Hello all!

New here, but long-time Diesel lover. Plenty of mechanical but VERY limited knowledge of diesels...

Here's my project:

I collect old cars, particularly Studebakers and Lincolns (yeah, I know, odd combo)... have been hauling them around on a tow dolly behind our Dodge Conversion van.

I want to have a tow vehicle heavy enough to tow a 24' enclosed trailer. But also want the conversion van-type interior; when I travel overnight(s) I like to have the capability of the sofa/bed and TV; so no pickup. My dream vehicle is a 1-ton diesel Conversion van with all the performance upgrades possible- turbo, performance exhaust, trans. control system, computer chip, etc. Have had NO LUCK finding a diesel conv. reasonably priced...

I have been looking at possibly redoing a retired ambulance into what I want- diesel, well-maintained, low miles, HD everything, front/rear A/C/heat, plus dual wheels already there! I can buy one pretty cheap, gut the box and redo it how I want, for reasonable money...

I would love any leads on a diesel Conv. van for sale; but am asking you all for your thoughts on the ambulance conversion for what I want to do! One problem is I called Banks to see what was available for E-series vans, and they said they no longer make anything for the non-pickup diesels...

Here are some questions:

1. Does this sound like a good vehicle to convert?
2. Does anyone know of a supplier for a turbo, perf. exhaust, etc. for an E-series?
3. Do any of you have any experience with this type of vehicle?
4. Do you know of any 1-ton diesel conv. vans for sale in the 6-8K range?

Would love to hear any comments/suggestions/opinions any of you might have!!

Thank you for your time!

Bob Andrews

 

Diesel ambulances are heavy and abused. If you find one it will have high miles. If it has low miles it was trouble and they sold it or it was a local ambulance with short trips. Almost all of them have high idle times and are just wore out. I work in a hospital and have seen ambulances idling for hours. Look into buying a truck and converting it yourself or alot of people who travel and pull things buy an older school bus with a diesel engine and make the bus part into living quarters. They are very well built and the engines and trannys are all heavy duty and high life components. Good luck.

 

How about buying a powerstroke dually and adding a truck camper. Then you can still tow and you have a place to stay. Alot less work than a conversion. Just a thought.

 

welcome to the forum

 

Thanks for your responses! It happens that our town will be selling one this summer- mid 90s 7.3, around 80K miles, great shape, under $2k... that's what got me thinking...
Will consider any and all opinions before I do anything!

Thanks again,Bob

 

Also you might consider a E series van. Yes I agree with a lot of engine hrs on the clock issue. If you take the mileage and multiply by 3 then you would be getting close to engine wear miles. Also someone mentioned a school bus. This would be the same thing. They also do a lot of idling or a lot of slow stop and go. Ours are very worn out when we sell them at auction.

 

Good points; but I saw the ambulance our local co. sold last year for $1200 b/c it needed brakes... local truck repair shop bought it and made into a mobile on the road repair unit... I was impressed with the condition and after driving it I came up with this idea! I figured on gutting out as much of the inside as I could and building it into a lounge, using the seats and insides from wrecked conversion vans; seats, TV, carpet, insulated walls, plus room for tools and etc. Combined with the already-installed front and rear A/C and heat, plenty of lighting inside and out, and lots of storage areas, I envisioned enough potential to justify redoing the mechanicals if needed... plus, my mechanic maintains their fleet, and knows them from top to bottom!

I am still debating what I'm going to do for a tow vehicle... I want a diesel, HD chassis and mechanicals, and a place to relax and/or sleep... that rules out a p/u; conv. van would be great, but they're expensive and SCARCE! Plus I'd prefer dual wheels... Don't want to spend 20-30K for an occasional-use vehicle; definitely don't want to carry a p/u camper, as most of what's in them I wouldn't need. Don't want all the windows of a school bus or window van; plus, an ambulance can be dressed up to look halfway decent, where a school bus just can't...

Thank you for your thoughts and opinions; and of course, any further thoughts are very welcome!

 

Speaking of ambulances you could look for an F350/450 box ambulance. Then you would have the availability of after market mods like you talked about. They can be found with a walk through from the cab to the box. All the benifits are there, rear heat and ac lighting, and a better chasis than the E350. Look on Ebay Motors you can find em on there all the time.

 

Yeah, I'd prefer an F-Series based one; but again, the basis of this whole wacky plan is the availability of the E-Series ambulances right in my town- no shipping or traveling to get it, know the maintenance/repair history, and GREAT PRICE.


I may chuck it all and rethink my plan... I could easily get a newer gas-powered conversion van that would be capable of what I want to do; but I really want a diesel................