D4 Wheelchair Conversion

[letherm]

Hi.

Does anyone know whether a D4 can be made wheelchair compatible? I was looking at whether it's possible to change the rear to allow a wheelchair ramp etc to seat my wife in her wheelchair. Same as a disabled taxi basically that lowers and extend a ramp and you wheel the chair and person into it and they ride there.

Martin

[BMKal]

Somehow I think you will find that the rear floor is much too high in the Discovery for this conversion. All that i have seen have been in vans / people movers etc with a much lower floor than the back of a Disco.

I'd suggest you contact someone like Wheelchair Access Vehicle Conversion, Ramp, Disability Vans and see if they can offer any advice.

Best of luck.

[Epic_Dragon]

What kind of wheelchair does your wife use? A manual one or a powerchair? I have a discovery 2 and am in a wheelchair. It's about to have hand controls and lifter fitted. I have both manual wheelchair and powerchair. Cannot remain seated in either in the vehicle but my powerchair actually does fit in the boot. Whilst there is not enough room for your wife to remain seated in her wheelchair, there are a huge range of options available to lift powerchairs in, and even manual chairs. As well as hoists that will lift your wife into the vehicle, or seats that come out and meet her at equal level to her wheelchair for transfers. I have seen a Hyundai excel which has extensive modifications and extensions done to its roof to allow its owner and driver wheelchair access.
Hope this helps

[letherm]

Thanks guys.

I appreciate the feedback. Probably clutching at straws hoping I can convert the D4 but I want to keep it if it's possible. Not sure I can afford to buy another vehicle on a pension. I may have to down trade unfortunately as she is finding it more and more difficult to transfer from the wheelchair into the D4. I already drop it bump stops using the GAPIID tool.

Martin

[Epic_Dragon]

Thanks guys.

I appreciate the feedback. Probably clutching at straws hoping I can convert the D4 but I want to keep it if it's possible. Not sure I can afford to buy another vehicle on a pension. I may have to down trade unfortunately as she is finding it more and more difficult to transfer from the wheelchair into the D4. I already drop it bump stops using the GAPIID tool.

Martin

Before changing cars, look into the hoist options to transfer. Not sure how old your wife is but if under 65, look into NDIS as they fund the modifications. Hopefully changes soon so over 65s can access it though as its not fair to not be able to.

[letherm]

Thanks Epic_Dragon

We're both 69 but she's in NDIS already. An engineer is coming soon to look at structural soundness of the ceiling as we have a request in for an overhead hoist at the moment to help her out of and into bed. Our support co-ordinator mentioned that this company do things like car mods. I'll look at the options you suggested. Could be the solution I'm after.

Martin

[Epic_Dragon]

I am glad you are already on ndis! He's in SA but Brad from Williams OT is the guru on all things car highly recommend having a chat with him (he's a specialist with car mods for disability) And if ndis decline any of the mods you need, don't give up as together with Brad and my normal OT, we got my 20yo over 420000km car approved for mods (hand controls, lifter and tailgate conversion to have it all electronic)
So much is possible good luck to easier transfers and keeping your d4

Thanks Epic_Dragon

We're both 69 but she's in NDIS already. An engineer is coming soon to look at structural soundness of the ceiling as we have a request in for an overhead hoist at the moment to help her out of and into bed. Our support co-ordinator mentioned that this company do things like car mods. I'll look at the options you suggested. Could be the solution I'm after.

Martin