STRIPPING IT BACK | Ambulance To Campervan Conversion Build Part 1

[@BrendanExplores]

HELP! Please leave all the tips and advice you can for this build guys 👍. This is my first time converting an ambulance into a campervan and I'm a little wet behind the ears with these vans 😂 also, apologies for no major progress in this video, Henry has been off school for the holidays and I wanted to spend some quality time with him before September ❤. Plenty of big updates to come soon! 😁

[@123jrh1]

first thing i would do is the last 3 feet in the rear convert into a toilet shower room

[@montygti16v11]

Those holes in roof are prob light bar

[@LoveSundays]

Just let me know if you need anything mate however I’ve no experience with ambulances.

[@BrendanExplores]

@@123jrh1 I was thinking about that but to be fair I'm going to have a huge sink in the van so between camp sites I can have a decent wash 👍

[@BrendanExplores]

@@LoveSundays cheers mate 👍 I'm like a fish out of water with this van but I'm sure I'll be in touch to shoot some questions your way 🙂

[@TITANLithium]

Fantastic video as always Brendan and thank you for all the kind words! It's always a pleasure to hear our batteries are performing up to your standards. The team here can't wait to see this build progress and you make good use of the massive capacity the 460Ah offers ❤

[@BrendanExplores]

My pleasure, I couldn't ask for a better battery to go in the new van 👍 excited to see how the electrical build develops around it 😁

[@scatmanjohn895]

I was thinking about going down the lithium Road in my van maybe I’ll have to give them a look titan that is they look well smart and Bluetooth as well

[@patwilliams9390]

Lovely to see 3 generations working together 🧑‍🧑‍🧒🤩

[@basevan]

🚐 Hey Brendan and Van Life Fam! 🚐 Loving the journey you're taking with our ambulance! 🔥 A quick shoutout on the insulation: these rigs come with a premium, built-in vapor barrier that's been road-tested by vanlifers for decades. 🌟 They’re built tough, and for many, they’re good to go straight out of the gate. Why mess with perfection? 😉 That said, we totally get that different adventurers have different needs. 🛠 That's why our expertise extends beyond just selling these vans-we know which ones are perfect as-is and which might need that extra touch for those who want it. We work with all kinds of buyers to make sure your van is ready for wherever the road takes you. 🚀 We're here to help you make the best decisions for your dream build-whether you're looking for something that’s plug-and-play or you want to get hands-on with customization. Let’s keep the adventure going, and can't wait to see what you do next! 🌍

[@BrendanExplores]

@@basevan cheers guys 😁👍 yeh the panels were definitely well sealed together! 😂 I'm hopefully going to reuse the panels after they have been carpeted as they are perfectly moulded to the van 🙂. One of the major benefits to an ambulance is having a perfect template

[@saunteringsapsfords]

I would definitely reuse those over head cupboards,you could always paint them,or cover in 4 way stretch carpet. Also someone else said about the green padded panels, cover them too.great base vehicle you have there Brendan,much more room for 4 of you,but will miss the Trafic.

[@scottwombwell8223]

Put black self adhesive vinyl on the inside of the glass, cut n shape ply board and insulation to fill the cavity and bring it level with the surrounding wall, all can be removed if and when necessary. Looking forward to how you do this build, good luck👍👍👍

[@hughtempleton8640]

I am enjoying watching the process of your camper build with you and your dad . Thank you for sharing ❤

[@df9177]

Take it your going to clad the walls internally with either carpet or another wall finish? It all depends on your internal finish. With the windows that you want to blank off I would just get them tinted and then get some high density foam (or similar) which can be sanded. Cut the foam to rough shape and depth and fix the foam to the window space and fill the gaps to edges using some good quality flexible caulk. Make everything slightly proud of window frame and then sand everything when caulk has cured and the space could be filled and contoured to the shape of the wall panels. If your covering the walls, finish won't have to be perfect but everything could be taken out if you ever wanted to in the future. The foam will also act as insulation and depending on what you use be sound proof too. I'd leave the existing insulation in the ceiling and walls too. NHS vehicles would have had a high spec to build to, and if it's good enough for them to use on a daily basis it will be safe enough for a camper van (then again it is the NHS and they don't like spending money on what's important!!). Will be to much work to remove and put new in. Keep the existing panels on the van and you'll have no problems as all will be sealed and safe. Keep it simple Brendan. Don't touch the walls, ceiling or floor, just concentrate on the internal finishes, decor, tech and layout. Sooner you get it done the sooner you can get Henry and the wife out on your adventures.

[@leec7306]

Great video mate. Like one or two others have said, im surprised you took the cupboards out but it does make the van look even bigger. Looking forward to seeing how it progresses.

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks mate and yeh it definitely makes the van feel bigger but I'm hoping to reinstall them soon 🙂👍🤞

[@daihatsudave6332]

The all begins again . Excited

[@BrendanExplores]

@@daihatsudave6332 absolutely mate, exciting times 😁👍

[@daihatsudave6332]

Sorry dont have any idea but excited to see whats going to happen in the future .

[@Me-xh2wl]

Why is this video giving me the chuckle brother vibes 😀 to me to you

[@diwarburton5369]

Looking forward to seeing how you progress the build.

[@djpamelamc]

How exciting for you and your new project. With the 2 windows just get them limousine tinted.... It's an idea for you. Looking forward to seeing. Enjoy your time with you dear son yay. 💛

[@heatherpalmer]

Great video so excited for this journey 🎉❤

[@steviemx5]

Hi Brendan, exciting times ahead!🚐🚐🚐 I have a Renault master that started life as a mobility access vehicle and converted it myself as well, you can indeed get seat swivels and no need to alter the handbrake just a bit of a knack sliding seat on the runners and lifting the handle that moves the seat back and forward to clear the handbrake when it’s pulled up or if your on the lever knock the van into gear and swivel. I have curtains for the windows and also thermal blinds that go on with suckers that you can put on to keep the van cool when the sun is out(not very much this year!) and heat in when it’s colder but I mainly just use the curtains. Personally I really like having the windows all round,when you’re at a nice park up it’s like sitting in a conservatory👌I also got the windows tinted. Fixed bed at and garage underneath,I built bed frame with 2x4 and use ikea slats and ikea memory foam mattress best bed I’ve ever had in a van! Good luck with the build,awesome van🙌

[@BrendanExplores]

Cheers for the info mate 😁 good to hear about the swivel seats not being too difficult 👍 have you got the MK3 master? The same as mine? Good shout on the thermal blinds as well bet that really helps in the heat

[@steviemx5]

Hi fella, yes I have the MK3 MWB, I absolutely love it👍 I could sent you some pics if you like? I have done some mods to the outside of the van as well, bull bar,side bars and BFGoodrich All Terrain tyres set it off👍

[@BrendanExplores]

@@steviemx5 yes please that would be great 🙂 to my Instagram 👍. If you have a link for the swivel seats you've used as well that would be really helpful

[@SToNED_DAYZ]

Been waiting for this. Exciting times

[@CarolWhite-il7ki]

Thankyou

[@MichaelWebMason]

Been waiting for this vid, thanks.

[@mark_your_adventures90]

Exciting times watching a new van build from you mate! 🙂 just an idea on the middle windows you want to temporarily blank off, how about some thin ply wood, like 4 or 6mm, make a template of the window and cut it out to size then stick it to the bit of a rim thats around the window? You could then carpet over it or carpet the ply panel seperate from the body part thats carpeted (thats if you are carpeting) and it can be removed whenever again if needed!

[@BrendanExplores]

That's a good idea 👍 thanks for that mate. I was thinking I would have to put something directly on the glass insulation wise to prevent condensation though? What do you think?

[@mark_your_adventures90]

@@BrendanExplores Ah yeah thats a good point, you might get condensation build up behind there, unless you could put some insulation first then the panel to cover the window? Maybe fill the whole area of the window as its set back a bit isnt it and bring it out until when fitting a panel over the insulation it would become flat with the trim on the inside of the van if that makes sense? 😂

[@nicholaschaplin2812]

For the middle windows I would blank them off and use the recess to build shelf’s for ikea spice racks for storage, book shelf’s ect the middle window above the kitchen would provide well blanked off for hanging kitchen utensils and a ikea spice rack

[@johnsteel290]

Slow n steady wins the race , Rome wasn't built in a day Brendan 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@BrendanExplores]

Absolutely mate 👍 hoping to get atleast 1 family camp in before the new baby arrives 🤣

[@johnsteel290]

@BrendanExplores I am almost finished my lwb vivaro 1.9 . Just a few niggling bits to fix n hopefully get on the rd with my wife and 7yr old son who has spina bifida , autism and is also non speaking .

[@shanerobinson6776]

Loving the new van and congratulations to you and the Mrs being pregnant take it easy my friend.

[@AdmanMVR]

This is exciting stuff! I'm looking forward to seeing the progress 👍

[@BrendanExplores]

Cheers mate, I'm as excited as you 😁

[@shazk2986]

I'm not camper, but I absolutely love watching your videos. I'm thinking of investing in van to turn into a camper van. Suggestion in your van building plan: Do you think you could maybe add a shower/toilet facility?

[@clarkspiemuncher]

if you are taking the ceiling down to replace the insulation which if them holes are open will probably be soaking and you want an idea for using unistrut I did one last year that worked quite well but to difficult to explain over here.

[@maxv77]

I got the vauxhall movano but it's basically the same van. The roof bungs are just rubber bungs over holes. No threaded lugs underneath them. I used mine to bolt on a roof rack. So you might find water got in.

[@barbhenderson4867]

😂you and your dad are funny, good luck guys with the build. Xx

[@SJW82]

Looking forward to this mate!

[@dannyharty3656]

Those holes are for the roof rack so if they are left exposed you will have water in the van my last van was 2013 reanult master I know

[@aquariusstarchild5156]

Hi brendan gd luck with the van conversion .saw steve today another famous shropshire vanlifer as you know .both great channels .❤

[@BrendanExplores]

@@aquariusstarchild5156 thank you very much 😁 and yes absolutely 😂 he'll love hearing that 👍 thanks for all your support!

[@stephenmiller251]

Great video as always Brendan. Look forward to the next few videos and the adventures with your family. Just a hint for those middle windows, Wills Whereabouts has these blinds on his windscreen that he pulls together at nighttime. Worth checking it out.

[@h4rdlunatic370]

@BrendanExplores the easiest way to cover those side windows is to just use vinyl wrap on the outside. Doesn't take away from the space.

[@kdean9537]

Hi Brendan, love seeing Henry helping daddy out, adorable! He's going to be a great little camper! Great seeing your dad helping as well, love the laughs...nice to see such a great father & son relationship! Really excited to see what you do with the van. I'm sure it's going to look great! Thanks for sharing, take care. Have a really great week! Kathy x

[@jamiebardell1892]

I’ve converted a good few of these

[@martiningham9390]

Hi Brendon, I have been watching your videos for a week and finding them really entertaining. The food you do looks amazing, too. Makes me want to try stealth camping.

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks Martin, glad your enjoying them and yes mate, that's the main reason I go camping 🤣 love a good bit of van cooking 👍

[@martiningham9390]

@@BrendanExplores so how long does it roughly take to do a conversion?

[@BrendanExplores]

@@martiningham9390 depends on how in depth you want to go mate. If you just want to get a van very close to finished then ambulance is a good choice as it's got walls, insulation and cupboards 👍. I wanted to do the full job and strip it down to add more insulation and swap around cupboards etc. My build may take me 2 months but some people take much long and much shorter 🙂

[@martiningham9390]

​@BrendanExplores, that's impressive, quite quick considering the size of an ambulance 😮

[@Me_myself_and_skye_]

Brill vlog again mate, them windows you should be able to batten out & simply put a new panel over the top… can’t wait to see the rest of your build

[@curnock]

Buy the rolls of window tint for your windows.i noticed the green parts you removed above the doors were vinyl.which you could recover with your chosen colour

[@BrendanExplores]

That's very true 👍 never thought of recovering those parts 🙂

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

You could blank out the windows with a same shape piece of plywood with some method of holding them in place.

[@xIDarkSideIx]

👀👀Ohhh I'm early for a change !! Looking forward to this build mate

[@BrendanExplores]

@@xIDarkSideIx thanks for tuning in mate and me too! Can't wait to see it finished 😁👍

[@kevherman9437]

Use the holes for a roof rack fro fit your solar panels 👍👍

[@Johnkol88]

with the hand brake am sure you can buy brackets that lowers the handbrake down abit of a stretch when you want to put on and take off the handbrake but it might help with the seat

[@cheza7061]

I enjoyed your van build vlog & im looking forward to more. Definitely go for swival seats im so please we got ours, more sitting room plus it opens the van up because your not just looking at the back of seats. Ours were called sports craft but that was for a mercedes sprinter but you definitely get some suitable for your van. 👋

[@Antonymorris1.6]

Those lockers look good to use again .save some cash

[@BrendanExplores]

Yeh I agree 👍

[@alanjackson4646]

I can’t understand why you removed those great looking lockers. Very interesting so far. AJ

[@jamiebardell1892]

I’ve just stripped boarded and carpets one of these for my customs

[@henny8883]

Your dad is my absolute favorite person on youtube, what a hoot

[@Lara-lr9tx]

Lol ikr he's great.. Wot a Lovely cool man. He is

[@gregbouchard414]

U do a rally good job on here

[@touringaroundwithrosie]

Hahaha! Loved watching this. Great stuff! Your layout sounds great. I feel like ours was held together with industrial strength glue! 😆

[@karendisley2291]

I would say keep the blinds and just change the colour/material and then add some batons (or equivalent) in between them, which will eliminate seeing in from outside, if you understand what I'm getting at? 😂😂 it will save time and money in the long run x

[@BrendanExplores]

Thanks for the tip and advice 🙂 that would be an easier option for sure but I've got some good plans for the windows 👍

[@davidpark108]

I’ve seen handbrakes that fold down to accommodate a swivel chair but I’m unsure how easy they are to replace the old ones with! Also love the videos!

[@IAN72C]

Morning...... Of you are getting the windows tinted why not have vinyl wrap put on the outside of the two that you don't use? It's easy to remove for the next owner and comes it loads of different colours. 👍👍👍. By the way. Love your videos

[@kobeho7573]

Hi Brendan another great video and I love seeing Henry help you out. Since a baby is coming along , do you think about adding a possible crib in the van so you all can go camping together ?

[@SimplyBurgerYT]

I remember you telling me that you were going to get a new van at the adventure overland festival last year, but I never thought it would be an ambulance! 😂😂😂👍👍

[@BrendanExplores]

I'm full of surprises me mate 😁👍 hope you enjoy the build!

[@neilrichardson3986]

Windows you don't want use a vinyl wrap to cover up

[@BrendanExplores]

Good shout 👍 didn't think of that 🙂

[@campervanchris4171]

It’s good to see these builds from the ground up ! Will you being installing CCTV 😂 just in case you return to Peterborough 🤷‍♂️🤣 Those batteries look like there worth a look especially with a lifetime guarantee 👍🏻

[@practicalpracticewithgeekw9400]

Henry’s a natural! lol.

[@BrendanExplores]

He's going to be a performer one day I bet 🤣👍

[@TheTrev53]

You need to completely strip to check the structural integrity of the inside of the van and treat any rust spots. I wouldn’t keep any of that hideous white surgical coverings. Get rid of those horrible green chairs and make bench seats with two point lap belts which can be checked and passed. If you’re leaving all that glass in without insulation you will freeze in winter and be forever clearing condensation. You should have one fixed bed width ways and then have two beds made up from bench seats as you’ll have no end of trouble balancing it on units and getting the mattress to sit level

[@BrendanExplores]

All fair points mate 👍 my only concern is having safe belted seats for the family. I might look into a crash tested rock and roll bed to replace those seats maybe. Definitely going to be peeling back the side walls to see what's underneath though 👍

[@TheTrev53]

@@BrendanExplores Looking forward to the new journey on this one. Take your time, do it properly and when you sell on, you’ll get your money back and more to put towards that motor home in the future. Only thing I’m thinking is, do you need a rock & roll bed for two little ones. You’ll need the room for a kitchen and cupboard space for the four of you. Will’s whereabouts has the Fiat equivalent to yours, maybe cherry pick some of his ideas

[@AmboAdz]

@BrendanExplores have you found the facebook groups specifically for ambulance camper conversions as loads of information in that

[@BrendanExplores]

Yes mate, found a couple of Facebook 🙂 very good sources of knowledge 👍

[@peteraitken6494]

Hi Brendan and so it begins me myself wants to do a camper build so seeing what others do and yourself will lead me on the right path hopefully.The units and stuff are not a problem for me as I’m a joiner and can do that but electrical Side of things I wouldn’t no where to start but I’m sure I will get there sorry can’t give you any advice on the windows or the best way to do them there should be more experienced people out then whom I’m sure will help with what you are going to do but yeah cracking van buddy and wish you all the very best , cute kid you have good to see his dad letting him help 👏👏🔧🔧👌🚐🚐❤️

[@martprice7726]

I’ll peep when I’m passing you working on your van

[@Blossompetal]

I have an ex ambulance and I would personally suggest keeping the cabinets on however I see you have destroyed them buy removing them

[@mrb3991]

Hi May Be blank a window of with a Small Tv ,mounted on some sort of bracket👍

[@marizaanvisagie9537]

Can't wait to see the end😊 o my goodness your dad is so funny. I have no clue of van life so I can't give anything lol

[@BrendanExplores]

@@marizaanvisagie9537 thank you and yeh I can't wait till it's finished 🙂. My dad comes out with some stuff lol 🤣

[@marizaanvisagie9537]

@@BrendanExplores 🤣😂🤣😂 you are so blessed to have him. I have a question where is the old van going?

[@BrendanExplores]

@@marizaanvisagie9537 my dad's had it 🙂 he's already been on some trips in it 👍

[@marizaanvisagie9537]

@@BrendanExplores 😱 that is so awesome much better than the car im still laughing at that. Thank you for your awesome videos won't miss any of them over the weekend I watched all the videos from beginning till today. Your family is amazing get everyone hugs and kisses.

[@AndrewE-jn9dl]

I’ve replaced many roof racks on Renault masters, and on the panel vans ( I imagine there all the same) the holes just go straight into back of van there is no drainage channel

[@seaninhisvan]

Wow. Them Lipos aren’t cheap omg😮

[@BrendanExplores]

I wouldn't want to skimp on that though mate if I'm honest. Definitely more expensive and cheaper options out there but Titan have been 100% reliable for me over the past 2 years 👍 wouldn't go anywhere else

[@BaileyJB]

How about pouring some water in the holes on the roof and see where and if it comes out?

[@BrendanExplores]

I've since seen where those holes go.. straight into the side walls 😕. It's all gotta come out! But it means I can do it from the ground up 😁

[@malmyhill5456]

sort out those roof rack rubber bung on the roof, not sure what they are called, i had a few missing on my van and the water was getting in, there is no channel for the water to go so it goes in the van, i also used IKEA Skorva Mid Beams for the bed frame

[@J.H-r2s]

Hi . For your windows that you need covering up why not use ply wood cut out to the shape of the windows then cover with the grey wool fabric and just stick in place till need to come off

[@danielmarchant3168]

Too me, too you! vibes 😂😂😂

[@anthony342]

love the laugh at 15:05

[@shropshireladoutdoors743]

Take rear side windows out and put in the middle put solid sides in tint the windows limo tint

[@BrendanExplores]

Is that possible mate? Can you replace a window with a panel? Good idea is so 👍 I guess it's just welding?

[@shropshireladoutdoors743]

​Window seal aluminium checker plate cut to size dodo matt and cover with carpet no welding and not permanent

[@BrendanExplores]

@@shropshireladoutdoors743 do you mean on the inside?

[@shropshireladoutdoors743]

Speak to an auto glass fitter take out the window put in a rubber seal and instead of glass aluminium checker plate then you can dodo matt it and carpet it

[@BrendanExplores]

@@shropshireladoutdoors743 thanks for the advice mate 🙂 appreciate it 👍

[@widearchshark3981]

Hey... How about converting those back side windows to flares? Just sayin. !! Good luck with your build !

[@mrhoult-qy8su]

Fit shower unit behind drivers seat,

[@BrendanExplores]

Not a bad idea 👍 diesel heater is there though.. would of been a great place though

[@mrhoult-qy8su]

@@BrendanExplores move the heater,

[@mrhoult-qy8su]

See true blue travellers, sainsbury build, Check out , Mathers on the map,

[@mrhoult-qy8su]

Max out on solar, induction hob,

[@BrendanExplores]

Going to definitely be looking at a good solar setup 🙂

[@PaulSmith-te1by]

Where’s that container storage , looks decent

[@stuartcross749]

Hi m8 just come across your channel enjoying the videos what did u think of cool box staying cool when car not running thanks

[@alwaysamber1]

I wouldn't do a fixed bed, as you won't have anywhere to relax with your feet up in the day, I follow the Buddy moon, who bought a van that was already converted with a fixed bed and they said it was their one regret.

[@BrendanExplores]

That's a fair point and one I have thought about to be fair. The plans may well change as time goes on so thanks for sharing your opinion 👍

[@jrewillis]

I did fixed bed. The space to relax is in the bed! You get an awesome view out the rear doors too!

[@biggyjaay]

Surprised you took the cupboards off thought they were great

[@BrendanExplores]

They may well be going back on once the vans been full sound deadened and insulated 🙂👍

[@biggyjaay]

@@BrendanExplores lovely van mate can see you having some great adventures in that, the little un loves it

[@BrendanExplores]

@@biggyjaay yeh it's a great van to start a build on to be fair 🙂 Henry loves it!

[@pamelaadam9207]

Storeage is gold those overheads stash a lot. TARDIS mode

[@paulwith131]

Arne slot is doing van conversions as well now!?

[@BrendanExplores]

🤣🤣 football dried up a bit, had to make ends meet lol

[@paulwith131]

At least you know what you look like with a bald head. Looking forward to seeing this one done, keep up the good work 👍

[@DavidDouglass-uc6bi]

you and your Dad seem to get on like a house on fire,same with me and my Dad

[@UndercoverDog-j5t]

We have just boarded up two windows on our old horsebox . Under advice we used window film for insulation then thick card that sticks on the film. Looks neat and we are not loosing heat so it obviously works ! We have renovated two horseboxes 3.5 ton Leyland Roadrunner and a Iveco Eurocargo 7.5 ton , the latter is our Airbnb which will open next year . Regarding the insulation of the ambulance i would be inclined just to clad the panels/walls as they are. Removing old fibreglass insulation is time consuming and costly ,not to mention there's a safety issue. Great video we are really enjoying your channel .

[@clarkspiemuncher]

no channel for the rain if there is any water coming in it will be sitting behind your interior ceiling and wall boarding.

[@Desmond.TuTu.]

Brendan … you do realise it is obligatory to have a minimum of 8 IKEA spice racks in every van conversion ….. it’s written in Vanlife regulations section A, 2b….👍. …..

[@train8459]

Do yourself a massive favour and leave the sides and roof as is and just carpet the lot with all those windows insulation wont make any difference. I dont know why people go mad to insulate vans. I have one of these vans converted it 4 yrs ago never had any issues been all over the country in it up mountains in the snow etc diesel heater is a must. Condensation will happen especially with 3/4 of you in there we just use a karcher window vac.The sides in the van will be great for securing your cupbourds etc too. Remove the sides and there is nothing to screw too. Have you looked at the seating in a normal Renault mine is a 3 seater the double seat (middle seat) drops down to become a table ( we put ours down at night to enable access to the front) if you have 3 front seats you could ditch the grean rear seats for a single with a built in seat belt.

[@sarahburgess-hamlett212]

Please don’t cover the windows, make some fitted insulated inserts, you will appreciate the light in daylight hours

[@Me-xh2wl]

If you only have two front seats how will everyone travel 😮

[@kevherman9437]

Please get a camera stand,too much swinging around im sea sick 😉😉😉

[@Steviebguinhiking]

Nice van but hope you are keeping the sirens to get round traffic no stopping you,

[@strawberryroad1347]

So important to show you underneath the car, but then didn't care about the roof. Let's hope it won't cause any trouble in the future.

[@beautifuldreamer3991]

Git your job cut out for you

[@BrendanExplores]

Indeed but all fun and games 😁

[@samb5796]

U not havin toilet / shower

[@stuartbeer9299]

Do you think the van is haunted?