Watching a vision come to life can almost take you back to your childhood, when you would play make-believe with dolls, cars, and playhouses. Build it with your imagination and spring it to life. Seeing someone else’s blueprint take shape from start to finish is also fun. This small vehicle conversion is one of those sights!

For this U.K. family of six, traveling could be a costly undertaking. Investing in a mobile home seemed like a favorable option that would allow them to have entertaining road trips on the way to their destinations. Jonathan and Jay were on a mission to find a camper that could fit all of them plus their dog. What did they end up finding?

An old 1969 ambulance on eBay fit the bill, and for about $3,400 U.S. dollars, they snatched it up. Although the interior was beat up from the cab to the seating quarters, Jay saw the potential. Since neither she nor her husband were experienced in renovation, they contracted the major work out. The “before” graphics in the video show there’s only 287 cubic feet of space to work with.

The diagram showed that the storage area would sit across from the stove, positioned by the rear doors. A seating area for four to six people would then be situated between the cab and the kitchen section. The RV plan also included room for convertible bedding that could sleep the entire family. How did they fare?

At first sight, you’ll notice the RV’s doors can be fastened to stay open with hooks. Hidden storage cupboards were built in as part of the steps and larger counter units. They contain necessities like extra leaves for the tables and bed. The two counters are also cleverly designed disguises. In one sits the electricity source, fuses, and random knickknacks. In the other lies the cooking area.

It’s so cool how everything is foldable, and the countertop flips up to reveal a range and sink, whose faucet is also foldable! The water and gas supply is housed underneath. To ride comfortably and safely, four cushy seats were installed with seat belts. Tables sit in between both sets of seats so the children can entertain themselves or eat as they travel.

The chairs also double as storage and extra cushioning converts them into a seating area for six. A table leaf was also included to expand it for sharing meals. The tables actually drop down to help turn each seating unit into a bed. Additional hammocks hang above each bottom bunk for each child, sleeping all four of them in that section.

Jonathan and Jay sleep in another convertible bed, made by attaching an extension between both of the counter units. And the dog? There’s room for him in the middle of the floor. For romantic getaways, mom and dad also have the option of transforming the entire back area into a king size bed. Small accents like lamps, tea lights, and window dressings give the RV a touch of charm. The front cab was also redone to match the rest of the RV.

All in all, the conversion project cost approximately $16,000 (USD). With the help of Jay’s generous father, the family now has an adventure machine that will help them curtail the costs of travel and create memories. What do you think of this family’s ambulance makeover? Would you try vacationing on the road? Tell us in the comments!