subject: Wheelchair Van Conversion Made Easy [print this page] Wheelchair Van Conversion Made Easy Wheelchair Van Conversion Made Easy
Many disabled people and their families begin to realize the need to convert their family vehicle into a more convenient transportation vehicle for the wheelchair bound individual. If you decide that this is the right choice for you and your family, wheelchair conversion is a relatively simple process now that there are so many dealers and centers throughout the country available to quickly and conveniently handle this task. In many cases the conversion need only take a few weeks.
Before turning over your vehicle to a dealer, be sure to do your homework so that you understand the process and the kind of work that will be done. This will also benefit you because you can then communicate effectively to the dealer exactly what you want. Your wheelchair van conversion can then be specially designed to fit your individual needs. Specialty dealers are trained to help you determine the factors that will assure that you purchase a vehicle that will best suit your needs.
If you are seeking to purchase a wheelchair van conversion, you should take several factors into account. The extent of the disability is of primary importance. This helps to determine whether the disabled person can access and handle the vehicle on his own. The size and height of the person is important as well. Also consider where the van will be driven the most, as you will need to make sure that there will be sufficient parking and that adequate space will be available to enter and exit the vehicle. Vehicles meant to be used for disabled persons should meet the safety standards required by the United States and Canada. This includes various safety considerations as well as a conversion warranty. Be sure to find a dealer who will abide by these terms.
Wheelchair van conversion frequently begins by removing the fuel tank and anything under the luggage area. After exposing the floor structure, work is ready to begin on the ramp support structure, which is typically reinforced with steel to ensure its strength. This is necessary to be sure it will support the additional weight of the ramp. The ramp extensions are increased to ensure strength and stiffness. After the ramp is completed, all of the seats and the fuel tank and luggage area equipment that had been removed for the wheelchair van conversion are re-installed. You now have a wheelchair friendly ramp installed.
