Ready to hit the road?
Here’s some things you should check on your handicapped van before a road trip!
Getting ready for a big summer road trip? Just like with any big road trip, you’ll need to get your vehicle ready, but did you know that there are some additional items to check with a handicapped van?
While planning your trip, make sure you do the following things to help ensure that your trip goes smoothly, and you are prepared for all contingencies!
- Before the big trip, make sure your lower door tracks are free of debris. Use a vacuum along the tracks to ensure that it is clean. If you can, get a travel vacuum to take along so you can keep up with any dust or dirt that might fall into the tracks.
- Tighten your 6 way power seat and ensure it is clean and clear of any debris using the vacuum to clean it as well.
- Make sure all of your road trip supplies are clear of your lower door tracks and cannot fall into the pathway.
- Check your tie downs and securements for rips. Also, make sure they are clear of debris.
- Using a teflon based lubricant, spray it on your van’s ramp to make sure that it slides easily. Ensure that you spray all hinges (the floor ramps have one hinge; fold down ramps have upper and lower hinges). Also, be sure to lubricate your kneeling chain and hand controls if you have them in your van.
- Let us help, if breakdown occurs away from home! It is important to let your NMEDA Certified Dealer know when you run into trouble on the road because they keep a detailed history of your vehicle. They can direct you to the best local handicapped, van repair shop and communicate with the shop about your vehicle’s history. This will help get you back on the road faster.
- Familiarize yourself with your handicapped van backup systems; your local mobility dealer can help you with this if you are unsure as to how your backup systems work. Rarely a part will fail; knowing the backup systems that operate the sliding doors, ramp and kneeling systems will help you better handle the situation, should it happen.
It is important to us here at Advanced Driving Systems to ensure you have a safe, fun and memorable road trip. We will gladly check off the list above for you. We look forward to helping you prepare for your trip!
