Disabled Explorers Sportsmobile 4wd Wheelchair Accessible Van Build

[DjDrewDigital]

Lance,That's very admirable whatt you are doing. Can't wait to see it.

I'm still on the hunt for a 4x4 wheelchair van. Hope to get something like what you're doing. I might take some ideas on the batteries and fridge from you.

[ujoint]

Lance,That's very admirable whatt you are doing. Can't wait to see it.

I'm still on the hunt for a 4x4 wheelchair van. Hope to get something like what you're doing. I might take some ideas on the batteries and fridge from you.

Check out www.thundersgarage.com. He has a site dedicated to 4x4 vans for sale. You may see something you like!

[1leglance]

Lance,That's very admirable whatt you are doing. Can't wait to see it.

I'm still on the hunt for a 4x4 wheelchair van. Hope to get something like what you're doing. I might take some ideas on the batteries and fridge from you.

Hey Drew,
I will be updating this thread with some of the design issues we up against and some of the balances we are having to strike. I would really like your commentary on things and please say it like it is. I can't promise it will be the perfect van (no droop floor, I can tell you that already) but I want something that will be useful to as many different types of mobility issues as possible.

I am at work but I will try to post more on things later tonight.

[1leglance]

I am starting a blog on the DE site to give some insight behind the scenes at things like this build, events, the website, various people we encounter and help and more that doesn't make it formally onto the site or into forum post.
Just click on the DE blog

[1leglance]

Another quick update for everyone.....
I will be driving out to Fresno from Phoenix next week to spend a couple of days at the SMB West factory, taking pics, helping to install a few things and generally hugging all the folks there who are working so hard on this project. Ok well maybe having a 1 leggeg guy hobble over to hug you isn't the best motivator but I will shake hands and say thanks alot

Still trying to work out something for racing style seats to give more upper body support, looking for tires, checking out solar panel options, crossing my fingers on a wheelchair lift sponsor (that puppy is $8000!), and a few more details. As always I am open to thoughts and suggestions from everyone.

Here is some of the best news so far, with the permission of these guys I will be offering up by passenger seat to a disabled veteran in November for a Baja Mexico trip.

One cool thing about Overland Training is that they don't just leave you hanging after your training is over. Graham has put together this Alumni Trip for 6 days down into Baja. I asked if I could use my passenger seat in the new WAVE (remember Wheelchair Accessible Van for Expeditions) to give some newly disabled veteran a chance to experience the independance of backcountry travel is such a self contained rig. Well Graham agreed so now I am reaching out to Wounded Warrior for their help in selecting applicants for the trips.
SEMA will be fun and it is an important venue for the sponsors, but this Baja trip is the entire reason for building the rig and getting someone in it and maybe even behind the wheel will make all the overtime I am putting in at the hospital worth every minute.

Another bit of news is that these guys like what we are doing:


You wouldn't think that oil, filters or fluids would be of special importance to the disabled community, but when you factor in how difficult to impossible a hike to help would be for someone in using crutches or in a wheelchair, well then it is easy to understand why quality fluids and filters can make a huge difference.

I am grateful to Amsoil for joining the project with one of their remote dual filter setups and all the fluids we need for this rig. Not only will oil changes be easier for me to do, but the extra filter will ensure that even with all our time spent in the harsh desert southwest the engine will keep ticking along smoothly.


Watch for more pics next week of the actual rig, my attempt to be more helpful than in the way and more news as the countdown continues to SEMA...ouch only 35 working days to go!

[TexGX]

Lance,

I am planning on stopping by Sportsmobile tomorrow. I will try and take some pic if I can.

TexGX

[1leglance]

Time to start showing pictures of the actual build and talk more about the bits going into the rig and the process behind the scenes. This project would have been near impossible without the help of everyone at Sportsmobile West and all the companies we are working with. Everyone is excited about the project and while SEMA will be a cool debut it will be the first disabled guy behind the wheel that will really make it all worthwhile (well the first after my 1 legged self).




When you arrive at the Sportsmobile West Factory it lightens your soul to see some of the rigs the guys in the shop drive. Nothing like knowing the guys building your rig also camp, wheel and explore. I was impressed talking with many of the guys about how much they dig their job, like the rigs they build and are not at all jealous of the folks that buy them. It was cool to hear the laughing in the background as that is a good sign of a quality crew.


Monday morning brought a gathering of the minds to make sure the project was on track and everyone knew about changes, progress and what parts were pending. It was cool to play fly on the wall and it made me feel better that my money was well spent. I figure since I am putting over 60% of the money into this project knowing SMB wants to get it right really helps me get through those overtime shifts.

[1leglance]

While the shop guys were meeting I was listening and poking my head around. I knew a van had the engine "right there" but you just can't believe it till you see it. This is one reason why investing in extra sound and heat shielding really pays off. Living in the desert southwest there is enough heat from the Sun without adding the engine and turbo to the mix.



It didn't take long for the real excitement to start. For the guys this is an everyday thing. Chopping a huge hole in the roof is just part of the job. For me this was the point of no return. This is why you have to pay for the van before the crazy stuff starts. I was impressed by the time they spent measuring and marking before they cut, even though they do it over and over again. I tried to think of any use for the old roof panels that would be fun and worth the trouble, but I couldn't so away they went.

[1leglance]

The side windows are measured and cut just like the roof. This is another area where you can make custom changes. Of course the SMB West guys have seen and tried it all so if they tell you something isn't a good idea, make sure you listen. They also think about things I didn't like light on the counter top, ventilation, dust entering, night time viewing from outside (peeping toms stuff) and more. My primary concern is that the drivers side large window provide a good view for someone who has to stay in their wheelchair secured in that location.


While work was going on topside I crawled under the rig to look at some of the 4wd parts and other goodies hidden away. The first thing you notice is the massive Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 front axle. This thing is solid and everything I have heard says it handles the SMB's weight without any trouble. Seeing the ARB locker air hose coming out of the top was a cool thing also. I can't wait to feel that puppy engage and get us out of a pickle. For me the best way out of a recovery situation is to not get stuck in the first place. By choosing high quality parts and things like a front locker I figure we are well on our way.



Speaking of ARB parts there are a few that are special order just for these rigs. The shocks are big and beefy which you would expect on a 9000lb + rig but the Dakar springs really impressed me. These were stacking up since SMB West has to order them custom made in large lots and the heavy duty design really seems to be working well over the years now. Having dealt with Gross Vehicle Weight overloading issues on my last rig I am glad to see such large, heavy parts going into this one.

[1leglance]

Another pile of parts that caught my eye was this stack of Transfer Flow custom tanks. I am grateful for the 46 gallon capacity and Transfer Flow has been around so long I don't have to worry about a cheap tank leaking or cracking in the field. One thing that struck me while looking at all the inventory SMB has to maintain either due to special order requirements or just to meet the variety they offer is that people don't think about all these things when they complain about the price of a Sportsmobile. Personally having owned a business in the past I know that the cost of the final product reflects more than what you see. Sure a guy in his driveway can build something cheaper, but he will usually take longer, have trouble sourcing the parts, have to change his plans to match either his skills or what he can find, risk injury, buy a ton of tools, maybe put up with a Home Owners Assoc or family that grows to hate the project and so much more. For me the planning was the most fun, and watching the guys work reminds me just how much of this I wouldn't have a clue how to do right. Watch for more updates from this trip to the factory soon.