Great Questions, my friend! However, the only person who can answer those
questions with a degree of credibility is the design engineer.
Salesperson hasn't the slightest idea and will make up an answer to pacify you
into buying a vehicle from them. Now getting your questions answered in
writing
is another thing.... it won't happen.
For example: Question #1 How much weight is added to the conversion?
Answer: oh, mmmm. about 125 lbs, I guess....
Catch my drift?
W
In a message dated 8/10/05 6:56:54 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< QUESTIONS TO ASK DEALERS WHEN PURCHASING A VAN
(not all questions are applicable in all cases)
1. How much weight is added to the vehicle during modification?
2. Does the added weight lead to premature suspension and front end
problems?
3. Does the manufacturer use the original fuel tank or a fuel cell?
Does the manufacturer use the original fuel pump?
4. What other original parts are used, and which are replaced? How do
the changes affect the van's overall durability? Are there any
electrical items which are added to the conversion which create a
constant demand on the battery?
5. What will the finished height of the van be? What will the ground
clearance be? How do the modifications affect the van's center of
gravity, and stability in turns?
6. How do your modifications affect the warranty from the van's original
manufacturer? How does your warranty compare with the original
warranty?
How does the manufacturer feel about your modifications to their
product?
7. Have vans with your modifications undergone crash tests, and what
were the results compared with non-modified vans?
8. Will the modifier or manufacturer pay for a rental in the event
there are problems during the warranty period, and help me find such
a vehicle, if needed?
9. What about after sale service? Where are repairs done, and how is
the van taken to the repair shop if repairs can't be done at my home
(is
that my responsibility, or part of your service?) How fast is the
response when I call your company to report a problem? What happens
when the warranty period is over? What if the manufacturer issues a
recall of this model?
10. How helpful will you be in accommodating me in my particular
circumstances, whatever those may be?
11. What type of kneeling system do you install? What parts are most
likely to break with normal use, and how much does repairing or
replacing said parts cost in money and time? Why is your particular
kneeling system the right one to choose? Can I get an upgraded
battery to deal with the added drag of powering the lift and the
kneeling system? Is the hydraulic fluid in the kneeling system
affected by the air temperature, and, if so, at what temperatures?
12. What happens if the kneeling system breaks during or after the
warranty period, and how difficult is it to fix? If the kneeling
system breaks when I am out, can the van still be driven, and will I
be held responsible for any additional damage caused by driving the
van in this condition?
13. If the van's engine and/or battery fails while I am in the van, how
do I get out of the van? How do I activate the ramp and van kneeling
system (if applicable?) What about releasing the power tiedowns?
14. Can this van tow a trailer?
15. Depending on the repair required, may I stay in the van during
repair if I have to bring it in for service myself?
16. I don't currently plan to drive this van, but that may change in the
future. Can the required adaptations for driving be added later,
without damaging the integrity of the vehicle? Depending on how
soon such changes are made, how will they affect the warranty?
17. I'd like a security system and remote engine start in this van.
Would I be better off with the manufacturer's alarm system, or
should I have a vendor local to me install the alarm?
18. Have you told me about all the options and trim levels available
from the manufacturer of this van?
People who drive (from their chairs or after transferring into a seat)
will likely have additional questions.
Alan
>>
