1. List down the features that you want in your vehicle

This will not only help you make a sound purchasing decision but also help you determine the approximate cost of the vehicle. Some important features that you may consider including in your list include power steering, removable rear seat, proper wheelchair rap as well as restraints and additional security features.

2. Fix a budget

Buying a wheelchair accessible truck is a significant decision and thus calls for making a proper budget. You can always hire the services of a mobility consultant to determine the reasonable cost of a vehicle that you are looking for along with some specific features.

3. Gather information about financing options available

You need to do a little research about various financing options available. You can check this by doing some research online or by hiring the services of a reputed mobility dealer or consultant who can inform you about various rebates available as well.

4. Check for dealers or sellers who offer at-home demonstrations

It is a good idea to opt for those sellers who offer in-home demonstrations as it will give you a better idea of the suitability of the vehicle in your environment.

5. Assess the wheelchair security features closely

This is extremely important to ensure the safety as well as comfort of your near and dear ones. You should also weigh the cost associated with building a customized bracket for your wheelchair truck if it does not have that already.

6. Look for ways to save money

You can save a considerable amount on your handicap truck by opting to buy a second-hand model or a van that has been converted into a handicap truck with a manual wheelchair ramp.

7. Rent before you buy

It is best to rent a model of mobility van you like for a few days and use the same before making the purchase.

8. Compare prices

In order to get the best deal, remember to compare prices and various financing options available.

By following the above-mentioned tips, you can be sure of making a wise buying decision when it comes to buying Wheelchair Accessible Trucks.

Purchasing a vehicle is a hard task by itself, but if you are purchasing an adaptive one, it can be even more taxing. When you are purchasing an adaptive vehicle, one of the most important things that you need to be sure of is that you purchase a vehicle that fits your needs. You also need to make sure that you purchase a vehicle that mets the federal regulations and standards.

If you purchase a vehicle from a person that is a member of the NMEDA, you also need to make sure that the person participates in the Quality Assurance Program. This is a program that assures that that company issues are monitored along with quality and compliance. The QAP is another program that requires that its members abide by a set of standards. Membership to this particular organization is voluntary.

You may also want to check to make sure the dealer you are buying compliance wheelchair van equipment from is registered with the  NHTSA. The NHTSA is an organization that ensures that wheelchair vans and all other vehicles and equipment comply by a set of safety regulations.

Last, but certainly not least, if you are considering making a purchase from a local dealer, you need to ask them whether they adhere to a set of standards set by the FMVSS. This will assure that your vehicle will be modified according to a set of safety guidelines.

Purchasing a full-size wheelchair van is a serious investment. Those who will have long term wheelchair needs, though, will benefit from investing in a full size vehicle rather than a smaller vehicle. More so, if you are trying to lift a person out of a wheelchair to place them in a standard car, you could be injuring yourself, not to mention the other person. Rather, consider an investment in a full-size wheelchair van.

The Flexibility of Full-Size Wheelchair Vans

Full-size wheelchair vans provide buying power. A variety of manufacturers do offer them, including Ford, Chevrolet, Honda and Toyota. However, it is not necessary the make or the model number that you should focus on. Rather, focus on what the vehicle can offer to you on the road.

Powerful: The engine size of any vehicle is important, but for pulling heavy equipment, you should select a full-size wheelchair van over a minivan. It gives you more power for easier driving. More so, some vehicles now offer powered folding wheelchair ramps. Once installed, they make using these ramps easy.

Lowered Floors: One reason it is difficult to purchase a minivan over a larger conversion van is the headroom. Since a wheelchair sits higher in the van than a traditional seat, the individual simply may not fit in a minivan. Lowered floors (both sub and fully lowered) can make this no problem at all.

Enhancements: Adaptive equipment is readily available for many of these vans. You may find features such as steering devices, power seats, power sliding doors, removable seats and even remote entry. Raised side and rear doors, tie downs and lifts are additions you can add on to most any full-sized wheelchair.

Safety: In some crash tests, full-size wheelchair vans have shown better safety levels than smaller vehicles. However, look at the individual vehicle’s safety performance before investing in any van specifically.

What to Look for in Full-Sized Wheelchair Vans

As you consider all of the options you have in full-sized wheelchair vans, a few features are particularly important to look for and consider. Determine how well these features meet your particular needs, especially when comparing one make or model to another.

Full-size wheelchair vans offer an opportunity for the individual to get back on the road of life. If you are looking for space and features, then these vans may accommodate your particular needs. Do look for vehicles that allow customization, too.

When it comes to procuring adaptive equipment, there are three options:

You can try-out a variety of equipment with the help of a sales rep at a dealership. If you are looking for standard equipment that have been tried and tested to be safe and secure, you should only buy from NMEDA dealers.

You can also do your shopping online by visiting the dealer’s website and chatting with the company’s sales representative on the phone.
Alternatively, you can save a lot of money by personally contacting someone who may be selling their wheelchair van equipment or modified vehicle to others who may need it. Such deals can be found either online or in person. For instance, you can read online listings for such items or the classified sections among other sources.

Used Versus New Equipment

You have a choice of either purchasing adaptive driving equipment that have already been used or buying new ones.

If you wish to buy new equipment and vehicles, you should buy from dealers who specialize in adaptive technology like NMEDA dealerships. Such dealers can assess your individual driving needs and recommend the best equipment for your special needs.

On the other hand, pre-owned adaptive equipment and vehicles can be of great value. However, assessing the history and condition of the adaptive equipment will take a lot of time and money.

Another disadvantage of buying pre-owned equipment is that they do not come with warranties. When buying pre-owned equipment, you should check the equipment to see whether or not it meets you needs before you pay for it.

Before you make your purchase, you should verify that the equipment can fit comfortably into your vehicle. For instance, if you come across items marked 63C, you should do your research to find out what this means. After procuring the desired equipment, you should look for a technician who specializes in adaptive driving equipment to install it into your vehicle.

Manufacturers of Adaptive Equipment

As with most products, there are many manufacturers of adaptive equipment. Therefore, you should do a lot of research prior to making your visit to a dealer. This will help you to buy the right equipment that can fit properly into your vehicle and meets your specific needs.

The best and most accurate source of information is the internet. You should visit the official websites of different manufacturers to see what they have to offer and their costs.

Locating the best solution to fill your transportation void might seem an impossible task, given the vast array of available options on today’s market: Minivans, wheelchair lifts, full-size vans, and various styles of driving control devices and rotating seats, etc. Many oases exist amidst the sea of confusion, however. These refreshing spots in a an otherwise maze of total chaos may be found in the person of many knowledgeable professionals who aim to provide effective assistance in your quest. A trio of primary considerations must be included in any calculations of the best wheelchair vans.  These include: Service, Safety, and Suitability.

Safety Is Always First for All Adaptive Driving Equipment.

Your foremost concern, of course, must always be safety. When evaluating any type of adaptive driving equipment, conduct a full driver evaluation to accurately assess its capability for safe operation by yourself (or whomever will be the primary driver). The highly-trained representatives can help you ascertain whether or not a given equipment set is appropriate for your personal use, but also suggest the specific vehicle type(s) that are likely to best suit your particular situation. You may locate such professionals in your own area with the ADED website’s searchable database.

Service and sales are two other important features to look for in any specially adaptive vehicular equipment. Accessible equipment manufacturers employ standard designs of a somewhat generic nature. There are, however, literally hundreds of physical limitations. Each requires a different level of mobility assistance. In addition to various vehicular adaptive equipment options, many hundreds of wheelchair and scooter types also exist.

Assisted Mobility Equipment Vendors

In order to be certain that you are buying the proper mobility equipment for your particular circumstances, take full advantage of the professional assistance and expertise of representatives at dealers in your locale. The majority of such venders have been in business for many years or decades. Such lengthy experience brings a lot of relevant knowledge and familiarity with both products and the process of matching customers with the best options for them.

When speaking with local mobility dealer, ask if 24-hour emergency assistance is available. Find out if the dealer is an NMEDA member. Verify all technicians’ training and qualifications. Finally, ascertain for yourself whether the firm and its personnel are easy to conduct business with and whether they seem to be responsive.

Competent adaptive equipment dealers offer comprehensive needs assessments in consultation with you to determine your ideal option(s). By asking about your specific physical and budgetary limitation(s), in addition other individual factors, they serve your needs much better.

Manufacturer Rebates and Reimbursements

Vehicle modifications are expensive and most people need all the help they can get financing these modifications. To that end, it is wise to look at the entire situation before you begin so that you can ensure you are making the best financial decisions possible.

For example, some manufacturers offer rebates on modified equipment–provided the equipment meets certain criteria. Some manufacturers have a list of eligible aftermarket modifications on their websites so that consumers can be aware ahead of time which modifications may qualify for discounts or rebates.

One of the most important things to keep in mind in order to qualify for reimbursements, rebates, and any other funding is that a licensed equipment installer must install the modification equipment. This is also an important point to keep in mind for other reasons as well, including preserving any warranties associated with your equipment and for your safety.

Some manufacturers will reimburse a certain portion of the costs associated with transferring modification equipment from your vehicle into a new vehicle. This can be extremely helpful when contemplating the purchase of a new vehicle because even if you already have the equipment, uninstalling it from one vehicle and reinstalling it into another can be costly.

If you are able to alleviate even a portion of those costs, it may make the difference between whether you can realistically afford to purchase a new vehicle or if you have to keep your old one for a while longer.

Consider Used Mobility Equipment

Keep in mind, also, that some used modification equipment may also qualify you for reimbursements or rebates. Again, the key is to make sure that you purchase your equipment from a licensed dealer and have it installed by a licensed equipment installer. Buying used can save you a lot of money in the long run and used equipment is still eligible for many of the reimbursement programs that new equipment is so it pays to shop around.

Other Ways to Save

There may be other ways, aside from programs sponsored by vehicle manufacturers, that you can save on the cost of modifying your vehicle. There may be federal income tax credits or deductions that you can take that will help you to bear the costs associated with vehicular modifications.

It is also possible that you could secure partial funding through state agencies, such as those associated with rehabilitation. For those with private insurance, check with your insurance company to see what funding, if any, is available.

While there are various disability resources available to assist with the costs associated with vehicular modifications, they all have their own set of criteria that must be met in order for funding to be available. That is why it is so important to look at all your options before you start the modification process.

You may find that the savings are substantial, whether you are modifying an existing vehicle or transferring your equipment to a newer one. If you find that new equipment is outside the boundaries of your budget, even with assistance, do not discount used equipment. In many cases, those used elements have not actually been subjected to much wear or tear.

Once you have looked at all of your options and secured the funding for the vehicle modifications you require, you will want to find a licensed installer that with whom you can do business.   Although it can be a daunting process, going through the steps one at a time can make it seem less overwhelming and the end result could provide a means for you to assert your independence in a safe and modified vehicle.

New Wheelchair Vans

Brand new wheelchair vans, just off the assembly line, can cost anywhere from $21,000 to $51,000 to purchase, in most cases.   Higher end models with extensive customization can cost considerably more.   Used wheelchair vans usually fall in that same price range but you might be able to find some solid pre-owned models for less than $20,000.

Used Handicap Vans

If you are looking into purchasing a used wheelchair van, consider the rule of thumb that states one should usually stay away from any models that have been on the road for more than three years.   The average total lifespan of a wheelchair accessible van is ten years and much of the commonly used equipment tends to experience problems before that point.   Buying older used vehicles can be a trap unless they’ve been perfectly serviced and subjected to only light use.

When shopping for a used van, the first place you want to look is Kelley’s Blue Book. Kelley’s Blue Book is the ultimate used car information source with respect to pricing.   This guide will provide you with suggested sale prices based on where the vehicle of your choice is being sold, trade-in value and much more.

This guide helps anyone looking at a used vehicle find the right price and to avoid being taken advantage of by a seller.

There are multiple websites offering used wheelchair vans for sale, but you must be careful to avoid scams.   Unfortunately, there are enough bad apples in the world of online vehicle sales to justify suspicion about the whole barrel!

Mobility Van Sales is one site that deserves your attention. Mobility Van Sales allows anyone to place classified ads on their to sell just about any mobility vehicle.   Wheelchair accessible vans are the main part of the site and are often available at prices well below the Blue Book value.

Test Drive It

Of course, you’ll want to physically test drive the accessible van before purchasing it.   You should also have the opportunity to have the mechanic of your choice examine the van for potential problems.   Do not agree to a sale with someone across the country unless you can find a way to meet those conditions first.

If you do not want to use the internet to purchase your used wheelchair van, your next best bet is to visit your local mobility dealerships. Almost every dealership that sells minivans or vans will have a wheelchair van on their lot to test drive.   Alternatively,   they can direct you to a dealer in the area that does.

At The Dealership

When you arrive at the dealership, ask the sales representative where the vans are located and if they have any used wheelchair vans. If the answer is yes you can begin to browse around the lot and take one or two out for a test drive. Ask for a service report for the van and make sure that it is a certified used vehicle.

Sometimes, private sales are the easiest way to purchase a used wheelchair van. A private sale is one not done through a vehicle website or through a dealership. These private sales should not be finalized until you have test driver the van and have had it inspected by your mechanic to make sure there are no significant problems.

Buying a wheelchair van isn’t much different than buying any other vehicle.   The primary distinctions are in the number of options available and the need to carefully inspect after-market accessibility equipment for quality, correct installation and durability.

Selecting the Right Van

It is imperative that you select the right van for the modification process. While many people buy used vans for this purpose, it is important that you purchase a van that will be road worthy and will be able to withstand the added weight of the modification equipment.

Since it can be quite expensive to uninstall and reinstall modification equipment into another vehicle, you want to be certain that you make a good choice the first time so that you will be able to operate your van for some time to come.

Choose a Qualified Dealer/Installer to Modify Your Van

It is important that you choose a dealer and installer that is licensed to perform the conversion and who will service the equipment after the sale. You want to choose someone who is experienced with van conversions and who will provide ongoing service and maintenance.

You will want to make sure that you and the installer can get together for fittings as even the slightest mistake can make a big difference and can cause you to be uncomfortable or present a safety issue so it is important that you are comfortable with the installer   and that they will make time to ensure a proper fit.

There will be extensive modifications made to the inside and outside of the van in order to accommodate wheelchair access. If the person who has the handicap will be driving then there will be even more modifications. Let us look first at some of the modifications made to the interior of the van.

Interior Modifications

Lowering the floor or raising the roof is one of the most extensive modifications a van goes through in order to accommodate a wheelchair. The floor can be lowered several inches and a ramp installed in order for the wheelchair to be rolled into the van. The ramp can be installed on the side of the van or the back. Sometimes, instead of lowering the floor, the roof is raised and a lift is installed. There will also need to be tie-downs installed to anchor the wheelchair.

Removable seats may also be installed in the van so that the seats can be easily removed to accommodate the wheelchair but also offer full seating when the wheelchair is not in the van. Accommodations may also need to be made for the ramp, which may fold out of the vehicle or it may be stored on the outside or underneath the van.

Driver Aids

There are several types of driver aids that can be installed in a conversion van to assist the driver. These include, but are not limited to steering devices, hand brakes, pedal replacement, and power seat bases. There are also automatic door openers and options for window operation that can be fitted to the steering wheel.

Drivers who are able to operate the pedals but who can only use one hand will find that there are accommodations that will allow them to operate the vehicle using only one hand. Drivers who can use only one foot or who cannot use their legs at all will find that there are accommodations that will allow them to operate the vehicle using only their hands.

Turning seats can also have a big impact for the driver with disabilities. These seats turn to the outside of the vehicle so that the driver can access the seat from his or her wheelchair. This makes getting into and out of the van easier and eliminates the need for a lift or a ramp to be installed.

Before you have your van modified or converted, you will want to spend some time with an expert who will be able to evaluate your driving abilities and who can recommend the precise modifications that you will need.

Because each individual’s needs are different, there is no one right van conversion suitable for everyone. It is a highly individualized procedure and it will make a positive impact on the lives of those it affects.

Exterior Modifications

Just as the interior of the van will go through a conversion process in order to accommodate the wheelchair and perhaps a driver with special needs, the exterior of the van will also have to undergo conversion. Lifts or ramps may need to be installed and, especially for those vans that support a wheelchair lift, support may need to be added to the suspension system in order to accommodate the added weight.

The doors will need to be modified and sliding doors or doors that open automatically are options. You may also want to consider an automated wheelchair retrieval system, which works through the use of a robotic   arm and provides the ultimate in independence for those drivers who use a wheelchair all of the time.

With this system and modified driving aids, someone in a wheelchair can have complete independence from getting into the vehicle by themselves to exiting the vehicle and positioning themselves into their wheelchair.

After the Conversion

Making a van wheelchair accessible does not have to be a complicated process. There are wide and varied technological advances to accommodate even the most challenged of drivers so even if you have multiple needs, you will find that there are answers to a wide range of driving needs.

Depending on the modifications you have made, it may be necessary to obtain training on some of the new devices. This is an important part of the conversion process to ensure that you can safely and comfortably operate your new vehicle.

Remember, too, that regular maintenance is important to keep the conversion or modification equipment in top running order.   This is in addition to the regular service and maintenance that your van will need. By keeping your van and your equipment well maintained, you can expect to have dependable transportation for a long time to come.

You’ll have no shortage of options when trying to find a wheelchair van. You can buy new or used and you can choose the style, size and features that will meet your particular needs and lifestyle choices.

Purchasing a New Wheelchair Van

Most wheelchair vans will last about ten years after they roll off the assembly line before they buyer will see a need for any major repairs.

The parts and equipment inside the van, which are specially designed for handicapped persons, might not last as long as the van itself.

Both the base van and the added features do require regular maintenance and care in order to prevent the needs for more serious and expensive repairs.

New wheelchair vans vary in price depending on the brand of the vehicle, its size, and the nature of the installed specialty equipment. New vans range in price from as low as $21,000 to as high as $41,000 for “standard” models.   It’s possible to spend a great deal more for a high-end van with extensive customizations.

If you are seriously considering purchasing a brand new wheelchair, you must consider the higher prices of new vans and the expenses associated with financing them.   New vehicles can be a nice choice, but many people find that used vans are a better fit for them.

Purchasing a Used Wheelchair Van

Many people in the industry argue that one should look almost exclusively at used wheelchair vans that are less than three years old.   They reason that the wear and tear on equipment and the vehicle itself justifies the purchase of late model vans and that older units could have a series of costly repairs looming right around the corner.

Three years is a decent rule of thumb, but buyers should consider other factors when making a determination regarding a used vehicle.   Mileage, the nature of past use, service history, the quality of the vehicle itself and other variables are important.

When purchasing a used wheelchair van, you should have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic to make sure that there are no glaring problems with the engine, transmission or other major systems.

You should consider the presence of a warranty on the used vehicle and if it is a certified used vehicle. If you can’t secure a dealer warranty or manufacturer certification, you may want to look at a different vehicle.

Deciding between a new wheelchair van and the purchase of a used model involves looking at a number of variables and then interpreting the data based on safety needs, reliability considerations, price and any other factors that may be important to you.   It’s not an easy decision, but those who approach the matter carefully rarely make purchases they later regret.

You’ll find Honda Odyssey accessible minivans, Toyota Sienna rampvans and Chrysler Entervans. There are also several discontinued accessible minivans that you can buy used, including the Pontiac Montana, Buick Terraza and Plymouth Voyager accessible minivans. Each of these vehicles has its own positives and negatives to consider.

In fact, there may be so many choices that you’re feeling overwhelmed. After all, how do you determine which wheelchair accessible minivan is right for you? Do you look first at safety ratings or performance levels? Are aesthetics important, or do you consider a vehicle’s looks to be of secondary importance at best?

And don’t forget about all the accessibility questions you’ll face. How many wheelchair users will regularly use your conversion van at a time? How tall are these people? How large are their wheelchairs or scooters? Do any of these passengers want to sit in the front seat? Do any of them want to actually drive the conversion van?

You’ll need to consider all of these questions before you actually invest in a wheelchair accessible van. And you’ll have to consider them carefully. Minivans that have been converted into rampvans are not inexpensive. They’re a serious investment, and require serious thought.

Buying the right wheelchair minivan simply requires taking a close look at the lifestyle you and your family enjoy. By studying how you’ll be using your wheelchair van, you’ll be far more likely to purchase the right one.

Wheelchair Van Accessibility Options

There’s one factor that’s more important than any other when you are buying a wheelchair accessible minivan: the comfort and safety of your passengers.

You’ll want a minivan, then, that boasts plenty of headroom for even the tallest of wheelchair users. And you’ll want to make sure that the accessible minivan you buy features no-skid interior floors and roomy interiors.

Several wheelchair minivans being sold at mobility vehicle dealerships today boast plenty of room for both wheelchairs and their readers. These include the Dodge Grand Caravan wheelchair conversion van and the Honda Odyssey conversion. Other wheelchair accessible vans trade in some interior room for a sportier drive. For instance, the Scion xB rampvan looks exactly like a standard Scion, and handles just like one, too. It doesn’t boast abundant interior space, but it has enough for one or two wheelchairs users to ride in comfort.

The quality of the ramp itself is also important. Not every ramp is created equal. Some used minivans may only come with manual ramps. This means that you’ll have to extend, raise and lower the ramp yourself. Other, newer models come with automatic ramp systems. With these systems, you’ll only have to press a single button to extend the wheelchair ramp and set it down on the pavement.

Newer models, including the Toyota Sienna and the Chevrolet Express wheelchair conversion vans come with “kneeling” capabilities. These vehicles, also at the touch of a remote-control’s button, lower themselves to the pavement. This requires a much less severe ramp angle.

Top Wheelchair Van Models

Several newer models stand out from the pack in the accessible minivan market. These models boast more features, rank highest when it comes to safety standards and, generally, are better looking vehicles.

For instance, there’s the Toyota Sienna rampvan, one of the more popular accessible minivans now on the market. Toyota teamed up with BraunAbility, a manufacturer of wheelchair lifts and accessible vans and minivans, to create a pair of Sienna rampvan models, the “infloor” and “foldout” ramp versions.

The Sienna rampvan is packed with special features. It comes with one of the tallest door openings in the industry. It also boasts an abundance of headroom. The minivan shines, too, when it comes to floor space, coming with the widest floor in the wheelchair conversion van market.

The Chrysler Entervan is another popular wheelchair conversion van. In fact, this particular van has been manufactured with the help of BraunAbility for more than two decades.

The Entervan looks like any other Chrysler minivan as it zips down the highway. That’s because the Entervan is made of shiny metals and sophisticated trim. It’s sleek and stylish.

Like other top wheelchair accessible vans, the Entervan comes with an auto-kneel feature. Whenever the vehicle’s sliding door opens, the Entervan’s rear suspension lowers until it’s just inches above the ground. Once the vehicle reaches its final “kneeled” position, wheelchair users can enter the Entervan with ease, without having to negotiate a difficult incline. Even caregivers pushing manual wheelchairs will easily maneuver passengers into and out of the vehicle.

The Honda Odyssey wheelchair conversion, by VMI, has also been one of the top rampvans on the market. Wheelchair users can now enjoy the special features and standout road performance that Honda Odyssey owners have long appreciated.

Buyers who purchase a Honda Odyssey conversion will know, too, that they are working with engineers and designers who know exactly what wheelchair users need from an adapted minivan. That’s because VMI has been creating Odyssey wheelchair conversions since 2006.

The engineers at VMI did not skimp on the Honda Odyssey wheelchair van. The conversion version of the Odyssey packs as much power and performance as does the traditional model. It also looks every bit as handsome as does the traditional Honda Odyssey.

Negotiating the many choices

While it may seem overwhelming to pore over so many varieties of wheelchair vans, shoppers should remember that this really is a positive.

The fact that there are so many choices means that manufacturers recognize the important of mobility services. Wheelchair users are a big market for the major carmakers today. This can only mean one thing: We’ll continue to see new and improved wheelchair accessible minivans hitting the market year after year. That’s good news for anyone who needs to purchase one of these mobility vehicles. A competitive industry results in solid deals and even better craftsmanship.