Handicap vans are very important for the mobility of the disabled because the range of a wheelchair is limited. When you need to visit friends or go on a long journey, even a road trip, you will need the versatility of handicap vans. They just give you much more freedom.

When looking for a van to buy, it is important that you should at least know what handicap vans can offer you and how they are so built to have the features you need. Common these days are minivans. They are newer than regular vans and are smaller. If you need the luggage space, you definitely should go for a regular full size van which have more space, larger fuel tank and can go farther. However, if you desire a compact vehicle that is easy to handle and look less conspicuous, then you should be looking at minivans.

Handicap vans are conversion vans. This means that they are refitted with ramps, their floors are lowered and their frames may be recut so that wheelchairs can climb into them and be transported safely. Therefore, by design there are two kinds of handicap vans: the rear entry configuration and the side entry one.

Side entry handicap vans have their frames recut. During this cutting, the air conditioning and heater lines will need to be cut and redone when putting back the van. Here, the floor of the van is replaced with a stronger and lower one. A safety system will also be installed to anchor your wheelchair. Entering a side entry van, therefore, involves the ramp folding out in a gentle incline for you to wheel in.

With rear entry vans, the frames are not cut. However, the floors are also lowered and here, the fuel tanks relocated. The relocation of the fuel tanks necessitates conducting third-party highway crash tests to ascertain the safety of rear entry vans. This is a report you should ask for if you intend to buy one. Also, because they have a higher ground clearance, these vans are preferred when travelling in mountainous regions or through snows.  In addition, rear entry vans can use regular parking spaces since you come aboard and get off through the back.

Whichever of the handicap vans you choose will provide you convenience, safety and freedom to get on the road and go. Your preference and special needs should also be met by the one you buy.