Ambulance Camper/ Expedition Rig Conversion FAQ

[Bikersmurf]

No toilet... Bed comes next. Already have power, TV, and a fridge for cold drinks. So far only have a mattress... "Murphy" type bed with a desk off the bottom comes next. I usually carry toilet paper and a shovel for emergencies. I have no particular desire to maintain a toilet, and the misses doesn't want one.

 

[patoz]

Hi all,

A new member here, who's been doing lots of reading. There's a ton of great info, but I don't see mention of toilet/potty locations in any of the threads I've read. The kitchen and bed areas are pretty obvious, but what are folks doing for an inside potty (assuming they have one - we've considered just keeping a porta-potty in an outside compartment for those places where it might be needed).

We just bought a medium-duty rig, with a 190" long box, by the way.

Thanks much! And, thanks for all you've provided here so far.

Ross and Kara Taylor
Flagstaff, AZ

First off, welcome to the forum and the Ambo/Camper club! Second thing is...we need pictures of your rig. No pictures...it didn't happen! :coffeedrink:


When ya gotta go, ya gotta go!

If you have a lid for the bucket, that's even better. You can remove the 'seat', close the bag up and secure it with a twist tie, and seal the bucket with the lid until you get someplace where you can safely and legally dispose of your 'deposit'!

Adding a couple of cups of flushable cat litter to the bag first will help contain any liquids, and can be safely dumped along with the other contents. Double bagging is not a bad idea either.

Seriously though, for short trips I think most people are just using a port-o-potty inside, or moving it outside once camp is set up and placing it in a portable outhouse like this. Most of these can be used as a shower enclosure also. Personally, I'm thinking about getting this double enclosure so I will have a dry place to get dressed after a shower. The shower would be on the left side and the toilet and changing would be on the right side. Most of these enclosures can be found on eBay much cheaper.

For full time or extended trips, some are using composting toilets. These are generally built in, and you would most likely need a larger vehicle such as a Medium Duty Rescue ambulance which you have, and is usually 2 -3 feet longer than a standard ambulance.

 

[rossvtaylor]

Thanks, Bikersmurf and Patoz. Happy to be here!

We live in Flag and went to the expo last year, at Mormon Lake. It definitely got us thinking... The ambulance we bought is still on Global Emergency Vehicle's site, in the medium duty section. It's a bit of a unique beast, it seems, as it has a generator installed already. And AC/Heat. The miles and hours seem reasonable, so we're happy. I'll know more on Friday, when I pick it up in Philly. And, of course, I'll post pics then (and along our conversion adventure).

Regarding the toilet... We'd actually planned to just put our portable potty in an exterior compartment, for those times when it's helpful. My wife and I, and our 8-year-old daughter, are all outdoorsy folks so we plan on using the great outdoors for our "business" when we can. But, there are times when that's not practical. We plan to use our vehicle as a promo vehicle for our business, taking it to running and race events where we can meet our customers and hand out samples. We're guessing that, at some of those events, it might be nice to have an indoor loo. But, it's not a definite plan and we sure like the idea of not having porta-potty smell inside. We'll let you know what we do, as we get to that build stage. But, in the mean time, if anyone has any creative been-there, done-that solutions for potty placement inside the box that would be great to see.

Thanks much and have a great week!

Ross

 

[huskyhauler]

Is the reason you're looking for indoor options just for privacy? If so, consider a shower tent like this:

http://www.leisurepro.com/p-ggapup/giga-tent-pop-up-pod-changing-room?gclid=Cj0KEQjwx7u5BRC1lePz2biJpIYBEiQA-ZeDmuvQKEayM7qLUVy66S4ijZ0g3eVp3a1NyFgRayeGAGoaAvGT8P8HAQ&kwid=productads-adid^88202999953-device^c-plaid^83337361346-sku^GGAPUP@ADL4LP-adType^PLA

I personally have no desire to have the waste stewing inside, so outside-of-rig pooping is required. That said, I would by lying if I said I haven't peed into a bottle or two in the rig at night.

 

[Ozrockrat]

Hi all,

but what are folks doing for an inside potty (assuming they have one - we've considered just keeping a porta-potty in an outside compartment for those places where it might be needed).

We currently have a porta potti that sits in the cabinet in the cab (extended cab) and we just pull it out and leave it in the cab for use when required. Benefit to this is that the cabinet is accessible from the outside as well so no carrying a full potty through the rig and down the stairs. Also just as an FYI we use the "Curve" from Thetford. It is a little higher than most which makes it easier on my old knees. The only problem we have had with it is the pump is battery powered so carry spare batteries. There is also a base available for the Curve to stop it sliding around in the truck. The base is not a necessity as ours has never tipped and has been on some interesting roads but the day it does I will be cursing myself for being too thrifty to buy the base. :Wow1:

Thetford-92360-Porta-Portable-Toilet
Thetford-92415-Optional-Floor-Plate

 

[AMBOT]

I have th a Curve too and it's mounted behind the jump seat just before the passthru (e-350). I took the jump seat out and will only use when there is a third passenger otherwise a small moveable stool suffices. I want to put the jump seat on a front hinge so it can be tilted forward the access the curve if its present. Its either inside, outside in a pop up shelter, or in the drivers side mid compartment.

I had a consideration of making it on a slide out from the compartment, but I found as well it's only used when there are no other alternatives and not worth the permanent install and additional hacking.

I had to loose the garbage can to get it to fit, but the fit is perfect.

 

[rossvtaylor]

Thanks, Huskyhauler, Ozrocket, and Ambot. Good info, and much appreciated!

I like that outdoor pop-up outhouse/shower/changing station tent. Very cool. We were thinking that, parked in the exhibitor section of an event, that might not go over well - so, we were thinking of an inside potty. But, the reality is that those places will have other bathroom options handy. So, we're not committed and have some more time to plan that out. Thanks for the input, all of you!

Ross and Kara Taylor

 

[Ozrockrat]

However, since it's a wall mount it needs to mount to a horizontal structure, hence the angle bracket idea.

As another option you could consider putting rivnuts/nutserts to bolt to. When I prototyped my awning mounting I found that it initially comes out at a steep angle and the door would foul on the fabric and arms at anything less than full extension. So I did have to raise it a bit. I used unistrut (stainless but aluminum would of been enough) and brackets from home depot to make the mounts. It does not sit out much past the side of the truck but it did raise the height by about 100mm (4"). The bonus of using a unistrut rack is that I now have a lot of options for solar mounting and because it is braced both longitudinally and horizontally the load is spread across a bigger area. Not sure on the awning you have but it was eye opening seeing the amount of torque the awning applied to the mounts. I used 1 1/4 x 1/4 bent steel brackets and they flex with the awning deployed. I do need to put an angle brace between the vertical and horizontal planes after I work out the correct bend to compensate for the slope of the roof and the torque of the deployed awning.

If you do end up using self tapping screws go with the 10-32 self tapping stainless screws that are used everywhere else in these boxes. Or just drill and tap to 10-32 and insert stainless screws with loctite. (loctite is very important to both stop the screw vibrating out and to stop the stainless screw binding on the threads on the way in).

 

[Ozrockrat]

- so, we were thinking of an inside potty.

I have a plan to convert one of my cabinets to a toilet/shower but it is a lot of work. I will also need to make it into a slideout (to use the shower) as we are very space constrained. Most people obviously use the toilet more than the shower so it will be usable without the slide deployed. Then when the shower is to be used, deploy the slideout and the toilet will remain with the section sliding out and there will be shower pan below where it originally sat.

 

[patoz]

Fiamma uses many different styles of adapter brackets to mount their awnings, and you can look here to get some ideas: http://www.fiammausa.com/orderNow/search.asp?page=2

I was thinking something along the lines of this might work, since it mounts on the rain gutter which is very strong, and you already have. Plus it keeps the overall height down too.

 

[patoz]

As another option you could consider putting rivnuts/nutserts to bolt to. When I prototyped my awning mounting I found that it initially comes out at a steep angle and the door would foul on the fabric and arms at anything less than full extension. So I did have to raise it a bit. I used unistrut (stainless but aluminum would of been enough) and brackets from home depot to make the mounts. It does not sit out much past the side of the truck but it did raise the height by about 100mm (4"). The bonus of using a unistrut rack is that I now have a lot of options for solar mounting and because it is braced both longitudinally and horizontally the load is spread across a bigger area...

I know you're getting ready for Expo, but if you get a chance to snap some pictures of your mounting system, I would love to see how you did it. if not, it can wait until you get back. I don't have an awning yet, but the Fiamma F45 or even the F65 are high up on my preferred list.

Update! Nevermind, I just found the pictures you posted on your build thread! But I have to ask, if that Unistrut is stainless, why does it have rust all over it? Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[rlrenz]

Thanks, Bikersmurf and Patoz. Happy to be here!

We live in Flag and went to the expo last year, at Mormon Lake. It definitely got us thinking... The ambulance we bought is still on Global Emergency Vehicle's site, in the medium duty section. It's a bit of a unique beast, it seems, as it has a generator installed already. And AC/Heat. The miles and hours seem reasonable, so we're happy. I'll know more on Friday, when I pick it up in Philly. And, of course, I'll post pics then (and along our conversion adventure).

Regarding the toilet... We'd actually planned to just put our portable potty in an exterior compartment, for those times when it's helpful. My wife and I, and our 8-year-old daughter, are all outdoorsy folks so we plan on using the great outdoors for our "business" when we can. But, there are times when that's not practical. We plan to use our vehicle as a promo vehicle for our business, taking it to running and race events where we can meet our customers and hand out samples. We're guessing that, at some of those events, it might be nice to have an indoor loo. But, it's not a definite plan and we sure like the idea of not having porta-potty smell inside. We'll let you know what we do, as we get to that build stage. But, in the mean time, if anyone has any creative been-there, done-that solutions for potty placement inside the box that would be great to see.

Thanks much and have a great week!

Ross

Congratulations on joining those of us who have medium ambulances! Let me guess - you bought their neonatal transport ambulance? If I hadn't already bought one, I probably would have gone with that unit.

And also congratulations on buying from GEV. I bought mine there, and I've never regretted buying from them. Very good people to work with.

I assume that GEV will pick you up at the airport? That will let you avoid a pricey taxi ride.

When I bought mine there two years ago, I also picked mine up on a Friday, then found a Walmart and fuel station near the Highway 413/Bristol Pike intersection. Plan on a fuel stop, because they normally have about 1/4 tank of fuel - (but since the tank has a step in it, 1/4 tank is actually closer to 1/2 tank). The Dallas Diner (near Edgely and the Bristol Pike) has good food.

I bought a 31-day temporary license plate for my return trip. A lot easier than trying to pre-license it with MN plates.

I suggest that if you have any questions, ask them when you pick it up. GEV's people are very good at what they do, and they are a world of information. You may want to buy a spare tire from them if your vehicle doesn't have one

I stayed at the Levittown Quality Inn overnight, then on Saturday, I picked up my son at the PHL airport, and we took off for home. We'd stop for food & fuel about every 4 hours, and cruised between 65-70 MPH all the way home. Unless you don't mind your hands smelling of diesel fuel, pick up some disposable gloves (maybe ask GEV?) and a roll of paper towels. For hand cleaner, I bought a can of spray window cleaner.

My stop at Walmart included: paper towels, a small trash can, spray lube (WD-40 or equal), window cleaner, a cooler, sodas/bottled water, ice, and snacks. If your vehicle is a Freightliner, the slope to the top of the dashboard is just right to hold a bag of chips.

Most ambulances have a passenger's cup holder, but none for the driver, so I brought a self-adhesive cup holder with me from home. My tool supply was an Army mechanic's tool bag with a 4-1 screwdriver, a couple Crescent wrenches, a set of water pump pliers, and electrical tape. I didn't need any of it.

A road atlas / GPS are also very handy.

 

[huskyhauler]

I'm leaning towards using four or five of the ARB universal mounts:

http://www.amazon.com/ARB-OS850-Awn...?ie=UTF8&qid=1462814790&sr=8-1&keywords=OS850

or using some strong-tie tension tie downs. These are incredibly robust and long enough for me to get a few bolts into the roof beams.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-11-Gauge-16-in-Tension-Tie-HTT5/202193557

 

[Ozrockrat]

But I have to ask, if that Unistrut is stainless, why does it have rust all over it? Inquiring minds want to know!

It was stored in my steel pile with who knows what. I probably should of cleaned it before installation but it was 8:30 PM before I finished that lot.

Besides!!! I said it was stainless I never said it was quality stainless

 

[Ozrockrat]

I suggest that if you have any questions, ask them when you pick it up. GEV's people are very good at what they do, and they are a world of information. You may want to buy a spare tire from them if your vehicle doesn't have one



A road atlas / GPS are also very handy.

I would also recommend taking a video when they explain all the switches and functions. In all the excitement of the new rig you will forget everything they tell you. Ask me how I know about it.