Ask A Question
  Quick Navigation
  1. Home
  2. Specials
  3. Tips for Buying a Wheelchair Van or Handicap Vehicle
  4. Personalizing Your Adapted Van
Ginger Taylor - Mobility Consultant and Accessibility Expert
Get Your Questions Answered

Our knowledgeable, compassionate mobility consultants are ready to help you through your accessible vehicle purchase process with professional advice and expertise. Contact us today and experience the true mobility freedom you deserve.

View Our Inventory Contact AMS Vans Sales Department

Personalizing Your Adapted Van

When it comes to adapted vans, one “size” doesn't fit all. There are a number of things to consider, starting with your decision to drive or be a passenger. Wheelchair accessible vans are customized to suit your needs and lifestyle. If an adapted van is in your future, why not get familiar with some of the options and terminology now? It will be to your advantage when speaking with a mobility consultant at an online or local dealership. Here are the primary options for personalizing adapted vehicle.

Side Entry

The side entry accessible van has a ramp that deploys from the doorsill of the sliding side door of the van. Wheelchair van ramps can be powered or manually operated, and they can fold out or telescope from a just under the door. Side entries are preferred by people who want to drive the adapted van.

Rear Entry

The rear entry van is ideal for people who will not be driving the adapted vehicle, as well as people who will be parking their vehicle in a garage or non-accessible parking spaces. This adapted vehicle is also ADA compliant.

Hand Controls

Hand Controls Hand controls are available in many different arrangements. They allow the driver to operate the gas and brake system using levers that are attached to the steering wheel. People with a wide range of disabilities find hand controls beneficial.

Wheelchair Tie-Downs

Q'straint Tie-Downs Tie-downs are a legally necessary safety precaution used to keep the wheelchair user safe and secure. Depending on the type of wheelchair, you'll find tie-down options like manual tie-down straps, self-retracting Q'straint straps, and electric wheelchair docking systems.

Driving Aids

HandiBar Driving aids are used to assist wheelchair users in operating their adapted van safely, and they can also be helpful on vehicles that are not accessible. Pedal extensions decrease the distance from your foot to the brake. The Handybar aids in getting in and out of any type of vehicle. A wireless back-up camera visually assists the driver while moving in reverse, it also sounds an alarm if the vehicle is too close to an object. Wireless sensors let the driver know when the vehicle is too close to an object when backing up or parking. An electric parking brake assists individuals who have trouble pulling the parking brake into place. The “power pull” is a device that helps a wheelchair navigate the ramp when entering and exiting a wheelchair van.

Platforms and Lifts

Wheelchair Lift Platforms and lifts are ideal for caregivers and people who have some ambulatory capability. Lifts and platforms help lift and stow their wheelchair or scooter in the trunk of a car or back of a vehicle. Either choice is a economical, safe way to store mobility equipment for travel.

Transfer Seat

Transfer seats make the transfer from a wheelchair to a vehicle seat in a handicap van much less. These seats are excellent for the majority of wheelchair users who would like to drive their handicap accessible van from a safer, standard car seat rather than their wheelchair.

Jump Seat

Jump seats increase seating in wheelchair vans to accommodate larger families. The seats can be folded up when they are not in use to provide extra room. While these are your options for personalizing your adapted van, remember—all these options have options of their own. If you're in the market for a wheelchair accessible van, it can't hurt to know about all your options to make informed decisions. You'll enjoy the ride even more!

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

2017 Handicap Van for Sale - 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Wheelchair Accessible Van VIN: 2C4RDGCG7HR581088

Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
AMS Vans Legend II Conversion

$36,499 $37,495

  • Stock #: 581088
  • Mileage: 46,448 Miles
  • Ramp/Lift: Side Entry Bi-Fold Pwr
  • Features: Bluetooth, Leather, 3YR/36K Conv Wrty, Remote Start, Driver Pwr. Seat Base, Kneeling, Lowered Floor
2017 Handicap Van for Sale - 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Wheelchair Accessible Van VIN: 2c4rdgcg6hr737931

Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
AMS Vans Legend II Conversion

$34,999 $35,999

  • Stock #: 737931
  • Mileage: 51,002 Miles
  • Ramp/Lift: Side Entry Bi-Fold Pwr
  • Features: Backup Camera, Bluetooth, Leather, 3YR/36K Conv Wrty, Remote Start, Driver Pwr. Seat Base, Kneeling, Lowered Floor
2018 Commercial Wheelchair Vans for Sale - 2018 Ford Transit Wagon 350 XLT-HD 15 ADA Compliant Vehicle VIN: 1FBVU4XM9JKA26598

Ford Transit Wagon 350 XLT-HD 15
AMS Vans Ford Transit Rear Lift Conversion

$52,495 $52,995

  • Stock #: A26598
  • Mileage: 17,772 Miles
  • Ramp/Lift: Rear Entry Lift
  • Features: Backup Camera, Bluetooth, 3YR/36K Conv Wrty, ADA Compliant
Wheelchair van exterior and interior quality inspection

Vehicle Exterior

Exterior Appearance Inspection

  • Panel alignment/fit
  • Headlamp, taillamp/lens condition
  • Windshield/glass condition
  • Paint chips and scratches
  • Body damage/dents/dings
  • Trim and moldings

Vehicle Identification

  • In place and matching
  • Inspect certification label (federal requirement)
  • Check VIN label to paperwork
  • Check for non-completed recalls

Exterior Lights Function Properly and Illuminate as Designed

  • Headlights hi/low (including aim)
  • Parking lights/fog lights
  • License plate lights
  • Side marker lights
  • Tail lights / backup lights
  • Turn signal and cornering lights
  • Brake and high-mount stoplights
  • Emergency Flashers

Keys

  • Vehicle has 2 master key with remote entry (if applicable) and 2 valet key, flat key
  • Programmed to immobilizer

Door Lock System

  • Door opens/closes smoothly using interior and exterior door handles
  • Doors cannot be opened when lock button is in lock position
  • 2-turn unlock feature functions properly
  • Remote entry system operates properly
  • Theft-deterrent system functions properly
  • Child safety locks
  • Wireless door lock operation

Vehicle Interior

Interior Appearance Inspection

  • Seats: front/rear
  • Steering wheel/airbags
  • Armrests/door handles
  • Lower door and sill plates
  • Gearshift selection handle
  • Radio/AC control markings
  • Headliners/sun visors

Seat Belts

  • Extend/retract smoothly
  • Free of twists, cuts or signs of wear
  • Buckles lock securely

Seat Operation

  • Lumbar support operation
  • Memory control operates properly*
  • Headrest functions properly
  • Heaters function properly*
  • Seat cushion angle and height adjustment
  • Seatback angle adjustment

Power Windows / Locks

  • Function Properly

Trunk/Fuel Lid Release

  • Functions Properly (interior)

Glove Compartment

  • Contains portfolio, owner's manual, supplement

Steering Wheel

  • Tilt/telescopic functionability
  • Horn functions properly
  • Steering wheel controls
  • Steering wheel locks
  • Warning chime (key in -- door open)

Windshield Wiper

  • Functions in hi/low/intermittent
  • Wiper blades clean properly
  • Rain sensing wipers*

Dashboard Lights Illuminate as Designed

  • Turn signal: left/right
  • High beam indicator
  • Emergency flashers
  • Instrument panel control knob
  • Waring lights: oil pressure, brake, fuel, charge, seatbelt, open door, engine check, rear light failure, ABS, SRS
  • Check operation of guages

Rear Defogger

  • Functions properly

Air Conditioner / Heater

  • Climate control system functions properly for both heating and cooling

Interior Lights

  • Dome/map/vanity mirror/courtesy lamps/foot function properly

Audio/Navigation System

  • Power/volume switch functions properly
  • Preset station indicator
  • Cassette/CD function (scan, seek, rewind, fast forward) operates properly
  • Navigation system operates properly*
  • Speakers sound clear
  • CD cartridge (if applicable)

Sunroof

  • Tilt/slide operates properly

Clock/Cigarette Lighters/Ashtray/Cupholders

  • Function properly

Outside/Inside Rearview Mirrors

  • Power controls function properly

Luggage Compartment

Luggage Compartment

  • Spare tire size, sidewall condition, tread depth and air pressure
  • Spare tire and attaching hardware, cover, jack, jack tools and wheel lock (if applicable) are present, properly installed and secure
  • Manual fuel lid release operates

Under The Hood

Engine Hood Release

  • Interior release operates properly

The Following Fluid Levels Meet Industry Standard

  • Engine oil replaced and proper level
  • Automatic transmission fluid level
  • Brake fluid level
  • Power steering fluid level
  • Engine coolant fluid level
  • Washer fluid level

Engine Mechanical

  • Excessive fuel pump noise
  • Cooling system (radiator, overflow tank, hoses, coolant level)
  • Water pump (noise/leaks)
  • Air filter (replace as necessary)
  • Inspect oil for contaminants
  • Engine noise (knocks, rattles)
  • Transmission noise (whines, clunks)
  • Belts (wear or damage)
  • Check engine diagnostics

Battery

  • No damage or leakage and proper group size/amp rating
  • Tests to standards

Engine Fans

  • Function properly

Under the Vehicle

Tires (Minimum tread depth 5/32")

  • FL: _______/32"
  • RL: _______/32"
  • FR: _______/32"
  • RR: _______/32"
  • Sidewall condition
  • Proper size, type and match
  • Tire pressure

Wheels

  • Condition/size/fit
  • Check wheel lug-nut torque

Brake Inspection (Minimum 6mm of pad material required)

  • FL: _______mm
  • RL: _______mm
  • FR: _______mm
  • RR: _______mm
  • Rotors show no signs of excessive wear, warpage or heat damage
  • Calipers, lines, and hoses show no sign of excessive wear or leakage
  • Parking brake assemblies, cables, and attaching hardware show no sign of excessive wear or damage

Chassis Inspection (No sign of damage or excessive wear)

  • Frame rails and floor pan
  • Subframe
  • Engine mounts and oil pan for leaks
  • Brake lines and couplings
  • Transmission case/pan for leaks
  • Drive shaft boots and CV joints
  • Fuel lines, fuel tank, hoses and protectors
  • Steering rack, linkage, bushings, control arms and dust boots
  • Differential assembly, drive shaft and related components
  • Exhaust system (including leakage)
  • Transmission mounts
  • Tie rods, ball joints, idler arm
  • Catalytic converter
  • Struts/shocks for operation/leaks

Under Vehicle Fluid Levels

  • Differential lubricant level -- check for contaminants

Road Test (Vehicle Operation)

Engine

  • Start-up
  • Idles normally
  • While driving, engine performs normally
  • Starter system operates normally
  • Shift Lock

Brakes

  • Brake and parking brake function normally
  • Brake and clutch pedal height, free play and travel meet specs.

Indicator Lights

  • No warning lights illuminate during road test

Transmission

  • T/M shifts properly (both power/normal mode)
  • TRAC/VSC and ECT control functions and indicator lights function properly

Steering/Suspension

  • Steering operation is normal
  • Off-center psecifications meet standards
  • Handling, straight-line operations

Cruise Control

  • Functions properly

Noise or Vibration

  • None present

Squeaks or Rattles

  • None present

* -- If Applicable

Service Guarantee

AMS Vans promises to deliver the best wheelchair accessible van available on the market today..... simply put if you are not fully satisfied with your wheelchair accessible van upon delivery---you can refuse it at no cost to you.

With nearly two decades of experience; manufacturing, selling, and delivering over 12,000 vans nationwide, our dedicated team of certified technicians will not allow your van to leave our Atlanta facility until its right!

Please contact one of our experienced Mobility Specialists today and ask about our three step quality control process.

AMS Vans looks forward to serving your family by providing you with a van that is worthy of our own.

Contact AMS Vans

Thank You!

You have succesfully signed up for the AMS Vans Newsletter. You will receive a confirmation email shortly.

Request a Consultation

Have more questions? Just ask us! We'll help you find the right van specific to your needs. Contact us today and we'll have one of our trusted advisors contact you.