Anyone use a retired ambulance as a tow rig? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

newmarketEOD · 10-28-2009, 06:22 PM

Have been looking around at vehicles for tow rigs and have come across a few ambulances. Anyone ever converted a diesel one over to a tow rig? Slap a paint job and some mods to it and it seems like you would have a reasonable diesel tow rig with plenty of tool/parts storage and a sleeper cab area.
Has anyone on here done this before?

DriveTime · 10-28-2009, 06:55 PM

Dan Dibble had one for a while.

Propane · 10-28-2009, 07:04 PM

I couldn't get past the deaths that happened in there much less pull a cabinet and find some nasty biohazard underneath.

PAToyota · 10-28-2009, 07:38 PM

I've seen a number of them through the years for various local race guys. If you're squeamish like Propane it might be an issue for you. But I know guys that have used hearses for personal vehicles too...

Always thought it was a decent starting point for a rig.

Panthers65 · 10-28-2009, 07:55 PM

I've heard of a few people that used them. seems like a heck of a start. 1-ton chassis, most have power inverters and compressors already on them. I'd use one as a tow rig

dannyz14 · 10-28-2009, 07:59 PM

I always thought it would be cool as hell to use one as a tow rig. You could outfit it like a mini RV.

Soundguy · 10-28-2009, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyz14

I always thought it would be cool as hell to use one as a tow rig. You could outfit it like a mini RV.

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/1401410781.html

Mud Slayer 2.0 · 10-28-2009, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soundguy

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/1401410781.html

wow lookin at the pics of the back of that thing creeps me out

Soundguy · 10-28-2009, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mud Slayer 2.0

wow lookin at the pics of the back of that thing creeps me out

Shit, I guess it doesn't bother me because I work in live ORs all day but I'd run that bitch just like that. Throw a sleeping bag on that bed and call it a day.

I'd love to juice up that 7.3 and pimp that thing all over town.

nightcrawlers · 10-29-2009, 03:35 AM

only reason i wouldnt use one is you are limited to a bumper pull type trailer. otherwise i think it would be pretty sweet.

to the squeemish guys... dont think about the deaths. think about the lives it has saved

Goldie Locks · 10-29-2009, 03:53 AM

I saw a guy in hot springs with one. It was decked out! He said he never saw any evil monsters floating around.

Gutter Runner · 10-29-2009, 09:01 AM

A couple for sale here.

CUCV ambulance

They already put an awning on this one

And the big dog.

demonranger · 10-29-2009, 10:11 AM

keep in mind that miles mean nothing on an ambulance they are kept running at idle or high idle for hours on end. When enroute to a call they are driven very hard and often put up wet.

Most of them have had a hard working life, usually great maintenance during that time but expect drivetrain wear and tear items at lower mileage than "normal" for a pickup

hadfield4wd · 10-29-2009, 11:36 AM

I've been thinking about these recently. The local fire department has 4wd ones and 4wd vans as well.

I'd pimp it.

Custom Splice · 10-29-2009, 01:43 PM

http://www.bigredmeatwagon.com/

JHALL · 10-29-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soundguy

Shit, I guess it doesn't bother me because I work in live ORs all day but I'd run that bitch just like that. Throw a sleeping bag on that bed and call it a day.

I'd love to juice up that 7.3 and pimp that thing all over town.

This ^^^ I've wanted an ambulance tow rig for awhile now!

W.O.T. · 10-29-2009, 08:42 PM

arent they really heavy? and not available with a stick?

Hooligan · 10-30-2009, 07:32 PM

Most of them also have some sort of outside flood lighting already built in too!

StockChevy · 10-30-2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demonranger

keep in mind that miles mean nothing on an ambulance they are kept running at idle or high idle for hours on end. When enroute to a call they are driven very hard and often put up wet.

Most of them have had a hard working life, usually great maintenance during that time but expect drivetrain wear and tear items at lower mileage than "normal" for a pickup

^^This is what kept me away from the idea of building one. If I did though, I'd definitely be shedding some weight off of it cause most of them weigh a LOT for what they are.

Soundguy · 10-30-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooligan

Most of them also have some sort of outside flood lighting already built in too!

Outside lighting, PA, air compressor, generator, AC in the back, etc etc etc... it's a no brainer unless you have a wife of course because mine would kill me.

GONRACIN · 10-30-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soundguy

Outside lighting, PA, air compressor, generator, AC in the back, etc etc etc... it's a no brainer unless you have a wife of course because mine would kill me.

I was looking at a cheap one and my wife said something along the lines of "over my dead body!"

Dan Dibble · 10-31-2009, 12:49 PM

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...ight=ambulance

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...ight=ambulance

Dan

jsawduste · 11-01-2009, 04:04 PM

This would be the shit

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/1426098761.html

lojim · 11-02-2009, 09:58 AM

A couple out this way:

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/1438852095.html

http://cnj.craigslist.org/ctd/1419619930.html

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/1443736486.html

Personally, I would want one of these (be sure to check out the gallery):

http://fire.kovatch.com/Products/Air...6/Default.aspx

welndmn · 11-02-2009, 11:13 AM

My friend Doug has had them for a while, and really enjoys them.
My other friend Mikey picked up an old Army ambulance to use.

I think they are cool, but I am too much of a pussy to own one. I get creped out

10-28-2009, 06:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
newmarketEOD Wheeler Join Date: May 2008 Member # 114250 Location: Ft Drum, NY Posts: 104	Anyone use a retired ambulance as a tow rig? Have been looking around at vehicles for tow rigs and have come across a few ambulances. Anyone ever converted a diesel one over to a tow rig? Slap a paint job and some mods to it and it seems like you would have a reasonable diesel tow rig with plenty of tool/parts storage and a sleeper cab area. Has anyone on here done this before? __________________ USArmy EOD tech. Afghanistan 1993 Jeep YJ - 1 Ton Lowrider 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 - Tow Pig

10-28-2009, 06:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
DriveTime Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Member # 16582 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 1,281	Dan Dibble had one for a while. __________________ '81 Chevy - 350/TH400/T-136-27/Rockwells/16.00R20 Michelin XZLs/Wheel brakes

10-28-2009, 07:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
Propane Rock God Join Date: May 2004 Member # 30839 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 2,120	I couldn't get past the deaths that happened in there much less pull a cabinet and find some nasty biohazard underneath. __________________ We are now having our pre-summer sale!! 4 Barell kits $925 complete! Suzuki Samurai $625 complete! 22R,Holley 2 barrell,Jeep 258, $800 complete! All other kits on sale! Bulletproof, complete propane kits for carbureted offroad and street vehicles. Please visit our website for details. www.gotpropane.com

10-28-2009, 07:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
PAToyota Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: Oct 2004 Member # 37600 Location: South Central Pennsylvania Posts: 6,391	I've seen a number of them through the years for various local race guys. If you're squeamish like Propane it might be an issue for you. But I know guys that have used hearses for personal vehicles too... Always thought it was a decent starting point for a rig. __________________ GET INVOLVED - Join the Blue Ribbon Coalition SIGN THE PETITION - SAVETHEHAMMERS - #85 '93 Chevrolet 6.5TD K2500 NV4500 Std. Cab Longbed 170K '85 Toyota 22R RN60 4x4 Std. Cab Shortbed 178K (Currently retired for rebuild)

10-29-2009, 03:35 AM	#10 (permalink)
nightcrawlers Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Member # 72000 Location: dayton,oh Posts: 1,226	only reason i wouldnt use one is you are limited to a bumper pull type trailer. otherwise i think it would be pretty sweet. to the squeemish guys... dont think about the deaths. think about the lives it has saved __________________ scotty 85 grand waggoneer(what's left of it) 77 scout II truggy 84 chevy home made crewcab Delightfully Tacky,Yet Unrefined

10-28-2009, 07:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
Panthers65 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Member # 45530 Posts: 1,317	I've heard of a few people that used them. seems like a heck of a start. 1-ton chassis, most have power inverters and compressors already on them. I'd use one as a tow rig

10-28-2009, 07:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
dannyz14 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Member # 108456 Posts: 424	I always thought it would be cool as hell to use one as a tow rig. You could outfit it like a mini RV.

10-29-2009, 03:53 AM	#11 (permalink)
Goldie Locks Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Member # 84122 Location: The Great State of Texas Posts: 206	I saw a guy in hot springs with one. It was decked out! He said he never saw any evil monsters floating around. __________________ 03 TJ 35's locked, 4.88's and a bunch of other junk! 85 exo yota 38.5's. Dual cases,hydro,longs and red striped fur on the dash.

10-29-2009, 10:11 AM	#13 (permalink)
demonranger Rock God Join Date: Mar 2003 Member # 18283 Location: Florida Posts: 1,285	keep in mind that miles mean nothing on an ambulance they are kept running at idle or high idle for hours on end. When enroute to a call they are driven very hard and often put up wet. Most of them have had a hard working life, usually great maintenance during that time but expect drivetrain wear and tear items at lower mileage than "normal" for a pickup __________________ There are no rules. You have to think!

10-29-2009, 11:36 AM	#14 (permalink)
hadfield4wd Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Member # 82644 Location: Roanoke, VA Posts: 2,130	I've been thinking about these recently. The local fire department has 4wd ones and 4wd vans as well. I'd pimp it. __________________ [QUOTE=xjdoug;9487015]this is like watching a kid stick his finger in a light socket.... sooner or later he's gonna figure out why the rest of us arent doin it...[/QUOTE]

10-29-2009, 01:43 PM	#15 (permalink)
Custom Splice Rope Dude Join Date: Oct 2008 Member # 122622 Location: Lawrence, Kansas Posts: 1,849	http://www.bigredmeatwagon.com/ __________________ Todd Custom Splice- AmSteel Blue Winch Ropes We Stock - Safety Thimbles, Tube Thimbles and Excel Hooks Office- 785 856 1844 Cell-580 504 1405 Need WINCH Rope? pirate4x4 is the secret code in the store for free shipping. Have you seen APE EATER RACING's site

10-29-2009, 08:42 PM	#17 (permalink)
W.O.T. Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Member # 22851 Location: seattle Posts: 403	arent they really heavy? and not available with a stick?

10-30-2009, 07:32 PM	#18 (permalink)
Hooligan Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Member # 7968 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 305	Most of them also have some sort of outside flood lighting already built in too! __________________ 1983 Toy PU, a few mods, Marlinized, lockerized

10-31-2009, 12:49 PM	#22 (permalink)
Dan Dibble Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Jul 2002 Member # 12695 Location: Collierville, TN Posts: 4,159	http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...ight=ambulance http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...ight=ambulance Dan __________________ "We live in the Land of the Free because of the brave." Please remember our Troops!

11-01-2009, 04:04 PM	#23 (permalink)
jsawduste Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Aug 2006 Member # 77571 Posts: 2,822	This would be the shit http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/1426098761.html __________________ Sent with smoke signal.

11-02-2009, 09:58 AM	#24 (permalink)
lojim Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Member # 131580 Location: Poconos, PA Posts: 208	A couple out this way: http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/1438852095.html http://cnj.craigslist.org/ctd/1419619930.html http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/1443736486.html Personally, I would want one of these (be sure to check out the gallery): http://fire.kovatch.com/Products/Air...6/Default.aspx __________________ 2006 Durango HEMI, SCX-10 JK, Losi Micro ...someone tell my wife i'm not crazy... Last edited by lojim; 11-02-2009 at 09:59 AM.

11-02-2009, 11:13 AM	#25 (permalink)
welndmn Well Done Man! Join Date: Mar 2000 Member # 398 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 17,434 Blog Entries: 3	My friend Doug has had them for a while, and really enjoys them. My other friend Mikey picked up an old Army ambulance to use. I think they are cool, but I am too much of a pussy to own one. I get creped out __________________ Mark 71 Bronco. 42's and bolt on goats. 47' CJ2a, 302, C4, 33's. 2012, year of the flat fender.

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