Sprinter van

[Automotive Innovations]

Originally Posted by Patrick Madsen

I have a friend locally who owns a Sprinter van with ability to drive from a w/c.

He had a heck of a time getting permission from Mercedes, I think it was, to move the electronics to the passenger side. He had to ship the Sprinter back East for the mods; we live in Washington State.

He has the under carriage lift and has had nothing but troubles with it. Like always and also with the sidedoor opener. I think the undercarriage is undulated with grime and debris from the road plus the slush and rain doesn't help.

It's convinced me that I will never buy any vehicle with undercarriage lift.

Sounds like the stuff in the sprinter can be moved.

Iv'e put a few of these in, going back to when they first came out back around 1991 (i can't remember) I've also done a few pickup trucks with UVL's (under vehicle lifts) I believe one is still being used daily (it's 11 years old)

Installation and service is very important with these. Last time i checked we still have someone with a full size van (with a 9" lowered floor we did back in 2001) with a 10 year old UVL.

I bet a lot of the problems have to do with the sliding side doors.

Sliding side doors were always a pia on full size vans.

Depending on the environment the UVL should be taken apart and cleaned at least twice a year.

imho: In the north east a UVL is not a good choice for a primary vehicle and you don't mind having it taken apart and serviced 2-4 times a year.

[ancientgimp]

AI, what about the full sized Nissan van, there are 2 models; the one w the same profile as full sized Ford van and the raised roof version looking a bit like the Sprinter. Can these be modified to drive from chair, do you know if they can accept 6 way pwr driver seat, is slider on the side wide enough for a Braun Tri-Fold lift? What's the problem w pwr door on big sliding, side doors - will the chain drive break? I do remember having a GMC full sized van w Drivemaster rotary lift many years ago and chain drive door never wanted to open unless you were on a flat surface.

[Automotive Innovations]

Originally Posted by ancientgimp

AI, what about the full sized Nissan van, there are 2 models; the one w the same profile as full sized Ford van and the raised roof version looking a bit like the Sprinter. Can these be modified to drive from chair, do you know if they can accept 6 way pwr driver seat, is slider on the side wide enough for a Braun Tri-Fold lift? What's the problem w pwr door on big sliding, side doors - will the chain drive break? I do remember having a GMC full sized van w Drivemaster rotary lift many years ago and chain drive door never wanted to open unless you were on a flat surface.

Sorry i haven't had anyone bring a Nissan van in yet.

I just watched a video on it, to me it still looks like you'd need a lowered floor to see out the windshield (depending on your seated height).

Looks like a 6 way seat would fit, but i'd have to see one to say for sure.

Sliding side doors were always less than desirable on a full size.

There were several issues way back when and that was before door latches were used.

If i absolutely had to have one of these (a Nissan or a Sprinter) i go through the rear barn doors and use a Ricon/VMI split platform lift.

[forestranger52]

The Sprinter wheelchair vans that I've used had the lift in the rear. No door modifications needed.