively simple solution: a sofa bed from Ieka that he modified to fit his exact needs. For storage, Keith uses the space underneath the couch, as well as a long overhead cabinet.

I love that Keith installed an interior shower in the back of the interior. Well, it's not a fixed shower space, but he fitted a pan on the floor, and he can pull the shower from the storage compartment nearby (the one I talked about earlier) through a small door. He also has an attachment on the wall, enabling him to shower in privacy. On the opposite side, you'll notice additional storage spots in the form of slide-screen cabinets.

Lastly, one feature I did not expect was a DVD player mounted to the ceiling, complete with a drop-down screen. It's got a Shrek DVD inside and was used to distract kids while rescuers were trying to save their lives or help them with any issues they had.

All in all, Keith did a fantastic job with the ambulance. He used the existing interior and turned it into a cozy living space, which is also extremely functional. This also made it easier for him to convert the ambulance, and it surely helped keep costs to a minimum. Unfortunately, we don't know how much this ambulance build cost, but I bet it was way less than what a camper van conversion costs, especially if you do it with a specialized company.