Mobile homes are all the rage these days because it allows the homeowner to take their home with them. Many nomads travel the country working in small towns. At the same time, others travel the globe in search of hidden gems and exotic adventures. Social media has provided any and everyone with a platform to display their various and fantastically unique mobile homes. Some have turned ordinary cars into a tiny home, while others have used trucks and even busses! But, one man has converted an ambulance vehicle into his mobile home —and it’s amazing!
Vintage ambulance vehicle becomes home for under $13000
Ben Harris chose to convert an ambulance over a truck or bus because an ambulance already has tons of storage space for medical equipment. He also expressed why he had such a desire for an all-wheel-drive 1995 F350 ambulance vehicle. It was two things, really. Firstly, they are generally cheaper than other heavy-duty vehicles of their class. Secondly, they come with an enormous amount of storage space. As a bonus, he also has a door from the driver’s seat into the back if he decides to just pull over and sleep. Harris converted all the original storage space into compartments for his clothing, shoes, and other items.[1]
In order to utilize all the available space, Harris cleverly designed his shower system right at the entrance of the home using the existing step. He repurposed an old kitchen sink and installed it under the shower as a drainage method. Afterward, he attached a kitchen sprayer overhead to the roof connected to the water intake that is magnetically attached to the wall. He admits that this makeshift shower is a backup because he tends to shower outside, but it is nice to know that it there if he needs it.
Ben also converted some of the closets into cabinets. He attached a beautiful cedar wood panel to the inside and secured a rail so that he could hang his clothes.
Making the most of the space he has
His cooking space is small but convenient, with a two-burner stove and a built-in wooden cutting board. The overhead storage is used to store medical supplies before Harris converted them into kitchen shelves with a transparent cover. He mentions that one of his favorite things about his home is the trash chute. A mechanism that was already there and only needed minor alterations.
Ben has taken every opportunity to be economical with space and has. He has designed a kitchen counter that can lift off to become an extra seat if needed.
The Bed is raised on one side of the ambulance and so creates a ton of extra under-bed storage for anything that you may need at a moment’s notice. When Harris first moved into his new home, to keep his food fresh, he would use cooler bags and chests filled with ice. Thankfully, this has now changed, and he has a mini-fridge stored under the bed. And once again, Ben shows his knack for smart spacing. The bed also doubles as a couch when moved a certain way.
Smart design
The dining table conveniently slides out from under the bed and makes a good spot to work or eat. Ben says that the table is made of acacia and that the leather pull-out straps are locally sourced from a bootmaker in nearby Montana.
Proving once again that Ben has a particular talent to find space to make seats and storage. On the other side of the table, there is a pull-out seat that doubles as storage space
Despite what one might think, Ben actually sleeps quite comfortably on a full king-size bed. The surrounding area of which is lit by LEDs that are connected to the same wiring as the ambulance’s headlights. Harris claims that his electrical needs are not huge and that he only needs his little 300-watt solar power generator.
Ben also uses a divider that resembles a ladder to hang wet clothing and towels to dry. He is quite proud of this little item because it was made with salvaged walnut wood.
Harris also has all the toys on the outside. Including built-in storage that he uses for his camping gear as well as his on-demand hot water heater. He also has a container that houses his greywater and freshwater intake that totals at about 30 gallons.
On the other side, Ben has created a space for himself to cook using one of the double-door lockers.
Mounted on the rear is a rack for Bens motorbike. He loves to hit the road when the ambulance is too cumbersome
All in all, Harris paid just under $13000 to turn an ambulance into a tiny home. That’s with only $9000 actually going towards the vehicle as well! This is an excellent example of how DIY can work for you.
Keep Reading: This Wild, Curvaceous Home Is Buried Beneath the Earth
Source
- “Man Converts Ambulance Into Tiny Home on Wheels for $13,000.” Tree Hugger. Kimberley Mok. February 18, 2021.