Tag Archives: wheelchair van

Rust Treatment

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Owning any type of vehicle means that you have to commit to regular service and maintenance to keep it in good condition. Owning a wheelchair van and adaptive equipment is no different – you still need regular service to keep everything operating the way it should. However, it comes with some additional caveats – you can’t just go to any service center and ensure that you’re maintaining your wheelchair van or mobility equipment correctly.

Here at our Mobility Center, not only do we understand the importance of maintaining your mobility vehicle and adaptive equipment, but we take the needed steps to ensure that everything is always in top condition. No other mobility dealer (that we know of) offers the level of maintenance offered by us.

Rust Maintenance
Vehicles today are subject to rust and corrosion due to moisture, humidity, tons of road salt and other airborne pollutants that can cause rapid deterioration of your wheelchair van. If neglected, the damages can make your mobility investment of little value.  The thousands of yearly miles, environments and exposure to the elements of larger vehicles means they are a lot more likely to suffer from the effects of corrosion. Correct rust proofing on a regular basis can ensure that your vehicle does not suffer from corrosion related vehicle downtime and keep your van from falling apart.

** We highly recommend that everyone gets their wheelchair vans rust proofed at least twice a year. Once in Spring and again in the Fall. **

If you consider that new vehicles undergo thousands of spot welds and numerous bends and folds during assembly; this process damages the automobile coating systems, exposing these panels to corrosion. Besides body-panel damage, certain mechanical parts are also at risk – suspension mounts, hood-locking mechanisms, door hinges, brake cables – which are all susceptible to the damaging effects of rust on your wheelchair van.

To protect your vehicle against corrosion our rust proofing formula does more than just cover the metal required. A rust proofing product must be applied as a high-pressured spray, ensuring protection to your vehicle’s most critical areas by penetrating, displacing existing moisture and protecting the many vulnerable crevices of your automobile.

Benefits of rust treatment
Prevention is better than a cure. There are a number of products that can offer prevention against rust. Products are available either as oils, waxes, fluids and coatings.  The range is vast. Our rust prevention processes, products, plan and application have been found to be very effective and developed over more than 25 years and still remain affordable.

We are the only mobility dealer in New England to offer this service.
Our rust proofing processes is ever evolving and has been for more than 25 years.

Side Mounted Docking Station

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From B&D Independence, the leader and most trusted name in transfer seating for decades, comes a revolutionary new system.

Designed to significantly increase your ground clearance, Hightower gives you the freedom and enhanced mobility you’ve been searching for.

The Hightower is the world’s first vertical docking console.

HighTower boasts a sleek and streamline design while its brackets are made to meet the needs of individual wheelchairs and vehicle systems. This is good form and functionality all in one small but powerful package.

The revolutionary HighTower side-mounted docking console eliminates ground clearance concerns and improves stability. This means an operator can move about freely and drive with confidence from their powered wheelchair.

What is the HighTower Docking System?
The HighTower Docking System is a side-mounted docking station designed to dock powered wheelchairs into the driver or front passenger position of a lowered-floor minivan or full size van. It is the first ever of its kind, and utilizes a rod bracket between the frame and seat of the wheelchair that docks with a station situated in the console area between the driver and front passenger seat.

Who is developing the HighTower Docking System?
HighTower is developed by B&D Independence, Inc. B&D is the recognized leader of Transfer Seat Bases for the mobility industry, and has been producing Transfer Seat Bases for over 30 years. More information on B&D Independence, Inc. can be found at their website, www.bdindependence.com

Will the same HighTower Docking System support both a Driver and Passenger wheelchair?
The Hightower Docking Systems are built specifically to support either a Driver or Passenger application. However, depending on the wheelchair and the needs of the user, a Driver and a Front Passenger system can be installed into the same vehicle. Consult your local mobility dealer for more details.

How does the HighTower install to my vehicle and wheelchair?
Installation to both vehicle and wheelchair is simple. A frame bracket sits between the seat and the frame of the wheelchair, and the rod bracket is attached to this frame bracket. The HighTower Docking System is positioned in the console area and bolted in place while electrical wires to supply power are run to the vehicle.

What testing has B&D conducted for HighTower?
HighTower Docking System is crash tested and certified under RESNA WC-4:2012, Section 18. B&D Independence works with the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) to conduct the latest crash testing and safety requirements for the HighTower Docking System. Further information can be found at UMTRI’s website, http://www.umtri.umich.edu/. B&D Independence is also a member of the COWHAT (Committee on Wheelchairs and Transportation), the foremost leader on safety and testing related to Power Wheelchairs and their securement systems. More information on COWHAT can be found at: http://www.resna.org/atStandards/wheelchairs-and-transportation.dot

What specific wheelchairs work with the HighTower?
We work closely with wheelchair manufacturers and are adding new models regularly. We suggest you refer to our wheelchair applications search engine on our website, www.hightowerdocking.com, for the most current listing.

 My wheelchair is not listed on www.hightowerdocking.com; why?
HighTower is currently focused on ‘Rehabilitation Power Wheelchairs.’ Medicare defines this as Group 2 Complex, Group 3 and some Group 4 Power Wheelchairs. B&D Independence reviews the bracket needs of power wheelchairs in these categories to see if they would be right for a HighTower application, then, conducts all necessary testing and fitting before offering brackets for the specific wheelchair.If you feel your power wheelchair qualifies for the HighTower Docking System, but do not see your wheelchair listed, contact B&D Independence at info@bdindependence.com. Include your wheelchair make and model in the email.

What vehicles does the HighTower fit?
HighTower fits lowered-floor minivans such as the Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, and Toyota. HighTower can also fit to lowered-floor and some non lowered-floor full size vans. HighTower cannot fit to floors that are not compatible with wheelchairs, such as those with multiple floor levels or floors that have obstacles located in the driving / front passenger area, such as a airbag / control module found in most non-lowered full size vans.

Can I use my Hightower System as a unoccupied wheelchair restraint?
No, or more specifically, not yet. HighTower was built and tested as a forward facing Driver or Front Passenger application only. However, B&D Independence recognizes the need for unoccupied use in both the driving and cargo area of the vehicle; testing and engineering is being conducted to see if that can be a future possibility of the HighTower Docking System.

What mobility equipment can the HighTower work alongside?
HighTower works with most applications of equipment including hand controls, spinner knobs, pedal guards and other various simple use products. Even with high technology products, such as EMC or DSI equipment, the HighTower can coexist. The deciding factor in all of these applications will be the area in between the driver and front passenger seat; this location must be generally clear to receive the HighTower Docking System.

I use EMC / DSI equipment in my vehicle; will this cause a problem?
B&D Independence has conducted fit testing with the EMC / DSI Control box, a 26” wide wheelchair, and the passenger conversion pedestal and OEM Seat. All of these items were able to fit in the vehicle. EMC and DSI have been consulted regarding possible conflicts with the HighTower system; there is room to maneuver and move (slightly) the EMC / DSI control module, or even completely move the unit to the back of the vehicle, if the power wheelchair is very wide. Consult your local dealer for more information regarding the possibility of EMC / DSI equipment and HighTower.

Rust Proof you Vehicle Today

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Vehicles today are subject to rust and corrosion due to moisture, humidity, tons of road salt and other airborne pollutants that can cause rapid deterioration of your wheelchair van. If neglected, the damages can make your mobility investment of little value.  The thousands of yearly miles, environments and exposure to the elements of larger vehicles means they are a lot more likely to suffer from the effects of corrosion. Correct rust proofing on a regular basis can ensure that your vehicle does not suffer from corrosion related vehicle downtime and keep your van from falling apart.

If you consider that new vehicles undergo thousands of spot welds and numerous bends and folds during assembly; this process damages the automobile coating systems, exposing these panels to corrosion. Besides body-panel damage, certain mechanical parts are also at risk – suspension mounts, hood-locking mechanisms, door hinges, brake cables – which are all susceptible to the damaging effects of rust on your wheelchair van.

To protect your vehicle against corrosion our rust proofing formula does more than just cover the metal required. A rust proofing product must be applied as a high-pressured spray, ensuring protection to your vehicle’s most critical areas by penetrating, displacing existing moisture and protecting the many vulnerable crevices of your automobile.

Benefits of rust treatment
Prevention is better than a cure. There are a number of products that can offer prevention against rust. Products are available either as oils, waxes, fluids and coatings.  The range is vast. Our rust prevention processes, products, plan and application have been found to be very effective and developed over more than 25 years and still remain affordable.

We are the only mobility dealer in New England to offer this service.

Our rust proofing processes is ever evolving and has been for more than 25 years.

It’s Time To Rust Proof Your Vehicle!

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Spring has sprung
The snow is gone
& Rain has come
It’s time to rust proof your vehicle!

Owning any type of vehicle means that you have to commit to regular service and maintenance to keep it in good condition. Owning a wheelchair van and adaptive equipment is no different – you still need regular service to keep everything operating the way it should. However, it comes with some additional caveats – you can’t just go to any service center and ensure that you’re maintaining your wheelchair van or mobility equipment correctly.

Here at our Mobility Center, not only do we understand the importance of maintaining your mobility vehicle and adaptive equipment, but we take the needed steps to ensure that everything is always in top condition. No other mobility dealer (that we know of) offers the level of maintenance offered by us.

Rust Maintenance
Vehicles today are subject to rust and corrosion due to moisture, humidity, tons of road salt and other airborne pollutants that can cause rapid deterioration of your wheelchair van. If neglected, the damages can make your mobility investment of little value.  The thousands of yearly miles, environments and exposure to the elements of larger vehicles means they are a lot more likely to suffer from the effects of corrosion. Correct rust proofing on a regular basis can ensure that your vehicle does not suffer from corrosion related vehicle downtime and keep your van from falling apart.

** We highly recommend that everyone gets their wheelchair vans rust proofed at least twice a year. Once in Spring and again in the Fall. **

If you consider that new vehicles undergo thousands of spot welds and numerous bends and folds during assembly; this process damages the automobile coating systems, exposing these panels to corrosion. Besides body-panel damage, certain mechanical parts are also at risk – suspension mounts, hood-locking mechanisms, door hinges, brake cables – which are all susceptible to the damaging effects of rust on your wheelchair van.

To protect your vehicle against corrosion our rust proofing formula does more than just cover the metal required. A rust proofing product must be applied as a high-pressured spray, ensuring protection to your vehicle’s most critical areas by penetrating, displacing existing moisture and protecting the many vulnerable crevices of your automobile.

Benefits of rust treatment
Prevention is better than a cure. There are a number of products that can offer prevention against rust. Products are available either as oils, waxes, fluids and coatings.  The range is vast. Our rust prevention processes, products, plan and application have been found to be very effective and developed over more than 25 years and still remain affordable.

We are the only mobility dealer in New England to offer this service.
Our rust proofing processes is ever evolving and has been for more than 25 years.

The Benefits of a Wheelchair Van for Service Dogs

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Many of the innovative designs that make up a wheelchair van are also convenient for your four-legged friends. From spacious cabins to simple ramps systems, a wheelchair van just might empower a service dog nearly as much as it enables a person with a wheelchair, a caregiver or a disabled veteran. Wheelchair vans allow service dogs and their owners to:

  • Find comfortable and flexible seating in the roomy cabins
  • Remove the unnecessary and dangerous stress and strain from traditional loading and unloading options
  • Speed up the process of entering and exiting the vehicle
  • Create safer alternatives in parking spot entrance, exit and maneuverability
  • Transport the entire family in one trip
  • Prevent the wear and tear a dog may unintentionally inflict upon smaller vehicles
  • Integrate durable floors for wheelchairs that are scuff-resistant for dogs, too
  • Enter and exit from the same side door at nearly the same time