Ambulance as a Bug Out Vehicle?

I saw an old ambulance in traffic and it looked like the folks were living in it. After much thought, I am wondering if it an old retired ambulance may be a good bug out vehicle.

Pros-

Runs on diesel
Roomy- can accommodate a few people sleeping
Cabinets plus a counter
Outside locking storage areas
Lights- if in a traffic jam; turn on the lights and the sheep will get out of the way
Looks easy to keep clean
Add a trailer hitch and put on a cargo basket to carry extra stuff.
Good lighting inside- plus outlets

I do not know much about ambulances because I haven’t been in one in years but I am curious about the electrical part. Are there separate batteries for power used inside? Can it be converted to solar? Or hooked to a generator?

From what I have read on the internet but not sure if all is true
Cons-
Though well maintained, has been abused (not driven like you would your car)
Electrical could be an issue
Read 12 mpg but also read 40 mpg

A used ambulance is much cheaper than a used camper/RV. Seems less luxury but more functional. I like the thought of a smaller vehicle that will fit our needs and be easy to drive.

 

Trust me they are not getting any where near 20mpg.

 

There is a strong aftermarket for "dark coaches" so an inexpensive ambulance might be hard to find.

Ambulances are usually well-maintained because one that breaks down on a run opens the ambulance company to the risk of a major lawsuit for negligence.

Typically, when a civilian buys an ambulance, all the cop-like lights have to come off, whether working or not. Putting orange lenses on them might get you by, but the siren has to go, too.

There's no law against having outside speakers, though, and you could always get a CD of siren sounds.

Most ambulances have a relatively low ground clearance, except the larger truck or van-based types.

The biggest problem, I think, with an ambulance is that after the SHTF, anything that looks like it has, might have, or ever had drugs in it will suddenly become a major focus of interest.

My thoughts along the BOV line would be a plain white van with magnetic signs like "Daddy-Doo Home Diaper Service --
We'll Get the Poop Out So You Don't Have To! -- Mobile Laundry & Delivery Service- We Never Close -- Low Rates -- Call 1-800-593-BABY Day or Nite". If you pull a trailer, have it loaded with tricked-out washing machines, all of which are just locking shells over quality storage containers,

Another good one might be Ajax Protective Services -- Guard Dogs -- Security Cameras -- Custom Fences -- Call 1-800-359-BARK.

Anything creative. The Apocalypse should be fun.

 

A better set up are the Sprinter Vans, those actuall vet food fuel economy, and are very well built! Plenty of room, and you will be able to set it up the way you want it. Generic white paint, and like posted above zones that people might not want any thing to do with. I would have a set made up along the lines of Bio hazard gitter ridder of'er! Or moble hazmat mitigation services! Then something saying asbestos containment unit!

 

Biological disposal service...

 

Pros, often replaced in excellent condition due to need to be certified or such. Cons, parts are expensive, specialized and often fairly difficult to get even now. Local garage maintains them for our volunteer ambulance service and they are electrical nightmares even without an EMP and their weight and being built as a large van for mobility and access creates some interesting suspension problems, especially with potholes in New Hampshire and they are total hogs on icy roads. That and their 2 wheel drive limit them to fairly good roads. Think a good 4 wheel drive pickup with a camper or a 4 wheel drive box truck would be much more practical. Anyone that has ever used a two wheel drive tractor with a bucket loader finds out very quickly that you do not need 4 wheel drive to move the tractor, the drive to the front wheels just has to let you climb out of the ruts created in soft ground. If they push the dirt in front of them instead, they bog down at once. There is a reason Jerry always talks about his survival vehicles, he has figured out the difference between talk and act. Liked his Rufus PAWV and it made me think. That and loading logs, manure, and dirt on the farm with a tractor and plowing snow with a four wheel drive pickup will very quickly make you reorganize your priorities for dependable off road transportation. Now 4 wheeler's and Rokon, etc are a whole different story.

 

My choice too.

 

I do not think a used ambulance is any better or worse than any other type of truck. You do get a lot of storage space and easy access, but you can get that anywhere.

They are typically well maintained and probably have not been beat to death.

Whether or not you can keep the lights and sirens depends on where you live. In my state, you can keep all the lights/sirens on the ambulance but cannot use them in traffic. The only rule hard here is any markings identifying the vehicle as an ambulance must be removed. Some contractors use them as service trucks.

 

FWIW, had a Mil Friend who purchased a Weapons Carrier in SC, He Drove it to Cali. 45MPH All day long!

 

The very best rigs availavle right now are the Stewart & Stevenson LMTV
2.5 ton trucks. The Gov. Is selling off a chit load of them cheap. These are super tough, and reliable as any thing you can find. And those CAT diesels are unstoppable. Off road performance is quite exceptional, and parts are availavle through quite a network. These do not require any thing special to drive on the road and are easy as a car to licence and insure! There are also a whole world is accessories to choose from, and many sources to check. The big concern is tires, tires go for under $400 a piece Brand new!!! I have tons of experience with these trucks, and have nothing but good to say about them! Best 5k I ever spend, just don' try and get the wife to ride to town with ya in it!

 

I had one, a 6x6 and it would cruise happily along at 75 on the freeways. Picked it up outside Salt Lake City and drove it home up the mountains, got 12 miles per gallon doing it, and even passed several R.V.s holding up traffic! Mine had the 3126 CAT engine and 6 speed auto, and ran like a top! I should prolly get another one with the standard cargo bed with sides and roof bows, and get the insulated canvass top! While your at it, pick up a full set of brand new tires and stash them. Better yet, do that and score one of the matching trailers as well. NOW you have a serious bug rig!

 

Actually I wouldn't mind picking up an MRAP with the heavier 9 ton axles and bigger CAT and 8 speed. I could always get the cab from U.D. truck and have a super duper rough and ready truck!

 

Some of you may have been around long enough to remember my old Hearse. It is a street-rod now.

 

an old short 1/2 size bus no computer just turn signals headlights dual tractor batteries solar panels up top keep it old school power plant standard shift. if you think you need traction have some snow chains a winch is always good.

 

I have a M939 series 5-ton 6x6 truck - Wikipedia on the place. Runs great rated at 21000 lbs.



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