raising the roof on a ambulance

[Deshet]

Has anyone raised the roof on an ambulance. I think the primary down fall is the interior height. Almost seems like there should be a paramedic height limit. I have a nice running four wheel drive model but want the extra interior height. I thought about removing the raised roof from an e350 but would like 7' of interior height.

I would also like the height to be the same from the front to the back of the ambulance box.

I found this put not sure if he got the interior height that I want, but it does look like the most simple way to add some interior height



This is probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing conversions I have seen. I don't want people to know it was a fromer ambulance has anyone seen one that looks more like a factory built RV then this one.

Thanks,

 

[Oldcarnut]

I think your best bet would be to look for a fire personnel box or a utility box. Might be able to swap boxes or just swap tops (both a lot of work).

 

[Bikersmurf]

One of the simplest I've seen recently was abitibi's Ambulance with a XXL rooftop tent. Down it provides 6'+ up 8'. There are several others here including a gray one with a full cab over.

 

[hobietony]

That's my rig, and it was probably not the easiest way - top was built from scratch, and all the wiring subdistribution was in the ceiling. I totally love the usefulness of it. I have about 6'6" of head room. topper I made is like 16" high, you would just have to make the topper taller. I'd do it in aluminum if I had to do over, not wood/glass. details in here - http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/63380-AmboVan-Restarted/page6?highlight=ambovan

 

[Bbasso]

Slap this on and have a pop top!
http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/174903-Auto-Home-Medium-Air-Top-RTT

 

[KeyserSoSay]

That's my rig, and it was probably not the easiest way - top was built from scratch, and all the wiring subdistribution was in the ceiling. I totally love the usefulness of it. I have about 6'6" of head room. topper I made is like 16" high, you would just have to make the topper taller. I'd do it in aluminum if I had to do over, not wood/glass. details in here - http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/63380-AmboVan-Restarted/page6?highlight=ambovan

Awesome Ambo and build thread, by the way. I'm about to build something very similar on the Tortuga. When you say you'd do it in Aluminum, how so, Skinned square tubing? what gauge aluminum would you look to do that? Are you talking welded on thick sheet aluminum, or riveted on thin sheet I guess is my point. How much did it cost you in wood glass mat and resin to build out the fiberglass topper?

 

[Bikersmurf]

Aluminum---->http://forum.expeditionportal.com/t...am-selling-our-2003-E350-Ambulance-Conversion

 

[Bikersmurf]

Aluminum---->http://forum.expeditionportal.com/t...am-selling-our-2003-E350-Ambulance-Conversion

 

[Bikersmurf]

http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/kcurtis7721/library/

 

[Deshet]

Those are some really nice examples of a raised roof. I am currently at a cross roads.

Build out my 1995 Dodge Scotty that I got this weekend. (stock 12 valve cummins 2wd with a solid front axle 60,000 miles)



or Build out my OBS 7.3 4x4 F350 Ambulance


Mine is white and red, just retired.

Worse case the F350 4x4 will become my work truck with minor upgrades inside.

Thanks,

 

[Coachgeo]

Save yourself time and BIG money...... buy an amazing comfortable office chair (or two). Arrange your interior to be able to reach everything from the chair. Tada.... DONE. no need to stand.... just roll. Actually not kidding. This is how the old German Unimog Radiobox was set up. All the money you save can be used for trips to enjoy her. Your interior counter heights in the box are already set for use out of a chair anyway. Add a nice awening with a screen walls. Add exterior kitchen connections Tada... stand outside for cooking, chatting with friends on same adventure.... many many many do that anyway... Inside: write blogs, read books, watch movies, have secks and sleep. NO standing needed (unless your really into that kind of secks)

 

[Oldcarnut]

Save yourself time and BIG money...... buy an amazing comfortable office chair (or two). Arrange your interior to be able to reach everything from the chair. Tada.... DONE. no need to stand.... just roll. Actually not kidding. This is how the old German Unimog Radiobox was set up. All the money you save can be used for trips to enjoy her. Your interior counter heights in the box are already set for use out of a chair anyway. Add a nice awening with a screen walls. Add exterior kitchen connections Tada... stand outside for cooking, chatting with friends on same adventure.... many many many do that anyway... Inside: write blogs, read books, watch movies, have secks and sleep. NO standing needed (unless your really into that kind of secks)

x2 However it is nice to stand inside. Try looking at utility beds, google "Walk in utility bed" if anything.

 

[KeyserSoSay]

I had kicked around this idea and discarded it because I need queen-size width in my raised top and want to take full advantage of my school-bus width cab space, but thought I'd add the notion here to this thread for others considering this type of project.
`
I've found a couple of perfect aluminum boats locally ( 12-14ft, flat top, squared front) for around $350 to $400 on Craigslist. the front seat would have made a fantastic shelving unit up in the nose of the boat, and the middle seats removed easily without any loss of structural integrity (maybe for hard-core boating, but not for an attached roof). For that price you could not build a topper, and aluminum boats are at the perfect sweetspot for weight, strength, and durability.
`
Just a thought worth considering, it may seem redneck but I think it would integrate really well into an Ambo or van to the point where you'd not even notice it wasn't a purpose-built topper. You could even put windows in the sides, or create a pop-top with it. .

 

[Coachgeo]

If you raise roof.... remember you do not have to raise WHOLE roof. Just were one is liable to stand. Cooking area..... and where you might stand to dress and shower. Some of these areas can be dual purpose. That is pretty much it. Some older Fiberglass Travel trailers had a partial raised trough down the center with AC unit on back end. Was a good use of space.

Ohhhh. and don't count out.. Dropping the floor in some areas instead of raising roof. Some have done this at the entry door and double used this as a shower area.

 

[Bikersmurf]

I've decided not to cook or shower indoors. I've gone camping with friends with big fancy trailers, and they all set up kitchens outdoors where everyone is hanging out. If it makes sence to do it in a 30' trailer, why spend a fortune to do otherwise with my 12'. Sure I'd like an extra foot, but using it is a much higher priority. I don't need a project that'll delay using mine several years. I'm happier to have a sound proof tent with a comfortable bed, a microwave, and space to haul crap.