Wheelchair Vans

Wheelchair accessible vans start off as regular vans and are made wheelchair accessible by lowering the floor and/or adding a ramp so a wheelchair can be rolled into the van. They can also be modified by adding a power lift that picks up the wheelchair and places it on the floor of the van.

Those who need a wheelchair want a way to get around. Wheelchair vans seem to be the best solution for many. The most common changes made to a van during the conversion process include the following:

- The floor is removed if necessary;

- Front seats are installed that are swivel-type chairs allowing access from the wheelchair;

- Some way of entering the vehicle from outside is added: This can be a ramp, a lift or something similar;

- The suspension of the van is hardened or changed to a heavier-duty suspension to handle the extra weight of power chairs etc;

This sounds like a lot of work and it is. In addition to the conversion process, constant vigilance and maintenance is required to be sure everything is working properly after it is installed.

Which vans are easiest to convert?

Not every van is equally suited to the demands of a wheelchair conversion process. A few that have proven to be easy to convert include the Dodge Grand Caravan,the Chrysler Town and Country, Ford Windstar, Chevy Uplander, and Toyota Sienna.

There are also many companies who will convert the vans for you. Two popular ones are AMS Vans Conversion, the Entervan conversion, and the Northstar conversions. Others may be available in your city and it pays to shop around.

Let's visit each conversion process listed:

AMS wheelchairs Vans conversion has been converting Dodge and Chrysler mini-vans since 1979 and usually charges more than $15,000. If you are offered much less than this, beware of the work that is done or the parts that will be used. Wheelchair van conversions are not cheap.

AMS wheelchair Van Conversion:

No device for lowering the mini-van closer to the ground for ramps etc. A long folding ramp keeps the entry angle slight however. The floor is usually lowered completely to the firewall, making the front seating area of the van available to wheelchair passengers and the carpeting in the mid-section of the van is replaced with more durable rubber or composite material flooring. This reduces wear and tear from wheelchair passengers.

The Braun wheelchair van conversion:

Developed by the Braun Corporation for Dodge and Chrysler mini-vans. A little more expensive at around $20,000. It's available from dealers. Just ask.

Braun has had facilities in Indiana, Florida, and California since the mid seventies. Braun also supplies a large dealer network that provides products and services throughout the United States. Braun is authorized to convert the Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chevy Uplander, and Buick Terraza.

The process involves lowering the floor to the front firewall. This provides extra head room and a natural line of sight for wheelchair users. They also alter the van so the van lowers itself to the ground. This allows ease of entry without obstructing the line of sight by covering the window. Also, they also install a power passenger sliding door and a ramp that are controlled with a remoter control unit. This allows easy access from outside the van. Finally, they install easy out seats in the front positions that allow the wheelchair to be positioned in either the front passenger or front driver position. Nice features but a bit more expensive.

The Vantage Mobility International conversion

This company does the Northstar conversion. They have been converting minivans since 1987. This includes the Honda Odyssey conversion. They resell their wheelchair vans in a network of over 700 dealers and are authorized to convert vans from Chrysler, Dodge, and Ford.

They are popular for their ramp installations. Known as the Summit Northstar ramp, it seems to be very popular. Northstar conversions can run up to $22,000 and they are authorized by manufacturers to work on Dodge and Ford minivans.

The Northstar conversion features include: Besides the usual features as above, they also install a power in-floor ramp that leaves an open doorway for wheelchair passengers to enter and leave the van without deploying the ramp each time. Their remote control unit makes opening the door and ramp very easy. The company will put new carpet or rubber flooring into the van.

Wheelchair vans are extremely useful vehicles if you can afford to convert your vans. They are not cheap conversions but the convenience these vehicles bring to those who are wheelchair bound cannot be overstated. A wheelchair van allows those confined to a wheelchair to get around and remain mobile.

Copyright 2008 by Bruce Santucci