Overcoming Limits: Wheelchair Accessible Van Build for Disabled Veteran Van Life

[@JonniesJourney]

What an incredible build. Literally thought of everything. Can only imagine all the adventures that are possible for him because of the attention to detail and meeting his needs. Very impressed.

[@barnswallowtinyhomes2990]

That wheelchair lift system is really awesome. The fact that you thought to emergency parallel the battery banks in case of the lift battery dying is thoughtful. Those sorts of details matter. We love what you guys did with this! I learned so much about what a wheelchair campervan should have from watching this tour. Wireless switch senders are something we look forward to integrating in our builds. Much respect!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks! It's a really important part of the build.

[@Chereese0808]

Wow this is very nice. I have to use a wheelchair as well. This is so impressive. It makes me happy knowing a disabled vet is able to enjoy life to his fullest capacity. Genius build. Trophy deserved. 🏆 Thanks for the incredible tour. ✌️🇺🇸

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

So happy you found this

[@jerseyboy8017]

My daughter is in power wheelchair and I appreciate the effort here. Seems like a good build for someone in light weight manual chair with good upper body strength. Beyond that not very practical to use the rear folding ramp with any regularity. Certainly not around town. Not throwing shade just commenting from perspective of family with nearly 20 years wheelchair van use. We have the 2023 Winnebago Roam which has been great so far. (Not cheap and not designed for serious off-road use.). A side mounted lift is practical for both camping and around town. Happy travels to all.

[@mariajhanley5172]

Very thoughtful design. Being disabled myself scares me away from van life but this gives me hope. Thank you for your service, Thomas, and blessings on your journeys.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

It's important to be able to live your dreams!

[@bellevue260]

Would love to see the RV industry expand wheelchair accessibility. Winnebago seems to be the only one with the roam, but it looks like the inspire is not available anymore. Would love to see on a class C. Glad small guys like this guy are working with people.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

It's definitely a much-needed improvement!

[@florasonners1635]

The hoist design opens doors for a lot of disabled people to travel. I like how the bed design matches the over all decor.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

It was really important to make sure it was easy to use and stylish!

[@fiberboss2255]

Excellent work, attention to detail is evident throughout this van, color scheme is perfect, I especially liked the cabinet builds with sliding doors, all 80 20 aluminum bones, the bed frame layout, it is a treasure box full of ideas, thank Patrick ,

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much, they put a lot of effort into that van!

[@maggiebrattoli383]

Fantastic van for Thomas. I hope he has great adventures.

[@JB-eg1tb]

Simple and purposeful built accessible van! Would appreciate seeing more such as this.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

I appreciate your feedback!

[@rod8073]

Awesome! I didn’t recognize it when Nick had it in the shop doing upgrades! 🤣 The can is loaded with everything he needs! Great attention to detail.

[@sgw3612]

Gorgeous home. Thanks for sharing the build.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

We’re glad you enjoyed the tour!

[@dawnfaulkner7388]

I really appreciated seeing this van builder's creation. Much respect for his ingenious ideas!!! Thank you Patric for sharing his build❤

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

You are most welcome!

[@leonardcroft1467]

Thanks Patrick Very Nice Build 👍

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@okwrite7120]

This is a very thoughtful build.

[@ekdaufin1485]

Wow Patrick your hand is AMAZINGLY steady!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Glad you noticed the details

[@Thomas-dz4eg]

Finally a accessible RV!!!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Yes 🙌

[@lindar6151]

This is an incredible build!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Happy you like it

[@joec4871]

Wow! That is a very nice build. And as a vet I have a special place in my heart for disabled veterans. It was thought out very well and custom while allowing him to do things himself thereby allowing him to maintain his independence. I saw the batteries with over 1200 watt hours each. Good job Patrick!

[@lindamartin2045]

Guys, amazing build❤❤❤😊😊❤❤❤Thomas, happy and safe travels😂😂😂❤❤😂😂😂

[@manichau-o4q]

WOW.. awesome van built !!

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

I know, right?!

[@H37P5kY57]

My BFF is a little person along with ostogenisis imperfecta. I think he would love his van as his daily driver, except find parking spaces is a different issue. He probably would need the drivers seat to be all electric as well he's tiny. Heck I'd love to buy this van and then when I pass he gets this.

[@teresacasto8292]

Blessings to you, Thomas. Thank you for your service.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

We appreciate the support!

[@ejo5294]

Very cool. Hopefully he starts a youtube channel so we can see how he lives in it

[@robbblair6289]

The details, the look, this is awesome! Love everything about this build. You can tell they put alot of love into this build. Good to see a Marine ready to continue to enjoy the great out doors. You guys really knocked this one out of the park.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@sharonedwards7619]

You had mentioned that you had to use a shorter van length for a handicap or wheelchair? Why? Some vans have a choice of 3 different lengths. Why not one a bit longer? Really nice design. My younger brother was wheelchair bound. He would have loved that van !!

[@thomas-ms6st]

I chose the mid length so that I can just be long enough for handicap parking..any longer you have Karens calling the police cause im sticking outside the parking spot..trust me its happened when I had a wheelchair carrier on the bk of the trailer hitch

[@LisydelValle]

Pensé que iba a tener un pequeño baño.

[@conniewaite1371]

Great design! Finally bringing wheelchairs into the 21st century. Or is it 22nd century?lol

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Both!

[@horizon42q]

This is amazing one. Very cool.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

So good 😊

[@leatherhouselegacy7032]

its a good build.but so many improvement that he could do.time by time.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Yes! Much needed and desired!

[@scrapdaddysgarage5027]

Awesome Van! Semper Fi

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks for watching and for your service!

[@thomas-ms6st]

oooh rah. semper fi devildog

[@franflannery8711]

Terrific

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks Fran

[@pattistuber8018]

Does the man in the wheelchair have someone with him at all times? Because pulling the Murphy bed down could still be difficult for him.

[@thomas-ms6st]

no we built it to where all I need is one hand to raise and lower the bed frame..it is very lite

[@robertarmstrong2049]

I converted a Promaster to a handicap van, the problem is the rear is higher than the front what can you do for me? thanks Robert

[@pinkladybikermamma3603]

WHERE CAN WE GET THOSE HAND CONTROLS THAT HE PUT ON HIS VAN?

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Great question

[@thomas-ms6st]

they are from Mobilityworks I don't know the model

[@lorenworthington8739]

Curious what/why you added the victron when the redarc would seem to handle all the power sources.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

Dissimilar sized panels call for a 2nd controller

[@MichaelMcTheny]

Amazing

[@SurfingFLA]

Not to take away from this excellent design however, I think the cat's ass would be the ability to roll some type of specialized powered wheelchair right up to the driver's position, and of course safely lock it into place, and operate the van directly from the wheelchair. If this could be accomplished, a private aircraft using the same methods of entering and egressing via a rear tailgate ramp and piloting it would be another great way to give more mobility to paraplegics.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

I appreciate your innovative ideas and the need to offer more freedom to all!

[@88Kidlat]

❤❤❤

[@karencastle6002]

Where do clothes and any medical supplies go?

[@thomas-ms6st]

I have my clothes in bags that I hang up on the bk 80/20 bar

[@seasons24-w3s]

If he is alone, who will close the front door once the seat is swiveled facing the back of the van? Hmmm

[@thomas-ms6st]

ford have a auto closing feature..the door is electric

[@enidshear2847]

Sprinkled

[@ekdaufin1485]

So he has to close that driver’s side door from the outside.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

No

[@seasons24-w3s]

That's my observation, too. Otherwise, no way he can close the door from the inside after the chair is swiveled

[@buickinvicta288]

Semper fi Thomas.🫡 🇺🇸 Wishing you all the best with your awesome van. ❤ Godspeed.

[@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures]

We appreciate your support!

[@thomas-ms6st]

thank u and semper fi devildog