Inspecting a Mobility Van's Condition Before Purchasing It

Whenever you are purchasing a used vehicle, it's important to inspect the condition of the vehicle. However, with a mobility fan, this is especially important. The vehicle has been structurally modified to make it suitable for being accessed by a wheelchair, so you should check to ensure it's secure enough for you and your family. Here are some things to look for when considering a mobility van for sale. 

Inspect the Body and Frame

Inspect the frame, especially if the mobility van comes from an area that saw a lot of snow or has salty air. Areas that get a lot of snow will often have salt spread on the roads. This can contribute to corrosion for the vehicle and may affect the structural integrity of the vehicle. The undercarriage area is the part that is the most likely to be exposed to salt. There are certain components you should especially pay attention to including the:

• Frame rails
• Subframes
• Suspension components
• Brakes
• Engine

Fortunately, you can have a mechanic inspect your mobility van to make sure that everything is in place and in good working order. Some mechanics specialize in vans designed to be wheelchair accessible.

If you are concerned with the state of the mobility van, you can purchase a used vehicle from an accredited seller. There are several organizations dedicated to making sure that mobility vans meet the right standards.

Understand the Changes Made to a Mobility Van

One of the biggest changes to a mobility van is that it has been modified to allow for the inclusion of a ramp. This allows the wheelchair to easily enter and exit the van. Other vans come with automatic lifts. 

Usually, the mobility van will have the floor lowered so that you can more easily tie the wheelchair down and make adjustments. A lowered floor also makes it easier to improve the comfort of the wheelchair user. A mobility van needs to be large enough to take into consideration all of the equipment you'll need to bring with you. For example, you may also require oxygen tanks.

Make Sure It Has All the Necessary Features

A mobility van should ideally have a backup camera. Due to the size of a van, you may have a difficult time seeing behind yourself and backing up. A backup camera will turn on automatically when the car goes in reverse so you can see behind your vehicle without relying on craning your neck. Once you know what to look for, you can confidently look for mobility vans for sale.