Tag Archives: Chrysler Town & Country

Chrysler Town and Country With VMI Northstar Conversion – More Information

Chrysler Town & Country Handicap Conversion Vehicle
The VMI Northstar wheelchair van conversion on a Chrysler Town & Country minivan is the culmination of the forward thinking philosophy at Vantage Mobility International. Some of the accessible features on these handicap conversion vans include a power in-floor ramp, remote control activation, and Power Kneel for a reduced wheelchair ramp entry angle.

When properly implemented, innovative thinking is communicated from design to final product, and VMI believes their VMI Northstar on a Chrysler Town & Country is a superior mobility conversion vehicle.

The Chrysler Town & Country with VMI Northstar handicap conversion vehicle represents the ultimate in wheelchair access. Since its original development in 1993, the VMI Northstar wheelchair vehicle conversion has remained the cornerstone of the Vantage Mobility International accessible van product line. In fact, there are over 10,000 VMI Northstar minivans on the road today.

Every detail has been meticulously designed and manufactured with disability access in mind. From the power in-floor mobility ramp to the power doors, the VMI Northstar handicap van conversion answers the call for disabled transportation. Even the center console has been modified for improved front seat maneuverability.

Important Mobility Vehicle Conversion Features
One of the most important features of the Chrysler Town & Country with VMI Northstar mobility vehicle conversions is the ability for a person in a wheelchair to drive. Whether using a transfer seat, hand controls, or other handicap driving device, the VMI Northstar on a Chrysler Town & Country is a totally independent driving solution.

Chrysler Town & Country Models Available
The VMI Summit is available on Chrysler Town & Country LX, Touring, Touring-L, and Limited minivan models.

Chrysler Town and Country With VMI Northstar Conversion – Specifications

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Chrysler Town and Country With VMI Northstar Conversion - Specifications

Description
Chrysler Town & Country with VMI Northstar

Handicap vehicle interior left clean and more like the original minivan
Reduced debris carried into the accessible vehicle carpet
Width of wheelchair ramp increased for wider wheelchairs
All interior switches, buttons, and handles are within reach
Keep full functionality of front passenger seat
No rattling or squeaking from mobility ramp
Handicapped ramp will not become a dangerous obstruction in the event of an emergency
Deployable on curbs up to 10” in height
Maximized space inside these handicapped vehicles for maneuvering a wheelchair
Simple exit/entry for additional passengers due to unblocked doorway (no folding mobility ramp in the way)
Do not have to activate handicap ramp for ambulatory people to enter/leave vehicle (less wear and tear on the wheelchair accessible van)

Specifications

Maximum Floor Drop – 11″
Wheelchair Vehicle Ground Clearance – 5.5″
Door Opening Height – 55.25″
Door Opening Width – 31.25″
Mobility Ramp Length – 58.5″
Usable Handicap Ramp Width – 29.25″
Overall Floor Length – 85.5″
Length from Back Seats to Kickplate – 58″
Floor Width at Front Doors – 61″
Interior Height at Center Position – 58.5″
Interior Height at Driver & Passenger Positions (Without Sunroof) – 57.25″
Steering Wheel Bottom to Floor – 29.5″
Measured Down from Front Edge of Steering Wheel to Front Kick-Up – 16.25″

Standard Features
Chrysler Town & Country with VMI Northstar only

Ultra-low 8.0° wheelchair ramp angle
Manual secondary backup system for additional peace of mind
600lb. mobility ramp weight limit
Sure Deploy backup makes these handicapped accessible vans reliable even when power fails

Chrysler Town & Country with VMI Northstar AND Summit

All-electric conversion and handicapped ramp
11” drop FLEX Floor maximizes headroom and interior space for wheelchair maneuverability
Complete rust proofing and undercoating
PowerKneel system lowers the minivan for a reduction in the angle of the ramp
Seamless integration with Chrysler Town & Country electronic systems
Controlled via Chrysler keyfob and switches located inside the mobility van
Removable front driver and passenger seat bases
Skid-resistant handicap ramp
Compliant with all government safety standards and fully-crash tested
3-year/36,000-mile warranty

Optional Features

Durafloor (rubberized flooring) to match Chrysler Town & Country interior

Chrysler Town and Country With VMI Northstar Conversion – Information

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Chrysler Town and Country With VMI Northstar Conversion - Information

  In order to accomplish an open interior and greater interior space, VMI engineered the first Northstar mobility van conversion almost 20 years ago. Nearly 20 years on the road and the VMI Northstar on the Chrysler Town & Country is still setting the standard for handicapped vans.

The Northstar wheelchair ramp slides out from underneath the floor of the handicapped vehicle instead of using valuable interior space. It is easy to see why the Northstar is so popular within the disabled community when the advantages are so obvious.

Saying Goodbye to the Wheelchair Accessible Volkswagen Routan

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Chrysler report indicates that it won’t be building any more minivans for Volkswagen. You can at least try to act surprised.

In 2008 Volkswagen struck a deal with Chrysler to turn the Town & Country into the Routan. The VW version of the Canadian minivan got a fresh face and returned suspension, but was essentially the same as its Chrysler counterpart. After four years of dismal sales (despite a costly advertising campaign with Brook Shields) the Routan has apparently been discontinued. The news was apparently slipped in under the radar into an announcement of production adjustments at the plant in Windsor, Ontario.

While the decision to axe the Routan was likely driven by lackluster sales, we can’t help but wonder if the tense relations between Volkswagen and Fiat/Chrysler didn’t usher the Routan to its grave. The Routan was just one of many nameplates under which the same van was sold, alongside the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Ram C/V and, in overseas markets, the Chrysler and Lancia Grand Voyager. Volkswagen reportedly has no plans to replace the Routan with a new model, although it has plenty of vans overseas (like the Touran and Sharan) it could bring over to North America if it deemed it worthwhile.

Over the past month or two, we’ve been going through our wheelchair van buyer’s guide here at VMi New England. This week was meant to spotlight the Volkswagen Routan, the fourth line of new minivans we offer.

Unfortunately though, the Volkswagen Routan is being discontinued.

Remembering the Volkswagen Routan

The Routan is an interesting mix of a vehicle. See, the name and logo say Volkswagen. The exterior curves and interior aesthetics look and feel like a Volkswagen. Much like you would expect from a “European” vehicle, it also features a tighter suspension with firm steering to match.

Beneath its sheet metal and fiberglass exterior, however, it’s almost the exact same van as the Town & Country/Caravan. The engine, the dimensions, the wheelbase, the list goes on.

The Routan is built on the same frame with the same engine.

But you’d be surprised how much the look and handling add. Many have commented that the Routan is about as sleek and sturdy as a minivan could possibly get. Alas, it wasn’t enough to keep it in production.

Though sales have been okay for the Routan, they weren’t quite good enough to keep it alive. Part of the problem is no doubt the higher cost of the van. Considering just how similar it was to the considerably cheaper Caravan in terms of specs, it was often a hard sell.

And so, the Routan has been retired.

The Future Beyond the Routan

Volkswagen is currently planning to replace the Routan with a crossover SUV. While this might be good for the general public, SUVs (particularly crossovers) don’t exactly offer great wheelchair access.

For the wheelchair van community, we will still be offering the Odyssey, the Town & Country, and the ever popular Caravan, all three of which are fantastic vehicles. Could the future bring a new wheelchair accessible minivan into the mix?

Why does Dodge make wheelchair vans?

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Truth be told, Dodge isn’t in the business of making wheelchair vans. It is in the business of making great vehicles that readily lend themselves to wheelchair van conversion. Models like the Caravan sell well regardless of their use in wheelchair van circles. Honda undoubtedly appreciates their popularity in the accessibility market and takes that under consideration when making the vehicles, though.

Dodge has re-branded itself over the course of the last few years. They’ve gone from building a reputation as a “something for everyone” automaker to a producer of high-performance, high-capacity trucks and passenger cars with a “muscular” edge.

Even with that change in focus, Dodge continues to produce its Caravan and Grand Caravan minivan. It also produces a compelling full-sized van, the Dodge Sprinter. These vehicles are often converted to serve as wheelchair accessible vans.
Why does Dodge Make Wheelchair accessible Vans?

The truth is Dodge doesn’t make wheelchair accessible vans – The term “wheelchair accessible vans” refers to any vehicle that can be customized for use by a person utilizing a wheelchair. – They make multiple vehicles that are easily converted into Dodge wheelchair vans by professionals who specialize in these modifications such as VMI or Braun.

Dodge continues to produce these popular wheelchair van options because they’ve been well received in the marketplace. Research suggests continued increases in demand for accessible vehicles, which means we’ll probably be seeing Dodge wheelchair vans for years to come.

Van to Wheelchair Van

In order to make a wheelchair van accessible, after market conversions are usually required. Conversion professionals adjust vehicle height by raising roofs and lowering floors. Adjustments to door height may also be necessary. Turning a “stock” vehicle into a wheelchair accessible van will usually involve installation of a ramp or lift and may include a number of other customizations, as well.

Dodge Wheelchair Vans

Dodge produces two different models that have tremendous popularity in the world of wheelchair van conversion: The Caravan/Grand Caravan minivan and the Sprinter full-sized van. That makes Dodge one of the few manufacturers that offer both minivan and full-sized options that have achieved high levels of popularity within the wheelchair conversion world.

Chrysler

Chrysler Town & Country is one of the nation’s best-selling and most luxurious minivans. Chrysler Town & Country was the first minivan in the world, and Chrysler has continued to lead the way in minivan styling and technology. This technologically advanced and extremely safe vehicle is our flagship conversion. We are proud to offer this van which will surely become a welcome addition into anyone’s life.