Chrysler & Dodge Wheelchair Vans
On this page: The First Conversion Minivan, Conversion Options, Van Models, In our Inventory, Specifications
The First Wheelchair Conversion Minivan
Dodge has been one of most recognized names in the automobile industry since the early 1900’s. Once an independent company, then a brand within the Chrysler Corporation and now part of Daimler Benz, the Dodge name has remained a symbol of practical and reliable automobiles. The Dodge Grand Caravan was introduced in 1987, and proudly featured an extended wheelbase and wider doors. Dodge Grand Caravans became the first wheelchair minivans in the industry. Today, these Dodge wheelchair vans are still the number one conversion vans in both the United States and Canada.
Ratings for the Dodge Grand Caravan Handicap Van:
- Named “Most Dependable Van” by J.D. Power and Associates
- Named a Consumer Guide “Best Buy” for 2008 and 2009
- Motor Trend reports that Dodge made over five (5) million Caravans between 1983 and 2007, making it the most successful minivan in history!
Dodge Wheelchair Van Conversion Options
Dodge, and its parent company, Daimler Chrysler, have worked closely with the best conversion companies, providing access to specifications, software and engineering resources. The close relationship between the companies ensures that both the Dodge and Chrysler wheelchair vans are of the highest quality, receive the greatest customer support and make the best use of the innovative features available on the Dodge Grand Caravan Chassis.
The good news for Chrysler and Dodge wheelchair van consumers is that there are multiple mobility conversions available on the Dodge Grand Caravan. Consumers have a great selection of wheelchair vans with the best conversions and varying trim levels to choose from. The popularity of the Dodge Caravan as a mobility-conversion van means that there are numerous used wheelchair vans available as well.
VCI Mobility can also offer a Dodge wheelchair van rental to meet a temporary mobility need.*
Model Options for Your Dodge Handicap Conversion Van
- SE: The SE model is for more cost- conscious consumers. The SE has a 3.3-liter V6 OHV Engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The interior has manual cloth seats, four speakers, a fixed long mass antenna, a Stow N’ Go third row tailgate seat, rear child seat anchoring system and front air conditioning.
- SXT: The SXT model includes more features, including a 3.8-liter V6 OHV Engine with a 6-speed automatic 62TE transmission. The interior has cloth 8-way power seats, front and rear air-conditioning with 3-zone temperature control, 6 speakers, a steering wheel mounted audio control, MP3 capability and power sliding doors.
Chrysler & Dodge Models Typically in Our Inventory
Consumers today want to be able to see, touch and drive Chrysler handicap vans in order to make the best decision. Once they make a decision, people want to take delivery on their vehicle as soon as possible. To help with this, VCI Mobility stocks many Dodge Grand Caravans in popular models, colors and option packages.
Of the two models of Dodge wheelchair vans, the SE and SXT, the SXT is the most popular across the board. Many budget conscious consumers still prefer the lower priced SE model for their wheelchair van, but more prefer the better-appointed SXT.
The buying decision is typically based on the fact that our customers have their wheelchair vans longer than the average auto consumer. For this reason, they want to make sure that they have the features and comforts they appreciate.
We also keep popular colors in stock that are going to appeal to a broad spectrum of customers. However, with special orders and inventory that resides with our manufacturers, we can usually get additional option packages and/or colors in- stock very quickly.
Dodge Wheelchair Van Conversion Options and Specifications
| Mobility Conversion Style | Braun | VMI | Viewpoint Mobility | ElDorado |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-Entry Wheelchair Ramp | BraunAbility Companion Van Rear Entry | N/A | Viewpoint Vision Dodge Grand Caravan | N/A |
| Side-Entry Fold-up Wheelchair Ramp | BraunAbility Entervan I BraunAbility Entervan II BraunAbility Companion Van |
N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Side-Entry In-floor Wheelchair Ramp | N/A | VMI Northstar Dodge Conversion Van | N/A | N/A |
When you are choosing among all the Dodge handicap van companies and/or Chrysler wheelchair van styles, it is important to note that there are many similarities in dimensions and features among the various providers. However, you need to be sure to pay close attention to those differences because in this market, even a small amount of space can make an enormous impact on the comfort/functionality of the vehicle. The chart below should help in your analysis.
| Specs | Bruan FO Ramp | Bruan IF Ramp | Braun ADA Manual FO Ramp | VMI Summit | VMI Northstar | VMI Northstar E Seris |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door Opening Usable Width | 31¾” | 30″ | 31½” | 32″ | 32″ | 32″ |
| Door Opening Usable Height | 52¾” | 52″ | 56¼” | 53½” | 53½” | 53½” |
| Interior Height at Center of Van | 57¼” | 56″ | 61″ | 57″ | 57″ | 57″ |
| Interior Height at Driver and Passenger | 56¼” | 54½” | 60″ | 57″ | 57″ | 57″ |
| Ramp Length | 52″ | 48″ | 52″ | 54″ | 49″ | 49″ |
| Ramp Width (Usable Clear Opening) | 29¼” | 30″ | 30″ | 28½” | 29½” | 29½” |
| Ramp Angle | 9.4° | 10.7° | 12.5° | 8° | 8° | 8° |
| Interior Floor Length (Behind Front Seats) | 53½” | 57″ | 57″ | 56″ | 56″ | 56″ |
| Overall Interior Floor Length (Flat Area) | 82″ | 85″ | 86″ | 84″ | 84″ | 84″ |
| Interior Width at B Pillars | 60¼” | 60½ | 62½ | 58″ | 58″ | 58″ |
| Interior Width Between Folded Center Seats | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ground Clearance | 6½” – 7½” un- occupied | 6½” – 7½” un- occupied | 6½” – 7½” un- occupied | 6½” – 7½” un- occupied | 6½” – 7½” un- occupied | 6½” – 7½” un- occupied |
| Ramp Type | power or manual | power | manual | power | power | manual |
* Based upon availability