2003 Ford E450 Super Duty Ambulance, 4×4
Ready-to-go, off-grid capable ambulance conversion. With the 7.3L turbodiesel, and lifted 4×4, this beast will go anywhere! Only ~125,000k miles, this 7.3L is just getting broken in, and will outlive us all. We’ve done the hard work, now you get to enjoy it. After 3 years of full-time van life, it’s time for a new phase. Water capacity and composting toilet capacity are enough for two weeks in the backcountry for two adults. We’ve put this bad boy through his paces, so all systems have been thoroughly field tested. We like simple systems that can’t fail, but do what they’re supposed to. We have camped everywhere from beaches (Pismo to South Padre), to mountain tops throughout the West, and loved every minute of it.
Electrical: Wiring mostly in electrical conduits for safe operation no chance of a fire behind you van walls – lookout for this no matter what van build you buy! House electrical system was intentionally kept separate from the vehicle electrical system.
– 600W solar panels on the roof, with 200W in a ground array, for when you want to park in the shade – space on the roof for another 1000W with the current MPPTs maximum solar would be 1400W, this expansion could be done cheaply if you spend all your time in the Pacific NW
– 6300Wh, 24V lithium iron phosphate battery from Big Battery (228AH @ 24V – equivalent to 4.5 standard 100AH @ 12V). We can go several days with no sun even cooking full meals every day. Without cooking the battery would last weeks with no sun.
-Mostly 24V systems with a 12V step down converter for the things that need it
-3 Victron MPPTs (charge controllers)
-Victron Shunt to monitor the system
-Battery status monitoring through Victron app
-3,000 W pure sine wave inverter
-External shore power plug (30 amp RV or standard 15/20 amp).
-AC to DC battery charger – for when shore power is being used
-Proper DC breaker box from solar arrays
-AC breaker box for inverter/shore power
-24V DC fuse box
-Separate 12V DC fuse box
-All loads and inputs fused through common custom designed bus bar for power distribution
-Highest quality marine grade wiring used throughout build, at equal to or exceeding all required ampacity. All wiring properly fused and breakered where appropriate.
Kitchen: We stayed away from pressurized water intentionally. This rig is meant to go as far off grid as possible for a van, and stay out for as long as possible. All cooking is electric – no propane!
-Engel combo fridge/freezer
-Berkey water filter, serves as gravity fed sink water (no water pump, means water system cannot fail)
-40 gallons fresh water, in 8x 5 gallon jugs, for easy maneuvering and refilling at normal spigots
-10 gallons grey water, in 2x 5 gallon jugs
-Quarter-sized electric oven (max temp 450 F convection – hot enough for great pizza)
-Single burner induction cooktop, stows away in cabinet when not in use
-Reclaimed wood counter tops
-Talavera tile backsplash
-Pull-out butcher block
-Large sink
-Strip lighting above sink
-Magnetic spice jars under cabinet
Bathroom:
-Airhead composting toilet (no black water tank)
-Sliding door
-External shower tent
House:
-5’11” headroom
-RV-Queen sized fixed bed
-4” natural latex mattress on wood slat platform-style frame
-Cubic Mini wood burning stove for coziness
-Pull-out dining table under bed
-Cabinets and storage galore
-Two huge drawers under bed
-2 inch rigid foam insulation throughout under plywood & wall-board
-1 MaxxAir fan, and 1 reclaimed sailboat hatch to provide cross ventilation – the boat hatch also allows internal access to the roof
-Custom fitted bug screens for rear doors, toilet door, and boat hatch
-A/C window unit for when you don’t manage to escape the heat
-Two-zone dimmer lighting overhead
-Reading lights above bed
-One hidden compartment for secure storage
-WeBoost cellular phone booster wired into the 24V
-Conveniently located USB, cigarette lighter, and AC outlets
-Most of the furnishings are wood framed in welded carbon steel construction for the best possible strength (& ductility) to weight ratio – not forced into available extruded sizes. Rock solid.
Vehicle improvements: This is an older vehicle, and needed some upgrades when we bought it. We’ve done it, so you don’t have to. He is ready to roll.
-True 4×4 Hi/Low with front locking hubs
-4×4 conversion performed by Advanced Four Wheel Drive in Salt Lake City
-Cameras for rearview, backup, and sideview, with large screen on dash
-Custom welded bumpers, front and rear
-Two sets of off-road fog lights – 200Watts run through an automotive relay
-18,000 lbs. Winch housed in front bumper – though with the four wheel drive, we’ve never needed it
-Replaced A/C compressor 2021
-Replaced starter motor 2022
-Replaced glow plugs 2022
-Replaced fuel injectors 2022
-Replaced Low-pressure oil pump 2022
-Replaced transmission 2023
-Fuel tank dropped, interior cleaned and relined 2023
-Replaced brake lines 2024
-Replaced wheels 2024
-On-schedule oil and fuel filter changes
-Titled and insured as an RV
Miscellaneous:
-Off-road recovery kit: shackles (hard & soft), snatch blocks, recovery straps
-Air compressor to manage tire pressure, so you are ready for sand, rocks, or highway
-Leveling blocks
The Ugly Bits: These are the next items on our project list, which we haven’t gotten around to, and won’t do before it is sold. All are minor/cosmetic issues.
-The dash is old. We already have a custom fit dash carpet on order, which will improve the appearance nicely.
-Side panel on the cab body has rust in the lower area. A replacement panel is $150.
-The fuel tank has surface rust. However, the tank has been dropped, inspected, cleaned and relined, and has no structural-integrity issues. .
We welcome your questions. Make us an offer!
