Welcome back to The Municibid Podcast. When it comes to tailgating, Eric Lahti takes the pastime to a whole new level with his transformed ambulance. As the owner of a mid-size construction company, he knows how to get the most out of a vehicle. Eric has a knack for turning nothing into something, and ordinary into extraordinary. In this interview, he shares his experience of purchasing and converting an ambulance into the ultimate tailgate vehicle.
The Inspiration: From Buses to Ambulances
Eric's journey to find the perfect tailgate vehicle began with a desire to own a bus. For 39 years, this die-hard New England Patriots fan has been a season ticket holder. He wanted a vehicle that could accommodate family and friends for pre-game festivities. However, his wife was not too keen on having a bus parked in their driveway.
“My wife told me, ‘Absolutely not. We're not putting a bus in our driveway.’ But she saw an ambulance on some tailgating show or football game. She said, ‘Oh, we can do that.’” - Eric Lahti
At that moment his search for the perfect ambulance began and continued for six months until finding one being sold out of a local town in Massachusetts.
The Transformation: From Stretcher to Grill Station
With little to go on how to convert an ambulance for tailgating, Eric relied on his own creativity and problem-solving skills. The ambulance he purchased was 20 years old but in decent shape. Even better, it even came with a stretcher which turned out to be a game-changer for his tailgate setup.
“I had this crazy idea that I was going to mount the grills to the stretcher. Everybody thought I was nuts, but right now it’s the showpiece of the whole parking lot.”
This unique feature quickly became the centerpiece of his tailgate parties, attracting attention from fellow fans and even earning him the title of having the best ambulance in the parking lot.
Customizations and Additions: Making the Ambulance a Party Haven
In addition to the grill station, Eric made several other modifications to his new ambulance. He installed a flat top for cooking, a pizza oven for post-game parties, and added storage compartments for clothes to keep everyone warm during colder games.
Inside the ambulance, Eric tinkered with the electrical system to ensure all of the lights were in working order. He added a refrigerator and a microwave for convenience, as well as a beer tap and a mixed drink dispenser.
To complete the transformation, he worked with a designer to create an eye-catching exterior wrap for the vehicle. Initially, Eric considered adding AstroTurf to the floor, but ultimately decided against it.
“I sat with a designer that did the outside wrap and then they did some inside wrap stuff. And we were gonna put the AstroTurf on the floor, but the floor was green in there anyway. So, we just kind of left that alone because AstroTurf would be hard to keep clean, after we tried to piece it in there…So, trial and error.” - Eric Lahti
The Advantages of an Ambulance: Space and Simplicity
Though he first wanted a bus, Eric found several advantages to choosing an ambulance. For starters, an ambulance only takes up one car space in the parking lot. That means lower parking fees. More than that, the conversion process for an ambulance is simpler and more straightforward compared to a bus.
Eric has also since appreciated the insulation and heating capabilities of the ambulance, allowing him and his guests to stay warm in the cold. His seating arrangement accommodates up to eight people, which is perfect for when he gets together with family and friends.
“An ambulance is one car space, right? So, you pay for the one car space. It’s only the fifty bucks. You bring a bus, it’s a hundred and fifty dollars to park. I never really thought about that, and to do the work on the ambulance was fairly simple. We did it in three weeks. I think if I did a bus, I’d probably still be working on it.” - Eric Lahti
Government Auctions: A Treasure Trove of Unique Vehicles
Eric participated in government auctions a few times before finding this ambulance. His advice for newbies is to set a value for the item they want and not get carried away with the bidding process. Government auctions offer a wide range of unique vehicles and equipment, providing an opportunity to find something truly special. However, without the proper know-how, the process can appear intimidating and confusing.
“I would say that you know the value of what you're looking for. Realize that this is used equipment. Doesn't matter what it is. It's all used, pretty much. Not everything, but 90% of it. And then set a value. Say you can pay X, say it's a thousand dollars worth new. What is it worth to you used? Is it five hundred dollars? Is it seven hundred and fifty? You just need to have that plan before you get carried away on an auction.” - Eric Lahti
Conclusion
Eric Lahti’s transformation of an ambulance into the ultimate tailgate vehicle showcases both talent and creativity. From mounting grills on a stretcher to adding a beer tap and mixed drink dispenser, his modifications have undoubtedly turned the truck into a party on wheels. Now, whether for a football game or a family gathering, Eric's ambulance can bring joy and excitement wherever it goes.
Government auctions provide a treasure trove of unique vehicles and equipment for many people like Eric. What you can find could very well come as a surprise, and likewise, add more to your life than you ever expected.
“You can get stuff on here that’s just not ordinary, like an ambulance. You’re not gonna buy that anywhere else, except for a government auction. A fire truck. People are really into converting this kind of equipment now, and I myself think it’s a great idea just because it’s cheaper for someone to do it. They can buy, say, an old ambulance and make a camper out of it.”
“If you're handy enough and you can do the work, it's well worth it. You'll save yourself, you know, tens of thousands of dollars.” - Eric Lahti
