All this talk about vans....

[chris1gill]

So we went out and bought one! (There is a question below!)

We had a Sable that would fit my Jazzy if it was apart, but it would take up the whole cargo area. When we went to Maui, we had a Chevy Venture while we were there, it fit both my powerchair, manual chair, large suitcase, 2 small suitcases & a couple of backpacks, with a lot of room to spare... We just put the third row seating down.... We knew we needed a van now that I want to travel with my powerchair, I guess I was leary before... but I was also tired of my Husband pushing me in the WRONG direction!!! I'd say left, he'd go right & drive me crazy!!!

After reading the mini-vs full size van thread here, we looked at the Grand Caravan to compare it to the venture & I've got to say the Grand Caravan is small inside, I think it's how they've arranged the seats & narrowed off the top of the van... The Grand Caravan & Town & Country win hands down for the most attractive vans however!! We thought the Venture (which is much more boxy) was a good fit between a minivan & a full size van...

So here's my next question, we need to put a lift in it... We were looking at a Bruno sidestep or something like that, but it was about 2 grand... there have to be lifts out there that cost less? I found a link for a lift made by Pride Mobility (maker of the Jazzy), but I've never heard it mentioned before? So what kind of lift would you recommend? (we just need to put it in the back of the van, I can transfer right now)

Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

Congratulations on the new van.
I can't help you with your lift decision, since we have a lowered floor van with a ramp. I have heard that Bruno is sort of the gold standard in lifts, though. Good luck deciding.

 

[mamajoan]

HI, I ended up getting a VMI Lift which fits in the Back of our Town and Country. However I will say this... There is only room for 2 rows of seating when the power chair is in the van. There is also enough room to put cargo, but the 3rd row just won't make it in. Can put all seats in when chair in not in van and the lift remains. Total cost for it to be purchased and installed was a little shy of $3000. It is top of the line (very similar to Bruno's top) It has a remote control and can lift 50 more pounds than the Bruno. I had ordered the Bruno but it was backordered for over a month sooo I ended up with the VMI. I am very happy. Installer said it should last forever I hope so..... It is easy to use, my dtr-12, loads and unloads my chair for me all the time. If need be, I am also able to do it independently.

I agree that the dodge and chrysler are darn narrow! The installer was amazed at the decrease in size btwn the 2000 and 2002 models. I tried to find a mini van that would allow all three rows of seating with the powerchair loaded. None available, had to go to full size van for that option.
Happy shopping! Hope you are feeling well.
Joan.

 

[Talking Hands]

Do not by Pride's Hercules lifts. The are fine for scooters but not for the power chairs. I have the Bruno Curbsider and it is worth every penny we put into it. It handles the chair with ease. I acrually had a Hercules lift and had to replace it when I got the power chair.

 

[chris1gill]

Talking Hands, thanks so much for the info on the Hercules. I looked at it several times & wondered if it would work, I didn't find too much info on it other than the manufacturers spiel. We are looking at the Bruno & are finding that if we want to buy it, the cheapest way to do it is to buy it over the internet & have it installed locally. Otherwise it's much more expensive.

Hi MamaJoan!! Can you tell me what a VMI Lift is? If you like it, maybe I will too!! We seriously thing my powerchair will fit behind the third row, as I said the Venture is boxy, so it looks like we will just have enough room... if not, it is possible to just remove one seat of the third row I believe... We actually suspected we would lose the third row, so if we do, we get what we expected! The second row has seating for 3, so we at least have seating for five... it was worth upgrading to get the 8 passenger versus the 7.... I am concerned about the Venture's dismal repair record in Consumer's, but last year looked better for them, so maybe this years will be even better... otherwise we'll buy an extended warranty....

Anyways, thanks for the info, look forward to finding further info on the VMI or any other lift??

 

[mamajoan]

Here is the website for VMI www.vantagemobility.com

I have a VMI EXCEL, since my powerchair is a Bruno, they put a different w/c insertion on which is a single post instead of the two straps. The two straps are easy to use also. I really like the remote control on the keychain. You get two remotes. There are also buttons on the inside post that you can use to move the chair. It is quiet and quick. The lift capacity is 350#. So it is good for the big scooters too. I think the base price is $300 more than the Bruno CurbsideXL, at least that is what the installer's told me. I am sure you can get a great deal if you surf the net. Lately, I have seen some great prices while trolling.
Happy Shopping!