Tag Archives: wheelchair van conversion

New VMI Northstar E Series: A Manual Side Entry In-Floor Ramp Conversion

Introducing The New VMI Northstar E-Series Wheelchair Van Conversion

What could compare to VMI’s innovative Northstar wheelchair accessible minivan? The economically driven Northstar E-Series. The nearly effortless manual slide-out ramp contains no powerdrive components, affording absolute reliability and assurance. An abundance of interior and cargo space provides more comfort and convenience on short drives or long trips. Distinct exterior styling presents an appearance every bit as notable as the fully automatic Northstar. Finally, freedom feels as good as it looks.

Standard in every VMI Northstar E-Series Conversion Minivan:

11″ Lowered Floor
Maximum interior headroom
Manual In-Floor Wheelchair Ramp
Quick Release Front Seats
Optional Mid Row Seating
Complete undercoating and rust proofing
Automotive Quality Interior
Manual Wheelchair Tie-down System
Fully Crash Tested
Fully Carpeted Seat Bases
Ample Floor Space

Preventive Maintenance For Your Wheelchair Van Conversion

Every Three Months or 3,000 Miles

Lightly lubricate the upper, middle, and lower passenger-side, sliding door tracks on the wheelchair van using a silicone spray lubricant found at most hardware stores.
Lightly lubricate the ramp hinges with silicone spray lubricant.
Check for and remove debris from the passenger-side, sliding-door, lower track area, as well as under the ramp. Inspect the holes for water drainage at the front of the lower track area to make sure they’re not clogged.
Check the operation of the ramp and all electronic switches, if applicable.
Examine the exhaust for proper clearance from the body and the fuel tank. At all times, there should be at least a one-inch gap between the exhaust system and any part of the vehicle.
Rear entry conversions require application of a light coating of silicone spray lubricant to the ramp springs.

Every Six Months or 6,000 Miles
Examine the undercarriage of the van to check for scrapes and scratches from speed bumps or road debris. If you find scrapes and scratches, touch them up with more undercoating for rust prevention.

Wheelchair Tie Down Straps
Never use a wheelchair tie down or seat belt with worn or damaged webbing. Check all wheelchair tie downs, straps, and hooks once a month for signs of damage or wear. This includes all manual, retractable, and electronically retractable wheelchair tie downs, straps, and seat belts.

Electrical retractor straps should be serviced annually to confirm they are operating properly.
Your time spent maintaining the conversion on your handicap accessible van will be well worth it. Conversion issues unable to be resolved via the maintenance recommendations above can be easily addressed when you call us.

top 5 tips to consider when shopping for wheelchair van conversion upgrades

These days, there is a wide variety of conversion options available for mobility-challenged drivers and passengers who seek to upgrade their vehicles. If you’re new to the world of mobility conversions, stepping into a dealership can be an overwhelming experience. However, by doing the proper research, you can acquire the knowledge necessary to shop with confidence.

Below are 5 points to keep in mind when shopping for conversion upgrades and conversion vehicles.

Know your options.Thankfully, you have many alternatives from which to choose when it comes to mobility upgrades. You could install a scooter lift on your vehicle that lifts your scooter or chair and puts it in the trunk. You could install seats that articulate and lift the driver into and out of the vehicle. And of course, you could also opt to convert your vehicle with a ramp for wheelchair access. Which upgrade is best for you? The answer will depend largely upon just how mobile you are.
Tap your dealer’s expertise.An informed mobility dealer can help you make sense of the various choices available to you, and can guide you toward the upgrade that best suits your needs. Maybe the most important thing is to have a local mobility dealership who understands your disability, The dealer can help you decide whether to go for a scooter lift, articulating seat or a full van conversion.
Choose an accredited dealer.Mobility dealers differ from regular car dealers in that they need to have 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service capability; if your conversion vehicle has a breakdown, your dealer is expected to be on call to help you address the problem. The dealer’s mechanics are also expected to have training that meets certain standards. The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an organization dedicated to advocating for the provision of safe, reliable modifications in the conversion market. NMEDA offers a Quality Assurance Program (QAP) that’s the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the adaptive mobility industry. Dealers who participate in the QAP must meet high standards regarding the services that they provide. Notes Gutwein: “If it’s not a QAP dealer, it’s a crap shoot.”
Know the value of experience.The industry has a lot of people who do customized conversions. You want to avoid a regular new or used car dealership or someone with a garage shop whose work in this segment is limited to three or four conversions a year; it’s very important to choose a dealer who has a history and track record of performance. Look at the number of vans they’ve converted. How big is the company? Do they have customer satisfaction information? Is there data that shows that customers who’ve bought from them are happy with the product?
Get the right fit.If you’re looking at potential conversion vehicles, one of the most important things to consider is the fit. Is the vehicle big enough, given your chair and your size, for you to easily enter and move around in? Also, is it big enough to accommodate the number of passengers that you typically carry?