Transformation Van Ramps Not Just For Wheelchairs

It is not uncommon for many individuals to associate ramps for conversion vans with wheelchair accessibility. And while van ramps are an indispensible mobility aid for individuals with special needs, many people are finding it a convenient solution for a variety of other uses around the home or office like safely loading and unloading items from a vehicle.

Many people don’t realize that lifting heavy objects can result in lower back pain and other back-related conditions. In addition, lifting objects greater than 50 pounds increases the risk of injury, according to the Occupational Safety Hazard Administration (OSHA). In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lifting heavy objects is cited as one of the most common causes of injuries in the workplace. That’s why the U.S. Department of Labor recommends using mechanical equipment such as ramps when loading heavy items into a van.

A sturdy ramp is extremely useful for anyone with a camper, ATV, or a small business that needs to haul around supplies and equipment. The Q’Straint that secures the wheelchair in place can also be used to secure a utility cart, toolbox, and other similar objects in the vehicle. But for these types of household or commercial uses, it is important to consider the width of the ramp and whether or not it’s electronic or spring loaded, for instance.

While there are many types of ramps to choose from, a wider spring-action conversion van ramp is the optimum solution because it can accommodate a wider variety of needs and uses. Plus, since it’s operated manually you don’t have to worry about a motor rusting or burning out. You will always be able to depend on the ramp to be in working order whenever you need to use it.

Also, it is important to ensure that the ramp is well-manufactured, stable and secure. A ramp that is flimsy or has stability issues will not only make it more difficult for loading and unloading, it can become a safety hazard potentially causing someone to slip and fall.

With regards to ADA Compliance, Not All Mobility Vans are Created Equal

With an end goal to guarantee portability transformation vans are really open for wheelchair clients, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires least norms to be met. In any case, with regards to ADA consistence, not all wheelchair vans are made equivalent. Truth be told, some transformation van producers essentially meet the base ADA standard while others surpass them. There are a couple of things to search for while considering a versatility transformation van to guarantee an agreeable ride with abundant space for all travelers, rigging and effects.

Van Height and Headroom

The height of the lift entry is the most important aspect to consider in a conversion van. While most conversion van manufacturers meet the minimum 56-inch height standard, there are those that actually exceed it with 58 inches. This additional two inches of clearance makes a big difference for safely entering and exiting the van without risking a bump on the head. The additional headroom not only provides a more comfortable ride for taller passengers, it also makes it possible to load larger and bulkier items that may not otherwise fit through the door.

Interior Space

When looking at an empty conversion van it’s often hard to imagine what the interior space may feel like when loaded with passengers and other equipment. The interior width of most mobility vans is 32 inches. However, 34-inch wide vans are available such as in a Dodge Caravan, for example. A wider van has better weight distribution which reduces pressure on the vehicle’s axles. Also, wheelchair conversion vans with side entry doors do not have mid-row seating in order to accommodate the lift equipment. This results in less seating than its rear entry counterparts.

Squeezing into a fully loaded conversion van can easily become cramped and crowded. So, it’s always a good idea to make sure your special needs conversion van not only meets ADA standards, it exceeds them.