Question about wheelchair vans- - Page 2

MtPockets · 09-04-2009, 11:21 AM

Whatever you decide to do, I would not recommend a wheelchair lift on the rear of the vehicle. That is what I got first. It worked as long as I could transfer to the seat and my wife would drive the WC onto the lift rack on the back of the car, Honda Pilot by the way.
Biggest problem, I was only able to transfer for about one year and then that option no longer was workable. So now I have a vehicle I cannot use and have had to lease a fully handicapped van to ride inside with my power chair.
I should have planned further ahead and gotten the fully functional van to start with. Please take this opportunity to learn from my mistakes.

brooksea · 09-04-2009, 01:27 PM

Great info Capt AL! I will keep that in mind for my husband!

GlenBrittle · 09-04-2009, 09:19 PM

This is the van that I will be driving.

2002 Chev Astro Van, AWD, wheelchair equipped, Universal Motion InFlor Lift, driver and passenger seat move forward/backward, up/down and swivel for easy transfers, CaroSpeed hand controls, spinner knob, raised door and roof, auto start and alarm system, safety checked, excellent condition, professionally maintained, black, grey leather, tinted windows

The infloor lift is stored in it own compartment below the floor of the van. I will receive it Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

Glen

brendapals · 09-08-2009, 12:23 PM

wow, what an education! I hope to travel to a dealer about 50 mi. from here- Superior Vans and Mobility. I'll have to see what they can do with my van! I should have my power w/c next week- but don't need it for traveling...yet.

Thanks, MT, I won't go for the rear entry!

take care all,
brenda

joelc · 09-08-2009, 12:36 PM

Brenda, I don't think he was saying not to get a rear entry van, just don't get one with a power lift. The same is true for a side entry.

As far as I am concerned a rear entry is the only way to go. But with a ramp. You can park anywhere and still get out.

mare · 09-08-2009, 08:11 PM

I understand what you are saying about ease of entry & exit with rear-entry van.

However, where we are, this is less of a problem. Handicap parking is readily available, and that includes spaces that are "van accessible"- i.e. added space. I think each person's locale should be taken into account on this issue.

That is why we prefer the side-entry ramp van. This way the w/c can "ride shotgun" when the passenger seat is removed. In spite of navigation, I'm not good with directions. This way, Jim can keep me company & tell me where to go.

No comments from the peanut-gallery!LOL

GlenBrittle · 09-08-2009, 08:21 PM

crap ... Oh Mare, I bit my tongue too hard ...

With a rear entry , I did not find I could transfer to the drivers seat at all .

I have a side entry . My parking spot at work , the one with the smurf blue emblem , is open on both sides. Perfect.

mare · 09-08-2009, 08:45 PM

This is also Jim's point for now. He wants to get the van while he can still drive, but needs the w/c to get around. Side-entry allows him to ride his chair up, and transfer to the driver's seat, and back again to his w/c to leave the vehicle.

When the time comes that he can no longer drive, we will remove the passenger seat & he can pull his w/c into that position & lock/tie-down there. I will then be the driver; and as I said before- oh, never mind!

There are many options available on these vans; try to take into consideration where you are now, but plan for the future as well.

Glen, sorry about your tongue- I'm surprised you were able to bite it!

brendapals · 09-11-2009, 02:49 PM

wow- so many things to consider! Hope my hubby is ready!!!!

AND NOW LOOK AT THIS!!!!!!!!!! I think I just graduated my member status from senior member to what ever is next! YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got the call today, actually hubby did, and they are delivering a LOANER power w/c next Tues. Don't worry, I'll let ya'll know as soon as I get it!

Hugs to all
-brenda

mare · 09-11-2009, 03:16 PM

Congratulations on being a very helpful member! You know that really means that you
"talk" alot!LOL

Yes, the w/c van education is something else!
We finally decided on ours; should be delivered next week- YEAH!

And, Jim finally got his loaner chair today (after 3 unsuccessful tries)- Invacare TDX !
He is very happy with it; says it is very comfortable. Portable ramp came today, too.

Life is strange- who would think we would be happy to be getting a power w/c and accessible van? Certainly this time last year it would have been unthinkable!

As Hoping says..."what was once unacceptable, becomes acceptable." BIG SIGH

Good luck on your fact finding mission!

BarryG · 09-11-2009, 04:04 PM

Hooray for Brenda, our newest Very Helpful Member! And congratulations on your new chair.

So mare, what kind of van did you decide on? And I will congratulate you too on your new powerchair although I agree, it is something that we really shouldn't be happy about having to have. Oh well, such is life.

mare · 09-11-2009, 04:33 PM

We went with the Honda Odessy. It was the right fit for us.
Good thing was that I have an SUV, only 2yrs. old in excellent condition (garage kept) & low mileage- you know, only driven by a little old lady to church & back. (Glen, bite that tongue!)

So, the trade-in was a wash on the van & we are actually only paying for the conversion.
See how I can turn things around with my rose-colored glasses!

When we get it, maybe I'll post a picture. I have to post pictures of Lucy & all the DME. She loves all of Jim's "toys"- his stair chair is a "train" for her to ride, the scooter she loves, and his walker (which he hates & uses very little) is now being used by her as she is starting to walk. We have a little stuffed bear hanging from one side & Elmo hanging from the other!

And boy did she get excited when the chair came today- already had a ride on Grandpop's lap! Just toys for the grandkids!!!

MtPockets · 09-12-2009, 09:19 AM

For those that are taller like me this may be an option:
Is the Entervan XT Right for Everyone? | AbilityVoice

BarryG · 09-12-2009, 02:03 PM

So, the trade-in was a wash on the van & we are actually only paying for the conversion.

mare, if you don't mind my asking, how much does the conversion cost? And how long does it take?

mare · 09-12-2009, 06:41 PM

Braun & VMI are $22,000 - 23,000. This is thru a dealer (not a regular car dealer, but a van conversion dealer- i.e.- a new van is "purchased" by the conversion company, and then they do the conversion. The dealer then gets the vans for their inventory, to be available for the customer). There are some exclusives- Toyota conversions are only done by Braun & Honda conversions are only done by VMI.
Dodge & Chrystler are done by either.

Keep in mind, this is for new vans (and by new, they include 2008 that have not been previously owned) We did not go the used van route; we are not mechanically inclined. Don't know a good engine from a bad! (Glen- put a sock in it!)

Jim can still drive; he can take this for independence. Then, we can transition when we need. In the mean time, since he is trading in my car, I get to drive his car when he uses the van!