Hi all, I've been looking for the possibility of acquiring a wheelchair van to transfer an adult member in the family living with MS. Living in the Northeast and just because of the custom work done/cost on wheelchair van conversions with minivans, I'd like to invest in something whose required work would be less invasive, requiring only anchoring track/hardware and belt installation, and a ramp/lift. I've looked at the NV200 but the rear door height is just too close. The same goes for the 2014 Ford Transit Connect, which has a better safety rating over its previous model. Having been driving nothing larger than the Volvo wagon I currently own, these compact vans would make for an easy transition. My 1st impression of the NV1500-3500 when I visited the dealer was "It's huge!" I immediately opted to just test drive the NV200 and take measurement/notes. Now a month later, I've shied away from the Ram ProMaster and have yet to see the new Ford Transit. I am however seeming to come back around to the Nissan NV series van. Some thoughts and questions - High roof or standard? I personally like the looks of the std roof over the high roof, but if head clearance safety for the wheelchair'ed occupant dictates (roughly 46" IIRC from floor to the top of the head), than so be it. The high roof would also easily accommodate a wheelchair lift if that ends up being a requirement (load floor height 28.5" with unloaded vehicle might make for a steep ramp angle). Any thoughts on having the van lowered for when using a manual fold-out ramp as it would reduce the ramp angle making it easier and safer to get the occupied manual wheelchair in and out of the vehicle? Side windows? I know the passenger model has glass all around which would help with visibility for the driver (assuming as I have yet to sit in one - not in stock at the local dealer), as well as the person behind me in the wheelchair (preferred by), but if the high roof is required, I can't seem to get glass all around or at least included on the driver's-side second row w/o going to an aftermarket installer. If that's the case, could OE replacement glass for that side be installed so it matches the OE fitted ones (sliding and rear doors)? Ease of floor anchor attachment? I like the finished look of the Passenger van model and that it includes rear heat/ac (heat exacerbates MS symptoms). However the ductwork for heat in the floor might pose a problem, that is if I wish to retain it and perhaps the floor carpet itself. I've yet to decide on a track system or single attachment points. I'll also have to attach a bracket to the side pillar for the shoulder belt, whose retractor then anchors down on the floor. I need to look under the vehicle and also see what's under the carpet (not likely going to happen at the dealer, so I 'm asking if anyone her might know about obstructions). Oh, and I likely will not be using most of the rear seats if at all (perhaps if more family members come along on some hopefully-to-now-happen road trips). Could air conditioning be added to the rear if going with the high roof model or might I simply be able to direct some vents towards the wheelchair occupant to provide some effective relief? For exterior color I was thinking silver, and putting a heavy tint on the rear passenger windows to help minimize solar heating effects. I just don't like white for the exterior. The thought of a rearview camera when backing up seems logical, especially if a folded manual ramp or electric/hydraulic lift is set-up by the back doors. Unless I have the option for the navigation package or the monitor-in-mirror (seems expensive, and does it effect the mirror's field-of-view?), I guess I could install a wired unit myself above the doors. The camera would also help when it comes time to hook-up the utility trailer. Besides space for an occupied wheelchair, since the vehicle would be my personal transportation, it would be used for utility - building supplies, lawn/garden tools and goods, groceries, RC gear, perhaps even some camping gear or power equipment...from time to time. That said, I'd hate to mess-up the carpet/finished interior! I was at first thinking with the cargo van, to having the floor sprayed with bed liner to help keep scuffing and corrosion at bay, and then fitting sound deadening and finishing material to the walls and ceiling, and adding better lighting in the back as I think I've read it being subpar on the cargo vans. Thanks for any feedback, and I hope everyone's enjoying their van. Drive safe, C.
