CJ Gray, a content creator from Coventry, England, felt trapped in a monotonous routine and sought adventure on the road.
He purchased an old ambulance, intending to convert it for a nine-month European journey. Reflecting on his decision, he remarked, “I bought the ambulance from a private medical firm who used it for events and training I believe.”
“I was initially looking for ordinary panel vans, but then I got more creative, browsing eBay for ambulances,” the 34-year-old, from Coventry, England, told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
Despite electrical issues during the viewing, he felt an instant connection with the vehicle. He explained, “When I went to view it, none of the electrics in the rear worked properly so I viewed it in the torchlight, but I knew it was ‘my van’ instantly.”
Despite its previous use for training, CJ views the ambulance as a worthy investment, ensuring it enjoys a fulfilling retirement.
While still a project in development, CJ has already invested £4,000 into refurbishments. He elaborated, “This van has never been finished since I got it – there are always new things going in and changes/improvements being made.”
The appeal of the ambulance lied in the pre-installed features, offering great value for money. CJ enumerated, “I got an insulated box-bodied van with double glazed windows, side and rear-hinged doors, large external lockers, a diesel heater, aircon, a 2000w inverter and all of the mains wiring ran to plug sockets, interior lighting, 12v electrics ran in every wall.”
Although originally designed for medical equipment, CJ repurposed the outlets for USB ports, lighting, or other accessories.
“Most of the interior furniture has been kept, just cleaned, some areas reassembled for different uses,” CJ explained. He praised the durability of the furniture, constructed with modular aluminum frames and clinical-lined Ply inserts, facilitating easy modifications.
To enhance the van’s homely ambiance, CJ undertook various renovations, including fixing the electrical system, repainting the interior walls, wrapping cupboard doors, installing flooring, and incorporating a sofa bed and water tank.
He remarked, “The only ambulance things left are for show really, some switch panels, the odd label in cupboards, a mudflap that still says ambulance. Other than that it’s fully transitioned into a home on wheels.”
Despite the extensive modifications, CJ managed to keep costs down. He estimated spending £3,000 on electrical items and £1,000 on mechanical work and decor. One of his favorite features is the ability to run a gaming laptop and TV, allowing for unique gaming experiences, such as playing Grand Theft Auto Online atop a stormy mountain or in the depths of a quarry.
Having lived in the ambulance for six years now, CJ expressed no regrets about leaving traditional housing behind.
He admitted, “I really don’t miss living in a house, many things seem alien to me now, like too many rooms!” While acknowledging the challenges of winter van life, he remains committed to his unconventional lifestyle, aspiring to continue indefinitely.
Throughout his journey, CJ has explored various countries, including England, Scotland, Wales, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Currently residing in Portugal, he plans to embark on a coastal expedition for his next adventure.
