dodge grand caravan with vmi northstar conversion
The VMI Northstar on a Dodge Grand Caravan is the
result of the progressive engineering approach at VMI. Vantage Mobility
International has included a multitude of accessible features on these
wheelchair conversion vehicles. Items like Power Kneel, power in-floor
ramp, and remote control activation make them the perfect choice for
disability transportation.
Dodge Grand Caravans with the VMI Northstar mobility
van conversion represent wheelchair access taken to a whole new level.
VMI Northstar wheelchair conversion vans have been around since 1993
and has always been a crucial element to Vantage Mobility International's
product line.
Disabled access plays a major role in every aspect,
from design to manufacturing. Featuring a power sliding passenger door
and in-floor wheelchair ramp, the VMI Northstar handicap vehicle conversion
is a great solution for disability travel.
The driveability for a wheelchair user is one of the
most vital components of the Dodge Grand Caravan with the VMI Northstar
mobility conversion van. Simple installation of hand controls, transfer
seat, or other mobility driving aid can transform the VMI Northstar
equipped Dodge Grand Caravan into a disabled driving system.
Dodge in-floor ramp vans
VMI first developed the Northstar handicap van conversion in the early
1990's to meet customer preferences for increased interior space. To
this day, the VMI Northstar on the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan remains
one of the best mobility ramp vans in America. By sliding out of a space
below the floor, the Northstar mobility ramp maximizes space inside
the accessible vehicle. There are so many benefits of an in-floor wheelchair
ramp, it is easily understood why its so popular.
Dodge Caravan with VMI Northstar details and specifications:
Interior handles, and switches, buttons
are easily accessed
Front passenger seat retains regular functions
No additional noise from handicap ramp
In the event of an accident, the accessible ramp is under the floor-not
inside the mobility van
Works on curbs up to 10 inches tall
Increased maneuverability due to greater space inside the accessible
van
Ramp-free doorway allows easy entry/exit for ambulatory passengers
Minimized handicapped van conversion wear and tear (fewer wheelchair
ramp cycles to load/unload additional passengers)
Uncluttered and clean wheelchair vehicle interior
Mobility vehicle interior gets less dirt inside
Increased handicapped ramp width
Maximum Floor Drop - 11"
Handicap Vehicle Ground Clearance - 5.5"
Door Opening Width - 31.25"
Door Opening Height - 55.25"
Usable Mobility Ramp Width - 29.25"
Wheelchair Ramp Length - 44"
Length from Back Seats to Kickplate - 58"
Overall Floor Length - 85.5"
Floor Width at Front Doors - 61"
Interior Height at Driver & Passenger Positions (Without Sunroof)
- 57.25"
Interior Height at Center Position - 58.5"
Steering Wheel Bottom to Floor - 29.5"
Measured Down from Front Edge of Steering Wheel to Front Kick-Up
- 16.25"
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Northstar Only
Extremely-low 8.0° handicapped ramp angle
Sure Deploy backup system leaves
accessible van conversion usable even with power failure
Manual secondary backup system for additional peace of mind
600lb. handicap ramp weight capacity
Northstar AND Summit Fully-powered accessible
van ramp
11” drop FLEX Floor maximizes interior space and headroom
for better maneuverability
Complete undercoating and rust proofing
PowerKneel system lowers the minivan to reduce ramp angle
Seamless integration with Dodge Grand Caravan vehicle electronics
Complete control through Dodge keyfob and interior switches
Removable front passenger and driver seat bases
No-skid wheelchair ramp surfacing
Complete crash testing and compliance with all government safety
standards
3-year/36,000-mile warranty
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Safety and the VMI Northstar
Selecting the options to include on a new vehicle
can be a tedious process. But for Carl and his wife, Angie, of Dayton,Ohio,
buying the VMI Honda Odyssey with Northstar in-floor ramp conversion
was a clear choice.
“Our son, Conner, can’t fully articulate his needs and relies
on his wheelchair to get around,” said Carl. “He really
depends on us for everything. So, when it came time to buy a new vehicle,
finding one that would keep him safe was our top priority.”
Nearly three years ago, the Pucketts began their search for a wheelchair
accessible vehicle. Conner had just turned 6 and transferring him to
and from their car was becoming more challenging. Among the biggest
factors that impacted the Puckett’s decision was safety. While
many of the wheelchair conversion vehicles featured ramp systems that
were more affordable, Carl and Angie didn’t feel they offered
the same level of safety they found in VMI’s Honda with Northstar
conversion.
“We read and researched the safety, quality and long-time investment
value of every manufacturer of a wheelchair accessible vehicle,”
added Carl. “I spent hours, days and weeks researching and testing
as many models as we could. We found different vehicles that fit what
we needed – some were even more budget-friendly. But, our goal
was to purchase a vehicle that was not only safe for Conner, but for
the rest of our family as we are expecting our second child in May.
We kept coming back to VMI’s Honda Odyssey.”
Despite some more economical options on the market, the Honda with Northstar
conversion became the clear choice for the Pucketts. Among the Puckett’s
concerns was the placement of the ramp inside the van. “We wondered
if we were involved in an accident, where the fold out ramp might go;
or if it could hit someone inside the cabin if the vehicle was hit,”
said Carl.
Fortunately, the Puckett’s decision proved to be the right choice.
On Friday, March 30, 2012, the Puckett’s worst fears were realized.
While headed home from the office, Carl was broadsided on the passenger
side by an oncoming vehicle traveling roughly 45 mph. Carl’s van
rolled three times and ended up on the passenger’s side.
Carl's VMI Honda
“I was driving the van, and not my own car, because I took Conner
to his therapist earlier in the afternoon and then dropped him off at
school,” said Carl. “I was on my way home from work, and
was the only one in the car, when I was hit. Because of the extent of
the damage, the first responders decided to cut me out of the vehicle
to alleviate any movement and ensure I could be removed safely.”
Carl was taken to the hospital, but miraculously only suffered minor
cuts and bruises. A few days later, he and a family friend visited the
wrecking yard to see the condition of his van. Carl was amazed.
Devastating Wreck
“I couldn’t believe what I saw,” he said. “Conner’s
wheelchair was still locked in where he would have been sitting during
the accident.”
His friend also pointed out that the wheelchair wasn’t only locked
in, but hadn’t moved. Even though the floor was slightly buckled,
the in-floor ramp system did not appear to have moved, nor was it detached
or projected out the other side of the van. The front driver and passenger
seats, which are removable, also remained locked in place.
“The van’s ramp and safety system worked as promised,”
noted Carl. “Not only that, but all airbags deployed as they should.
While I’m grateful none of my family was in the car with me, as
I mentioned my wife is 7 months pregnant, I feel they would’ve
still been safe. The VMI Northstar truly lived up to the safety standards
that everyone should meet.”
Click
here to see Carl’s video.
After the accident, the Pucketts were given a rental van until they
could find a replacement for their Odyssey. “Driving the rental
van, you could just tell a difference in the conversion and overall
fit and finish of the vehicle. Nobody wants to be involved in a crash.
But it only re-confirmed that the Honda Odyssey with VMI conversion
was the best choice for our family. The fact that VMI can take a van
completely apart and rebuild it with an in-floor ramp so that everything
works just like it came from the factory is a testament to the quality
of their van. And it’s the reason why we’re replacing our
previous Honda with a new Honda VMI with a Northstar conversion.”
dodge grand caravan with vmi summit conversion
Dodge Grand Caravan Mobility Conversion Van
The Dodge Grand Caravan with VMI Summit mobility
conversion van provides greater interior room than other folding mobility
ramp vans. The exclusive Vantage Mobility International design allows
for a folding wheelchair ramp system that creates this extra space.
For maximum security while entering the handicap vehicle
conversion, side rails on the ramp have been raised 2 inches to prevent
accidental roll-off. The entry angle of the ramp has also been reduced
by the inclusion of Power Kneel.
VMI continues to distance themselves from their competition,
and the VMI Northstar wheelchair vehicle conversion on a Dodge Grand
Caravan continues this trend. VMI Summit mobility van conversion on
the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan has played a major role in Vantage Mobility
International's lineup for over 15 years. It is easy to see why because
of the end-user access.
Dodge Grand Caravans offer a specific set of advantages
over competitors wheelchair conversion vans. In fact, because the VMI
Summit is available on the Express, Mainstreet, Crew, and R/T, there
is a model that will work for almost any situation.
Special design configurations have been made in several
areas of these wheelchair van conversions. The floor has been lowered
11 inches which provides 54" of headroom while entering. The front
seating area has also been configured for disability access, meaning
a disabled person can choose to ride in the front passenger position
or even drive.
Dodge folding ramp vans
The Summit folding wheelchair ramp van conversion on a Dodge Grand
Caravan is an economical choice compared to the popular Northstar
in-floor handicapped ramp conversion from VMI. Summit mobility ramps
utilize siderails that are 2 inches tall. This is especially important
for those with a hard time navigating an incline. VMI Summit handicapped
accessible van on the Dodge Grand Caravan also includes an industry
best access ramp length of only 48”.
The short handicap ramp provides two
key advantages to VMI customers. First, passengers can easily use
the Dodge handle for the sliding door and switches because the handicapped
ramp is not covering them. Second, users in wheelchairs have more
room to move on and off the ramp when other vehicles park too close.
Dodge Caravan with VMI Summit details and specifications:
Power Folding Wheelchair
Ramp with Non-Skid Surface
Power Sliding Door with Easy Manual Operation
Maximum Interior Headroom
Undercoating and Complete Rust Proofing
Manual Backup Ramp Operation
Warranty - Mobiltiy Conversion Van
Fully Crash Tested
Remote Control Activation
600 Pound Load Rating for Handicap Ramp
9.7 Degree Handicap Ramp Angle
Maximum Floor Drop - 11"
Mobility Vehicle Ground Clearance - 5.5"
Door Opening Height - 54.25"
Usable Wheelchair Ramp Width - 28.75"
Handicap Ramp Length - 50.25"
Length from Back of Seats to Kickplate - 58"
Overall Floor Length - 85.5"
Floor Width at Doors - 61"
Interior Height at Center Position - 58.5"
Interior Height at Drivers & Passengers Position (Without Sunroof)
- 57.25"
Steering Wheel Bottom to Floor - 29.5"
Measured Down from Front Edge of Steering Wheel to Front Kick-Up
- 16.25
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Summit Only
2” siderails help people with a disabilities stay on the
ramp when coming in and out of the handicapped vehicle
When other vehicles park too close, 48” wheelchair ramp
leaves wheelchair users more room to maneuver
By simply pushing outward on the handicapped ramp, it can be deployed
for a safe exit in the event of a mechanical or power failure
Handicap ramp surface allows debris to fall through so it doesn't
end up inside the wheelchair vehicle
Mobility ramp has a quiet cabin dut to an anti-rattle device
600lb. handicapped ramp rating
Northstar AND Summit
Fully-powered accessible ramp
11” drop FLEX Floor maximizes head clearance and interior
space for maneuvering a wheelchair
Complete undercoating and rust proofing
PowerKneel system lowers the minivan to reduce wheelchair ramp
angle
Total integration with Dodge systems prevents damage to vehicle/
conversion
Accessible van conversion is controlled through and interior sliding-door
switches and Dodge keychain
Easy-out passenger and front driver seat stands
No-slip handicapped ramp
Total crash-testing and compliance with all government standards
for safety
3-year/36,000-mile warranty
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Dodge and Chrysler wheelchair minivans are our most
popular models. For 2011 they have new interiors, an updated exterior,
and a new V6 that offers significant improvements in both performance
and fuel economy. They're offered in a wide range of configurations.
Like all Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA vehicles, the 2011 Dodge
and Chrysler wheelchair van was vigorously tested to meet or exceed
all U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check them out and,
when you're ready, call Automotive Innovations in Bridgewater, MA at
508- 697-6006 to schedule a free, no-obligation mobility evaluation
to find out which one is right for you.
Automotive Innovations, your adaptive dealer of Bridgewater,
MA offers. products that are top-notch and we have the variety of mobility
van conversions in stock to offer you all the choices you need from
your number one wheelchair mobility vehicle adaptive dealer in New England.
We have been designing, engineering, selling and installing
mobility equipment like hand controls, zero
effort steering, servo steering, servo
gas brake left foot gas pedals and installing them in Dodge vehicles
for close to 25 years.
We offer a lifetime warranty on our installation.
If you ever feel there is something wrong with your hand
controls (even if we didn't install them) please come in for a free
inspection by a certified mobility craftsman.
If your looking to have Chrysler Mobility Equipment
expertly installed by Certified Mobility Technicians call 508-697-6006
Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA
How Do I Know Which Hand Controls, Left foot gas pedals
and or Mobility Driving Equipment is Right for my Dodge?
Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA gives you a number of tools that
will help you find the perfect Dodge accessible hand control or left
foot gas pedal for in the New England area. We need your help to make
us the top seller of hand controls in the Dodge New England area, we
can provide handcontrol Chrysler safety information as well as additional
information about extra features of our Chrysler mobility products.
All you have to do is think about your ideal Dodge hand control, make
a list of features, and look to Automotive Innovations for the installation
of your Dodge mobility products at Dodge Massachusetts Automotive Innovations
.We will find the one that fits the custom requirements of your Dodge.
Did you know that technological mobility advancements
might now allow you to drive your Dodge, even if you need to drive with
hand controls? If you are interested in this Chrysler Mobility technology,
or any other specialized Chrysler features, please contact us about
you Chrysler mobility requirements. Automotive Innovations Bridgewater
Massachusetts's sells and or services brand new, hand controls for your
Dodge, manufactured by top companies.
Our Certified Mobility Technicians can install your
used hand controls in your used Dodge or Chrysler
We will alter your Dodge to suit your mobility needs,
Automotive Innovations will help you find the perfect hand controls
or Dodge mobility equipment and install it expertly for you.
Please call us 508-607-6006 with any of your Dodge
Mobility questions and we will do our best to come up with Dodge mobility
solutions for you.
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