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Overland ambulance concept in the wilderness
The Overland Rig — Ambulance Build

A Mobile Studio for Work, Worship & Wilderness.

Ambulances offer all-aluminum structural framing, redundant electrical harnesses, and commercial-grade durability that standard campervans can't match. The plan is to find the right decommissioned 4x4 rig and engineer it into a self-reliant platform — a place to write, create, podcast, and train from anywhere, while documenting the whole journey and adventuring with River.

The Vision

Why an Ambulance, and What It Becomes

Ambulances offer all-aluminum structural framing, redundant electrical harnesses, and commercial-grade durability that standard campervans can't match. The plan is to find the right decommissioned 4x4 rig and engineer it into a self-reliant platform — a place to write, create, podcast, and train from anywhere, while documenting the whole journey and adventuring with River.

Target Platform
Type I 4x4 Heavy-Duty Diesel Ambulance
Planned Power
LiFePO4 Battery Bank + Solar + DC-DC Charging
Planned Thermal
Hydronic Radiant Heat, Hot Water & Insulation
Planned Workspace
Starlink + Dual Off-Grid Workstations for Remote Work
River, a husky-shepherd mix, on a mountain trail
River — Co-Pilot & Trail Partner

The Roadmap

From the hunt for the right rig to the first shakedown expedition.

Currently Searching for a Rig
Current FocusIn Progress

Phase 0 — The Hunt

Searching for the right decommissioned 4x4 diesel ambulance — ideally a Type I with an all-aluminum box, low hours, and a solid 4x4 chassis. Evaluating listings, auctions, and dealer networks until the right rig turns up.

Build log & video breakdown
Up NextPending Rig

Phase 1 — Acquisition & Inspection

Pre-purchase inspection, title transfer, insurance, and baseline documentation. Photographing every inch before a single bolt comes out.

Build log & video breakdown
PlannedAfter Acquisition

Phase 2 — Demo & Gut

Strip the OEM medical wiring, decommission surplus oxygen lines, and sound-deaden the aluminum box with butyl and closed-cell foam.

Build log & video breakdown
PlannedAfter Demo

Phase 3 — Off-Grid Electrical & Power

Victron energy system, inverter/charger, solar roof racking, and a 48V-to-12V architecture sized for true off-grid autonomy.

Build log & video breakdown
PlannedAfter Power

Phase 4 — Cabinetry, Galley & Modular Bed

Extruded aluminum frame, marine-grade birch cabinetry, induction cooktop, and a slide-out outdoor kitchen — built light and built to last.

Build log & video breakdown
PlannedAfter Cabinetry

Phase 5 — Exterior Armor & Recovery

Winch bumper, upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, and perimeter scene lighting so the rig can go anywhere and get back out again.

Build log & video breakdown
PlannedFinal Milestone

Phase 6 — Shakedown & First Expedition

A real shakedown trip to stress every system, then the first true expedition — working from the road, training, worshipping, and adventuring with River.

Build log & video breakdown
Got a Rig? Join the Journey

Have a Decommissioned Ambulance You'd Sell — or Want to Be Part of the Build?

I'm actively looking for the right 4x4 diesel ambulance. If you have one for sale — or you want to follow along, sponsor the build, or collaborate on the journey — reach out. Every lead and every supporter moves this project forward.

Sell Your Rig or Join the Journey

Let's Find the Right Ambulance Together

Whether you're selling a decommissioned 4x4 ambulance, know of one sitting unused, or want to follow and support the build — drop the details below. I read every message personally.

4x4 diesel ambulances preferred (Type I / Type III)
Sponsors, collaborators & followers all welcome
Prefer email? connect@andrewjohnsononline.com

Demo form — messages aren't stored or sent until a backend is connected.

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