driving a van

[jennypenny]

I would like to someday drive a van and am really confused about my options.....I've heard of people having their vans modified by lowering the floor of the driver's side (assuming they lock down somehow?)

I know a few people who have rampvans that just drive into the driver's side and go-no locking mechanism at all.

I think being able to take the seat out or leave it in (depending on whose driving) would be good.......does that option exist?

[SCI-Nurse]

Anyone who does not lock down their chair when driving must have a death wish! Even with an emergency stop (much less a crash) your chair can slide in the van. The E-Z lock is so easy to use, and will work with both manual and power chairs, which is why it is probably the most popular.

Not all vans can have their floors lowered. It often depends on the location of the gas tank. Most ramp vans also have a lowered floor, and many also kneel.

In general, I think it is much easier, and often cheaper to purchase an already adapted van rather than purchase a van and then try to adapt it. You can often find low milage used vans from dealers, or on the internet.

There are set ups that allow you to add or remove a driver's seat, although you might not be able to do this yourself (an AB may have to help you).

Have you had a driver's evaluation? Are you working with DVR on driving? A good driving evaluation would help you look at all the options and pros and cons of each. This should be done before you purchase a van. The evaluator is often the same person who will do your driver's training once you get the van as well.

(KLD)

[~Patrick~]

First, fill in your member profile so we know what were dealing with. What level are you? Every conversion I have seen have a seat mount for the original driver seat. Go to www.disableddealer.com (http://www.disableddealer.com) to see all thats out there.

T-10 complete
10/08/01

[jennypenny]

I'm updated! thank you.Originally posted by ~Patrick~:

First, fill in your member profile so we know what were dealing with. What level are you? Every conversion I have seen have a seat mount for the original driver seat. Go to http://www.disableddealer.com to see all thats out there.

T-10 complete
10/08/01

[krajaxa]

We have purchased already modified van (Dodge Grand Caravan - Braun Entervan mods). It kneels when the ramp goes down, the drivers seat swiwels, there is an E-Z lock for his chair. Since he tranfer onto the drivers seat, we don't remove it, so I can drive it whenever needed. There is many options, but once you start looking into them you can figure out what you like, and also, get your driver's evaluation done, this way you might be able to try different set-ups as well.

[Bill H.]

I also have a Dodge Grand Caravan Already modified. The floor and kneeling was complete I had to have the adaptive equipment installed, that came from drivers eval. prescription. I transfer into my seat that swivels. I also had the passenger seat swivel so if my wife wants to drive I can transfer into the seat. There is plenty of room to move around, and also have room for two passenger's in the back. I Love it Good Luck!!

Back to work finally

[jmcquad]

As SCI nurse said have yourself evaluated by a therapist/driving instructor on what equipment you really need. It all depends on your level of injury, ur strenght, wether u can transfer, etc. If u r driving from ur wheelchair, an easy lock is a must. Get urself evaluated. Good luck.