The Build Has Begun!!

[Bikersmurf]

Hard starting and white smoke @ 50... I'd suspect Glow Plug relay, or plugs themselves. Plug in the block heater for an hour before starting and see if it solves the problem... If it does, your plugs aren't doing their job.


Diesel O-Rings sells a 'Monster plug relay' that's easy to install and will likely never need to be replaced again. One solved my cold start problems.

 

[EXPO365]

Hard starting and white smoke @ 50... I'd suspect Glow Plug relay, or plugs themselves. Plug in the block heater for an hour before starting and see if it solves the problem... If it does, your plugs aren't doing their job.


Diesel O-Rings sells a 'Monster plug relay' that's easy to install and will likely never need to be replaced again. One solved my cold start problems.

I just hit "confirm order" for the monster relay...

 

[rlrenz]

By the way - the Vanner is built like a brick phone booth. I opened mine to install a charger kill switch, and the construction and wiring are definitely impressive. Since they are standard in darn near every ambulance, the builders must like them as well. The only problem is that as an inverter, it's limited to 1050 watts, or about 100 amps at 12 volts. Even though I'm installing a 4kW generator, I want to be able to do whatever I want with the inverter, so my microwave is a 600 watt college dorm-special (900 watts input), and I found a 750 watt Keurig coffee pot that is designed for motel rooms.

 

[rlrenz]

I'll let you know, the Mrs. came up with an idea of re-mounting them lower to stick a low profile cargo basket above the cab. But if it doesn't pan out I'll hit you up.

Thanks. I've seen a few installations like that. Reinstalling them lower might or might not be feasible, depending on what you run into for access. TIP OF THE DAY: An easy way to get access to ambulance internals is often easier by removing one of the outside lights, then you have a hand-hole to work through. Halogen lights usually have the largest access holes, and LEDs the smallest. You can use the same trick for interior access as well - try removing some of your ceiling lights - between the interior lights, and the emergency lights, you should be able to access a lot of "hidden" areas. I also use a video borescope at times.

Supporting a basket from the module is one approach and I've also seen one of the Thule (??) roof rack systems installed on the cab roof, along with lots of LED floodlights.

 

[tgreening]

I'll let you know, the Mrs. came up with an idea of re-mounting them lower to stick a low profile cargo basket above the cab. But if it doesn't pan out I'll hit you up.

Uhmm, not wanting to crunch any toes or what-not, but I thought we were just waiting on a shipping box and we had a deal in the works?

 

[huskyhauler]

So I've been trying to design a on-board water system of the Ambo.

Heres what I have so far...

This setup would allow me to refill the storage tank directly from a shore hookup, and bypass the tank and pump while plugged in.

Let me know what you think or if something needs changing.

You need to add an in-line water pressure regulator. They are cheap and screw on between the shore water hose and the spigot. This keeps the system from failing due to too high of water pressure from the city source.

You may think about adding a second refill line to your potable water tank in case something happens to your city water supply line.

What are your plans for the grey water system? On board tank? Portable sealed tank on the ground?

 

[huskyhauler]

Forgot about this also....

Anyone have a suggestion for a sink? Honestly we've been thinking a large stainless salad bowl or a caterers steam tray may work.

I created a cheap, durable, Vessel-style sink using the largest salad bowl IKEA sells. You can't beat $4.99 and at 14" it's big enough to do dishes in. Just grab a hole saw and cut a hole in the middle.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50057254/

 

[huskyhauler]

What is the GVWR for your rig? I have a very similar rig (1996 Road Rescue built on an E350 cutaway) and I'm listed at 10,500lbs. With the simple mods I've added (bed, sink, fridge/freezer, stereo equipment, tvs), I'm landing at 10,560lbs. Keep in mind this was at the tail end of a camping trip, 3/4 tank of fuel, me, my special lady friend, and our two dogs, but the water tanks were empty.

Keep this in mind with your build so you don't overbuild your suspension.

 

[EXPO365]

Uhmm, not wanting to crunch any toes or what-not, but I thought we were just waiting on a shipping box and we had a deal in the works?

Don't worry you still are #1 on the list...I just wanna have a back up in case our deal falls through.

I checked my mounting options last night and it's not gonna work for me...I won't be able to get them low enough anyway.

 

[EXPO365]

What is the GVWR for your rig? I have a very similar rig (1996 Road Rescue built on an E350 cutaway) and I'm listed at 10,500lbs. With the simple mods I've added (bed, sink, fridge/freezer, stereo equipment, tvs), I'm landing at 10,560lbs. Keep in mind this was at the tail end of a camping trip, 3/4 tank of fuel, me, my special lady friend, and our two dogs, but the water tanks were empty.

Keep this in mind with your build so you don't overbuild your suspension.

I believe mine is 11,500lbs. Could be 10,500lbs though...now I forget lol

 

[tgreening]

I believe mine is 11,500lbs. Could be 10,500lbs though...now I forget lol

(No worries)


I'd be real surprised if it was 10,500. Pretty sure mine was 11,400-11,500, and dont see why yours would be substantialy less.

 

[rlrenz]

Since I'm second in line for the brackets, I'll drop out -- I just found used cast aluminum light bar brackets for $20 each from an ambulance dealer, and I have a pair on order.

 

[Ozrockrat]

Anyone have a suggestion for a sink? Honestly we've been thinking a large stainless salad bowl or a caterers steam tray may work.

ikea have a great sink for $27 and then look online for the "waterless trap" if you need to save space under the sink. There is also another trap they use on pop up campers that only extends about 3" from the base of the sink.

http://www.dyersonline.com/hepvo-1-1-2-waterless-trap.html

 

[rlrenz]

I'm thinking real seriously about an Elkay sink at Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=IGB4GZNNS2W6C&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl.

Price for a 15x15 sink is $58

 

[patoz]

...look online for the "waterless trap" if you need to save space under the sink. There is also another trap they use on pop up campers that only extends about 3" from the base of the sink.

Thanks for the info on the waterless trap. I just added that to my 'Kitchen Parts' folder for reference when I get to that stage.