Ex-ambulance campervan: some questions

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gerrit
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Ex-ambulance campervan: some questions

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Posted: 14.04.2019  ·  #1
I bought a newly converted campervan which used to be an ambulance in the UK. The conversion is very neatly done and the van is in good condition. There's just one or two things that's puzzling me a bit. Is there perhaps someone with ambulance conversion experience who can help?
On the dash there's a row of switches which were part of the ambulance wiring. The two switches on the left (see photo) are a bit confusing.
The one is the battery isolator switch. I need to press this before I can start the engine. If the ignition is off, the isolator resets after a certain time (my guess is an hour or two) to avoid draining the batteries I think. The problem is that if the Eberspacher Airtronic heater is running, it gets shut down when the battery isolator resets. This doesn't make sense to me as surely I should be able to run the heater for a longer period without needing to keep the ignition on?

The switch next to the battery isolator switch I have no idea what it's for. It also seems to trigger a relay somewhere, but I haven't figured out it's purpose yet.

The van (Citroen Relay) comes with hydraulic suspension so I can raise/lower the rear of the van with switches. I can't find any details about this online, such as if I should drive with the rear end higher or lower, or if it even matters.

Any help or advice will be appreciated!

 


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Re: Ex-ambulance campervan: some questions

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Posted: 14.04.2019  ·  #2
Maybe get in contact with the company that built the ambulance for info


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Re: Ex-ambulance campervan: some questions

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Posted: 14.04.2019  ·  #3
The second from Right is probably a run-lock switch, this is used to keep the engine running while the key is out so the medical equipment in the back continues to function but if you push the clutch/release handbrake or brake pedals the engine will cut out.
This is to stop them being stolen while in service.
The suspension is probably not hydraulic but pneumatic and will generally be controlled by a separate ECU in the engine bay, there is probably a Wabco compressor unit underneath which controls the two air suspension units.
The switch at the back will allow you to raise or lower the rear units but the system will auto level once the engine is started.


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Ex-ambulance campervan: some questions

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Posted: 14.04.2019  ·  #4
the symbol is for engine start, not sure what it means when it's in a triangle. bounder sounds right.


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Re: Ex-ambulance campervan: some questions

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Posted: 14.04.2019  ·  #5
Thanks guys, that's very helpful info.
I'll test the second switch to see if it does keep the engine running with the key out.
Thanks for the explanation on the suspension. I meant pneumatic (which I read about somewhere). Good to know it levels out automatically; I haven't really given it much attention yet.
Does it sound right though that the battery isolator cuts out the diesel heater after a while? Or am I doing something wrong?


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Re: Ex-ambulance campervan: some questions

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Posted: 15.04.2019  ·  #6
How many batteries do you have? Are they leisure or start batteries?


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Re: Ex-ambulance campervan: some questions

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Posted: 15.04.2019  ·  #7
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Re: Ex-ambulance campervan: some questions

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Posted: 16.04.2019  ·  #8
Quote by Bounder

How many batteries do you have? Are they leisure or start batteries?


Three batteries I could find. One starter, one smaller backup starter, and a leisure battery.


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Re: Ex-ambulance campervan: some questions

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Posted: 16.04.2019  ·  #9
Quote by Eamonn

THere's a Facebook group Ambulance Camper Conversions UK

It seems to be a big issue over there. Loads on there about these contol panel.


Thank you for that, I'll have a read through the FB group, it looks like a good resource.


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Re: Ex-ambulance campervan: some questions

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Posted: 16.04.2019  ·  #10
A lot of people buying frontline ambulances with 300,000+ miles on them and doing conversions. At least they don't have to pay VRT.


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Re: Ex-ambulance campervan: some questions

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Posted: 16.04.2019  ·  #11
Quote by Eamonn

A lot of people buying frontline ambulances with 300,000+ miles on them and doing conversions. At least they don't have to pay VRT.


The one we bought only has 65 000 miles on, and it was a transport ambulance rather than frontline, so it didn't work too hard.


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Re: Ex-ambulance campervan: some questions

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Posted: 16.04.2019  ·  #12
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