4x4 DIY Overland Camper - No Budget Extreme Ambulance Conversion for Full Time Living

[@Thenachobear101]

The answer is yes! We want to see more of the inside of the van especially things that you did that you would redo.

[@JoyTuub]

The answer to more videos will always be a yes. As someone who is increasingly more and more interested in buying an ambi and making a conversion, I'll take all the inside information and tips I can get! It's been a day dream for several years, but I'm more and more sold on the idea of just doing it and stop dreaming. Love what you've done with your build.

[@DuaneForrester]

Oh, more content describing the systems would be welcome, yes. BUT, maybe more content of this rig in action - whatever the action is. Doesn’t need to be anything hard core, but getting a sense of the dynamics of the Lost Box as it traverses terrain would be very welcome.

[@herbyhannan1675]

Definitely the best ambulance conversion I’ve seen,

[@dflood316]

Bike, care, and describe. I love it. Since you asked, more about the mechanical upgrades. But talking about poop will probably get you more describers.

[@lostbox4636]

Ha, that's funny. Yep already seeing comments regarding the composting toilet. I'm glad you noticed the care describe and bike right away. Good to hear from you darren.

[@DefenderCanada]

13:32 : Simply flip the gas struts around. When closed, the lower part of the strut needs to be attached to the frame and the top part to the window. As you open, they will expand and open the window way more. Find the perfect spot for your 85 degrees goal

[@yvandespommes143]

hey tom, long time follower. When you said you paid for it in the original van tour, it stuck with me. I got a 2002 4x4 f450 ambulance from the canadian army with really low mileage and garage kept. but I paid for it. it was worth it. layout is not yet decided but I took some insipartion from yours and I find your engineering interesting. keep the videos coming!

[@GoTeamScotch]

Legitimately one of the coolest thing on 4 wheels I've ever seen!

[@stib7365]

Hi ,Steve here watching from western Australia, great rig,more on the truck itself and more of everything, thanks,love 4wd trucks

[@iangreant]

Bikes, plumbing, tires. Long time fan from IG

[@BuckJones1909]

I’ve seen a wail around of your rig maybe a year ago or longer! If you are going to do more videos, I like to see Moore about the water heater, the filtration system & the minisplit! An explanation of the spare tire system would be appreciated too! Thank you for this video, as I found it to be informative & entertaining!

[@Justmekpc]

I have a 20’ cutaway bus I really enjoy but love these ambo builds Very nice and I sure wish I had the money to do this type of build but it is what it is

[@jasonpotts6490]

I'm building a Kodiak ambulance myself. Definitely interested in more videos. Subbed. Definitely interested in more on the plumbing/water system, the wheels/tires and related mods, the added windows and skylight, shower/bath area. As far as ambulance conversions go, you definitely have one of the very nicest rigs out there, so for ambo nuts like me, I'm sure you'd do very well with more videos!

[@largemarge1603]

@jas, I definitely like this comment!

[@CrazyFattyPatty]

Thanks for the walkthrough! Would love to hear more about your travel destinations and upcoming trips.

[@lostbox4636]

Lots of travel content on instagram. Next trip is up into Alberta this summer if all goes according to plan.

[@dan-oe7yw]

Love the rig, been a fan since the tour years ago. Keep em coming!

[@Beardinc]

Definitely would love to see more on the HVAC system youre running. Both heat and AC. Also I wonder if the Sietz(so?) Window replacement struts would work on the Tern windows. Worth a look!

[@rollinghomelife]

Great video! Looking forward to learning more about every part of it, but one video about how to find/buy a 4x4 ambo and then how to prioritize the foundation of the build (engine, transmission, suspension, electrical, etc.)

[@lostbox4636]

Noted!

[@richmumm7288]

Great video. I would like to see more info on the water system. How your filter system works as well as the hot water heater from the engine. Thanks!

[@TheTylerDaleProject1]

Your build is killer! I’ve got a retired hot shot crew carrier that I am in the process of converting!!

[@Adventuredriven]

Love it, please do a video on composting toilets, we need one for Brutus as we are remodeling as we speak. Good job on the video

[@lostbox4636]

Yep, that one is a must. So many little tricks and hints for composting toilets I've learned.

[@flaviusbarker9388]

Great video! Been following you all for a while on instagram. Can't wait for more content. I have an LMTV M1079 I've been slowly working on. The lost box is awesome!

[@theangrypickleadventures1368]

Love your rig, would very much like to see more videos on it!

[@travisbevelheimer8919]

Huge huge fan of your build.

[@barbsexton2003]

I think you did a great job on your rig. Love the interior.

[@lostbox4636]

Thanks so much!

[@daytonabchnative]

I remember watching you on KZbin when you were showcased on another program. Then following driventoadventures who I believe modeled theirs after yours. Now we bought a 2012 Horton freightliner medium duty ambulance and we are doing a conversion. We look forward to watching and getting ideas. Great to see you on here.

[@lostbox4636]

You guys did fall down the rabbit hole. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@TruckCamperCooking]

Stoked you made a channel! I have loved following your Instagram for a while. Excited to see more videos

[@davidcooper3957]

We saw your first video and loved it and now it’s changed quite a bit. Could you go into the water and solar a bit more

[@lostbox4636]

Making a list of what people want to see. Noted. Thanks for the comment.

[@johnkassay7064]

Love seeing the new iterations on your rig! I'd love to see more details on your spare tire setup

[@lostbox4636]

Coming soon!

[@smullins17]

Love ambulance builds, well done.

[@martinrechtenbach9226]

Love all the changes and upgrades and can’t wait to see more details. 👌🏻

[@williamsrkurt]

Great video! Hope you keep making them! Would love to see a video about the A/C system. What worked and didn't work in the three iterations you mentioned? Also love to see the electrical system that powers it all? I'd like to upgrade our truck to handle a mini split. Anyways, thanks for the video, love your build.

[@shoptruckvenice7958]

Love it!! Keep it up. I’m just starting my Ambo build and was really inspired by one of your first videos.

[@lostbox4636]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@landerwyoming9720]

Excellent work and excellent video - thank you for sharing! You got a new Sub!

[@bradleyrm]

Tom thanks for the video. Would love to hear more about the composting toilet, tire rack and winch, and shower. Cheers😊

[@lostbox4636]

You got it!

[@ATacticalG]

we all want more. you were my first inspiration to do an ambo build. I would say id love to know more about if your happy with victron and especially that isotherm.

[@lostbox4636]

That's easy, victron and isotherm are two of my favorite. I would definitely use both in another build.

[@ATacticalG]

@@lostbox4636 awesome man, thanks for the reply. Any issues with the isotherm so far?

[@luvthigod]

I would love to hear more details on your Ac system. I think that’s the most challenging part of any “van build “

[@lostbox4636]

Coming soon!

[@roszko]

Love the bloopers!

[@tuff65chevy]

Hey Tom. Love this channel. Hopefully I can get a shout out when you do a spare tire review. Love everything you've done to the Ambulance. Looking forward ro future videos

[@lostbox4636]

Are you talking about the roof rack?

[@OACole]

ooooo?! I saw the original showing of this on Tiny House Tours a few years ago and so glad to hear and see this is evolving. Maybe editing a side by side video with commentary on what was happening before with various components and what is going on now. I feel that something that is *just* starting to get discussed in vanlife is how adjust or grow with your truck via different builds and adjustments. It's a thought - but love how this continues to grow!

[@lostbox4636]

That is a good idea and one I had not thought of before. I guess I'm trying to do that in the videos I make now. Trying to talk more about what didn't work and what does and the modifications I've done.

[@largemarge1603]

​@@lostbox4636 2003, we built our ExpeditionVehicle on a 1996 Ford CF8000 commercial truck. Over two decades full-time live-aboard, our rig is constantly evolving.

[@InPoweredByCyndi]

Great video!! I have the same rig with a Braun box. On the fence about selling it! This makes me want to keep it!!

[@lostbox4636]

I had been kicking the idea around as well but just can't seem to let it go. Now I'm getting into the videos and minor improvements and having fun with it. Best of luck.

[@shakeygoat-outdoors]

Nice video. i just bought a express van and iv started converting it to a camper. if you could go over your electrical system and diesel heater and A/C set up that would be great!

[@alienb1212]

Saw one of your original tours a few years ago. Make more content! I'm here.

[@lostbox4636]

Will do!

[@petedeiwert3782]

Would love to hear about the water system. Also would love to hear about the super singles. I am running a DBL kit on my 2022 f450. I know you have done some things to deal with some common issues. Curious to hear your take on positives and negatives of super singles. Also how you resolved some issues. But honestly I want to hear about it all, ac unit too lol.

[@TomRoszko]

My first comments, thanks pete. I do appreciate it. Plans right now are to do all of those videos in greater detail.

[@jaggarza1423]

Like to know more about Your mini split. Great video nice camper 🎉

[@dwh7651]

I'm in. Look forward to more. Awesome rig.

[@jimbojimbo1321]

Love the whole thing. Give us all the details about everything!

[@randycurry]

Tom, Happy you made the decision to start a channel. I've enjoyed your hows and whys on your build. My dream was to build out something for retirement travels, wife had other thoughts and we ordered and took delivery of a 2022 EKKO. Can you dive into the battery charging system, and how Victron components work? Thanks. And I love the super singles!

[@vanwithaplan2476]

Love the walk through. Waved to you a couple times on our way by, at Playa Norte.

[@lostbox4636]

I didn't see you. Wish you'd come by. In La Ventana now.

[@vanwithaplan2476]

Nice! We were at La Ventana before we headed to Barriles. Hopefully you’re getting some hot pool time and kiting in. Place is magical. Polar opposite, we are up at a ski resort in Washington.

[@mikeweezy415]

Been following your rig for some time now. Glad you’re getting more requests for content. I’d love to see more videos on shower plumbing

[@lostbox4636]

More to come!

[@insanelyradical32]

Rad! Thanks Tom! You’ve got great ideas and insight from your multiple builds and experience on the road. I know I’d love to hear about the mini split versions as well as issues you’ve experienced on the road. Looking forward to your content!

[@D_Cali_Life]

California didn’t let me renew my registration on my 2009 Chevy c4500 4x4 diesel. 2019 was the last year I was legally allowed to register it. I sold it for $24,000 and the guy sold it for $120,000 in Arizona after Covid. Sucks these aren’t allowed in California

[@antalfazekas3547]

It would be great to see all those topics in separate videos. Also on how you bought the ambulance from Yellowstone.

[@lostbox4636]

That's the plan!

[@TooMuch637]

Gotta know more about the mini split!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BackcountryBeta]

one of the best overland builds I've seen! what are your thoughts on big/heavy/comfortable/convenient vs smaller/lighter/more austere but better off-road and mpg trade offs? your rig is a super rare platform... but seems pretty ideal to me for a long term/fulltime build... Have you looked at any other trucks? I've been thinking about building one on a JDM 4x4 cabover (hiace/dyna/fuso/atlas, etc) but also have a ram 2500 ctd that I know inside and out so might use it as a platform for a build too... anyway, more vids please:)

[@lostbox4636]

Ah, this is the question. Look at my website and you'll see I've had a bunch of campers throughout the years from vw's to the prototype earthroamer. This is a full time camper built for one or two who get along very well. It doesn't zip around but is still comfortable to drive. I looked at Fuso which was plan B. Wouldn't do that now though because of lack of support. Funny, we have the dodge 2500 as well. Great platform but too light for full time. If look seriously at an f-550. Best of luck.

[@largemarge1603]

@Back, Our 1996 Ford CF8000 ExpeditionVehicle interior is three paces across by seven paces long. We acquired the shortest wheelbase, most of our mass is between the axles. . We think those long wheelbase rigs are restricted in manouveurs and parking. Add 2m/6' behind the rear axle seems like it'd stress the frame on a light-duty or medium-duty truck. . Our rig has a full semi-truck frame. Over two decades full-time live-aboard. So far, zero frame issues.

[@TonyPhillips-jy7ev]

Nicely built thx sharing

[@largemarge1603]

Showers are always fun...

[@walsh-saxonfamily4431]

Well done mate. And best of all no plants 👍

[@largemarge1603]

Hardly any avocado toast or roof-yoga. But, did I see a Carhartt beanie...

[@michaelboaz6493]

Any videos on systems and changes to those systems and why. Pros and cons to each. Love your rig been following you for years.

[@lostbox4636]

Good idea. I will do my best to explain changes and why.

[@lpd1122]

More about the build and layout design please

[@McRVP]

I’m pretty sure we chatted in the arroyo in Los Barriles a few weeks ago

[@lostbox4636]

That would be me. I was there.

[@dan-oe7yw]

Like to see a vid on the ac. Love the rig

[@lostbox4636]

For your viewing pleasure. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoWtf2mJqM2GeJY

[@theorybybecky]

Great video!! Keep ‘em coming!

[@logangugliuzza7290]

Been a follower on IG for a long time, would love to hear more about your super single swap and the issues you’ve overcome with that. I’m starting my own short bus build, it’s RWD with duallys and I’ve been considering a 4x4 axle swap with super singles bc wouldn’t that be rad?? I’ve also been hung up on mini split placement and would love to hear more about the iterations you’ve been through and the modification process to make the condenser lay flat. Looking forward to more content!

[@TomRoszko]

Good suggestions. Those will both be covered. Working on the mini split video now.

[@mrwizard2089]

Nice rig.

[@lostbox4636]

Thanks 👍

[@TheDogsBox]

I am curious how you managed to keep the shower usable when you deleted the floor grate. Glad you made a channel, I am a big fan of your build, that ambo is an amazing unicorn, I watched auctions for a year and only saw one other come up, and it was way out of my price range.

[@lostbox4636]

Yes, I got lucky with this one. I'm afraid mine may have been part of the reason they got rare and expensive. The flooring in the video is on a panel that is removable. After the floor grate I used epoxy to make the pan drain better. Recently I took the epoxy out due to water getting under it. My bad for not creating a better bonding surface. For now I just remove the flooring panel and stand on the shower pan. I will show this in a video down the road.

[@scottaxness3971]

More info re: Shower pan, heat pump and the spare tire winch system please.

[@lostbox4636]

Winch system video coming. A/C video already up.

[@andrewtarrh9469]

Hey great tour. Have you heard from Greg and Ginger lately? Last I heard they caught a bug, didn’t see a whole lot on socials since. Hope they’re doing well as they (and you!) were inspirational for me.

[@lostbox4636]

Yes, I recently spent some time with them. They are doing very well. Thanks for asking, take care.

[@andrewtarrh9469]

By the way, would love to see details on your minisplit setup. An upgrade you might be interested in is the simplehuman paper towel holster, I see you’ve already got a solution but it’s ratcheting and reasonably priced.

[@peterpiper487]

At $12 per gallon I can understand why ambulance bills are so expensive!! And I have no medical insurance... never have. So I'll keep that in mind if I ever get ill and need to go to the hospital. I'm 74 years old and so far so good. No illness of any kind, not even a cold so I think I'm good to go... no medical insurance necessary... and hopefully no ambulance. But they certainly make nice living quarters!

[@theorionnebula707]

I'd love to see it all. Very interested in the AC and water though. I'd also love a more in depth of the electrical as well! What model ambulance is that? It looks like the inside of the box is taller than 6'.

[@lostbox4636]

Lucky you. I've already made an AC video. It's a wheeled coach.

[@natekola1151]

Great vid, I saw Phil’s video on it and been chatting with yah occasionally on tires especially. My ambo is going back under knife miss_advencha enjoyed this vid following along.

[@jamesblakely253]

Spare tire carrier and Ac system thx Ambunest

[@mikemckenna4816]

I'd like to see it all

[@blake.hopper]

I’d love to know more about the toilet

[@lostbox4636]

Yes, a toilet fan. It's a natures head composting toilet. Highly recommended. I will eventually do a video on it.

[@1ode2joy]

Oh, and I bike! I also cared with some friends and my wife and I also described. Please never start with Hey guys, welcome to 'the channel'. That one is a wee bit stale.

[@lostbox4636]

Thanks for joining my journey. I'll do my best to not be annoying. Nope, won't say that line. My least favorite, "without further ado"

[@DanTaylor-lu4yk]

Really well engineered!!! Can you speak to the width and height effecting your ability to get to where you’d like to go. I’m thinking roads, parking, trails ect. Also, your thoughts on how much water, battery and fuel you have needed for making your lifestyle work. Thanks!!!

[@lostbox4636]

Very specific so I'll answer here. Width isn't a big deal except driving in Baja where the roads are narrow. Definitely worth being 8' for the inside utility. Height needs to be as low as possible. I'm at 10' 7" which is a nice compromise for accessibility and inside ceiling height. Water, I'd say 20 gallons for weekender and up to 50 for full time. I have 70 which is great for Baja but I rarely fill it in the states. If you want the conveniences of home 600 battery amp hours (12v) would be great. I'm also a firm believer in covering the roof with solar panels. Fuel, 3 to 400 mile range is good. Good luck.

[@largemarge1603]

@Dan, Our first change after completing our conversion: * we added a 140-gallon 'saddle-tank' to supplement the factory 50-gallon tank. These give us 190-gallons on the rig. . On our toy-hauler I fabricated on a similar commercial chassis, I mounted an additional 120-gallon diesel tank. . We prefer acquiring fuel in low-tax areas. In theory, our range without re-fill is Anchorage-to-Acapulco.

[@largemarge1603]

@Dan, Instead of one yuge fresh-water tank, we use retired five-gallon stainless-steel Pepsi kegs. Our standard load is seven kegs, a total of thirty-five gallons. . With our massive GVWR, we can easily add a dozen more kegs. . In our toy-hauler, we can carry a couple-three dozen more kegs. In theory, we can go four months without re-fill.

[@largemarge1603]

@Dan, Irregardless of size or shape, every vehicle will inevitably sport 'pinstripes'. . We boondock exclusively. Never tried a pay-camp. Never tried a RecreateVehicles resort, but we suppose we could get seduced by the shuffleboard tournaments. The canasta marathons. The "Hello, I'm ____ " name-badges. The perky Activities Director. Sardine camping.

[@benklopfenstein2919]

I'd like to know more about the heat pump/ AC. How did you rotate the compressor, and make the line sets work? Thanks

[@lostbox4636]

Now I love it when this question comes up. Dude, there's a video for that. It's the only other one.

[@blackbird2056]

I would like to know how you came up with the whole concept. I am looking for my first Ambo to convert.

[@lostbox4636]

Go to my website LostBox.org where I talk about the truck and how it ended up this way.

[@alphatruckhouse8223]

Cool ! Thanks man ~peace~

[@KurtShinn-j8d]

Nice show me how to build one

[@bubbalovesoatmealadventure108]

Okay…we found you!

[@1ode2joy]

Fantastic build. I've been building out Ford vans for many years and still have yet to try an ambo or something with square walls. Really nice touches on your rig! How drivable is it on the highway? Can you roll along at 70?

[@lostbox4636]

Yes, no problem now. Wasn't practical before with the goodyears.

[@ellpo]

I am just starting my 08 Koadiak Ambulance build, would really like to hear more about your shower/toilet setup, and what your considerations were for battery and solar design. I am leaning towards Victron, but these all-in-one systems have me intrigued. Did you stick with 12v batteries or higher voltage with a stepdown?

[@lostbox4636]

12v but that was 5 years ago.

[@ellpo]

@@lostbox4636 if you were to do it over again would you go 24v?

[@shammusomalley8986]

amazing

[@sswwooppee]

Do you notice a handling difference with the spare tire on the roof vs. the back of the rig?

[@lostbox4636]

Not at all. It's overall too heavy to make much difference.

[@911sareforever]

I have a Ford Econoline I am really curious. How did you do the super single conversion to it.

[@lostbox4636]

I'll do a video covering the super single conversion. Until then look up buckstop or dbl design.

[@STOCKBOY-fu5sd]

I follow you on IG.I’ve asked like a dozen time but you never answered me.Just curious what you do to make a living on the road?

[@lostbox4636]

I'll do my best to answer questions here. I don't read comments on the other video anymore, it just became too much especially for not being my channel. The short answer is that I sold my house and carried the loan. I also cashed in my savings and bought real estate. I've owned many rentals and now have an AirBnB. The most important point is that you don't need much money to live full time on the road if you are willing to sacrifice. Best of luck.

[@DogmaticAtheist]

Where did he find the yellowstone ambulance? Im assuming a gov't auction?

[@lostbox4636]

Bought it from a guy who somehow had an inside line on them. He made a quick 10k.

[@DogmaticAtheist]

@@lostbox4636 I gotcha. Is he still selling?

[@alex.toader]

What truck is this pls? It is not recognisable for ppl outside US

[@TomRoszko]

This is a 2009 Chevy Kodiak or Topkick C4500 with a Duramax 6.6l diesel engine and Allison automatic transmission. Gross weight 18,500lbs.

[@1989jumpman]

What brand are the windows?

[@lostbox4636]

Eurovision, find them at tern overland.

[@бредлит]

👋😁👍👍

[@alacumba]

Gutting an ambulance is a waste; all those fine cabinets.😢

[@richbowie76]

👍👍👍👍👍✌🍻🚴‍♀️

[@RobertHammock]

💧. . .

[@petedeiwert3782]

So stoked for this channel! Been following on Insta.

[@romangroysman5204]

Love the video learned a lot and got some ideas!

[@yourdady83]

Why don't you make a video all of it

[@shakeygoat-outdoors]

Nice video. i just bought a express van and iv started converting it to a camper. if you could go over your electrical system and diesel heater and A/C set up that would be great!