First I would consider whether the van you are buying can be serviced by a local
reputable outfit. Adaptive equipment is very specialized and can't be fixed by
just any mechanic. Check the NMEDA.org web site for a QAP Dealer in your area.
That stands for Qulaity Assurance Program certified. The most popular types of
vans sold by QAP dealers are Braun and VMI, typically a Dodge Caravan or
Chrysler Town & Country. VMI also does the Honda Odyssey. The Adaptive Driving
Alliance (ADA) is also nother good resource.

--- In handicapped-vans-trucks-and-automobiles@yahoogroups.com, "Arlene"
<arlene@...> wrote:
>
> My husband needs a van to get to dialysis.  The bus he could take does not run
on Saturday and he can't get on a different schedule.  We don't have a lot to
spend and want to know what are the most important things to look for in an
older van. What brands are most reliable? Thanks for any input.
>

--- In handicapped-vans-trucks-and-automobiles@yahoogroups.com, "Arlene"
<arlene@...> wrote:
>
> My husband needs a van to get to dialysis.  The bus he could take does not run
on Saturday and he can't get on a different schedule.  We don't have a lot to
spend and want to know what are the most important things to look for in an
older van. What brands are most reliable? Thanks for any input.
>
We found a van here . http://mobilityvansales.com/ . There are some good buys
there . The Dodge Caravan with a lowered floor was our choice . We chose not to
get a lift because that could need repair eventually . We got a rear entry ramp
. Avoid Ford Windstars . They are not very reliable . Also avoid kneeling
suspension . They are problematic also .

My husband needs a van to get to dialysis.  The bus he could take does not run
on Saturday and he can't get on a different schedule.  We don't have a lot to
spend and want to know what are the most important things to look for in an
older van. What brands are most reliable? Thanks for any input.

2005 Ford E-350 11 passanger seating with wheel chair ramp and tie downs
installed asking $13000 OBO. It's got privacy glass, cd player, maroon color,
gray cloth interior,  The back seat has been taken out for the ramp but we have
the seat and it's able to be put back in all hardware is installesd to put it
back in, it's just sitting in there at the moment. The van is in great condition
has only 53,261 miles on it and original Ford warranty until 100,000 miles. We
have no use for the vehicle anymore and are in need of getting it off our hands.
Only serious interested inquiries please. Pictures are available upon request.
The van is currently located here at Fort Hood, Texas. Thanks Joy & Chris Watson

My son had the same problem sometimes it would open or close other
times it would not.  what was wrong with his van
There is a switch behind the door when it closes and a V was cut in
the door so the door would connect with the switch when closes and
opened.  the problem was the V was cut to small.  after the V was cut
a little bigger and checked that the door hit the switch all the
problems were solved.
The kneeling part.  sounds like a switch is engaging at the wrong
time.  does the kneeling have a on and off switch?  my sons did.  if
so turn it off and see if u have the same problem.
The door also i think engages the kneeling
Don't know if u know it or not but u need to grease up the chain in
the kneeling section every so often.
hope i have helped u some

joe



-- In handicapped-vans-trucks-and-automobiles@yahoogroups.com, "Pat"
<PatsyAnnK@...> wrote:
>
>
> We bought the van used 5 years ago. The previous owner had problems with
> the ramp. They would take it to the dealer and nothing wrong would be
> found. We continue to have problems and it is happening more often. At
> times I push the remote or use an inside the van switch, the sliding
> door will not open nor will the ramp unfold. Other times the ramp will
> already be down and will not fold up. Sometimes if I wait couple minutes
> and try again it will work. Other times I have to watch for someone in a
> parking lot to assist me. I have had this to Mobilty Works but they tell
> me that unless the problem is happening right then they cannot help. I
> can't get it over there when it isn't working since there is no
> way to tell when it is going to act up. There is no rhyme or reason that
> I can figure out. Also, the kneeling system doen't always work. My
> son checked and found that power is going to the kneeling system. Also,
> the chime doesn't sound in coordination with the ramp. It usually
> sounds well after the ramp is opened or closed. In fact, my husand might
> be driving the van. The ramp isn't used at all yet the chime will
> sound while he is driving. I cannot afford to pay for hours spen trying
> to trace the problem.
>
> My son is very good with car repairs and is trying to help. He was
> hoping that a wiring schematic might be available. He said that all of
> the wires he has found are white which adds to the confusion.
>
> It doesn't matter if I use an inside switch or a remote the problem
> happens or it doesn't happen. The incidence of error is the same either
> way. Mobility Works didn't install the ramp. It was installed at Ruehl
> Chrysler Plymouth in Clinton Township, MI. I know this is unusual and it
> seems to have complicated .everything.
>
> At the time we bought this we knew nothing about mobility vans.
> Any help is really appreciated. Thanks, Pat
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Our ramp is manual . We didn't need a powered ramp so saw no need to put up with
possible malfunctions . We have a rear entry and they removed part of the bumper
so the ramp height is low enough we don't need a kneeling system . It sounds
like you need a power ramp and door though . If I was in your situation I'd
probably trade it for a van that had everything working properly . I'd avoid the
kneeling system . I've heard of many ;problems with them . I'd trade to a dealer
rather than pass my problems on to another individual . I found our van at this
site . http://www.mobilityvansales.com/




________________________________
From: Pat <PatsyAnnK@...>
To: handicapped-vans-trucks-and-automobiles@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 9:31:05 AM
Subject: [handicapped-vans-trucks-and-automobiles] Ramp problems



We bought the van used 5 years ago. The previous owner had problems with
the ramp. They would take it to the dealer and nothing wrong would be
found. We continue to have problems and it is happening more often. At
times I push the remote or use an inside the van switch, the sliding
door will not open nor will the ramp unfold. Other times the ramp will
already be down and will not fold up. Sometimes if I wait couple minutes
and try again it will work. Other times I have to watch for someone in a
parking lot to assist me. I have had this to Mobilty Works but they tell
me that unless the problem is happening right then they cannot help. I
can't get it over there when it isn't working since there is no
way to tell when it is going to act up. There is no rhyme or reason that
I can figure out. Also, the kneeling system doen't always work. My
son checked and found that power is going to the kneeling system. Also,
the chime doesn't sound in coordination with the ramp. It usually
sounds well after the ramp is opened or closed. In fact, my husand might
be driving the van. The ramp isn't used at all yet the chime will
sound while he is driving. I cannot afford to pay for hours spen trying
to trace the problem.

My son is very good with car repairs and is trying to help. He was
hoping that a wiring schematic might be available. He said that all of
the wires he has found are white which adds to the confusion.

It doesn't matter if I use an inside switch or a remote the problem
happens or it doesn't happen. The incidence of error is the same either
way. Mobility Works didn't install the ramp. It was installed at Ruehl
Chrysler Plymouth in Clinton Township, MI. I know this is unusual and it
seems to have complicated .everything.

At the time we bought this we knew nothing about mobility vans.
Any help is really appreciated. Thanks, Pat

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

We bought the van used 5 years ago. The previous owner had problems with
the ramp. They would take it to the dealer and nothing wrong would be
found. We continue to have problems and it is happening more often. At
times I push the remote or use an inside the van switch, the sliding
door will not open nor will the ramp unfold. Other times the ramp will
already be down and will not fold up. Sometimes if I wait couple minutes
and try again it will work. Other times I have to watch for someone in a
parking lot to assist me. I have had this to Mobilty Works but they tell
me that unless the problem is happening right then they cannot help. I
can't get it over there when it isn't working since there is no
way to tell when it is going to act up. There is no rhyme or reason that
I can figure out. Also, the kneeling system doen't always work. My
son checked and found that power is going to the kneeling system. Also,
the chime doesn't sound in coordination with the ramp. It usually
sounds well after the ramp is opened or closed. In fact, my husand might
be driving the van. The ramp isn't used at all yet the chime will
sound while he is driving. I cannot afford to pay for hours spen trying
to trace the problem.

My son is very good with car repairs and is trying to help. He was
hoping that a wiring schematic might be available. He said that all of
the wires he has found are white which adds to the confusion.

It doesn't matter if I use an inside switch or a remote the problem
happens or it doesn't happen. The incidence of error is the same either
way. Mobility Works didn't install the ramp. It was installed at Ruehl
Chrysler Plymouth in Clinton Township, MI. I know this is unusual and it
seems to have complicated .everything.

At the time we bought this we knew nothing about mobility vans.
Any help is really appreciated. Thanks, Pat



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

what kind of ram problems are u having?????

We bought this van to transport my 34 year old stepson who suffered a
severe brain injury in an accident last year . He passed away the day
before Thanksgiving .
This van is burgandy color with grey cloth interior . It has a
removable rear seat , lowered floor in the center from the rear
liftgate to about 18" behind the rear seats , and Q-straints to secure
the wheel chair . It has 83,200 miles . A copy of an AutoCheck report
showing clear title , accurate odometer , and no accidents is
available by fax or e-mail by request . We are asking $12,000 for this
van . A web search will show the usual asking price for similar vans
to be $15,000 - $16,000 .
It is located in Owensboro , KY .

New 2007 Honda Odyssey EX
engine 3.5l V6
Interior - Ivory
Exterior - Desert Rock Metallic (gold)
Odometer - 18 miles
VIN # 5FNRL38787B
3 yr - 36,000 mile warranty

ABS BRAKES
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRACTION CONTROL
STEERING WHEEL MOUNTED AUDIO CONTROLS
AM/FM INDASH 6 DISK CD CHANGER
POWER WINDOWS
POWER DOOR LOCKS
POWER STEERING
REMOTE LOCKING AND UNLOCKING (2 REMOTES)
TILT STEERING
CRUISE CONTROL
POWER DRIVER SEAT
TRI ZONE CLIMATE CONTROL
DUAL FACTORY POWER DOORS
POWER SLIDING DOOR WINDOWS
REAR WINDOW DEFROST
REAR WINDOW WIPER
TINTED WINDOWS
16" MICHELEN TIRES
16" ALLOY WHEELS

THIS VAN HAS THE VMI CONVERSION PACKAGE

10' LOWERED FLOOR
      complete undercoating, rust-proofing, and deluxe upgrade
automotive carpet
POWER SLIDE-OUT RAMP
      54" length, emergency manual release, non skid ramp surface
AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR
      Effortless manual operation and full retention of OEM door
latches
REMOVABLE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BASES
      Fully carpeted seat base
POWERKNEEL Suspension
Lowered Driver's Side Sliding Door Sill
Manual Wheelchair 4 Point Tie-Down System
3 Switch locations
Remote Entry
Magnetic Entry
Q' Straint Manual Restraint System



This vehicle is the last one left, contact Quinn at Handicap Services
318-226-0935

be safe

Does anyone own a kneeler van.
Thanks
Shooter