Pre-build Van Tour and Layout Plans! Converting Our Ex-Ambulance Into A Tiny Home On Wheels!

The exciting day has come to pick up our new project van that we will be converting into a tiny home on wheels for our next chapter of adventures and travel!
We wanted to show you what our new ambulance looks like inside before we start the build! 🚐 It's not your everyday empty panel van, there are a few interesting additions to the van from its ambulancing days! Come have a look and we will also tell you our build layout plans!
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👋 If you are new here, hello! We're Ben and Emily! We live on our 56 foot narrow boat as full time continuous cruisers with our cat Alan 🌟
Follow us along to see our adventures, ups, downs, mishaps and lots of boating about!
#narrowboat #tinyhouse #travelvlog #travelcouple #travelvlogger #canalboat #vanlife #offgrid #offgridliving #slowliving #slowlife #vanlifers #travelblogger #vanlifeuk #vanconversion #vanbuild #selfbuild

[@BenandEmily]

🎼 All music by @bennyjonesmusic Follow this link to discover his music, youtube, instagram, gigs and other happenings! linktr.ee/BennyJones

[@wheeliebow]

I think you should name her ‘Florence’ as in Florence Nightingale the original nurse. ❤ but whatever you decide enjoy the experience of converting her and most importantly creating some great memories on your travels 🚌

[@mikesmith2]

Or even Flo, as in Flo(w), which is what you will be doing, whether on road or water! Best of luck with the build.

[@alexgilman1079]

Definately if you are going to visit Florence, Italy 😊

[@joanneflannery9762]

Oh I love that ❤

[@catherinequinn6102]

Instead of Florence and the machine it’s Florence THE machine

[@user-gx5ir2uf7v]

The first thing that popped into my head was Flo also. I’m quite envious but happy for you both.😊

[@brummythebrit1899]

Hi guys, great buy. I used to run a campervan club on FB and as such have seen many self-conversions...The best advice i can give you is to weigh your van before you start and take it off your GVW to see what capacity you have to work with....taking account of yourselves, a full tank of fuel, full tank of water etc. I have seen so many times people suddenly realizing they are massively overweight....the weight soon mounts up.....good luck

[@fliss362]

Instead of damaging the ceiling you could just add decorative paper or vinyl. Reducers the weight too.

[@brianlopez8855]

t and g wall paper cheaper and lighter

[@shetlandsheep3081]

So exciting! Don’t forget Alan’s bathroom ! …

[@BenandEmily]

😸 Oh we won't! ❤️

[@sharoncastro1849]

I’m so excited for the both of you. Can’t wait to see what you do with the inside. I think you should call her “BEA” for Ben Emily & Alan. Enjoy your new adventure!🤗❤️

[@dwansbo]

Turn the vertical cupboard front through 90 degrees and use it as part of your kitchen. It would then match the overheads.

[@SianRussell]

Hey both I'm gonna enjoy watching this conversion cos we bought and converted an ambulance 4 years ago and have loved every minute of our adventures. Although we don't live in ours so its a simpler conversion we ended up stripping out all the walls/ceiling to insulate more efficiently and finding our way around the electrics was mind blowing!!! But we still love her 4 years on ❤️ good luck x

[@SirTotts]

Emily's silly grin, when picking up the van, is nearly as good as Benny's music. 🎶🎶🤣🤣

[@sianwarwick633]

Didn't realise Emily had such a history with van conversions - this will be great - Exciting! X 6 - to see

[@md2320]

Idea for the chair. Cut a hole in it and then this can be the toilet 👍😂🤣

[@nealeburgess6756]

I love the ambulance. I would advise not covering up all the white surfaces. With furniture and flooring the whole ambience will be toned down. And a white ceiling and/or walls will add to the light airy feeling. What a fabulous basis you have bought!

[@cindytennessee]

Your giddiness is refreshing! It’s so nice to have some new excitement in our lives. 🤩

[@CMSwithay]

Wow, you two are full of life and great role models for getting out there and making things happen. Thank you for sharing your adventures and really looking forward to seeing what happens next

[@robrides3346]

Great van 👍 You guys should resticker it with Alanbulance

[@theseriousprepper4372]

Cool Van. Your energy levels just lit up my entire house. The small cupboard with the seatbelts are for oxygen bottles. Looking forward to seeing how this plays out. Be well be safe. Thanks for the vids. Van name idea. Rover

[@evelynsutton4411]

l think Emily is excited!!

[@BenandEmily]

I am excited!!!! 😄

[@daviddron4780]

Maybe the straps in the 'wardrobe' were actually for holding oxygen tanks securely? Anyway, good luck you lovely people and safe travels!

[@BenandEmily]

Heheh, yes i think probably something like that! 😊

[@graybrett7281]

As a retired paramedic that space was for the folding carry chair. 😉

[@BenandEmily]

@@graybrett7281 ah ha! Thanks!

[@mattbadger8770]

If you drive to Chamonix in France you can take the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From there you're in the Aosta valley which is full of castles, from there the coast is 4 hours away, Venice is 5 hours or the Dolomites are an option.I Highly recommend Chamonix in France then the tunnel to Italy, beautiful places and drives. I'm living in Chamonix (winter) it's a jaw dropping valley and a beautiful town ! Love the van. Matt

[@cgp1442]

How about either a hydralic drop-down bed ( from the ceiling ) or a built-in sofa that folds out to be a bed ? How much fun is this going to be to design and build ❤ Congratulations

[@denisefreeman2123]

Emily is so beautiful when she is happy❣️❣️❣️Benny is so handsome when he’s happy❣️❣️❣️

[@MaggieTremayne]

Haven't seen Emily looking so happy! I'm so excited too!

[@PaulGriffith]

Looks like that round access port to the roof exposes the back side of an antenna for a mobile radio. Many van conversions have the bed in the back, however some have put the bath in the back so the doors can be opened for an outside shower.

[@johnshaw4140]

Good idea guys , with the cupboards and electrics installed already , thats going to save you loads of time for sure , and a real eberspacher is a brilliant plus too

[@BenandEmily]

Yeah, we're super happy to have some stuff already in place! 😊

[@blueman46]

A lot to like about the van, the extra insulation and double glazing will be great for winter, if you google the registration number there is pics of it when it was in service 👍🏻😊

[@maidbloke]

Good call! ae07fxs

[@SianRussell]

We done that with our ambulance and also found it's "retirement' date was lovely to have that information

[@malcolmwallace33]

Wishing you Both all the Best in your Build, Should call the van after your Dad, as he will be helping you with the build.

[@susanoshea8296]

Wow , what excitement and energy flowing out of you two, going to watch this again to feel it all coming through. Two beautiful people love your smiles of joy being in the moment. 😊🌟🚑🧡

[@gloriawaters1455]

Good luck Emily and Benny and not forgetting Alan take care and be safe, my daughter and son inlaw have a campervan and they have such great journeys keep sending your vlogs 😊❤

[@georgegilbert7347]

Instead of painting you might consider getting a vinyl graphic panel made up that is big enough to cover the "ambulance" lettering that is still visible.

[@eon498]

Good luck Emily and Ben on your journey,,will be keeping watch on your progress as I'm in proceeds of refitting a 5th wheel trailer and may pickup some tips from you both love it ,,,you've got all the luck in the world.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much! 😀 Good luck with your refit too!

[@brockshields9336]

And a lovely little sliding hatch/window, just behind the front seats for Allan to come and go. You'll need to build a safe perch on one side or the other, or both. As mentioned before. You've got fantastic blank canvas on the sides (and front) for murals or some such artwork.

[@xoniwebmaster1]

WooHoo BEMILY !!!

[@coralkirk-hood4472]

If you are going on a ferry again get some of the wrist bands that fight sea sickness by using acupressure points in the wrist they work a treat

[@bryzot7242]

Enjoy the build... I'm 2 yrs past & done thousands of miles now showing 302000..ex nhs great van...i wish mine was in the same condition before i converted

[@NatiHerron]

Perfect size for adventure travelling all the smaller roads.

[@martingibbs9277]

Very much looking forward to the van build 👍

[@andrewbounds8672]

It should look cool when it is done and a lot of money saved with the way it comes

[@Littlehornification]

Three weeks, no problem. You guys will smash it. It only took me a month to do my bus and that had 25 seats in it. Nice purchase, enjoy it. :)

[@spencehh]

Looking forward to the Italy adventure. My favourite country to visit.

[@Artinthecorridor]

Can’t wait to see it finished ❤️

[@exfiremanstan]

I can’t wait to watch this build it will cost me the van I’ve been promising myself the ambulance looks just the thing for me!

[@danhollifield]

I suggest "Explorer" as a name for the van. After all, you will be exploring in it. --Dan

[@janetrobson9469]

I'm so excited for yous... Come on get this done sounds fab... Cannot wait to see how you fit it out.... ❤

[@mjomalley1606]

Enjoy enjoy enjoy…you guys are so much fun…be safe and much success!

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much! 🥰

[@Jemma.and.Ganymede]

I’m so excited for you all! Can’t wait to see the finished build!!

[@davidbell4755]

See you soon guys. Got my van conversion head on already. Love Papa xxx

[@sallysmith9064]

Great choice guys. 'You could keep lentils in there' 😂😂 Love your excitement. Hope Alan approves...

[@bs6281]

Looks like a fun adventure😊

[@pattichambley2779]

Wow you guys scored So much possibilities Yay

[@mishkawp8200]

How exciting! Can’t wait to see how the build goes.

[@sccobyste]

I would fit a power box then fit solar to that and that’s it as your lithium battery won’t be enough to run the show. We have built loads and also these are level 3 insulated so you will be fine

[@lily_m3538]

Wow. Very enterprising. Great energy.

[@susannahwhitaker994]

What a happy, excited couple. So lovely to see, you both deserve this magical adventure 🤗

[@user-nt6zd8ny3w]

Fantastic. So exciting. what an amazing van. So many features you can use. Gonna make kitting it out do much easier. Hope Alan enjoys all the extra space xx

[@brightstar586]

Aw! So pleased for you guys. Great choice of van and looking forward to following your fit out journey! Never been to Italy so can't wait x

[@matthewboyle2263]

Good luck with the new venture guys ❤

[@annprout6255]

Oh my goodness I love your excitement you really cheer me up🎉🎉🎉 so happy for you three. Xxx

[@BenandEmily]

🥰

[@ginniemcdermott9961]

My husband & I have been watching your adventures since the beginning. We are on our 26’ sailboat for 6 months of the year, so we really enjoy your excitement! We came up with several names for your new road-ready home. Our personal favorite is Ferdinand. The meaning is “Bold Voyager”.

[@ytanki]

I am so excited😅 and love your new van❤️. I am looking forward to the DIY‘s and to your new adventures ❤️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️

[@samwright8599]

I'm glad you are keeping the overhead storage, I see another ambulance makeover and they said it was a godsend. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@vanessadaniels400]

Such a fantastic buy, all the windows and skylight already in and most of the electrics. You’ll get that looking incredible in no time xxx

[@VFRrider]

Im so excited too. That is a fabulous vehicle guys. Cant wait to watch more.

[@sallyannlidtka7290]

Can't wait to see what you are going to do with it 😊

[@dianekenyon586]

So excited for you all cant wait to see the build

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks! 😀

[@tonyireland8895]

Looking forward to seeing the build.Good luck guys.

[@timothycorby7659]

Brilliant choice for the van, it's going to be interesting to see how the work takes shape on the van. xxx

[@user-yz8ln4fq8p]

Good luck youse guys .... can't wait to see your travels ....

[@danfeldman6616]

So excited for you both hope you both have a some great ventures really looking forward to hearing about your journey 😊🎉

[@rosiehoy4736]

The invisible tour was brilliant. I understood everything. I love the plan for the shower really good.

[@johandemondt8028]

The yellow colour is beautiful for background 💛 the colour of the sun 🌞

[@andrewhodson8346]

Hi Ben and Emily, Good luck! Name suggestion, "Rambo". Goes well with Rambler I think!

[@debrandw246]

I absolutely love your new van. So much room. I can't wait to see what you do to make her all cozy. I am so excited 😂😂

[@777steve]

Super guy's you have a good base for your build can't wait to see what you do. I run a diesel heater myself in my off grid garage there great 👍

[@Remoskateer]

Great to see you have got your dream van. I used to drive ambulance many many years ago but I will show my age, they were Bedford CF. Funny enough we are joining the campervan arena. After almost 15years of owning Eriba caravan we have come to that stage in life we need extra comforts like blown air heating, hot and cold running water etc. so on the 5 March we are picking up a new van conversion a Wlidax Europa. Happy days!

[@diannedewhurst3317]

Good evening from NZ. You two are fantastic. We can't get enough of you. Your van looks amazing. Cheers to you both, also a hug for Allen.🙏🙏👍👍🥂

[@dorothydotson7154]

You have a super good start with this van. So much is ready to go beyond the build stuff that you will need to do. You'll be able to make it pretty, homey and not so clinical. All that storage is ace and I hope the one in the back can be kept if it doesn't mess up the bed arrangement. It is a perfect wardrobe.

[@DD_11111]

I'm a van girl too Em...totally get your excitement!!!

[@1950PeeJay]

Love your enthusiasm. I was smiling all the way through. 😂 Look forward to seeing the transformation and your travels. ❤

[@judymurphy3842]

Hi Guys. You make us feel excited too. One would think we were going on holiday with you!!! Really looking forward to any alterations you make in the van. How wonderful with all those cupboards to start with. Hope Ellen will be just as excited. Lots of love from New Zealand.

[@robertcummins8990]

What a great adventure! Have fun .I love the channel .

[@lizadoolit3933]

WooHoo….more travels with Ben and Emily…neat build ….great find

[@scottlomas5509]

Lovely I really look forward to the trip 😊

[@sharoncampbell206]

Looks great! Just like new!

[@gerryryan1372]

Im so excited for the build xx

[@geoffcampbell7846]

A brilliant choice of vehicle for your needs. Well done! Looking forward to your plans being realised. 👋

[@Rachellovescheese]

I’m so excited for you ❤️

[@BenandEmily]

Thank you! 🥰

[@TMCotton]

So excited for you all!!

[@marylind1144]

Whoo hoo! Great pick! Happy travels

[@OneantasTossGreathouse]

Congratulations really nice can’t wait to see the end results of your build and see the travels you make as well safe travels

[@malcolmgarrod1692]

Bring it on can’t wait well done to you both stay safe

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much!

[@shirleygreaves9650]

It’s going to be fabulous, I can’t wait to see the conversation.X

[@cathhumphreys3113]

😍 It's fantastic here's to amazing travels ❤

[@angelaabbott6450]

The van looks fab all that lovely cupboard space amazing and looking forward to the big build lol xx

[@karenmills6459]

Florence is shortened to Flo seems appropriate 😊😊😊

[@dr.chrismort8448]

Keep all the cupboards guys, they are so well made. Can’t wait to see the fit out. It’s a cracking base vehicle and the electrical system looks bang on👍. Loving the music Benny. Nice commentary Emily👍

[@marielouisebeck8732]

Wow that is lovely!

[@cathielewis1768]

Looking forward to your new adventures

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Hi Ben and Emily. Wow the van already has so many features that’ll be handy. Great that they’ve already done some of the electrical work. Take care. Nick

[@user-rp5vs1xs8q]

Ben and Emily. What a great idea buying an ex ambulance. I think you had the right ideal everything is ready to go. I hope you show us how you fit out. Look forward to those videos. Keep up the good work

[@BasJon]

Sounds amazing I cannot wait to see you start it and of course the final project, good luck both of you and let’s hope march to Italy goes as planned ❤

[@charlenecarnes8139]

So EXCITING!!!!❤❤❤ Good luck with the build I'm sure it's going to be Awesome ❤