Full Size Vans

The decision to purchase a wheelchair van and have it converted with mobility equipment is a major one.  ALWAYS consult you NMEDA Mobility Equipment Dealer BEFORE buying ANY  vehicle to be converted to handicap accessible.

One of the most important things to consider in choosing between a full size van or a mini van is the engine cover.

1. How far does it extend into the vehicle?
2. Does the engine cover become an obstacle to easy transfer or swiveling?

Occassionally, people have suffered injury to their feet, ankles and legs because their feet got caught between the engine cover and the seat. People who need additional space would require a full size van, versus a mini van.

Another item to consider is the height of head space. Measure from the floor to the roof and then determine your seated height, obtained by measuring from the floor to the top of the head when you’re seated in a wheelchair. If you plan to drive or ride from your wheelchair you need enough room for movement. The necessary head space in a full size van may be acquired by raising the roof (i.e., by cutting out the factory roof and adding a higher fiberglass top). There are several roof brancs and models available, along with the cosmetics needed for an attractive van after the conversion.

If you are purchasing a full size van to use with a wheelchair lift, you need a long wheel base or an extended body. This will give you ample room to maneuver your wheelchair when entering and exiting the van.

Don’t forget to measure the doors, as well. If, for any reason, you cannot bend your head forward, you should ask your dealer about raised doors. These are doors in which a lift is installed. Raised doors have an extra panel of metal welded to the top of each door, simply because the top needed for raised doors is difference than standard doors. Thus, if you have your van converted but do not include raised doors, all of the interior may need to be removed to install the proper top for raised doors – an unecessary expense.

Manufacturers of these products include: