When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Using a wheelchair doesn't require a 15 passenger van, there are so many other options, I understand fully, now I have a one ton, it's not a hightop due to knowing the added height, I bought it because I needed something to tow. Just what equipment are you adding, BTW mini vans require extensive modifications, the only way to get one is to do so a used already converted one, you'd be fine with it, so long as you aren't towing and Not traveling on rough roads.
Little bummed about the news but still looking into what my options are. Maybe I can rent a storage to park it in?? It CAN NOT sit outside. The value of the equipment going inside the van is almost equal to the cost of the van. I understand there are new guys asking a bunch of questions about lowering vans who just want a cool looking hot rod van. I think my situation is totally different. Mine is more of a necessity than a want. As far as a mini van goes what are you recommending? I have been searching for months but maybe I missed something. I have roughly 1400lbs of equipment and I am 232lbs. Is there a mini van out there with a payload to handle that? Not giving up on the idea and I will do more research but also always open to hear other ideas.
First, I am confirming that you do not need a wheelchair van. I still think your best option *may* be welding a factory roof from a wreck back into your van although that is a huge job. Or finding a much lower fiberglass top.
Regular passenger minivans don't have the 1700 lb payload you need; the new Mercedes Metris (small brother to the Sprinter, mid size van) would definitely work--payload is well over a ton--but I assume they are too pricey--they just started importing them in 2015 or 2016. The Transit Connect is almost close at 1620 lbs of payload but the engines are weak 4 cylinders. Expeditions, Tahoes, Suburbans should have the payload, but not so many cubic feet and a very high cargo lift height. My wife used to work in TV and minivans worked the best for 100 lb light boxes; her station got a Durango and everyone hated lifting stuff into it.
A good "sleeper" cargo minivan that I looked at myself before buying a passenger Grand Caravan was the Ram (aka Dodge) C/V, which was a cargo version of the Grand Caravan. I think they made them from 2012-2015 at which time they were replaced by a Fiat POS. Payload on them was at least 1800 lbs so you'd be fine with one, and it would park very well. I am seeing lots of used ones coming out of fleets right now. I like the 3.6 Pentastar engine a lot. Here's a road test of one with a load...Being based on the regular Mopar minivan, parts and service are everywhere and cheap. Quick Drive: 2012 Ram C/V at Maximum Payload - PickupTrucks.com News
Good luck; I have 32 years of worrying about van roof height (bought my first van in 1986 with a Turtle Top and needed to park in downtown Detroit structures. I used to walk the ramps with my arm and hand straight up to determine clearance in garages).
I apologize for any confusion but maybe I didn’t explain myself. The van I purchased was previously a handicap accessible van but I am interested in using it as a work van. The lift has been removed to make room for equipment but what attracted me to the van was the extra headroom. Just wanted to clear that up for anyone thinking I needed this for a wheelchair. Again, sorry for the confusion.
OK, well you are finding the drawback for the hightop vans, everything is a trade off, and in using one for hauling, lowering is totally out of the question, I'm guessing thats why the carpet guys don't get the tall vans.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
