Accessibility modifications have been made to full-size vans for years. To allow for maximum entry height and headroom, these vans most often have lowered floors and raised roofs. Doors are raised in conjunction with the roof to enable a wheelchair user to enter the vehicle without having to bend over or tilt back. This additional height provides 56" to 64" of clear entry. Floors are lowered for the same reasons. The difference here is that you can often pick up the additional height without having to raise the roof or doors. Lowered floors work great in situations where you would like to garage the vehicle and a raised roof would make the vehicle too high. In comparison to Chrysler's most popular minivan conversion, lowered floors in the Ford E-series vans add up to four more inches of interior headroom and doorway clearance. Also, a lowered floor can be used in conjunction with a raised roof and doors for a very tall individual. Weight-carrying capacity is also another distinct benefit to full-size vans. While a Dodge Grand Caravan can carry up to 1,230 pounds, a full-size Ford can hold up to 3,448 pounds. Consider equipment . . . passengers . . . the weight of your wheelchair . . . it all adds up. The Ford full-sized E-Van is the most extensively converted full-size van in the industry. Lifts can either be installed in the rear or the side of the vehicle, and are either stowed inside the van or underneath the van. Nor-Cal Mobility, Inc. can provide a lowered floor in the mid-passenger, front passenger and driver areas. Lowered floors measuring anywhere from 6" to 9" are possible. For larger or taller clients and those seeking more weight-carrying capacity, greater interior room for both people and cargo and better ground clearance from their accessible vehicle, a full-size van is the only way to go. The cost of adapting a full-size van ranges from $6,000 to $15,000 for a simple lift and tie-downs to upwards of $30,000 with a raised roof and doors or a lowered floor and other significant modifications. There is a ton of room in these vans, and the weight-carrying capacity is significantly higher than in a minivan, so you can pretty much bring along whatever and whomever you want. But size is also its downfall -- not everyone wants to drive a large van and with gas prices increasing daily it seems, the cost of owning this vehicle is more expensive over time. Garaging may be an issue, depending on your home. Click here to continue to Full-Size Van Technical Information