2/11/08
Disclaimer: This is from my experiences only. I do not
endorse any company on this page.
1. Find the best van on the market. Use Consumer Reports and
online forums. Chat forums are great because you can see how real people like
and dislike their van. No log in required.
2. Before you buy your van, visit your nearest National
Mobility Equipment Dealer Association member (NMEDA). Website Ask if they can modify
your van. You can also go there to buy a van directly from them. NMEDA's don't
have service perks. (free oil changes, engine guaranteed for life, free state
inspections) I tried to buy mine through the van dealership for that reason.
NMEDA is a trade organization that dealers belong to, and it doesn't perform
any dealer services itself. NMEDA may steer you towards another make, so know
what make you want before you go. (I saw pictures online with the certain van
converted so I knew it could be done)
3. Ask the van dealership to do a mobility package
if you buy from them. It adds heavy-duty suspension, shocks, removes carpet,
etc. (still don't know who does that, the auto company, or lift/ramp company?)
Adds extra cost for package and costs to ship it both ways, to and from your
NMEDA. Your NMEDA are likely to already have vans with the mobility package.
Almost all dealerships have mobility rebate programs up to $1000. Might not get
rebate if you buy from NMEDA.
4. After the mobility package is done your NMEDA will
ship your van off to get the lift/ramp put in. They lower the floor,
which is why vans should be FWD. They can't cut through the transmission in
AWD's to put in a ramp/lift. (my van dealership didn't know that) This too
costs extra, plus the cost of lift. Again your NMEDA probably have vans with
this already done. (Minivan's have 54' inside clearance with the floor lowered usually)
5. Give your NMEDA measurements: your length, height (head to floor), and total weight of wheelchair including you. There're two options I looked for wheelchair restraints, lock and straps. The first was a dock and lock system. Bracket on the chair and locking mechanism on van floor. My main concern was the bracket mounted on my wheelchair would get caught on tree roots, thresholds, and PA cables at concerts. I chose auto-retractable straps with a hook fastener. Here's a website with both systems. Website
Cost
comparison:
|
buy from a NMEDA van with mobility package and lift/ramp already
installed-(3 charges in one) Wheelchair restraints (if not already installed) NMED admin fee |
buy from a dealer Van Shipping to add mobility package The mobility package Shipping to add lift/ramp The lift/ramp AND lowered floor conversion Shipping back to NMEDA Wheelchair restraints added by NMEDA NMEDA admin fee |
Another great site: Wikipedia's resource on accessible
vans Website
Note:
I have a heavy powerchair.
Van dealerships I have done business with have no clue what needs to be done to a van to make it wheelchair friendly, so it pays to know your stuff. When I researched the certain make online, it did not say anything about the mobility package on their mobility webpage. Dealerships don't know about the mobility package either, so don't buy a van until that is done. Also nothing was said about the AWD problem. NMEDA's will definitely make it an easier process, but you won't get dealership service perks. If you go with a NMEDA, know what make van you want and features you want before you talk with them. It may pay off if you are flexible with features you want because NMEDA selection may be limited.
If you choose a minivan here are a few choices:
Entervan - by Chrysler/Dodge and BraunWebsite
Rampvan - by Toyota and BraunWebsite
Braun minivan product line. Downloadable brochures.Website
Ford, GM, Chevrolet have not teamed up with a
manufacturers (that I know of) to mass produce accessible vans. However, that
doesn't mean they can't be modified.
Ford's mobility pageWebsite
VMI and Tuscany can convert a Ford full-size vanWebsite
GM's mobility pageWebsite
Amerivans can convert a GM minivan-Website
Vantage Mobility International (VMI) can convert minivans
by Honda, Dodge/Chrysler, Ford, Kia
Less money on gas with a minivan
Tires cost more because they have to be heavy duty tires
on full size vans
Can't park in parking garages with a full size van
Lift rattles so much, it will drive anybody insane in
full size vans.
Minivans have buttons. No back work to lower lift.
Automatic. Lifts unfold faster on minivans
Minivans have way more features. More luxury.
Minivans zip around faster in traffic
With a minivan I can finally see out the windows now.
Before all I saw was the road and the lift. (I don't drive)
Minivan's can go through car washes.
If you can cram your wheelchair into a minivan, do it!
Handicap Auto Trader - Buy or sell. Search for a vehicle
with the specific modifications you need and within a geographic area.-Website