When you think of luxury mobile homes, you probably picture a camper, motorhome, or high-end RV. How about an ambulance-based camper? Today, I'm going to take a look at an ambulance that's been expertly converted into a luxury mobile home.
It may not seem like it, but ambulances are a great alternative to RVs. They are sturdy, usually well-maintained, and come with plenty of built-in storage.
What we have here is a camper based on a 2004 Ford E450 Super Duty that has a rebuilt 6.0L Powerstroke diesel engine. It was converted by NuAbode, a family owned business based in Canton, Georgia. NuAbode specializes in camper conversions of all types.
This rig is currently for sale, and I'll tell you more about it at the end of the article. As usual, I'll start the tour with the exterior. I love that NuAbode didn't keep the original paint job and instead covered the vehicle in the gorgeous Toyota Lunar Rock paint.
Ambulances are generally stealth campers, especially if you change the exterior as little as possible. However, in the case of this vehicle, the new paint job and several exterior upgrades could give it away. “camper's identity.”
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / NuAbode
Specifically, you’ll notice two tall RV windows on the passenger side. Additionally, the builders installed a custom bumper up front with a winch mount.
Then, in the rear, you’ll find a custom bumper with two corner posts that allow you to mount a swing-away spare tire carrier or other accessories. Additionally, the trailer receiver can accommodate a custom waterproof storage box, and you’ll also notice two RotopaX containers.
Climb onto the roof and you will notice a Dometic RTX 2000 12 VA/C alongside 500W solar panels. Other notable exterior features include multiple lights, LED headlights and security cameras on all four sides of the ambulance.
As with all ambulances, you can use many external compartments for storage. I won't go into detail about what each of them contains, because it would take too long.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / NuAbode
Perhaps the most important compartment is the one that houses some of the utility components: a four-stage water filtration system, a 3,000 W inverter, and a diesel-fired air/water heater that also heats the floors.
While we’re on the subject of utility systems, let me tell you more about the power inside this rig. The highlights of the electrical system are four 100Ah AGM batteries, a 3,000W inverter, a shunt smart battery monitor, and a second alternator that charges the home batteries while driving. Unfortunately, we don’t know how much water this rig can hold.
Step inside the ambulance and you’ll be greeted by a beautifully designed and inviting living space. NuAbode opted for custom CNC-cut birch cabinetry paired with white walls and ceiling.
I would like to start from the front of the interior. Ambulances have loops that connect the interior to the driver's cabin, and NuAbode has kept one in this installation. However, the company has found a clever solution: they have used the front space to create a custom bathroom.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / NuAbode
It has black walls that match the walk-through door and a sliding door that separates the bathroom from the living area. Of course, everything is waterproof and the water drains into a striking tiled shower tray.
The wall on the right side of the bathroom has an integrated door, which hides a removable Wrappon toilet with a plastic bag system. There are also hooks for hanging clothes, a small shampoo/soap holder and a small mirror.
On the right as you enter, you will find a large cabinet that houses something I would never expect to see in an ambulance camper: a washer/dryer. I usually see these in skoolies, where space is not such an issue. This cabinet has a large shelf above it and a mirror attached to the inside of the door.
The rig's kitchen is right outside the entrance. It features a large residential-grade stainless steel sink with a drying rack cover, a huge 12V Isotherm fridge/freezer, a single-burner pull-out induction cooker, and a small black countertop with an integrated garbage chute.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / NuAbode
The kitchen makes up for its lack of comfort with plenty of storage space. It has five large cabinets (two of which are suspended) and three drawers. Additionally, a door towards the rear leads to the exterior storage compartments.
On the opposite side, the designers have designed a lounge area with a reclining sofa. They have also kept convenience in mind by creating a sofa/bed system powered by actuators, eliminating the need to make the bed every day. With just the push of a button, you can quickly transform the sofa into a bed and vice versa.
Behind the sofa, in the back, you’ll notice two shelves and a cubicle that houses a small TV. There’s also a ceiling A/C unit that will keep things nice and cool. NuAbode said there are also two side tables with space for a laptop and charger, which nest together for easy storage after use.
Other notable features in this area include a reading light, several USB ports and sockets, and a ceiling-mounted projector that displays video on a retractable projection screen at the front of the van.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot / NuAbode
I like that this sofa/bed configuration makes the interior feel more spacious, as it leaves plenty of room between it and the kitchen. This also allows for carrying larger items, such as mountain bikes, especially since the two rear doors are not covered and can be used as entrances to the vehicle.
All in all, this ambulance takes mobile living to the next level of luxury. It comes with all the comforts of a conventional home and is ready to take its next owner off the grid and even off the road, especially since it sports all-terrain tires.
This 2004 E450 ambulance currently has around 88,000 miles (141,622 km) on the odometer, or at least that's the number listed for the vehicle in October last year. NuAbode is offering the ambulance for a cool $135,000 (€121,702). The company also said the vehicle can be converted into a 4WD if necessary.
