What Type of Van Ramp Do I Need for My Wheelchair?

A New Wheelchair Ramp for a New Van

While I was watching the news a few days ago, the local newsperson gave estimated statistics for the number of vehicles traveling later this year for the major holidays.  Immediately following the news the next commercial was two car commercials promoting their respective 2013 models and “last chance to buy deals.”  It reminded me of a customer I spoke with earlier in the day.  He had just purchased a van and was looking for some advice on the best ramp to go with it. After speaking with him on the phone, he was so impressed with our expertise in van ramps that he stopped by our Handi-Ramp showroom that same day.

Van Type Determines Ramp Choice

His van was designed with Stow-n-Go seating, which means the second row of seats fold and stow to the floor. Unfortunately, this design typically prevents most van ramps and tie downs from being installed. Tie downs, a belt and hook, hold down the wheelchair from moving around in the van once it has been loaded.

After thinking about the  Stow-n-Go seating design of the van, I proposed the idea of a portable wheelchair ramp or track ramp.  The track ramp is less expensive and easier to fold away for storage.  We also spoke about an option for tie-downs, which require four plates to be mounted around the wheelchair to keep it from moving around during transit. After a quick test with both products, he decided to bring the track ramps home allowing his wife to test them.

Van Ramp Accessories: Tie Downs and Brackets

The next day the customer called to order the track ramps, along with self-ratcheting tie downs, allowing him to secure the wheelchair himself . The  self-ratcheting tie downs are easy to adjust and set in place.

As a team, my shop manager, lead fabricator and I were able to fabricate and install the plates and custom order brackets from a third party for the plates to attach to.  The customer picked up his van a couple days later. Since then his wife has been quite happy with the ease of using the track ramps, while her husband is able to easily stow the ramp and self-ratcheting straps.

To learn more about selecting the right type of  van ramps and ramps for other vehicles, please visit Handi-Ramp’s webpage or call (800) 876-7267.