Wheelchair accessories for Multivan

[ennydots]

Hi all,

Does anyone have experience adding wheelchair accessories to a Multivan? I'm keen to keep my son (7yo) in his car seat for as long as I can manage the transfers (not easy) for safety and comfort. But ultimately we'll need a ramp and tie downs. We're not wanting lots of fixed fittings which would limit the flexibility of seating configurations for those times we travel with friends/family.

I've found the Qstraint tie downs that should slot into the floor tracking which is great as no damage to vehicle required. I don't really want to go with a lift - too bulky and you're stuck if it malfunctions. Thought I'd go for a rear entry manual fold down ramp. In the meantime, I might just do a portable fiberglass (?) ramp.

Any advice about configuration or VIC suppliers much appreciated.

Thanks,
A

[Silver Caravelle]

Hi,

I have a 2008 Multivan and have a Ricon rear lift installed. It cost $10K installed including floor retractable belts. Installed by Norden in Melb. The rear bench was moved to the middle and one of the captains chairs moved to the third row along side where the wheel chair sits. Plenty of head room once in the vehicle, but can be a little tight with the rear tail gate up and the hoist in lift position when pushing the wheel chair wityh person in. The differing heights wheelchairs can dramitically impact headroom. Aim to have wheelchairs with the lowest centre of gravity possible.

Norden - Vehicle Access, Commercial Body Building, Hydraulic Industries and Hydraulic Connections, RV industry, Storage Solutions, Wider Community Solutions, Vehicle Access

Regards,

Scott

[Silver Caravelle]

Hi,

I have a 2008 Multivan and have a Ricon rear lift installed. It cost $10K installed including floor retractable belts. Installed by Norden in Melb. The rear bench was moved to the middle and one of the captains chairs moved to the third row along side where the wheel chair sits. Plenty of head room once in the vehicle, but can be a little tight with the rear tail gate up and the hoist in lift position when pushing the wheel chair wityh person in. The differing heights wheelchairs can dramitically impact headroom. Aim to have wheelchairs with the lowest centre of gravity possible.

Norden - Vehicle Access, Commercial Body Building, Hydraulic Industries and Hydraulic Connections, RV industry, Storage Solutions, Wider Community Solutions, Vehicle Access

Regards,

Scott

I have sent you a PM. Regards Scott

[Sunny43.5]

Hi ennydots , as a father of two disabled children myself I can offer some advice for you . twelve years ago I used to own and operate a business fitting out vehicles for disabled use , wheel chair hoists folding seats and tracks etc . When our two kids got too big for the station wagon we bought our first VW new in 2000 , as a Motor Trimmer by trade fitting out a stock transporter was straight forward for me , but I would not fit a hoist as they were to large internally and we could not fit the two chairs inside , and external model was never considered as they are too heavy and look crappy on the outside . So I used a wheel chair folding ramp from Prarie View Industries in the US they are available here from Roland Priestly Enterprises in Sydney Side door van ramps. . Our alloy ramp is mounted just inside the rear tailgate on the left side , it only takes up a tiny amount of space and deploys in seconds . The two chairs are placed behind each other with tracks for belts etc , headroom is critical but our son has learnt to tilt his head as he passes under the opening but he is clear once inside , I also fitted two front VW bucket seats to the RH side to accommodate two other passengers as well . If you send me a PM with your email I can send some photos for you Howard PS forgot to mention it attaches with 4 screws its that easy to fit and makes it easy to remove if selling the van .