Man converts an AMBULANCE into a mobile bachelor pad

An adventurer left with nothing after splitting with his fiancé has now converted an old ambulance into a campervan to travel the world.

Ian Dow decided to use the medical vehicle to make his journey after first breaking his heart, then his shoulder, in a subsequent motorbike accident.

Determined to overcome his misfortune, he then spent four months converting the ambulance into a mobile bachelor pad. 

What ex-fiancé? Rejected Ian Dow, from California, decided to love an old ambulance instead 

Action shot: The ambulance parked up in Central America after another epic drive

Action shot: The ambulance parked up in Central America after another epic drive

Now, Ian – who’s become an Instagram star with his pictures from locations around the world – said he loves his new found freedom after four months on the road.

The 33-year-old, who originally hails from Newport Beach, California, added water tanks to the roof, a heated shower and a sink.

‘My fiancé broke up with me. I was left with nothing and needed a place to live,’ he says. ‘Prices for rent in Newport Beach CA are high so I started thinking and looking for alternative options.

‘I had a nasty fall on my motorcycle and had an epiphany while laying in the mud. I had seen a few ambulances for sale on eBay.

Emergency solution to being single: The sexed-up vehicle was converted over four months 

Emergency solution to being single: The sexed-up vehicle was converted over four months 

Dedicated: Ian pictured constructing the fitted kitchen in his mobile ambulance van

Dedicated: Ian pictured constructing the fitted kitchen in his mobile ambulance van

Back in the day: Ian busy constructing the ambulance to rise above his relationship woes

Back in the day: Ian busy constructing the ambulance to rise above his relationship woes

Chilling out: Ian's pet dog can be seen enjoying the soft furnishings inside the vehicle

Chilling out: Ian’s pet dog can be seen enjoying the soft furnishings inside the vehicle

Man power: Despite being afflicted with a broken shoulder, Ian managed to do the DIY alone 

Man power: Despite being afflicted with a broken shoulder, Ian managed to do the DIY alone 

‘I needed something to save me from the situation I’d found myself in.

‘That night while nursing a busted shoulder I searched eBay and found a low priced ’94 Ford ambulance. I made a bid and won. Then realised I’d have to fly to Missouri to get it. That’s where it all began.’

The ambulance now has an astroturf lawn on its roof and a spot for his tent.

Ian – who is single and travels with his pal Dylan – has been to seven countries in the vehicle so far, including Mexico, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

He added: ‘I built a rack over the cab to hold my spare tires and my dingy. Inside I’ve added a foldout table, a cedar lined closet with self closing drawers, a swivel on the passenger seat so it can flip around.’

Cool dude! Handsome Ian and his canine companion waste no time on former flames 

Cool dude! Handsome Ian and his canine companion waste no time on former flames 

Travelog: Ian's been to seven countries  so far, including Mexico, Nicaragua and Costa Rica

Travelog: Ian’s been to seven countries so far, including Mexico, Nicaragua and Costa Rica

In good company: The California native is also joined by his best friend, Dylan, on the trips 

In good company: The California native is also joined by his best friend, Dylan, on the trips 

‘The kitchen is lined with white subway tiles and a bamboo surface for cutting on. I also added a cast iron on black glass two burner stove top. On the right side of the kitchen there is a closing trash porthole so my garbage is stored outside of my living space.

‘I’ve also added a multi bed system that allows for a narrow, twin or queen size bed setup, all with 3in memory foam topped on my cushions.’

He added: ‘There are also some large drawers, a pantry, cleaning materials and storage under the sink, my refrigerator, storage for fishing equipment, ukuleles and a longboard surf board on the ceiling.

‘The walls and ceiling in the ambulance have been insulated heavily and covered with foam wrapped in vinyl for a nice easy to clean finish.’

Life on the open road: Driving through Mexico has been a core part of his latest adventure

Life on the open road: Driving through Mexico has been a core part of his latest adventure

Too cool: The eligible traveller added water tanks to the roof, a heated shower and a sink

Too cool: The eligible traveller added water tanks to the roof, a heated shower and a sink

Life's a beach: After a long drive, the guys and the dog relax on the sands of Mexico

Life’s a beach: After a long drive, the guys and the dog relax on the sands of Mexico

‘The floors are solid teak and the moulding I made myself out of an exotic wood called Pauduk. Every surface in the ambulance has been cleaned then covered by exotic hardwoods or nice materials. I’ve also added a bar that holds bottles of tequila most of the time.

‘One of the most important adds is the pull down big screens I have on the side and rear doors. Without them the trip would be miserable.

‘I park up and find a good spot where I won’t be bothered or bothering anybody.

‘I was planning a 6 month trip but it’s looking more like 10 now. If I had the funds I wouldn’t stop.’ 

The locals are certainly impressed! Children in rural Mexico climb atop the van's lawn roof

The locals are certainly impressed! Children in rural Mexico climb atop the van’s lawn roof

 

 

 

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