He Built A Budget DIY AMBULANCE CONVERSION - Living Simple To Pursue His Passions In Life

Josh built his ambulance conversion to live a simple life while pursuing his passions and hobbies. As shown in the video, music and fishing are a big part of his life. It was only when he embraced a life of simplicity that he could then give his passions the time they deserve.
His KZbin - / @joshandthejam7806
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[@ceofounder]

This dude is absolutely awesome! God bless him!

[@kathryncolemanstudio1658]

This is a beautiful build out. I especially like the palettes and the futon !

[@joshreed7102]

Dogs ash’s? I now have total respect for you. 👍 when you love something until your last breath is the second highest honor of your life. The first is the gratitude of your own existence.

[@joshandthejam7806]

Damn man, this brought a tear to my eye. Thank you.

[@ericflugel]

I love you're home. keep rocking it..!!

[@kaydle50]

Really admired all your hard work and ingenuity. The wood was beautiful and loved your refrigerator and water pump system. Happy and safe travels to you both.

[@joshandthejam7806]

Karen Warren thanks! It’s been a long road and still not done, but getting there.

[@psmithrpm]

Looks like home to me! Nice job. You're one of the few who gutted the ambulance to built it out. I love the pulley for the bed, ingenious!

[@joshandthejam7806]

Paul Smith it was gutted when I got it so I didn’t have a choice, but I’m glad it was. I learned so much. Much love.

[@markshelby2141]

Awesome! I have a 22 foot tiny home moving on my 1 acre in North County San Diego tomorrow. I am all into this simple living. It's impossible to afford to live here, so I am helping people with my property.

[@iiatargetanalyst3046]

Good for you

[@clayannaday4763]

This video has given me new hope. I could never find the right van. I can't buy a van without spending tons either... This is perfect for me and my husband.

[@joshandthejam7806]

This very one is for sale. Thanks for the kind words! Ambulances are great for sure.

[@clayannaday4763]

@@joshandthejam7806 unfortunately I dont have the money for it. We are scraping by as is. 😅

[@wendyannh]

This his is the single best ambulance conversion I've seen yet.

[@joshandthejam7806]

Thank you very much, that means a lot to me!

[@staceymiller9303]

Love this. Simple, affordable, your own work. :)

[@sittiemaimonahabuat5402]

Loved it! If it weren't for the wires on the last cabinet, it has enough space to put a shower in there.

[@GodiscomingBhappy]

very touching to have ur dad's and dog's ashes. nice conversion.

[@tammy3458]

Wow!!!! I grew up camping a lot as a kid too! U have a positive outlook & that’s wonderful! I ❤️ what u said about being “tired of talking about stuff”…doing it is really what makes those awesome memories! I’m in the beginning stage of “researching” Nomad life & plan to be on the road after New Year 2023! Ur an INSPIRATION. Great job on the build. Ur really talented & organized:)

[@joshandthejam7806]

Thank you so much for the comment. You really can do anything you set your mind to. Good luck, you got this!

[@mariamoshogianni7008]

First of all my condolences about your father and dog🙏💓 great tiny home ambulance keep up the great work god bless you💓🙏

[@joshandthejam7806]

Maria Moshogianni I appreciate that so much. Namaste.

[@Stephanie-lb6tt]

Wow you did amazing things with that ambulance and I would’ve never considered an ambulance... I was so stuck on a sprinter van or pro master but the funds just wasn’t cutting it. But now that I’ve seen yours and a few others this is my ticket! And you seem to have spent very little money making your adjustments and additions, which it looks like with an ambulance it’s almost ready made LOL! Thanks so much for your input in your video!! Happy trails to you!! That slogan helps out a lot too!!SOLUTIONS😉

[@jzt999]

Fantastic! This is so the way I do things, too. Build around what I found, because I think I'll need it, but leave room in case I change my mind. I've never seen the Baby Whale. Thank you so much for that! I'm a happy camper, too. Thanks for sharing your joy with us. Happy Trails!

[@joshandthejam7806]

jzt999 awesome! I’ve loved the foot pump. It doesn’t move a ton of water but that’s a good thing because we don’t have to fill up constantly!

[@jzt999]

@@joshandthejam7806 Right!?! I use about 7 gallons a week, unless I have to wash sheets or towels. lol Then I go all the way up to 12! Great tip I found for keeping hands clean. I keep a soap foamer next to the sink. Squirt foam onto hands, or dishes, or clothing, for that matter, and then, rinse with the bowl of water I keep in the sink for just that. Ecover dishwashing liquid does duty for all of the above. Fantastic stain remover.

[@tammyburke9453]

wow u got all zen at the end! LOVED ur video. Great job. Congrats on ur engagement too.

[@FDM33510]

Heck yeah! Reclaiming is the way to go. I even scored some used underwear and toothbrushes the other day at a flea market. Saving money, is making money!

[@TonyGizer]

I instantly like this dude.

[@joshandthejam7806]

Thanks brotha. Appreciate that.

[@gadgetfellow]

well done, perfect build

[@MrCodyswanson]

This one is awesome, lovin the conversion!

[@stardustxx278]

Thanks, I can't wait!!!

[@tonylocks28]

Awesome. Love ambulances

[@freedomdove]

Lol at the ending. 😁 That's a nice rig. Most ambulance builds just utilize the stock cabinets. I like this better. Makes it look less like an ambulance on the inside.

[@joshandthejam7806]

freedom dove thanks. It was a ton more work but worth it for the better insulation alone. It’s 30 degrees outside right now and 70 inside.

[@freedomdove]

@@joshandthejam7806 Nice. 👍

[@maehay4065]

Super nice rig and very functional 👍

[@ForkInTheRoad33]

I loved this one Chris!

[@Tsiri09]

Very well done build!

[@tomaustin4526]

Excellent ❤️🎶😎🚌🎥🌎🎶🎬 thanks for sharing and safe travels

[@melisaanne5625]

❤️❤️❤️❤️ RIP puppy and dad xxoo❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@joshandthejam7806]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[@ezrider1967]

Excellent job my man!

[@bingsballyhoo711]

I like a lot of your little details, like the fruit hammock, the deer accents, and the pulley for the mattress. Better switch that horseshoe, though. It's spilling out your good luck!

[@joshandthejam7806]

Spilling out my luck onto all that enter. ;)

[@tanyafitzgerald7360]

This is awesome. Great idea, perfect size, luv your style.

[@joshandthejam7806]

TANYA FITZGERALD thanks!

[@ourhomeontheroam3352]

Such an awesome build! Those hatches on the outside would be super nice!

[@eddenrabin9583]

Been watchin a lot of these videos and what can i say, this guy gets it! Good attitude, good ideas

[@joshandthejam7806]

Thank you!

[@beverlyharward9631]

New subscriber! Really like the ambulance conversion and you've set everything up nicely.

[@bobcalgarycanada8582]

Very Well Done👍👍👍. No problems just solutions. John Lennon. Thanks for Sharing

[@michelelynn6914]

I think this is the best ambulance conversion I have seen.

[@joshandthejam7806]

Michele Lynn that means a lot to me. Thanks for the compliment!

[@djwray5781]

What a great video! Very resourceful conversion. It's inspiring to see you follow your dream. Best of luck to you.

[@joshandthejam7806]

DJ Wray I hope I can inspire others to do the same!

[@realalecclarke]

He seems like such a nice dude :) Love the wood interior he has

[@joshandthejam7806]

Alec Clarke thanks! It was a lot of work but I dig the way it came out as well. Much love.

[@RacerRed]

Wow. Impressive!

[@lennyburdick3192]

Coolness.

[@JudiVentress]

Wifey to be had a a great idea! I like that kitchen! Seems like she'll be a great partner! Congrats! & Good luck! 👍

[@joshandthejam7806]

Just Judith thanks! She’s a keeper.

[@VanVida]

Hey Josh! I’ve been watching your channel since it started. We bought our ambulances around the same time, you have made a ton of progress! Way to go bud!!

[@joshandthejam7806]

Van Vida awesome! Thank you so much. Sorry my channel has been lacking. My father passed and other things happened. But I’ll be back at it ASAP. Much love!

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Josh, wow man, I really admire your freedom with this ambulance conversion. Did you take out all of the cabinetry that is standard for an ambulance or was it stripped already? Are you still working 2 jobs? I like the idea of using a futon. You have seating and a bed for more than one which you never see in van conversions. And what a smart idea to use a pulley to help with raising and lowering the futon. Did I miss a toilet or do you just go all natural? With van life, I like the idea of using gyms for showering so you don't have to worry about how much water you Will use. All though, i have used a solar shower for the summer months. I usually try to park near a natural water source so I can use the river water for showers and cooling off on hot days. The river water is usuallly cold especially if parked in the mountains. I use a bucket toilet with peat or coconut husk to keeps any oder down for long drives and for at night. I bought a pop-up changing room, that I use as a bathroom/ shower stall for privacy when I stay in one place for more than 2 days. I have a spot in my rig that is long enough and about 2" wide that holds the pop-up perfectly. I found by insulating my rig really well, that I rarely have to use my Mister Buddy heater. I think your rig is a bit to small for a wood stove. Ive seen them used in buses and large rvs, but not in vans. Those in buses say that it sometimes is to much heat for the space. Let us viewers know when you hook it up if it is too much or perfect for the space. I dont have a designated space for one but I can always make room. You do need heat shields for the 2 sides and back with an inch between the shield and walls to keep them from burning. So keep that in mind. My friend used old metal roofing panels with cement board behind them to protect the walls of her bus conversion. I would love to live full time on the road because i retired at 50 with no job to tie me down to one place. At I'll consider selling the house if the realestate market improves so I can sell the house and get some money out of it. I do bring some carving tools on the road so I carve out some spoons, mugs & bowls to sell at gatherings and craft shows to pay for gas and food $ if its going to be a long trip. Hey, wishing you much excitement and joy in your travels!!

[@joshandthejam7806]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply! To answer some of your questions, when I got the ambulance it had been partially stripped, but the person was not very good at carpentry so I had to gut it all. Since I gutted it I ended up redoing the insulation with two inches of foam and reflectix. I got the upper cabinets off of craigslist for 30 dollars. The rest I built with reclaimed wood and pallet wood. He cut the part where I mentioned the toilet situation. I camp hosted all summer so I had a shower and bathroom on site. When I travel I find spots or i have a fold out toilet with composting bags for emergencies. For showers I have a shower bag as well. I plan on putting a shower in eventually if I do not sell her first. When my fiance and I traveled the country recently in her we use a propane catalytic heater and we were toasty warm in snow conditions. I've decided to skip the stove for now and use it in a different project down the road, or sell it. I'm going to the turn the space into more storage probably, once again if it doesn't sell first. I loved working on it so much i'm most likely buying another and starting over. It's a labor of love. I've learned so much I know version 2.0 will be even better!

[@karenmurphy7066]

Nice! I love the idea of using an ambulance! Enjoy!

[@joshandthejam7806]

Karen Murphy it’s a solid base to start with. Highly recommend.

[@youmakemelaugh1797]

🙋🏿‍♀️beep beep🚑💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨cozy yes indeed👍🏿

[@livingauthenticallyonmyownterm]

What a kewl rebuild. Congrats on getting engaged !!!

[@joshandthejam7806]

Thanks!

[@NicholasMaietta]

Great build.

[@nickh8773]

Nice jambo. also dude you look like you could be the son of Bigfoot from howard stern it is lol

[@sunilnand62]

U R a Legend mate, have a wonderful day.... 😊

[@joshandthejam7806]

Thank you. You as well!

[@moroccocerrito7359]

very cool

[@byhearingandhearingby6746]

Excellence!✊🏽

[@joshandthejam7806]

Thank you!

[@ducksinarowpatience3670]

Sweet right behind you #Patience

[@gracecallowayable]

Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

[@adamhyslop]

aye good job

[@ecampvet1]

Ems professional here, I wouldn't use this as a camper unless it had been submerged in bleach. You really have no idea what has gone on in the back of one of these trucks.

[@svetlanikolova7673]

Hello from Bulgaria! You did a great job! Happy travels

[@joshandthejam7806]

thank you so much! Maybe our paths will cross one day friend.

[@svetlanikolova7673]

@@joshandthejam7806 If you come to Rebrovo maybe!

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

DUDE! that hair at the start...... STEPPENWOLF! From album STEPPENWOLF 7....

[@joshandthejam7806]

Us musicians are a different breed. I've had dreads and afros off and on my whole life. haha.

[@Limitless9nyneEnt]

Very nice

[@joshandthejam7806]

thank you very much.

[@theodoreolson8529]

Book collection: have you considering getting a Kindle? Might save a lot of space.

[@iiatargetanalyst3046]

Live for the moment 😉

[@joshandthejam7806]

exactly! Not so easy all the time. But that's the key.

[@iiatargetanalyst3046]

@@joshandthejam7806 life wasn't made to be easy. If it was easy we be spoiled brats expect get our way every second of each day, as that in itself is far removed from teach tool. We struggle for a reason what is reason? Struggle is (our) teacher. As struggle builds character. Struggle creates individual personality traits. Look No two People are alike thereby do not behave alike No struggle is identical. As each person experience is unique

[@maobfh]

If he hasn’t closed off the access door and doesn’t know if he wants to, I have discovered that some of the wetter colder climates in Europe, Ireland for example, line some things like tents with wool blankets to insulate. It works great! He could grab an old Army blanket, fold it in half and hang it over the door. I would go out of my way to weight the bottom down as cold air would zoom through and cool down the living space. Just a suggestion and a decent temporary solution while he decides and affords another shield. I wonder how the quilted moving blankets would do? Or a nice Pendleton to put some color in. Just thinking out loud with a keyboard handy. Nice build, btw!

[@joshandthejam7806]

Rebecca Adams funny i just tackled that project today! I got a nice quilted blanket off of amazon to cover that. I like that it leaves access and I can tell a difference for sure! Great minds think alike. ;)

[@jadeedens7755]

Thumbs up for the good video, for the interior, for your chill ass genuine personality, this video was what I needed to hear. About to buy an ambulance I think in a few days and this was the happy little push I needed ✌

[@joshandthejam7806]

Awesome. You will fall in love and hate it all at once. The key is to work on one thing at a time and research tons. This one is for sale as well if you know of anyone else looking send them my way.

[@Stormsteed]

So interesting that your back doors are off center. I don’t think I’ve seen that before.

[@margiepeary8003]

Nice guy, nice build! Congrat's on our engagement:)

[@joshandthejam7806]

Margie Peary thanks very much!

[@MissChatterton]

Fabulous conversion thanks for sharing I’m just trying to decide whether to buy an ambulance or a hightop van to convert just wondering is it possible to put more windows in as the walls seem proper solid in ambulances

[@joshandthejam7806]

Good question. The inside is braced all over so to fit one you have to cut supports and rebrace. I wanted to do it but I’m no welder.

[@MissChatterton]

Josh and the Jambo thanks sounds a faff!

[@rvlucky2909]

I have a van ambulance and I love it I call it amb-u-camp

[@joshandthejam7806]

rv lucky rad! I love the van style too.

[@Mary-rd2co]

Were there any issues with getting insurance for the vehicle? Any advice on how to do it?

[@FantasticCalamity]

Awesome Vanbulance! Please use fireboard and sheet metal of some kind behind, beside and above that stove! It's a great stove and it's gunna cook you out of that space till you get used to how it works. Ceiling will get super hot. Also try to get your burn nice and hot. Dont cheap out and get single wall pipe, you'll regret it. Use the proper fittings and stack. Got a Grizzly in a 2006 Nash 19b and it works a treat.

[@joshandthejam7806]

Fantastic Calamity thanks for the info! I am planning on properly insulating the whole thing for sure. I got the wall mount kit from cubic mini and the proper piping. Does your entire ceiling get hot or just near the stove?

[@FantasticCalamity]

@@joshandthejam7806 2.5 - 3 feet of the ceiling gets so hot we scavenged sheet metal to temporarily reflect the heat till I get some more stainless cut and find a heat resistant 12V light fixture. (Used the closet of the trailer for the wood stove which is right at the door of the trailer. Check my vids)

[@pinktacogang]

I just looked at an ambulance today to do this. Only thing I didn't like is head clearance. I'm 6'5". Any ideas for more head room?

[@ohske]

👍👍👍👌

[@kalebstout7673]

Curious as to what the dimensions are for the box part of the truck. Also how y’all are you compared to the interior height? My girlfriend and I are looking around about what to move into and it’s easy for her being 5’4 but me being 6’3 I’ve realized having headroom probably won’t happen

[@iblockpuncheswithmyface1490]

$40 for that stove? Damn! I paid $200 for mine. On sale.

[@sheila220947]

Aw that’s beautiful I absolutely love it it looks so comfy I love the wood panels each probably has its own story, the couch looks so comfy I love the deer’s on the cupboards so god bless and take care of you and your girlfriend xx

[@joshandthejam7806]

Sheila Whitfield exactly what I thought when building it. Each board has a story and now it’s all together in its new home, which also has its own stories. It’s pretty rad for sure.

[@dper1112]

What was the budget? If you say it's a budget build in the title, kinda wanna know how much it cost... :-)

[@joshandthejam7806]

dper1112 Id rather not say. The most expensive purchases were the fridge and tires though. Cost more than the rig did.

[@dper1112]

@@joshandthejam7806 No worries, even that ballpark price range is helpful for those of us who might want to do our own build in the future. Thanks!

[@ronjose51]

Hey, a quick search and you can find some anywhere from 2k-22k depending on year, miles and options. Be patient, find the one you want within your budget and wait it out.

[@joshandthejam7806]

Sorry I was in the process of selling at the time of this comment. All together I was probably in for 7k total with literally everything included. I got extremely lucky and scored the rig for 2200 dollars and built it up from there. It was a ton of work though so the price I got at the end was fair.

[@dper1112]

@@joshandthejam7806 No worries! It's cool that you did reply in the end. :-)

[@candidethirtythree4324]

No bathroom?

[@joshandthejam7806]

Candide Thirtythree There is a fold out toilet for emergencies but I camp host so I don’t need a shower or toilet in the rig currently.

[@Desertvanlife]

How about what the insurance cost are.... its a commercial vehicle

[@joshandthejam7806]

Montana is pretty chill with registration. It’s listed as a cargo van and insurance is cheap.

[@jamesgill5511]

Interior height??? As to the knives on a magnet, or anything else in the back really, as long as you still have the bulkhead behind the front seats and no one rides in the back while under way you should be fine. Watch some crash test videos. Even in relatively low speed crashes(30-35mph) things bolted to car bodies such as side view mirrors tend to go flying. Not trying to scare you, just something to keep in mind.

[@joshandthejam7806]

James gill it’s about 5 foot 10 to 11 inches. Appreciate your concern. I’ll keep that in mind.

[@jamesgill5511]

@@joshandthejam7806 Thanks for the answer. It's hard to find dimensions on the different types of ambulance bodies for some reason.

[@federicoandre5717]

Considering the size of that thing, this is super efficient use of the space. However, how do you solve the bathroom/shower situation?

[@joshandthejam7806]

Federico Andre I camp host currently so it hasn’t been needed. I do have a fold out toilet and a bag shower for when I’m traveling.

[@federicoandre5717]

@@joshandthejam7806 Well, I have to say I admire what you did there and how you adapted to it. Good job, man!

[@joshandthejam7806]

Thanks so much!

[@Profsr_Ecks]

What brand is that oven?

[@ican156]

What do you do for insurance?

[@LeoHernandeznyc]

Good job, but where do you bathe or go-to the bathroom?

[@joshandthejam7806]

I spent the summer camp hosting so I had those things. When on the road I find places or i have a fold out toilet and a shower bag for emergencies.

[@coldwarsoldierliving6221]

Where was this ambulance found at? What site can find something like this or similar? If someone can tell me I'd appreciate it.

[@joshandthejam7806]

I scored mine off facebook marketplace. You can find them all over, just gotta search.

[@DuskLegend]

What about the bathroom though!

[@pimpchimpin6098]

me: :( this guy: “my girlfriend soon to be fiancé” me: :)

[@k.pacificnw02134]

Is he extra tall, or are ambulance roofs just short? He's having to crouch a tiny bit.

[@joshandthejam7806]

They are short. I'm about 5 foot 9ish and you see how it is. That's with minimal ceiling material as well.

[@eugeneallison7457]

Dam I'm 6 2 I would have to crawl around lol

[@joshandthejam7806]

Some people have added more height by building an extension above with aluminum or you could get a pop up. The possibilities are endless with some imagination.

[@cindys9858]

@@joshandthejam7806 What is the height inside, please?

[@lass-inangeles7564]

I think a diesel heater would be smaller and more efficient than this space hogging wood stove. Chinese heaters on Amazon $200. Comes with a slim tank. Wood stove also produces carbon monoxide, and is a pain to refuel middle of the night. You need a chimney (high cost), you need clearance space around it lined with firebrick, you need oxygen airflow, and it pollutes the air. Get an electric show fireplace if you want ambience. The biggest money and space wasters are these wood stoves. Functionally useless. Just the lastest fad. Diesel heating will not create moisture condensation inside, the heater is compact, tank can be in outside storage, no fumes, even heating, no fuss with chopping wood or buying pricey briquets. Go Diesel!! Apart from that, you have a spectacular build and very beautiful space inside. Glad you used real mosaic not fake stick on pads. Gives an authentic feel. FYI - If you use polymer instead of water in the mortar and grout tiling, it stays put. Smart tires, love the exterior colors! What a nice lifestyle. Enjoy, Josh!

[@joshandthejam7806]

Agreed, i've switched to diesel heaters in my builds since. The stove was too much of a hassle.

[@prankster671]

Where's the toilet?

[@goober3463]

Poops in the woods like a bear.

[@joshandthejam7806]

There is a fold out toilet for emergencies but I camp host so I don’t need a shower or toilet in the rig currently.

[@joshandthejam7806]

And I poop in the woods like a bear.

[@elizabethmack2562]

Toilet? Shower?

[@becm1395]

How much do you spend in gas

[@joshandthejam7806]

depends on diesel prices. haha

[@samanthaspeaks4206]

This guy is weirdly super hot. Cool conversion ❤

[@joshandthejam7806]

Samantha Speaks thanks. ;)

[@valeriehancotte-galan4790]

Lol

[@Peter-fo4ec]

toilet ?

[@Schlegel_BageI]

Stuff

[@morenatrooper1438]

This home 🏡

[@joshandthejam7806]

for sure!

[@meganjohnson44]

so are you and your fiance going to live in there too?

[@joshandthejam7806]

Megan Johnson no. We are traveling across the country in it currently but she is from Canada so we’re separated by the border for now.

[@cambodianrefugee6305]

Gas mileage?

[@joshandthejam7806]

Jeff Demorris surprisingly not bad if you baby it. She likes to cruise at 55.

[@Peter-fo4ec]

shower ?

[@reallyhappenings5597]

loose knives in a collision...

[@TrentTheCreator]

Imagine some heroin addict breaking into this ambulance thinking it's a real one so they could steal some morphine.

[@joshandthejam7806]

They'd have a pretty hard time getting in, and if they did a face full of bear spray would deter them im sure.