The Belafonte - aka "Poor man's EarthRoamer" Ambulance Build

[SLO_F-250]

Carl,
Looks like everything is coming together nicely. The counter/fridge setup is trick! Great work. Also getting that hitch tucked up in there was a great idea. So you documenting the WIllys build too! haha

Can't wait to see the van out in action!
Paul

 

[nsjames]

I dont suppose you have an email address your willing to share so I can talk to you about how you made that fold out bed? I am struggling with how to do mine and you seem to have solved the problem.

please, don't keep this to yourself!

I also need to figure out the foldout bed from the existing ambulance seat for my toterhome build.

Where it gets relevant
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/tow-rigs-trailers/969976-another-uhaul-toter-thread-22.html

 

[hobietony]

Any updates?

 

[CLynn85]

I wish, been too cold here and no where indoors to work on the beast. Starting to warm up a bit finally so hopefully the updates will start rolling again.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Very cool build! It's like an inverted version of my trailer

I really considered one of these when my neighbor offered to sell me a similar ambulance, but I'm 6'3" and the interior height, or lack thereof, was just too much of an issue for me.

 

[CLynn85]

I thought about it, not running this weekend (sold the rally-probe) and could use the time to get some work done on the Ambo so I doubt it'll happen, still considering it though. Might bring the 50cc out to tear around the track on in the evening lol.

 

[CLynn85]

Still not much to report. In the phase where all I'm doing is fixing little things which doesn't translate into exciting pictures.

I did manage to cut a hole in the side of the box though. The pass side wall was framed out for a [small] window, so I picked one up for a reasonable price on ebay that would fit the pre-framed opening.

Before:



After:

 

[Baloo]

I have been tossing around the idea of a window in the same place. I really like the way yours turned out. What did the window set you back? Was it a pain to install?

 

[CLynn85]

Window came from http://stores.ebay.com/Vintek-RV-Vintage-Trailer-Supplies and was around $70. Install actually only took about an hour, the trim ring is what retains the window, so the worst part was cutting the hole.

 

[El Heffe]

Looks great. Mine has been slow as well. I would like to just get it painted for now. Can't find a cheap option. Want a plain white or a tan, satin or th sort. Bed liner is an option as well. Love the window you did.

 

[CLynn85]

Took the ambo out for an over-nighter last weekend, everything worked brilliantly. Obviously still have some work to do but all the currently installed systems worked well and the platform did great even on gravel forest roads.

Started off on the Blue Ridge Parkway



It really does sit up a lot higher with the 235/85's under it



Detour to Crabtree Falls



Didn't see too many options for pirate camping so we hit a private campground for the night



Breakfast the next AM at an overlook, ignore the field-expedient blue-taped window screens...



Then went back into the forest in search of a couple of other sets of falls, ended up finding lots of other great campsites in the process



and finally a stop at Devil's Backbone Brewery on the ride home for some seasonal brew.

 

[hobietony]

excellent!

 

[El Heffe]

What are you doing for a restroom? I'm tossing around some install ideas.

 

[Baloo]

What are you doing for a restroom? I'm tossing around some install ideas.

That is the same question I keep asking myself...

 

[gringorick]

Very nice interior so far! I like it. I too am wondering if anyone has come up with a good toilet/shower solution in an ambulance. Subscribed.

Cheers,
Rick