When looking for handicap vans you have many choices available. They come in full-sized vans, often loaded with features, and mini-vans that manage to meet the needs of the individual. Buying a handicap van is a major investment; thus, choosing between these two options is an important decision and needs significant consideration.
An individual can choose a full sized modified van for several good reasons. For many wheelchair users, there should be adequate headroom for them to move easily. As users often sit in their wheelchair while traveling, a full sized van with a raised roof or lowered floor conversion will offer much better space. On top of that, if the van will be used for long distance travels, a full sized van can provide great comfort and better stability. It can also carry more weight if you have to transport a lot of passengers or if you have a large family. Full sized vans are also more powerful and will offer more room for storage and cargo, whether you will be traveling with two wheelchairs or even a combination of a wheelchair and a mobility scooter.
On the other hand, there are also great reasons to buy a mini-van converted handicap van. One of the biggest reasons people choose a mini-van over a full sized van is the better fuel efficiency. Gas prices are expensive and getting more miles per gallon is often very helpful. Mini-vans can also be easier to park, easier to maneuver and drive, and take up less space in the driveway. Additionally there are is a greater selection of mini-vans available and often mini-vans can be purchased at a cheaper rate.
A full-sized van is easier to convert into a handicap van. This is because the size of the van aids in the conversion. To provide more space within the full-sized van the floor can be lowered or the roof raised. On the other hand, the floor of the mini-van must be lowered. This forces the gas tank to be relocated, which is often time consuming and expensive. For both conversions, the ramp or lift needs to be added, as does the tie downs and the roll bar.
In deciding which handicap van best suits your needs, it is strongly recommended that you check with a mobility dealership. They specialize in mobility vehicles and can definitely answer all of your handicap van questions. Make sure that the dealership is a member of NMEDA and ADA so that you can rest assured that the handicap van you'll get is safe and secured. Good quality brands include Braun, VMI and El Dorado. Quality should always be the first priority in choosing your handicap van.
Individuals seeking to purchase a handicap van conversion should take several factors into account. These decisions should cover things like how much you'll use it, what features you want and for what reason you are purchasing it for. Also keep gas mileage and the original cost of the van and conversion in mind in choosing the right handicap van for you. If you need to purchase a wheelchair van, we can help you! At our site, we have put together great resources on the best price deals for your purchase. Visit our wheelchair van resources page for more information. | 
