F450 Ambulance Conversion

[LLR]

Did not find a introduction section on the forum, so just a quick intro. I've been lurking unregistered on the forum since March (Not sure why, mmm...) Did a RV trip a few years ago with a Class A MH and realized I would like to go more off the beaten path.

I finally pulled the trigger 2 weeks ago and purchased a 2010 Ford F450 4x4 Ambulance on auction. Know the 6.4 engine is not great but based on what I can see they replaced the DPF,CAT, radiator and turbo fairly recently... All of which are known issues with the 6.4. Planning to do a basic conversion for now. I do not have the space/facilities to do a full gut. Planning to do super single conversion. Looking to do it as cost effectively as possible. Don't want anything extreme, just want it to be sand capable. Anyone with a ambulance with 19.5's that did the conversion? Could not really find any on the forum.

In addition to the basics, the other things for the near future would be solar, Lifepo4 batteries. Turn the emissions system "Mexico compliant" in stealthy manner... Assuming it will be difficult to get someone in CA to do that...

Stopped by the CA DMV to get my papers in order. Anyone else out there have any experience with this? Did my research and found out that I need a 256A form filled out. After arguing with them for about 20 minutes, they insisted I need a 256 form and that automobile. I finally agreed, but once the transaction was complete I noticed 2 issues. Vehicle license class is still MA (The highest VLF designation) meaning I had to fork out quite a few bucks on the Vehicle Registration Fee alone. Also, they also did not adjust the body style to MH (motorhome) from AM (ambulance) which if I understand correctly should have been done. Would really appreciate it if someone who did a conversion in California to provide me with some feedback on what they did. Im assuming I need the MH designation to be exempt from the CARB Diesel Engine swop requirement? Have until end of 2022 for that, but hopefully not in the golden state for that long...

Added a pic of the rig when I picked it up below.

 

[ExpoMike]

In CA, to convert to a MH/RV title, you MUST have some specific items. This is a quote from CA DMV site, "Human habitation is defined as living space which includes, but is not limited to: closets, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures, and bath or toilet rooms. ". I remember when I had my Dodge Ram with an attached FWC (it was attached full time), I had to get it inspected to show I had a heater, bed, sink, stove, etc. that it met the human habitation rule. Got it converted over no issues. If you are trying to get the MH title and have NOT already converted it, they are not going to give you that title classification. It sucks, you basically have to do all the work and then get the title changed but during that build out period, you are subject to the commercial vehicle fees.

As for engine/smog items, I don't think there is anything you can do to eliminate that. If anything CA is cracking down even tighter on diesel rigs (thank you to all the "rolling coal" idiots). Pre '98 diesels do not need to be smogged and can basically do any diesel swap you would want (though it is not legal to swap to a gas engine if it was originally a diesel and vise versa). '98 and later, you must smog it but I am not sure where the weight cutoff is for that requirement but I know they have been changing that to include vehicles that were previously not required to be smogged. In all honestly, if you are looking to do anything to the engine, you are in the wrong state, period. This is why I have limited my diesel vehicles to '97 and earlier, so to not deal with this crap. I know there was a recent crack down nationwide regarding diesel modifications and deleting anything emissions related. Some really big named diesel shops got hit with huge multi million dollar fines and required to stop making or doing anything that modifies emission stuff.

Not sure if any of that was helpful but that has been my experience. My M1010 (military ambulance) will go in and get the title converted once I do the box conversion but until then, I am stuck paying more for registration.

 

[LLR]

Thanks Mike, appreciate your input. I was able to get them to change Vehicle Type Use from Commercial to Auto. I did a rush conversion to check off the boxes for human habitation. I was hoping to get the Body Type Model reclassified from AM to either MH(motorhome), Pickup w/Camper Mounted (PM) or Van Conversion (VC).

From what I understand RV's and conversions over 14000lbs are exempt from SMOG / Engine swop requirement, which is one of the main reasons I'm trying to get it re-designated.

Going to give it another shot tomorrow. They high fee was related to the VLF Class. On researching it further I found a VLF price table and it seems like charged me a licensing fee for a 5 year old rig rather than a 10 year old one. Hoping to get at least one of these issues sorted out tomorrow. If not successful I will tackle it again once I have it fully converted.

On a side note. I'm planning to replace the red and yellow lens covers with white ones and rewire the wires to provide flood lighting. I'm struggling to find clear lenses. They are Whelen 900 series A few around on ebay ($50 but only has 1)and I found 1 supplier who sells them for $110 each, witch would make it unrealistic. Anyone know of a cheaper supplier or San Francisco area ambulance scrap yard I can go look at? Or should I just give up on the idea and just spray them.

 

[ExpoMike]

Wish you the best. I know CA DMV is some of the worst to deal with. Seems like every time you talk to someone, you get different and conflicting answers. Now I try to use AAA or a registration service.