New Van Options

[Burgerman]

I like. No never saw one. But may import one! Since you guys are about 60% of the cost of UK vehicles.

[Mr.Math]

We have one. I like it. My wife, not myself, is the one in a chair (and from a stroke, not SCI). She is able to ride shotgun with me driving. Both front seats are removable so it can be used either way (with control modifications if you plan to drive).

[segreen]

Cal re the Ford Link

It looks an interesting choice .... have a look at the gallery images - it just looks too small inside for manoeuvring?

I saw the prototype at the Mobility show last year. It was a well built and well thought out conversion. I really liked it but as usual with rear wheeled drive chairs, I struggled to get into the drivers position. It would be ideal for a manual wheelchair. The designer said it was designed for a mid-wheel/front wheel power chair because of the limited space. Never tried reversing in. Maybe I would of got in if I had. Well worth a look though.

Steve

[segreen]

Can anyone recommend a IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) & Light convesion company for me. I want to get an American import through it's IVA test? Last time I did this was fourteen years ago and the guys are no longer there. I'm looking for a company situated in the northwest and not down south where they all seem to be in an abundance.

Steve

[segreen]

Once again I've struggled to find a suitable drive from the wheelchair vehicle. After checking out the competition over here and finding nothing suitable (I need side entry for the back bench seating, lowered floor because of my height and a boot for my assistance dog), I've opted for another import and bought myself a Chrysler Town and Country Limited Platinum with a BraunAbility XT conversion. At the moment I'm in the process of shipping it over here and hopefully I'll have it ready to use by the end of May or June. Here's a few photos...

[Burgerman]

That one has a bigger floor drop, 12 or 14 inches? Compared to your previous vans?

How much?

[segreen]

Hi John

I think there's an extra 4 inches so that would be 14 inches. Not 100% sure though. My current van is the same as yours and I catch my head every now and again when I forget to duck. See video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlioast02CI

Steve

[segreen]

If your a short arse like Burnie...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxq0ARvE_OA

[Burgerman]

I catch mine less now my hair went all wavy.

Bit a 4 inch lower floor is too much for me. Its about spot on where it is for me. The guy in that vid has a very high seat on that chair.

[segreen]

John

The cost was $49,000 but there's shipping from the east cost, light and IVA approval plus new Q'Straint docking station and hand controls to add to the cost. End cost will probably be around £43k ish. Dollar $1.39 to the £ so still not cheap but cheaper then a VW Caravelle at £65-75k that's not really suitable. Got to say it looks much better quality then my current 2005 Dodge.

Steve

[Burgerman]

Things move on!

Did you look at these https://sirusautomotive.co.uk/vehicles/ford-link/ link
https://sirusautomotive.co.uk/wp-conten ... bigger.png image
And whats wrong before I waste time looking?

[segreen]

John

Yes I did look at them and I was really impressed with their quality and design. The van had everything I was after, side entry, rear bench seating and a boot for the dog. My only issue with the vehicle was that it was difficult to manoeuvre inside and get behind the steering wheel. They told me that it had been designed for a front/mid-wheel drive wheelchair. I also thought it would be ideal for those who drive from a manual chair. The ramp is very short and its angle is very slight due to the fact that the vehicle has airbag suspension like the old minivans had before they started putting chains round the suspension and compressing it. Once the ramp was lowered the vehicle sat very low which I was impressed with. In all honesty I would have quite fancied one if only I could have got in the driver's position without having to make half a dozen manoeuvres. Would I pay £43k for the Titanium model when I could get a Chrysler Town and Country Limited model for the same price? No not really. It's about £10k too expensive I think. It might be a good car to get if you had limited funds and bought it on Motorbility though. Last point to mention, the demonstration vehicle I saw looked quite cool with the body kit and the privacy windows. Made it look a bit more desirable rather than a mobility vehicle if you know what I mean.

Steve

[Burgerman]

I was worried about it being small, and ability to get behind the wheel properly. No worries there? Might get a demo. But again, the pound v dollar has been rising ever since the brexit vote. So in a years time the chryslers from the US or canada may be very cheap again!

I just dont like the quality of american made cars. All the plastics etc seem unbelievably cheap and the finish generally is of "disposable" quality... They are not finished like the typical german car or even EU made fords. Wouldnt buy anything french or italian to save my life unless its a supercar!

[segreen]

I quite agree. I think we both think along the same lines when it comes to vans.

[segreen]

After bringing my new van home I've had a push/pull floor mounted brake accelerator fitted and 12-months later I'm still struggling to get to grips with the accelerator. My old van, a 2004 Dodge Braun Entervan has a linkage accelerator and my new van has an electronic accelerator. My issue is trying to drive the van without kangerooing down the road. It's almost imposible to drive away smoothly from a standing start. I believe all modern cars/vans have electronic accelerators these days. I find it difficult to hold the RPM at a steady number without it fluctuating wildly. Has anyone else come accross this issue with new cars/vans and hand controls? Next question how do I overcome this issue. Can anyone recommend a really good bespoke engineering company preferably in the northwest of England who could sort this out for me?

[Burgerman]

Its the delay that the electronics introduces, the speed of the servo operating the throttle plate etc. Its exactly the same problem that all stock powerchairs have. The stupid steering acceleration/deceleration that means we have to get hold of an OEM programmer to remove the delay.

In this case that delay may be because of the speed of the electronics and/or the speed of the servo that works the cruise control normally. It doesent matter that its slow or smooth when rolling. But when manevring its got to be instant. Real time. Or you get your problem. Not sure its fixable if it uses the criuse control system for the throttle servo.

Best bet, get real hand mechanical controls fitted.

[segreen]

Best bet, get real hand mechanical controls fitted.

What kind of real hand controls would you recommend John? Could you send me a link of something you've got in mind? Give me an idea of what to look for.

Cheers.

[Burgerman]

Those in my van were supplied and made by bekker. Just call any mobility converter near you, and ask them. They will have to fit them anyway.

[segreen]

John are you talking about hand controls that bypass the electronics?

[Burgerman]

Yes.

[Seajays]

i just sold my 2013 Honda side entry infloor and bought a 2020 Toyota VMI . What a difference, this Toyota is so much better

[Burgerman]

Ive looked at the toyotas. I wasnt sure about space inside and ability to get square on with the steering wheel. Hows that on yours?

Also, cost? Inc shipping ets and any details you have as I may be interested. Thanks!

[Seajays]

There is no problem getting square to the steering wheel, I am using my BM2 chair, There is more turning space in the Toyota. The cost for a loaded VMI in Canada is 96K list

[Burgerman]

96K?

[Swan T.W.]

96K?

Canadian peso..

[Seajays]

Yup Canadian dollars

[Burgerman]

Sill way too much though. Gonna wait till theres 2 dollars to a pound again.

[Swan T.W.]

Sill way too much though. Gonna wait till theres 2 dollars to a pound again.

Didn't know you were a young lad.

[Burgerman]

I am not but if those idiot democrats get in, the vans will soon be super cheap again!

[stevelawiw]

Spoke to Sirus today, I was interested in getting a demo of the Ford.
Because I'm on the Isle of Wight they wanted £500 to come over (the ferry costs £50)
After I picked myself off the floor (not really that would involve calling an ambulance, well it did the last time I fell out)
they asked me what wheelchair I wanted to use with the Van, I said a Storm 3, they said that was too big and I really needed a centre drive chair