Start of the trail.

[UPEgger]

Purchased a 2001 Ford E450 Type III ambulance(body by lifeline) four weeks ago. 7.3 Diesel, 103K miles. Purchased from a local small town. Paid too much..... of course; but it was what I wanted and it was there, right in front of me. So.......

So far have removed all red light lenses with clear lenses. Installed a spare tire rack in the left rear outside compartment. Had a receiver hitch installed, 6000lb limit. installed a twin bed on the right bench seat. Standard 39"x75" twin.

I registered the vehicle as a truck. I am thinking about reregistering/titling it as an RV. Still checking out the advantages/disadvantages of this move. Any advice?

I do not plan on living in the unit. Just two or three day hunting trips. I will be pulling a tandem axle open car trailer with a 2004 jeep wrangler on it. Trailer and jeep total about 5,200lbs. It will be permanently located in southeast CA. The move from the U.P. of MI to SE CA will be during the last half of Oct 2018.

It is currently at a local auto shop having ALL fluids changed and the front wheel bearings packed. Also just a general inspection by people that know what they are doing. I do not want any surprises on the 2350 mile trip south. The transmission shifts "crisply" so I feel it has MANY miles left in its life. It is a four speed plus OD. I am getting 11.6mpg so far on the short runs at speeds of from 55 to 60mph for a total distance of just over 900 mi. Several 100 mile runs.

[raulaleman84]

How much was too much ?

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[UPEgger]

The purchase price is just the beginning. I feel the 1st year of maintenance/improvement costs should be added to the purchase price to get a true reflection of the "purchase price".

The addition of a custom built receiver hitch(nothing out there fits as a bolt on receiver hitch), spare tire and wheel, decal removing "rubber erasers", rivet plusnuts and tool, several clear lenses to replace the red lenses on exterior lights and other items have added another $2233.25 to the purchase price. It currently is at a vehicle repair station getting a thorough going over. That will add to the "purchase price".

The question I asked myself early on was: Is it worth it to me and can I afford it? I decided yes and am carrying on.

Carl L.
White Pine, MI