Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
Here is their web site. http://www.emc-digi.com/ Jim
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
I don't use the joy stick, I use their steering wheel. Jim
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
In a message dated 5/13/2006 9:44:43 AM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Here is their web site. http://www.emc-digi.com/ Jim Good suggestion. Send an email to EMC as ask for their assistance in getting a free trial in your area. Best Wishes W
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
I do not use a joystick at all. The factory steering wheel stays in place as does all the other controls except for the shifter lever and your climate controls. The 6" electronic steering wheel is set up for my left hand with a tri-pin set up that my hand slides over. For the electronic gas and break I use my right hand, this also is set up with a tri-pin that my hand slides over. I push forward to stop and pull back to go. You can have this reversed if you need to pull to stop and push to go but that is not recommended because when you are stopping your body is automatically moving forward. The controller for the gas and break is also set up for what they call digit tone so I can turn on my blinkers, wipers, washers, headlights, horn, dome lights, high/low beams and fan speeds. You can have this function set up different ways but mine is set up so if I twist my wrist to the left I can activate the tones. The tones are nothing more than the eight musical scales. I can also run each function plus putting the vehicle in gear by pushing a jellybean button with my left elbow to activate the Digi voice and all I do is talk to it then. You can also run all the functions by use of pushing buttons on the Digi pad which is located to my right. I cannot put the vehicle in gear with the Digi pad because you need to activate the brakes before it will shift so I have to do it by voice activation. When I have somebody along with me, I have them put the vehicle in gear only because it's quicker. Before you can drive, you need to move the electronic steering wheel to activate the computer because it needs to run a couple tests. Once the test is done you need to turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right to approximately 90 degrees and to push the brakes on and pull throttle back to align the system for driving. Once that is done you can drive just like a normal vehicle. Physically, I am able to drive nonstop until I need my weight shift with absolute to troubles whatsoever. The only drawback I have with this system is that I need to have my chest strap on while driving so I do not flop around. Basically, I sit in my cockpit like Captain Kirk sits at the helm of the Enterprise. I almost forgot, I'm locked in place with the easy locked which I disengage with the Digi pad. Jim
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
THOSE OF YOU THAT DRIVE, WHAT TYPE OF CONTROLS DO YOU DRIVE WITH? WHEN 1ST EVALUATED IN REHAB I NEEDED ZERO EFFORT STEER/BRAKE. I started out (in 1980)with low effort breaks and low effort steering and I'm C 5,6. That was with the push pull gas and break system. In 2001 I got a new van with push/pull gas and break but I got the zero effort steering AND zero effort break, I LOVE IT! Less strain on my shoulders. Oh, and I also have a 13" steering wheel which makes the steering even easier. This is all set up on a full size Ford van. Bobbie Humphreys C-5,6 Motor cross jumping accident 1973 at 17married Parsippany, New Jersey
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
I drive the 2001 Ford full-size van with electronic brake, gas and steering made by EMC. Jim
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
That's the way it may have been back then bill but now it's different. I purchased my 2001 conversion van brand-new and with all my adaptions including an eight inch dropped floor my van still had the full manufactures warranty from Ford and I was still able to purchase the extended warranty which, I'm glad I did because my transmission just went out a few weeks ago with only to 32,000 miles on the vehicle. Jim
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
Jim how does the EMC controls work? I know it has a joy stick but can you explain how you brake? Do you simply pull back the joy stick? Sorry so manyquestions but I'd really like to know how easy a 1 armed quad could use one. Mark ---Original Message--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 05/12/06 14:16:38 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; QUAD-LIST@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN I drive the 2001 Ford full-size van with electronic brake, gas and steering made by EMC. Jim
FW: Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
I have that same setup except I kept the origional steering wheel. C5-6. My floor cut is actually too low. I can barely see over the wheel. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN Date: Fri, 12 May 2006 11:59:53 EDT THOSE OF YOU THAT DRIVE, WHAT TYPE OF CONTROLS DO YOU DRIVE WITH? WHEN 1ST EVALUATED IN REHAB I NEEDED ZERO EFFORT STEER/BRAKE. I started out (in 1980) with low effort breaks and low effort steering and I'm C 5,6. That was with the push pull gas and break system. In 2001 I got a new van with push/pull gas and break but I got the zero effort steering AND zero effort break, I LOVE IT! Less strain on my shoulders. Oh, and I also have a 13 steering wheel which makes the steering even easier. This is all set up on a full size Ford van. Bobbie Humphreys C-5,6 Motor cross jumping accident 1973 at 17 married Parsippany, New Jersey
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
Jim how does the EMC controls work? I know it has a joy stick but can you explain how you brake? Do you simply pull back the joy stick? I test drove one of these baby's in Kessler Rehab parking lot. It was VERY easy and sweet. It was easy for me because the control joy stick was exactly the same as my power chair. You push forward to go forward, the more the faster, and pull back to break, like when we want to go in reverse in our chair. Bobbie
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
Thanks Bobbie Mark ---Original Message--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 05/12/06 16:46:11 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN Jim how does the EMC controls work? I know it has a joy stick but can you explain how you brake? Do you simply pull back the joy stick? I test drove one of these baby's in Kessler Rehab parking lot. It was VERY easy and sweet. It was easy for me because the control joy stick was exactly the same as my power chair. You push forward to go forward, the more the faster, and pull back to break, like when we want to go in reverse in our chair. Bobbie
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
LOL. The only difference between the cocpit of an F-14 and the modern driver's compartment of a vehicle with EMC (secondary) controls... is the CD player for music. You have to see it, drive it and race it to believe it. It is also equipt'd with a 6 inch color monitor place near the driver's door panel, plus bells and whistles to drive passengers goofy. Ya gotta see it and test drive to believe in joy stick controls W In a message dated 5/12/2006 3:43:23 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Jim how does the EMC controls work? I know it has a joy stick but can you explain how you brake? Do you simply pull back the joy stick? Sorry so manyquestions but I'd really like to know how easy a 1 armed quad could use one. Mark
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
I've tried to find one locally but there isn't a place in Arkansas that has one to test. Mark ---Original Message--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 05/12/06 18:24:52 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; QUAD-LIST@eskimo.com; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN LOL. The only difference between the cocpit of an F-14 and the modern driver's compartment of a vehicle with EMC (secondary) controls... is the CD player for music. You have to see it, drive it and race it to believe it. It is also equipt'd with a 6 inch color monitor place near the driver's door panel, plus bells and whistles to drive passengers goofy. Ya gotta see it and test drive to believe in joy stick controls W In a message dated 5/12/2006 3:43:23 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Jim how does the EMC controls work? I know it has a joy stick but can you explain how you brake? Do you simply pull back the joy stick? Sorry so manyquestions but I'd really like to know how easy a 1 armed quad could use one. Mark
[QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
THANKS FOR EVEYONE'S INPUT. THOSE OF YOU THAT DRIVE, WHAT TYPE OF CONTROLS DO YOU DRIVE WITH? WHEN 1ST EVALUATED IN REHAB I NEEDED ZERO EFFORT STEER/BRAKE. JUST CURIOUS
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
THE DEALER TOLD ME THE WARRANTY WAS 3 YR / 36,000 MILES WHEN PURCHASED. IT'S JUST NOW BROKE IN. I'M IN AN ACTION ARROW STORM AND NEED TO HAVE THEM PULL THE SEAT OUT AND MAKE SURE I CAN GET TO THE STEERING WHEEL. I'M AFRAID MY LEGS ARE TOO LONG AND WILL HIT THE DASH OR FOOT PEDALS - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; QUAD-LIST@eskimo.com ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 6:28 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN I have a 2000 IMS Rampvan conversion on the same type of Dodge Caravan. It came with a 3 yr/ 30,000 mile warranty. I've had ZERO trouble with it and have been on two 3000 mi., 1 6000 mile and numerous shorter road trips in it. I paid 39,000 for it new. I LOVE it. I think that sounds like a fair price for it. The conversion alone is $16,000.Let us know if you get it. HAppy traveling!Tracy
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
Title: Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED TOLD ME THE BANK WOULD SAY THE VAN ITSELF WOULD BE ABOUT $10,000. BANK TOLD ME NO PROBLEM ON THE LOAN - BUT THEY'LL ONLY GO 60 MONTHS MAKING PYMT ABOUT $465. WISH I'D WIN THE LOTTERY. IT'S EXCITING TO THINK AFTER ALMOST 8 YRS THAT THIS PIECE OF INDEPENDENCE IS A YES OR NO - Original Message - From: Houston809 To: Nichole Rohling ; quadlist Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 5:07 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN Thats not a bad price. Because you can use the van equipment. The van is actually worth less than half that. Go 2 www.kbb.com we already know the amount paid 4 adaptions are over inflated actually take away from vehicle worth.On 5/10/06 3:22 PM, "Nichole Rohling" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: HELLO EVERYONEAN OPPORTUNITY HAS RISEN FOR ME TO PURCHASE A 2002 GRAND CARAVAN WITH IMS/RAMP VAN MODIFICATION. THE VAN WAS BOUGHT NEW BY A TEACHER AT OUR LOCAL ELEMENTARY TO TRANSPORT HER PARENTS. THE VAN HAS 9000 MILES, YES - ONLY 9,000 MILES. THEY PAID 36,000 AND ARE ASKING 25,000. CAN ANYONE TELL ME A FAIR OFFER. THE VAN IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.NICKI
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
Title: Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN Theres no price 2 put on independence. Buy it!!! On 5/11/06 12:38 PM, Nichole Rohling [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED TOLD ME THE BANK WOULD SAY THE VAN ITSELF WOULD BE ABOUT $10,000. BANK TOLD ME NO PROBLEM ON THE LOAN - BUT THEY'LL ONLY GO 60 MONTHS MAKING PYMT ABOUT $465. WISH I'D WIN THE LOTTERY. IT'S EXCITING TO THINK AFTER ALMOST 8 YRS THAT THIS PIECE OF INDEPENDENCE IS A YES OR NO - Original Message - From: Houston809 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Nichole Rohling mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ; quadlist mailto:QUAD-LIST@eskimo.com Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 5:07 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN Thats not a bad price. Because you can use the van equipment. The van is actually worth less than half that. Go 2 www.kbb.com http://www.kbb.com we already know the amount paid 4 adaptions are over inflated actually take away from vehicle worth. On 5/10/06 3:22 PM, Nichole Rohling [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: HELLO EVERYONE AN OPPORTUNITY HAS RISEN FOR ME TO PURCHASE A 2002 GRAND CARAVAN WITH IMS/RAMP VAN MODIFICATION. THE VAN WAS BOUGHT NEW BY A TEACHER AT OUR LOCAL ELEMENTARY TO TRANSPORT HER PARENTS. THE VAN HAS 9000 MILES, YES - ONLY 9,000 MILES. THEY PAID 36,000 AND ARE ASKING 25,000. CAN ANYONE TELL ME A FAIR OFFER. THE VAN IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. NICKI
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
I should warn you that once modifications are done on the steering and brakes, any warranty from the manufacturer is void. I had a 1987 Dodge B250 adapted. Once they put in the zero-effort steering and brakes and an electric shift the powertrain warranty was void. The manufacturer's warranty on the frame and suspension was voided by the lift installation. Bill age 55C6 Incomplete since 7/20/68Leesburg, FLHe had a mind like a Post-It note; it held things but not real tight. - Original Message - From: Nichole Rohling To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; QUADLIST Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 1:43 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN THE DEALER TOLD ME THE WARRANTY WAS 3 YR / 36,000 MILES WHEN PURCHASED. IT'S JUST NOW BROKE IN. I'M IN AN ACTION ARROW STORM AND NEED TO HAVE THEM PULL THE SEAT OUT AND MAKE SURE I CAN GET TO THE STEERING WHEEL. I'M AFRAID MY LEGS ARE TOO LONG AND WILL HIT THE DASH OR FOOT PEDALS - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; QUAD-LIST@eskimo.com ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 6:28 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN I have a 2000 IMS Rampvan conversion on the same type of Dodge Caravan. It came with a 3 yr/ 30,000 mile warranty. I've had ZERO trouble with it and have been on two 3000 mi., 1 6000 mile and numerous shorter road trips in it. I paid 39,000 for it new. I LOVE it. I think that sounds like a fair price for it. The conversion alone is $16,000.Let us know if you get it. HAppy traveling!Tracy
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
That's a great deal, jump on it but keep this in mind: zero-effort steering on a front wheel drive mini van is NOT NEARLY as easy as a full size. I was forced to sell my zero-effort Caravan because I could not safely turn the wheel (I had to use two hands taking one off my hand controls). Had a few close calls driving that way so I went back to a full size, gas-guzzling monster but I am now much safer on the road. Good luck. On Thu, 11 May 2006 12:46:05 -0500, you wrote: QUAD-LIST@eskimo.com THANKS FOR EVEYONE'S INPUT. THOSE OF YOU THAT DRIVE, WHAT TYPE OF CONTROLS DO YOU DRIVE WITH? WHEN 1ST EVALUATED IN REHAB I NEEDED ZERO EFFORT STEER/BRAKE. JUST CURIOUS
[QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
HELLO EVERYONE AN OPPORTUNITY HAS RISEN FOR ME TO PURCHASE A 2002 GRAND CARAVAN WITH IMS/RAMP VAN MODIFICATION. THE VAN WAS BOUGHT NEW BY A TEACHER AT OUR LOCAL ELEMENTARY TO TRANSPORT HER PARENTS. THE VAN HAS 9000 MILES, YES - ONLY 9,000 MILES. THEY PAID 36,000 AND ARE ASKING 25,000. CAN ANYONE TELL ME A FAIR OFFER. THE VAN IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. NICKI
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
You first need to ask about the warranty. Mark ---Original Message--- From: Nichole Rohling Date: 05/10/06 15:20:21 To: QUADLIST Subject: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN HELLO EVERYONE AN OPPORTUNITY HAS RISEN FOR ME TO PURCHASE A 2002 GRAND CARAVAN WITH IMS/RAMP VAN MODIFICATION. THE VAN WAS BOUGHT NEW BY A TEACHER AT OUR LOCAL ELEMENTARY TO TRANSPORT HER PARENTS. THE VAN HAS 9000 MILES, YES - ONLY 9,000 MILES. THEY PAID 36,000 AND ARE ASKING 25,000. CAN ANYONE TELL ME A FAIR OFFER. THE VAN IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. NICKI
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
I'd say $25k is a great price. We just paid $14k for a '99 Dodge Grand Caravan with 99,000 miles. I'd grab that one for $25k. Bill age 55C6 Incomplete since 7/20/68Leesburg, FLHe had a mind like a Post-It note; it held things but not real tight. - Original Message - From: Nichole Rohling To: QUADLIST Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 4:22 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN HELLO EVERYONE AN OPPORTUNITY HAS RISEN FOR ME TO PURCHASE A 2002 GRAND CARAVAN WITH IMS/RAMP VAN MODIFICATION. THE VAN WAS BOUGHT NEW BY A TEACHER AT OUR LOCAL ELEMENTARY TO TRANSPORT HER PARENTS. THE VAN HAS 9000 MILES, YES - ONLY 9,000 MILES. THEY PAID 36,000 AND ARE ASKING 25,000. CAN ANYONE TELL ME A FAIR OFFER. THE VAN IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. NICKI
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
Title: Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN Thats not a bad price. Because you can use the van equipment. The van is actually worth less than half that. Go 2 www.kbb.com we already know the amount paid 4 adaptions are over inflated actually take away from vehicle worth. On 5/10/06 3:22 PM, Nichole Rohling [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: HELLO EVERYONE AN OPPORTUNITY HAS RISEN FOR ME TO PURCHASE A 2002 GRAND CARAVAN WITH IMS/RAMP VAN MODIFICATION. THE VAN WAS BOUGHT NEW BY A TEACHER AT OUR LOCAL ELEMENTARY TO TRANSPORT HER PARENTS. THE VAN HAS 9000 MILES, YES - ONLY 9,000 MILES. THEY PAID 36,000 AND ARE ASKING 25,000. CAN ANYONE TELL ME A FAIR OFFER. THE VAN IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. NICKI
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
Hey Nicki, Ive been looking at vans olso, 25, 000 sounds fair. Go to www.rollx.com and you can compare prices. Good luck! Silas - Original Message - From: Nichole Rohling To: QUADLIST Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 1:22 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN HELLO EVERYONE AN OPPORTUNITY HAS RISEN FOR ME TO PURCHASE A 2002 GRAND CARAVAN WITH IMS/RAMP VAN MODIFICATION. THE VAN WAS BOUGHT NEW BY A TEACHER AT OUR LOCAL ELEMENTARY TO TRANSPORT HER PARENTS. THE VAN HAS 9000 MILES, YES - ONLY 9,000 MILES. THEY PAID 36,000 AND ARE ASKING 25,000. CAN ANYONE TELL ME A FAIR OFFER. THE VAN IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. NICKI
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
35K IS MORE LIKE A FAIR PRICE. MY 97 DODGE WITH 101K MILES COST 20K. A NEW ONE GOES FOR ABOUT 40K. I'D JUMP ON THAT FOR 25K WARRANTY OR NOT. DAVE In a message dated 5/10/2006 1:58:28 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I'd say $25k is a great price. We just paid $14k for a '99 Dodge Grand Caravan with 99,000 miles. I'd grab that one for $25k. Bill age 55C6 Incomplete since 7/20/68Leesburg, FLHe had a mind like a Post-It note; it held things but not real tight. - Original Message - From: Nichole Rohling To: QUADLIST Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 4:22 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN HELLO EVERYONE AN OPPORTUNITY HAS RISEN FOR ME TO PURCHASE A 2002 GRAND CARAVAN WITH IMS/RAMP VAN MODIFICATION. THE VAN WAS BOUGHT NEW BY A TEACHER AT OUR LOCAL ELEMENTARY TO TRANSPORT HER PARENTS. THE VAN HAS 9000 MILES, YES - ONLY 9,000 MILES. THEY PAID 36,000 AND ARE ASKING 25,000. CAN ANYONE TELL ME A FAIR OFFER. THE VAN IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. NICKI
Re: [QUAD-L] BUYING A VAN
I have a 2000 IMS Rampvan conversion on the same type of Dodge Caravan. It came with a 3 yr/ 30,000 mile warranty. I've had ZERO trouble with it and have been on two 3000 mi., 1 6000 mile and numerous shorter road trips in it. I paid 39,000 for it new. I LOVE it. I think that sounds like a fair price for it. The conversion alone is $16,000. Let us know if you get it. HAppy traveling! Tracy
[QUAD-L] Buying a van
You've got alot of homework to do before you hit the open road. Practice, Practice and more Practice until you feel comfortable on those two lane road with sharp curves. You may have to practice in those mall parking lots until you feel that comfortable and then hit the highways for the speed practice. Houston in Indy is available if you need a co-pilot, he likes taking dangerous chances. But he's a survivor and will share his life experiences with you while your trying to drive. (lol) W In a message dated 1/15/05 3:55:45 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The road isn't high in traffic but it's the main road that goes back and then is the entrance to other neighborhoods. I live on the side of the road and not in a neighborhood. I also live at the end of a pretty sharp curb. I have to admit that I am nervous about that. When I did my driving hours, I met him at the vocational rehab office. Luckily there aren't many 2 lane roads that are curvy and I live in a flat area so there are prett y much no hills at all. Stacy
Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a van
It's going to be some time yet. It's in the shop getting mechanical work then I need to take it about 2 hours away to get some modifications done. Still a couple of months probably. Stacy - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; quad-list@eskimo.com ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 4:53 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a van In a message dated 15/01/2005 00:02:47 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I drove and practiced already. I'm just a little nervous about such a big vechicle. I have to back on to a road to get out of my driveway. The driveway isn't very wide and I share it with my neighbors. They park on the side of the drive way. The road isn't high in traffic but it's the main road that goes back and then is the entrance to other neighborhoods. I live on the side of the road and not in a neighborhood. I also live at the end of a pretty sharp curb. I have to admit that I am nervous about that. When I did my driving hours, I met him at the vocational rehab office. Luckily there aren't many 2 lane roads that are curvy and I live in a flat area so there are pretty much no hills at all. Stacy Hey Stacy, Hows the van driving going? are you a little more confident about it now? Happy driving! Love Smurf xxx
Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a van
My instructor told me that I should be able to drive after a 35 hour course. Well, like I said before, I never had trouble driving anything before but I was intimidated with all the electronics. Including the hours that it took them to set up the controls for me so I can drive it only took me 15 hours total to learn how. When I had to parallel park, I did it the very first time with absolutely no troubles whatsoever. The biggest suggestion I can tell you is to make it easy on yourself. Drive the rough roads, up and down any hills and make sure you drive the curvy roads has long as you have your instructor with you. Also, go practice driving on a Sunday morning where there is very little traffic. This way you'll get to learn how the vehicle handles and what you can and cannot do without the pressure of traffic. Another thing I did, was to make a sign that I glued to the back window saying "HANDICAPPED DRIVER PLEASE BE PATIENT" so the people would quit blowing their horns. Since I have put the sign up nobody has tailgated me or blown their horns at me. I cannot stress enough that you must challenge yourself and make it difficult time yourself so when you do get out into traffic and the real world driving you can handle the vehicle. I wish you the best of luck. Jim
Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a van
There isn't a right or wrong van, only what's right or wrong for you. I have a rear entry minivan and will NEVER go back to a side entry. I can park anywhere without worrying about some idiot parking on the striped area. Unless you park on the street, I see no advantage to a side entry. Possibly a bit more space inside. I used to have a 3/4 ton full size van. What a pain in the ass using a lift is compared to just cruising up the short ramp on my minivan. It was also a hassle getting my long chair turned 90 degrees once I rolled into the van from the lift. With my full size van, even if no one was parked in the striped area, my lift and chair were too long for me to get in my van just using the striped area. I had to use part of the next space too. My fiancee hated driving the big full size. However, if you travel a lot you'll appreciate the extra room in a full size. This means nothing though if you have needs that require a particular kind of van. One word of caution though if you want to use an ez-lock with a rear entry minivan. The rear entry minivans have a slight hump in the floor in the rear. If you want to use an ez-lock, your chair and the ez-lock must fit on the level area in front of the hump. The chair will probably fit. I have an older design Ranger X with the old style long frame and size 12 feet and my chair fits fine. I could not use an ez-lock because part of the ez-lock's docking station would have been on the angled part of the hump. Where the docking station ends up being located is going to depend on the design of the chair, your size, and where the pin would be located on your chair. The pin is usually placed between the drive wheels, so, a front wheel or mid-wheel drive chair shouldn't be a problem. If your chair is rear wheel drive, the aforementioned factors come into play. The rear wheel drive chairs from Invacare and Pride today have much shorter frames. The rear wheels are located much closer to the driver, and probably won't be a problem. My old chair has a really long frame. They don't even make it anymore. Unfortunately if you have a rear wheel drive chair, the only way to be sure is have an ez-lock installer look at your chair in the van. Like I said though, chairs designed today have much shorter frames. Eric Cameron Wallace wrote: Buying a van Hey people What factors or models of van should be considered when looking for a conversion van? I know I want a lowered floor and an auto chair lock. I will be a passenger -Cameron
Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a van
I drove and practiced already. I'm just a little nervous about such a big vechicle. I have to back on to a road to get out of my driveway. The driveway isn't very wide and I share it with my neighbors. They park on the side of the drive way. The road isn't high in traffic but it's the main road that goes back and then is the entrance to other neighborhoods. I live on the side of the road and not in a neighborhood. I also live at the end of a pretty sharp curb. I have to admit that I am nervous about that. When I did my driving hours, I met him at the vocational rehab office. Luckily there aren't many 2 lane roads that are curvy and I live in a flat area so there are pretty much no hills at all. Stacy - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Friday, January 14, 2005 4:25 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a van My instructor told me that I should be able to drive after a 35 hour course. Well, like I said before, I never had trouble driving anything before but I was intimidated with all the electronics. Including the hours that it took them to set up the controls for me so I can drive it only took me 15 hours total to learn how. When I had to parallel park, I did it the very first time with absolutely no troubles whatsoever. The biggest suggestion I can tell you is to make it easy on yourself. Drive the rough roads, up and down any hills and make sure you drive the curvy roads has long as you have your instructor with you. Also, go practice driving on a Sunday morning where there is very little traffic. This way you'll get to learn how the vehicle handles and what you can and cannot do without the pressure of traffic. Another thing I did, was to make a sign that I glued to the back window saying "HANDICAPPED DRIVER PLEASE BE PATIENT" so the people would quit blowing their horns. Since I have put the sign up nobody has tailgated me or blown their horns at me. I cannot stress enough that you must challenge yourself and make it difficult time yourself so when you do get out into traffic and the real world driving you can handle the vehicle. I wish you the best of luck. Jim
RE: [QUAD-L] Buying a van
Title: Message E thanksthanksthanksthanksthanksthanksthanks so much. I will be using ez-lock -C -Original Message-From: Eric Olson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, January 14, 2005 6:25 PMTo: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Cc: quad-list@eskimo.comSubject: Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a vanThere isn't a right or wrong van, only what's right or wrong for you. I have a rear entry minivan and will NEVER go back to a side entry. I can park anywhere without worrying about some idiot parking on the striped area. Unless you park on the street, I see no advantage to a side entry. Possibly a bit more space inside. I used to have a 3/4 ton full size van. What a pain in the ass using a lift is compared to just cruising up the short ramp on my minivan. It was also a hassle getting my long chair turned 90 degrees once I rolled into the van from the lift. With my full size van, even if no one was parked in the striped area, my lift and chair were too long for me to get in my van just using the striped area. I had to use part of the next space too. My fiancee hated driving the big full size. However, if you travel a lot you'll appreciate the extra room in a full size. This means nothing though if you have needs that require a particular kind of van. One word of caution though if you want to use an ez-lock with a rear entry minivan. The rear entry minivans have a slight hump in the floor in the rear. If you want to use an ez-lock, your chair and the ez-lock must fit on the level area in front of the hump. The chair will probably fit. I have an older design Ranger X with the old style long frame and size 12 feet and my chair fits fine. I could not use an ez-lock because part of the ez-lock's docking station would have been on the angled part of the hump. Where the docking station ends up being located is going to depend on the design of the chair, your size, and where the pin would be located on your chair. The pin is usually placed between the drive wheels, so, a front wheel or mid-wheel drive chair shouldn't be a problem. If your chair is rear wheel drive, the aforementioned factors come into play. The rear wheel drive chairs from Invacare and Pride today have much shorter frames. The rear wheels are located much closer to the driver, and probably won't be a problem. My old chair has a really long frame. They don't even make it anymore. Unfortunately if you have a rear wheel drive chair, the only way to be sure is have an ez-lock installer look at your chair in the van. Like I said though, chairs designed today have much shorter frames. EricCameron Wallace wrote: Hey people What factors or models of van should be considered when looking for a conversion van? I know I want a lowered floor and an auto chair lock. I will be a passenger -Cameron
Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a van
Lori, I was also very sensitive to all the bumps and expansion joints on our crappy roads also, but the more I drive the less sensitive I became. I thought about getting a minivan the first time but I would also need at least a 10" dropped floor. I was afraid that I might have a lot of trouble in winter with the van being so close to the ground. I ended up buying a full-size Ford Van but I wish it was a three-quarter ton instead of a half ton for stability reasons. Jim
Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a van
REALLY DON'T BE AFRAID TO DRIVE.YOU MAY BREAK YOUR NECK, BUT WEV'E ALL DONE THAT ! LOL Dan
Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a van
I was evaluated and then only required to do about 15 hours of driving. When the medical review is over the same guy is going to come down and teach how to do the stuff that is on the test. My biggest worry is the parallel parking. That is a silly requirement I think. There isn't anywhere around here that you really need to. Stacy - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2005 3:59 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a van Stacey, Don't let yourself get too intimidated by driving your van. When I first started driving my van with all the electronics I almost convince myself that I would not be able to do it. Now, I drive just fine as long as I have my chest strap on. Also, are you taking any type of drivers training with the new hand controls? Here in Minnesota is required. Good luck! Jim
[QUAD-L] Buying a van
Title: Buying a van Hey people What factors or models of van should be considered when looking for a conversion van? I know I want a lowered floor and an auto chair lock. I will be a passenger -Cameron
RE: [QUAD-L] Buying a van
From: Eric W RuddI love my http://www.entervan.com That's what I have too. With a 10# drop floor. It's a '98 and is payed off! Before that I had 3 full-size vans. Waiting on the lifts in very hot or very cold weather is an annoyance so thought I'd try a min-van. Much faster in and out. My complaint is that my neck back are hypersensitive and the drop floor puts my nearly on the ground .. hence I feel every bump, bounce and wobble. In my last full-size Ford Econoline I had a 6# drop floor but the big vans seemed so big bulky (good for room though). I too am a passenger and no matter how careful the driver ... my sensitivity feels stuff. My way away from that was moving here to Tucson. The roads here feel like glass compared to the shitty pot-holed, highway separation bumps and just rotten roads in the northeast. When there I rarely went out .. the road rides were too painful. Unlike here . ... smoth sailing! Lori
Re: [QUAD-L] Buying a van
I have to admit that I am nervous about driving my van. It's an econoline 150. I always drove a car and going to a van and I haven't driven in almost 4 years, it makes me nervous to drive something so big. I am terribly afraid I am going to fail the driving test. We have to parallel park here for the test. Stacy - Original Message - From: Lori Michaelson To: Quad Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 5:15 PM Subject: RE: [QUAD-L] Buying a van From: Eric W RuddI love my http://www.entervan.com That's what I have too. With a 10# drop floor. It's a '98 and is payed off! Before that I had 3 full-size vans. Waiting on the lifts in very hot or very cold weather is an annoyance so thought I'd try a min-van. Much faster in and out. My complaint is that my neck back are hypersensitive and the drop floor puts my nearly on the ground .. hence I feel every bump, bounce and wobble. In my last full-size Ford Econoline I had a 6# drop floor but the big vans seemed so big bulky (good for room though). I too am a passenger and no matter how careful the driver ... my sensitivity feels stuff. My way away from that was moving here to Tucson. The roads here feel like glass compared to the shitty pot-holed, highway separation bumps and just rotten roads in the northeast. When there I rarely went out .. the road rides were too painful. Unlike here . ... smoth sailing! Lori
