Used ambulances

[Greeves246]

Join the SBMCC

SBMCC | Self Build Motor Caravanners Club

Trying to get a van re registered as a Motorhome is almost impossible now. I did a Citroen Dispatch a few years ago and got it classified as a Motorhome but they have now changed the rules and there are dozens on the T6 forum that have tried with no success to get them changed as a van has speed restrictions that a Motorhome doesn’t as it is classed as a car. My T6 has side windows, cooker, sink, fridge etc but that is not enough.

 

[Misterg]

a van has speed restrictions that a Motorhome doesn’t

True, but that has nothing to do with what the DVLA call it.

As long as it is a "Motor caravan" less than 3050kg unladen, then the van restrictions don't apply.

The definition in law* (note that this doesn't mention the DVLA classification):

There are several instances of people getting ANPR generated speeding prosecutions dropped because their "van" met the definition above.

The DVLA are *supposed* to record the correct classification so that the police, etc. know what the vehicle is in order to apply the proper traffic law, but they see (or saw) their role differently. (I was one of very few who successfully got my van reclassified in 2019.) I seem to remember hearing that the DVLA had had another about-turn fairly recently which made reclassification reasonably practicable again.

The SBMCC is very useful, but when I was a member, they weren't particularly tolerant or encouraging of #vanlife style conversions (I don't know what is being planned, though).

(* If anyone is on SBMCC, there is a post from me in 2018/2019 listing out the relevant laws and clauses relating to the speed limits that I would be grateful for a copy of - you lose access once you stop paying your subs...)

 

[daleyd]

Are you thinking of going into paranormal investigations?

 

[jimbo84]

If she’s a new driver she won’t have C1 on her licence, that one looks 3500kg but may be uprated because most ambulance services require you to have C1 on your licence before you can even apply for a job because most of their fleets are over 3500kg.

It’ll always look like an ex ambulance, you can tell them a mile off after conversion but that may not concern you, it’s personal taste.

Those 235,000miles will have been hard work, being ragged here there and everywhere, run at close to max weight, in every pothole and over every speed bump at speed, maybe a bit more carefully on the return trip with a patient in. Then there’s the hours on end of it being sat there idling.

Same goes for any ex police vehicles but even worse for those.

 

[jsf55]

It could be haunted ....people die in ambulances

 

[Bullet2012]

Also some are born !

 

[Bullet2012]

Probably a few conceived as well

 

[Cobbler]

There was a converted ambulance I spotted in Stroud Tesco a while back, the stickers had been changed to Ambiance & Paralytic unit

 

[brightspark]

waiting to tip at A&E.

the meat wagon

 

[Smallfry]

Asbestos removal is a good one.

Dog waste collection is another.

 

[Barking Mat]

There was a converted ambulance I spotted in Stroud Tesco a while back, the stickers had been changed to Ambiance & Paralytic unit

Lived on a site with a Mercedes 'Imbalance'.

Always amused me.

 

[KaneH]

We’re (slowly) doing a camper conversion just now based on an L3H2 Peugeot Boxer ‘18 plate. I would say the ambulance linked is a lot of money for the age / mileage. The Stellantis vans are not renowned for being exactly reliable, particularly more recently.

If bargain basement price is the aim then get an account with copart and keep an aye out for low mileage non runners. We were a bit lucky with ours. £1500 non runner, ‘18 plate with 76k miles. New battery and starter motor and it fired up first turn of the key. Few bits and pieces to tidy up but generally a decent shape van and plenty good for the conversion.

 

[Smallfry]

Are ambulances still road tax exempt ? Used to be.

 

[Robotstar5]

Are ambulances still road tax exempt ? Used to be.

Yes, but they have to be capable/equipped for carrying a patient.

 

[RedOrZed]

Those Fiats are rubbish. Yeah I said it. Ambulance workshops are overflowing with them. Absolutely ragged to death. 235,000 miles and how many engines?

Look for a Mercedes if it has to be an ambulance.

 

[m_c]

If she’s a new driver she won’t have C1 on her licence, that one looks 3500kg but may be uprated because most ambulance services require you to have C1 on your licence before you can even apply for a job because most of their fleets are over 3500kg.

It’ll always look like an ex ambulance, you can tell them a mile off after conversion but that may not concern you, it’s personal taste.

Those 235,000miles will have been hard work, being ragged here there and everywhere, run at close to max weight, in every pothole and over every speed bump at speed, maybe a bit more carefully on the return trip with a patient in. Then there’s the hours on end of it being sat there idling.

Same goes for any ex police vehicles but even worse for those.

This.
It'll be around 4200kg GVW, as that's what the 42 depicts in the model, so C1 required, unless you get it down plated.
A normal class 7/3500kg is a 35.

Given the weight, there's also issues around speedlimiters and tachos.
Blue light vehicles don't have to be limited, and it's probably not got a tacho fitted.
No limiter isn't a problem if you get it officially classed as a motorhome, but the lack of tacho means a fair bit of expense for anybody wanting to use it commercially.

The 3.0d is a Fiat/Iveco lump that was fairly reliable, and got worked a lot harder in much heavier Iveco Dailys, however it will have had a hard life alternating between sitting idling for hours, and being driven hard.

 

[m_c]

True, but that has nothing to do with what the DVLA call it.

As long as it is a "Motor caravan" less than 3050kg unladen, then the van restrictions don't apply.

The definition in law* (note that this doesn't mention the DVLA classification):

View attachment 526794
There are several instances of people getting ANPR generated speeding prosecutions dropped because their "van" met the definition above.

The DVLA are *supposed* to record the correct classification so that the police, etc. know what the vehicle is in order to apply the proper traffic law, but they see (or saw) their role differently. (I was one of very few who successfully got my van reclassified in 2019.) I seem to remember hearing that the DVLA had had another about-turn fairly recently which made reclassification reasonably practicable again.

The SBMCC is very useful, but when I was a member, they weren't particularly tolerant or encouraging of #vanlife style conversions (I don't know what is being planned, though).

(* If anyone is on SBMCC, there is a post from me in 2018/2019 listing out the relevant laws and clauses relating to the speed limits that I would be grateful for a copy of - you lose access once you stop paying your subs...)

DVLA clamped down on conversions, as a noticeable number of people were 'converting' vans, but then removing the kit and just using them as a normal van to get the higher speed limits.

Guidelines can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...van/converting-a-vehicle-into-a-motor-caravan
I think the main thing they changed, is you no longer require a toilet.

 

[Greeves246]

DVLA clamped down on conversions, as a noticeable number of people were 'converting' vans, but then removing the kit and just using them as a normal van to get the higher speed limits.

Guidelines can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...van/converting-a-vehicle-into-a-motor-caravan
I think the main thing they changed, is you no longer require a toilet.

And these are the main reason most vans fail on change of class. I don’t want graphics, awning or a high roof as that takes over a lot of car park height restrictions as a daily driver.

• motor caravan-style graphics on both sides of the vehicle
• an awning bar attached to either side of the vehicle
• a high-top roof (this does not include a pop-top elevating roof)

 

[Cato]

...if i were doing it, i would go with a standard van, and get it sign written for a trade that has no attractive tools whatsoever.

Buying an ex-private ambulance would tick that box along with it just being a basic van. It's unlikely one is going to get hammered or damaged unless there's been a zombie apocalypse I'm not aware of?

 

[John_aero]

A good VW transporter or a 2.2L Ford Custom would be ideal. Then as mentioned easier buy the camper kit that slots right into them.

Decisions need be made one spec to ensure weight is kept low enough not to enter a diff license category.

Also need decide on the camper look, or stealth look with minimal windows and more van look that blends in. Need also meet the camper conversion spec as linked above but this can still be done.

Also can still do it but still register it as a Van (not a camper) and just use it as such.

I have taught a lot about this as I had planned to do same and my parents were onto me to build them one. One item I would suggest is rent one for a week or so and see how like it, people forget the basics of going to the toilet in a bucket beside the bed and lack of an actual shower (unless go into the serious family camper).