Samantha Houle, a customer success manager from Wisconsin, has taken to the roads in a unique manner that is far from conventional. Alongside her father, she has transformed an unused ambulance into a fully functional living van, a project that has not only changed their travel experiences but also introduced them to a number of unexpected challenges.
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The duo acquired the ambulance for approximately £5,600, a worthy investment considering the subsequent renovations that totalled around £20,000. The vehicle, originally equipped with standard emergency fittings, was stripped down and fitted with home comforts including a shower and a gas stove, making it suitable for camping trips. As Houle recounts, the ambulance was “decked out” with typical modifications, complete with emergency lights and symbols. She maintains a light-hearted approach about its origins, even laughing about the gurney that once occupied the back, which has now been replaced by a comfortable pullout couch bed.
The unconventional vehicle has drawn plenty of attention on the road. With more than 145,000 followers on her Instagram account, @somewhere_in_between_, Houle is no stranger to being stopped for queries about her unusual ride. She jokingly remarks, “If you ever want to be inconspicuous, don’t get an ambulance.” Although the bright red stripe that once lined the sides of her vehicle has been removed, and plans for a complete repaint are in motion, she enjoys sharing her project with interested onlookers. Despite its past function, she is relieved to report that her ambulance has never been mistaken for a mobile emergency unit requiring assistance.
Houle has made various adjustments to the vehicle to ensure its appearance signals a new purpose. Adding windows and remodelling the front with a mounted tyre have made it clear that this ambulance is not equipped for emergency response. However, the transformation has come with its share of challenges. Despite not being particularly skilled in vehicle mechanics, Houle has learned a great deal since becoming an ambulance owner, often enlisting her father’s handy skills and the expertise of an uncle who operates an auto repair shop.
Owning a vehicle like this involves inevitable repairs, especially given its mobile nature. Houle mentions specific issues such as a malfunctioning air ride system, which she has been grappling with, alongside maintaining the plumbing system which has faced complications due to freezing weather conditions. “Things are constantly breaking,” she admits, “and that’s simply part of the travel life.” This has prompted her to be more adaptable and prepared for unforeseen maintenance tasks, leading to a more laid-back attitude about her living situation.
Despite the hurdles, Houle relishes the freedom that comes with living in an ambulance. The ability to travel at a moment’s notice without needing to set up a traditional campsite has opened new doors for her. “I just love the flexibility of it,” she explains, highlighting how it allows her to work while on the go. The ambulance has become an efficient workspace for remote meetings, and it enables her to seek out stronger signals as needed.
Last summer, she and her father embarked on an adventurous road trip along the West Coast, visiting stunning national parks including Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton. This journey represents just one chapter in the stories made possible by their unique living arrangement.
While her family did not traditionally partake in camping during her childhood, Houle’s relationship with nature has blossomed through her experiences in the ambulance. The vehicle not only serves as her mode of transportation, but has also become a comfortable home on wheels, allowing her to enjoy the great outdoors more intimately.
Houle’s story stands as a testament to the spirit of adventure and adaptability; with each challenge encountered, she has learned valuable lessons about maintenance, flexibility, and the joys of life on the road. The converted ambulance is more than just a vehicle; it has become a symbol of freedom, connection, and exploration, highlighting the unique ways we can reinvent our lives.