Forum Discussion

Parallel_Lines's avatar
Parallel_Lines
Explorer
Jul 17, 2016

handicap conversions

Is there anyone on this forum who has knowledge regarding doing a handicap conversion to a class B van? Specifically I will need to permanently add either a ramp or a lift so it can be accessed with a power chair. This vehicle will be primarily for transportation rather then camping but I would like to add some camping features as space permits. Most of the power chair accessible vehicles I have seen are minivans and they do not have enough room for my needs.

I would enjoy hearing from anyone who has attempted this type of modification or who has information that may be helpful.

Thanks
Class B
  • GaryKH's avatar
    GaryKH
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2016
    There are also companies out there who specialize in converting vans to high top vans. You could scope this out, if interior height is an issue.
  • Parallel_Lines's avatar
    Parallel_Lines
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2016
    A quick update: In the end I decided to purchase a mini-van with a ready made ramp already installed. After looking at the "big four" accessible mini-van companies I decided to go with AMS. http://www.amsvans.com/ They sell direct to the public, unlike their competitors vehicles which are only available through a dealer. I got a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country with a ramp installed for $23,500 less than the other guys best offer. Also, I am trading in an older ramp van and they offered me twice as much for my trade in as anyone else. If you ever need to buy a vehicle with a ramp I highly recommend you check out AMS.
  • buta4's avatar
    buta4
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2016
    Perhaps the Sportsmobile "Design Your Own" function might be helpful? Just saying.:)
  • Parallel_Lines's avatar
    Parallel_Lines
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2016
    buta4 wrote:
    Go to Sportsmobile.com. Search for Mobile Disabled. They have an example there.
    I have spent some time on the sportmobile site and have exchanges a few emails with them. Today I went to the dealerships and looked at a Transit and a Sprinter. They look like nice vehicles that would meet my needs.

    The factory interior on the Transit was nicer would require much less after market up-fitting, so it won on that point.

    They are both too tall to fit in my garage so they tied on that point.

    The rear seats on both were typical "shuttle van" seats weren't really suitable for my purpose and I would have to replace them on both, so again they tied on that point.

    The Transit had a nice system for heating and air conditioning the back of the vehicle while the Sprinter requires you to buy a roof mount unit to do the same thing, so the Transit won big on that point.

    The exterior style points were about even with the Sprinter having a slight advantage. Also, the Sprinter won won in the "company reputation" category.

    The Transit also offers sliding doors on both sides while the Sprinter only offered a sliding door on the curb side, another big win for the Transit.

    I need to call the lift company tomorrow and see if there are any differences between the two when it comes to installing the lift. However, at this point I would have to say that the Transit has the inside track.

    If anyone is interested I will continue to post as I work my way through this adventure.

    :-)
  • buta4's avatar
    buta4
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2016
    Go to Sportsmobile.com. Search for Mobile Disabled. They have an example there.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2016
    the winnie Travato 59G? might fit your needs. don't know width of aisle when bed/mattress is put up.
    bumpy

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