Overlanding in an Ambulance

Ambulance to Overland Rig: A “Lazy” Build Done Right

At first glance, a 2007 Freightliner M2 ambulance might not seem like the obvious choice for a full-time overland vehicle. But for Bevon Walsh—who goes by “Fugawi”—it became the perfect foundation for a highly capable, surprisingly comfortable expedition rig. And perhaps most interestingly, the entire build philosophy centers around doing less, not more.

Rather than stripping the vehicle down to a blank slate, Walsh leaned into what ambulances already do well: durability, smart storage, and high-quality construction. The result is a build that feels both practical and refreshingly honest—what he jokingly calls “the lazy way.”

Built to Go Just Far Enough

This Freightliner isn’t designed to tackle extreme rock crawling or technical terrain. Instead, its purpose is much more relatable: getting just a little farther than everyone else.

The four-wheel-drive conversion uses military-grade components sourced from an MRAP, including planetary axles and massive 46-inch tires. The approach kept the factory suspension geometry intact, minimizing complexity while dramatically improving capability. The goal isn’t conquering brutal trails—it’s making it down rough tracks and grabbing that better campsite just beyond the crowd.

With a 90-gallon fuel tank (75 usable) and roughly 8 mpg, the truck delivers an estimated 500-mile range—plenty for long-distance travel without constant refueling.

Comfort Without Overcomplication

Inside, the build stays true to its “minimal modification” philosophy. Much of the original ambulance interior remains intact, including cabinetry and wiring systems that are often superior to aftermarket alternatives.

The layout is simple but effective:

• A Murphy bed with a full-size residential mattress serves as the primary sleeping area

• A sleeper sofa in the cab provides a second bedroom for guests or family

• A compact kitchen includes a sink, upgraded fridge, microwave, and—most importantly—an espresso machine

Storage is abundant, thanks to the ambulance’s original design, with both interior compartments and exterior access points that make organizing gear straightforward.

Practical Systems for Real Travel

The truck is equipped with systems designed for long-term, self-sufficient travel without unnecessary complexity.

Water storage includes:

• Two 10-gallon potable tanks for drinking water

• A separate 49-gallon tank for washing and cooking

A diesel air heater handles cold conditions, while a mini-split air conditioning system provides cooling when needed. Power comes from a modest battery bank of AGM batteries, supported by a 2,800-watt inverter.

Interestingly, a 7 kW diesel generator—originally intended to support the system—has seen very little use over the years, highlighting how often simpler setups are more than enough.

Bathroom With a View

One of the more unique features is what Walsh calls the “Loo with a View”—a full bathroom setup complete with a rain shower, handheld sprayer, and composting toilet. An exterior entry option allows users to rinse off sand or mud before stepping inside, a small but thoughtful detail for beach or backcountry travel.

Built for Living, Not Driving

At nearly 8 mpg, this isn’t a vehicle you take into town for errands. Instead, Walsh carries a tricycle and an electric bike mounted on the rear, making it easy to explore nearby areas without moving the truck.

Additional practical touches—like flexible motorcycle chain steps, extensive onboard storage, and heavy-duty tools sized for the vehicle—reinforce that this rig is built for real-world use, not just show.

The Takeaway

What makes this build stand out isn’t just its capability—it’s the mindset behind it. By resisting the urge to overbuild and instead working with what already exists, Walsh created a reliable, comfortable, and highly functional overland rig with far less effort than most builds require.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the best builds aren’t the most complex—they’re the ones that simply work.