Custom Sprinter Wheelchair Conversion Van Can Also Be Used as a Camper

Recently we filmed a video with Luc showing how his Dodge Sprinter conversion van can be used as both a wheelchair passenger van and a camper alternative to an expensive and gas-guzzling motor home. The van is equipped with a wheelchair lift and an EZ-lock system to securely lock a wheelchair in the passenger side of the van. The van has a few basic camper facilities such as a microwave, a refrigerator, a sink, a water tank with an external water hookup for refilling at a campground, a ceiling fan, storage cabinets, window shades,  110V electrical power outlet and two solar panels on top of the roof to keep the batteries charged. There is room for two people to sleep in the back of the van and a ceiling lift makes it easy to do transfers between a wheelchair and the bed.

Luc and his wife have two dogs that can safely come along for the ride because there is room underneath one of the beds to secure two dog crates. The Sprinter van is quite a bit larger than standard minivans, which leaves Luc some room to maneuver around in his wheelchair, something he hasn’t been able to in any other van.

Watch the video below to check out the interior of the conversion van and the wheelchair accessible features. And for more information read our earlier article about Camping in a Dodge Sprinter Van.

Automated Transport and Retrieval System for Wheelchairs Enables Driver Independence

Many wheelchair users transfer from their wheelchair to the driver’s seat but need to rely on another person to stash the chair in the car, limiting the driver’s independence. Thanks to a new technological invention, a laser-guided robotic wheelchair can now stash itself in the car. With the push of a few buttons on a remote control the wheelchair rolls by itself to the back of the vehicle where it is picked up by a motorized lift and guided inside where it securely locks itself. This whole process is reversed after the driver arrives at the destination. The system has been designed to work under various challenging conditions such as rain and darkness.

We are always excited to learn about new technologies that aid people with a disability, in this case giving disabled drivers more freedom. See a demo of this system in the video below.