Wheelchair accessible campervan with full bathroom and self levelling van! |VANLIFE|

I meet with my friend Margaret, a fellow Canadian and wheelchair user to tour her new wheelchair accessible campervan. Highlights of her build include a fully accessible bathroom with a dry toilet and a self-levelling system for the van!
My Instagram : keepinitwheel306
My story: • I woke up paralyzed fr...
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#vanlife #wheelchair #homeonwheels #disability #disabledtravel #solofemalevanlife #solofemaletraveler #travel #wheelchairtravel #accessibility #accessibletravel #adaptivesports #sports #adventure #adventures #snowbird #offgrid

[@stevebrendap9600]

"So tired of traveling to a hotel that not as Billed" So very true.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Ooof…isn’t this true? Or airlines that don’t treat those with mobility issues well? Vanlife solves it all!

[@PracticallyCreative]

I was thinking the same thing. I have mobility issues due to arthritis. While I "can" do stairs, it leaves me wiped out for days afterward. It is super frustrating to find out that ADA Compliant only means that the bathroom door is wider, but there is no elevator or someone to help carry bags up the stairs.

[@bethsuter4637]

I did window treatments for JCPenney and I have a fix for your front cab shades: make them roman shades; they pull-up with cords. Let PULLEYS do the mechanical overhead work. Inside a roman shade headrail (also cellular shade, wood blind, etc.) two or more cords are tidily managed, through pulleys. Cord management: -Through the headrail, you release (left and right) vertical lift-cords to raise the shades from bottom to top. -One long headrail can manage three separate shades. -Search “roman shade tape with attached rings.” Essentially small rings are attached to the back of the curtain, through which the vertical lift cords are channeled. In fact, if you made the cord were long enough, you wouldn’t even have to raise your arms to operate the lifting action.

[@camillaholst7321]

I l-o-v-e this ❤ Thank you so much for sharing. This just proves that vanlife is for everybody!! Stay safe & happy.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Agreed! Thanks for tuning in!

[@pjaypender1009]

Really? I can't drive. How would van life look for me? Or is "everybody" kind of an exaggeration?

[@elizabethcarrington5819]

She should show the blinds company this video of her trying to roll them back up so they can improve the fastening mechanism to make it easier. ❤. Amazing video to see 2 independent women in an accessible van discuss the ins and outs of van life. It makes the videos of other van lifers pale in comparison. Talk about inspiring! After watching your videos and subscribing to your channel I feel more inspired to get out and do more. No excuses.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Margaret has actually been practicing her technique on rolling up the blinds with a grabber and she is a pro now…I knew she’d find a way!! I’m just working on a video that shows some of the barriers I face on the road, so I’m glad you subscribed and won’t miss it! Thanks for finding my channel :)

[@mistycunningham6772]

Awsome video we the Nomad community needed a video like this...

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kathleendanley8508]

You ladies are absolutely amazing! As is Margaret’s van. I so appreciate your sharing!!❤❤❤

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Our pleasure!

[@rachadventuresinliv]

Extremely well tough out design. Most beautiful hotel on wheels.

[@Brylj75]

I'm a new amputee and have been interested in van life. This video has been an eye opener for me and thanks for sharing

[@christinaholligan8299]

There are shades that can automatically be raised up and down with the push of a button. I know my daughter had some in her house

[@Tam.I.am.]

I'm an autistic woman who was trained from early childhood to pick things up for a dad with a bad back, so when Margaret was struggling with the curtains, I was rocking because I couldn't offer to help. I know I would have probably just insulted her, but habits are strong for me. I've been sitting here admiring. Margaret is much more able than me (though I don't count myself as very disabled), and a LOT braver. Also, Margaret, I really like your dress.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

I was also feeling very “twitchy” while I was watching her try to roll them up, it’s our inherent nature to want to help. I’m glad to report she has been practicing rolling up the dividers since the video and it’s no longer a struggle! I knew she would figure out a way 🙌

[@Tam.I.am.]

@@Keepinitwheel306 W00t! I'm glad to hear that. 🙌

[@Nurturing2]

You’re so thoughtful❣️

[@lestathecat]

Wow I’m stunned the van is amazing xx I would like a lot of those features for the shower and kitchen parts. I may need a scooter or mobility aid in the future and would love a van xx

[@user-bg3bf7oi2k]

Wow, what a great build. Thanks for posting this!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thanks for watching!

[@dawnsmith4275]

Beautiful van! I'm glad Margaret found an outfitter to build to her needs and most of the set up works for her. I was thinking the same as the comment below regarding using some kind of string system to pull the partition up - though I imagine string would not be accessible for Margaret; maybe some type of roller in the bottom of the partition pieces that would work the magnets ...??? Thank you for sharing this van and how it works for Margaret, I think it's important for able bodied people to learn about the challenges faced by people whose bodies don't work in a typical way. It's difficult enough to manage unlevel surfaces on feet, I can't imagine trying to navigate that on wheels! Kudos to you and all the extraordinarily brave and strong women out there facing unusual challenges every day! Safe travels!!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thanks so much for commenting! I am happy to report that since the video Margaret has perfected her roll-up technique using a reacher to hold the fabric while she does the latch. I knew she would find success!

[@3veningStar]

I've been researching van life and being disabled for a while now. Years. Outside of Nicholette and Brian I haven't seen anyone else with indepth until y'all with this video. O.o

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Awesome to hear! My channel is a bit different since it shows how things can be done independently. Feel free to scope out my older videos!

[@michaelstgeorge2185]

Cool build, thanks for sharing it with us. I'll reach out to you when my accessible van is complete, you're welcome to make a video about it. Your build gave me some hope when I was laying in a hospital bed, hopefully I can do the same for someone.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Sounds great!

[@stephenrogers9664]

That’s an absolute incredible setup, & some of the things are very smart design. Well done enjoy your adventure 👍👍

[@PlantbasedSilvi]

Ineresting, is your Van finish? Please show, it give not much Van for wheelchair

[@LaraSatoriHarris]

I appreciate the storage solution for the Lagun table! It's just what I need to do. The bedspread adds the perfect pop of color, and I LOVE Margaret's dress!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Maybe I’ll do a fashion video…it’ll have to be all special guests cause I definitely just live in yoga pants jaha

[@debrawinston5065]

Beautiful Queen I had a stroke but 2 u still living life thank you from Richmond va New subscribers

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Welcome!!

[@emilyj2358]

Maybe Mrs. Margaret could try a Motorized Projector Screen or Smart blinds system as an alternative to the magnetic curtains. Good luck, and thank you for sharing your build.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

She has found a way to roll the curtains, it just took some practice. Sometimes simpler is better, less to be d to break :)

[@Kathiewinkle]

I like your pink dress Margaret and your van is gorgeous! Great job with the tour !

[@valariedemello745]

Thank you for the video. I've developed some balance and walking problems and was worried that I could not travel around the county by using a van or trailer. Thank you so much for giving me hope and encouragement by sharing your story.

[@kwadgirl]

Do it!!!

[@zanthornton]

Finally found y'all! I use wheelchair (sci) so I'm looking to build bcuz can't afford newmar a the only really accessible RV. Appreciate yall

[@TamaraLemmon-nd7xg]

I am in wheelchair in a minivan. About to be full time.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Yes great job and props for making a minivan work! I did SUV life before the van and it takes even more ingenuity in a small space like yours so 🙌🙌 to you.

[@denisgauthier3375]

2 very impressive women 👍 and beautiful van. ✌️

[@accesstrax]

So cool, thanks for sharing!!!

[@konradkurzlechner]

Top camper i live this.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

It’s a beauty

[@dreamingmusicgal]

Look forward to seeing your van tour.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

It’s posted, if you haven’t viewed it yet, go for it!

[@amelia50560]

thank you

[@lorenworthington8739]

Nice job, ladies.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thanks Loren, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lifecombing]

Make the curtains in Roman Blinds.

[@PapaCriss]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are so Awesome! I'm the lone caregiver to my bride who has early-onset Alzheimer's and like most autoimmune diseases it shrinks your world down to the size of a couple of rooms. We get outside but the public world is not built to accommodate the two of us in terms of meeting her needs. I'm designing a skoolie (I'm 6'4" 250 and I need the space) but have been stuck on a few of the design elements. I think you just solved them for me and yes, Subscribe and Like were the very first things I did. Looking forward to your next video.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

So glad you stumbled on my channel! I’ve got a few videos up that show other features in my van and Tiny Home Tours just uploaded a van tour too so you can see it here and maybe it’ll give even more ideas : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIqyXoafmd1oqdksi=zcSqYYhrmo7K5xLs

[@PapaCriss]

@@Keepinitwheel306 You are truly an amazing human being and I love the buildout of your van. Using a standing desk actuator is completely brilliant! I spent hours designing various versions of lifts that could accommodate the 4 foot rise to the deck of the bus and allow me to have only one entrance instead of the two that are normally found on the side of a handicap bus. Now, thanks to you, I'm just going to buy a super arm when the time comes. I may need to do some modifications but that's what welders, grinders and a Rube Goldberg mindset are for. 🤣 Also, the recessed drawer handles make perfect sense. I probably wouldn't have thought about them until the regular ones interfered with my brides chair. You are a wealth of knowledge. Thank you.

[@juliahanson7499]

I'm starting a cargo trailer build-out and this helps me trouble shoot for possible future wheel chair accessibility.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Right on! Enjoy the build process :)

[@brendahone2509]

Thank you for sharing!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

My pleasure!

[@revyred8679]

Wow just found your channel...this is just awesome. Thank you for sharing.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Glad you stumbled here…😀

[@user-lg1gj3li9j]

Very new to amputee life but I still desire to travel. The added e pension of everything I will need to convert is just slightly more than I thought based on my particular needs, I'm still looking at h hefty chunk of cash to lay out b4 I could even drive it. Getting the drivers seat fi Ed to swivel has been the hardest part to get past inspection!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Oh I hope you get on the road soon!

[@Thehonestruth]

Margaret I would have had a bloody tantrum and ripped the blind off the attachment and thrown it out the door!! Great van. Happy travels 😊

[@btcp.t.aideprogram4304]

Great video , enjoy your travels!

[@gracecallowayable]

Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

[@bromadiclifeadventures1470]

#awesomeness

[@sonyacarmichael8146]

❤

[@andrewmedley]

This so cool as Wheelchair user myself

[@wonkywade]

Love this whole tour! Thanks for sharing

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thanks for stopping by! I’m glad you enjoyed it :)

[@traveldreamer4616]

What a beautiful van! I like your galley table and accessible restroom. Well done. I noticed the AC (a plus), but what system does Margaret use for heating? Thanks for sharing. I’m in a power chair and will see a full-size van in my near future.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

She has a diesel heater that connects to the tank on her vehicle. They’re very efficient and I have one too. Love it!

[@143Chelley_Chelle]

I am so inspired and happy for both of you. May God keep blessing and keeping both of you.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thank you so much!

[@barbarafuhrman7395]

Yup everyone loves adventrue ❤❤❤

[@Keepinitwheel306]

You’ve come to the right channel then 😉

[@sunshine3914]

I want it all… except for the wheelchair! Love that color of flannel shirt & the view from your window… or is that a screensaver?

[@Keepinitwheel306]

That was my view in the desert today!! I didn’t even realize it was framed until I watched the outro I shot

[@claudiateresasperanza6042]

Hacen que me sienta muy orgullosa de ustedes sigan así grandiosas

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Gracias

[@siatelecomsltdLondon]

A couple of days ago a very, very casual thought passed through my mind. I was thinking, "I wonder if there are people out there with disabilities who live the van life!" Look what shows up in my feed. 👍👍 Unfortunately for me I am not allowed to drive because I am too short sighted.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

The KZbin algorithm knows what’s up! 😂 Margaret touched upon who freeing an accessible van is - now we are able to visit friends at their inaccessible home but we have all we need in our vans. Total game changer! I hope you find something that brings you joy like Margaret and I did with Vanlife.

[@kwadgirl]

Thanks! I actually do have a rolling tray under the bed, accessed from the back. Regarding the shelf storage, I expressly asked for high adjustable shelving and the lip on each shelf makes a pull out unfeasible. I don’t have a difficult time pulling out the bins, but would have an infinitely more difficult time if the bins garage sales all over the floor on the occasion that a door latch did t catch before I headed out on the road. I’m close to perfect, but not quite😘

[@PlantbasedSilvi]

Do you also have a van that is wheelchair accessible? Do you have a canal? It would be really great if we could show everyone our wheelchair-accessible vans so that everyone can get ideas. You don't have to show yourself, just film your van from the inside.

[@dreamingmusicgal]

Such a great way she has her van setup for wheelchair use. It was sad knowing how much she has to struggles with the shades. I wonder if there is a way they could attach it to a mini blind type track situation with a pull string to make it 100% more easy to open and drop down. Blessings! Sherry

[@kwadgirl]

Hey there! It was important for me to show that not everything is awesome and easy in van life. It allows people to make a decision for themselves. That said, the drawstring thing doesn’t appeal to me for a thermal shade, AND…I have improved my technique to get the covers up/down. As a quad I expect all things new to me to take time to master.

[@dreamingmusicgal]

@@kwadgirl I hope you didn't take my post or question as a negative because I didn't mean for it to be by no means. I was just a wonder if something like that would be easier maybe not for you but maybe someone else. I commend you for wanting to try to do hard thing or that the least give it your all we should all do that. I am disabled myself. I'm not in a wheelchair but I do depend on walking aids and a scooter and need easier things to help with reach and opening some things so I try to always think outside of a box more so. All in all I'm so happy you have got it where you can do your shades better. And I do love your rig and setup. Blessings! Sherry

[@kwadgirl]

Hey no worries! Everyone has to choose what makes the most sense for them and your comments and my choices give everyone the best chance at making an informed choice.

[@dreamingmusicgal]

@@kwadgirl Again sorry for not understanding me! I'll politely not post anymore comments. I wish you nothing but safe travels. I love her channel and her vibe but as a 61.5 year old I've learned not everyone can text for understand as they do in person.

[@cannkotlarz621]

Blinds, what about having remote control added, I have seen them on other videos.

[@janiceknight1035]

Nice build… wonder if there’s a partition that’s automatic roll up for the privacy up front

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Sometimes simpler is better…those automatic things seems to break a lot! And since the video Margaret has perfected her roll-up technique using a reacher to hold the fabric while she does the latch. I knew she would find success!

[@MidNiteBlueRose9]

You did such a wonderful job making your van your own! I love seeing how people adapt their home to their wants and needs. I hope the magnet issue gets resolved. I think my favorite part for myself was your counter being able to come down; absolutely brilliant! So you ever swing with your lift or is that a big no no?

[@Keepinitwheel306]

I have the same lift and I don’t like the swinging feeling, makes me think I’ll tip! I do hang a hammock off it though and that’s fun to swing :)

[@Keepinitwheel306]

The flip up counter is my favorite too! Margaret knocked it out of the park with that idea

[@MidNiteBlueRose9]

I think that I would absolutely love using a hammock with it!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

@@MidNiteBlueRose9 kzbin.info4anAFNqRo2U?si=JKYHER0JV11Z5bvt

[@PlantbasedSilvi]

First of all, congratulations for 2 fantastic van. ❤❤❤May I ask you ( how Magret) how wide it is at the back of the bed, I can't imagine how you get into the bed, can you drive up to the side? If you can only drive up from the front, how do you get into the bed? Because the space for 2 wardrobes is really great. May I ask how long and wide your interior is? Is it a Mercedes, what is the overall length? Another tip on menopause, soy definitely helps and is also good against breast cancer, as I don't like soybeans, I puree them and season them with yeast flakes and spices of my choice and use them as a sauce over vegetables or potatoes. 0.5 tsp black cumin seeds against menopausal symptoms. Also fennel seeds and fenugreek 1/2 tsp helps against early symptoms of MENOPAUSE. Simply enter nutritions and facts together in the search engine and you will find all the information you need. I would be delighted if you would reply, we are all in the same boat Best regards from Europe

[@crackerbuchanan]

Hi. I have an incomplete c4c5 and love this. I have a 2500 ram promaster I’m looking to upfit. That’s the toilet I have been researching. How is the smell factor.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Margaret says there has been it been a smell at all! And she has gone over a month without emptying it

[@morgancalvi6675]

You're supposed to have a subfloor and then a floor. The definition of a sub floor is a floor under another one but not the permanent one you walk on. Just a suggestion for storage Margaret...you could work the clothes bins a LOT easier of they were on rolling shelves...same with the under the bed storage. You could have under the bd storage if things rolled out...and then reachers to make it so you wouldn't''t have to bend.

[@3veningStar]

Being another person who has difficulty bending and reaching ...even the way you said you think it should be....I can tell you it doesn't work the same for every single person that's disabled. She knows what she's capable of. She knows her limits. She knows her reach with and without aides. Im pretty sure she's tried several versions like you've commented. She's probably done something like that... Multiple versions. And found its not viable. She's a C 16 I think she said. That's not very stable in leaning over. I'm L 5 S 1 and I fall out. She's doing the best and safest things she can.

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@3veningStar really? Really? Wow 😳....Um, I don't recall my post asking for some stranger to patrionize me. Think about that.

[@spencerarnold6024]

This is great! Any info on that fold up/away toilet seat? I think I have seen a video of Margaret in her home showing it off as well.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Margaret gave me the toilet info, it’s: www.versabledesigns.com/product-page/toilet-transfer-bench-443-nw-padded-white

[@spencerarnold6024]

Thanks! @@Keepinitwheel306

[@drduncan66]

nice build - what builder did she use

[@Keepinitwheel306]

True North Campervans in Calgary

[@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm]

Soon as I saw the induction cook top I knew there had to be powerful batteries/ inverters/etc in there. Then of course needed power for the lift. So, how many amp hours do you both have?

[@Keepinitwheel306]

I only have 200aH lithium and a 2000watt inverter. I think Margaret has 600ah or maybe even 800? I’m going to upgrade to 400 next year. The wheelchair lift runs off the car battery

[@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm]

@@Keepinitwheel306 and no problems with draining front battery??

[@Keepinitwheel306]

@@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm my vehicle battery has been fine. I’ve definitely drained my house battery when I was just learning it’s capacity. And if it’s a cloudy day or two I’ll set up my propane camp stove to conserve energy.

[@zanthornton]

Can you link the toilet flush stuff

[@P100KLE]

Cracking setup.. if only stuff didn’t cost so much

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Aint that the truth…and the subject of my next video

[@P100KLE]

@@Keepinitwheel306 it’s like you get that bit of hope that finally you can do something safely and accessible..but then the rug is pulled from you when seeing the price… Specially for the working class type of folk.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

@@P100KLEI agree. Friends and I call it disability tax. Thank goodness there are some organizations out there that help out with the price of modifications.

[@teacheringa96]

What company did the modifications for Margeret's van?

[@Keepinitwheel306]

True North in Calgary

[@MikeGradyPDX]

Where can I get a crane lift like Margaret has for her van door? I really need one?

[@Keepinitwheel306]

It's called a Superarm lift, you should be able to google it and the seller might know someone near you who can install one for you

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Be warned though, they’re very expensive! I share the cost in my latest video.

[@crackerbuchanan]

What company did the upfit

[@Keepinitwheel306]

True North Campervans in Calgary

[@morgancalvi6675]

Why don't you just hold the dividers up with a reacher and use that to push to the magnet to shut them?

[@kwadgirl]

Haha. Since this video I have actually done that exact thing.

[@morgancalvi6675]

​@@kwadgirl wow, great minds must think think a like :).

[@zanthornton]

LMAO re hot and angry! I'm post menopausal I understand

[@lonnalockhart8140]

Please reach out to me. I want to know how to get started on building my custom van. I’m T9 injury female want to know the cost. I don’t know if I need to leave my email or what. First time I’ve ever commented. Hopefully you’ll find me.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

The cost completely depends on what kind of vehicle you choose and how fancy you make the build. I did a video that shows the cost to make my van accessible but you don’t have to use the same methods I did. I suggest reaching out to a van conversion company near you

[@Zeldagirl64]

Nice to see travel for a disabled person, I am limited in movement, but some of this van’s functionality is not so functional just saying lol

[@Keepinitwheel306]

It works for Margaret and that’s all that matters!

[@cannkotlarz621]

Seems like she has it figured out for her use, nothing perfect, but perfect for her.

[@exoticbeautyblisssimpson8430]

👏👏👏

[@hassanmarso]

❤