Building a wheelchair accessible skoolie

[Disbus]

Originally Posted by -Fernweh-

I’ve been working on my bus “Further” for about half a year now! I’m getting the correct certification for right side hand controls..it was a hassle here in NC. I have been driving with left side hand controls for 12 years now and have rented cars in the past with right side hand controls but that’s not enough for the company that installs them: I had to take another evaluation for these right side ones but the evaluation place here in Asheville didn’t have a right side setup so I had to rent a car with right side just to take the test. Such a hassle but now I’m lined up with a professional install of hand controls so I’ll never get sued over improper hand control system, if I ever crashed. Just something to think about...and here in NC you have to install tie downs for your chair also so it’s not a flying projectile. All in all it’s a long process but I’m building my bus now anyways so not driving it. I’ll post some more info on my setup once it’s installed!

One Love One Bus!

Good stuff. We're slaves to our adaptive device industry and the insurance cartel is no better. Regulations and liability gone a'muck.

[peteg59]

Wow, that really sucks how much is involved in NC to get what you need to get back on the road!
Glad to hear you're making progress, albeit slower than what you probably want.

I hope that the hand control manufacturer is not making the decision to get tested prior to selling. If its the dealer/installer, there are others out there that might not require the testing?
I haven't purchased a fixed/installed hand control setup in 20 years, so that requirement might now be in place nationwide? Hopefully not...

[Disbus]

Ikea countertops cut to fit

[Disbus]

Love these wheels.

[rebapuck]

(message deleted)

[Versatile]

Any chance of using a swivel office chair instead of a wheelchair? That is what I use. Everyone is different.

[cowlitzcoach]

That is a lot of wheel and tire for a Blue Bird. Does the tire or wheel rub at 100% right or left cut?

[Disbus]

h
No rubbing whatsoever. Same tires as before but slightly wider wheel and the offset is different.

[Disbus]

No rubbing whatsoever. Same tires as before but slightly wider wheel and the offset is different.

[CorbettO]

I use a wheelchair and am planning 6" of knee clearance under my counter. How much did you allocate?

[CorbettO]

A few questions for DisBus. I use a wheelchair and just emptied a 2001 Bluebird All-American FE. Interior similar to yours but my lift is at front.
1. Do you use the lift by yourself? I had one of these before and never figured out a way to go in and out alone. Am looking at a small commercial crane with a small motor and straps. One advantage is that the drop zone is next to the bus.
2. Did you replace any windows? I can't get the factory installed ones open easily. Looking for alternatives.
Thanks

[Versatile]

Originally Posted by CorbettO

A few questions for DisBus. I use a wheelchair and just emptied a 2001 Bluebird All-American FE. Interior similar to yours but my lift is at front.
1. Do you use the lift by yourself? I had one of these before and never figured out a way to go in and out alone. Am looking at a small commercial crane with a small motor and straps. One advantage is that the drop zone is next to the bus.
2. Did you replace any windows? I can't get the factory installed ones open easily. Looking for alternatives.
Thanks

Good post. You ask many of the same questions i have.

[Disbus]

Originally Posted by Versatile

Good post. You ask many of the same questions i have.

I use the lift myself. I use the pendant but i also have a remote keyfob. It's not installed. Soon I will add it. It has 5 functions so i can operate the lift, and add a power actuator to the door. One remaining button for a lock perhaps.

I try to come up with a better solution than a lift. Like you say an overhead something. Boat davit. ??

The windows are a pain to operate. Takes two hands. A pull string of some kind that pulls on both latches at the same time. RV window direct fit even better.

I have left the windows as is for now. I like the view too.

[Versatile]

Originally Posted by Disbus

I use the lift myself. I use the pendant but i also have a remote keyfob. It's not installed. Soon I will add it. It has 5 functions so i can operate the lift, and add a power actuator to the door. One remaining button for a lock perhaps.

I try to come up with a better solution than a lift. Like you say an overhead something. Boat davit. ??

The windows are a pain to operate. Takes two hands. A pull string of some kind that pulls on both latches at the same time. RV window direct fit even better.

I have left the windows as is for now. I like the view too.

Sounds like you have it figured out. Why would you want something different?

[Disbus]

Originally Posted by Versatile

Sounds like you have it figured out. Why would you want something different?

The way I am doing it has too many work arounds. Too many steps. The pendant cord has to be watched every time. The remote eliminates it and provides safer repeatability.

Automating the door will help a lot because now i operate the big red lever manually on the inside and push the door open with a pole. Too slow.

[Roci]

Have you made some progress you could share? We’re just starting and looking for some accessible bus ideas to understand floor plans etc.

[Disbus]

Originally Posted by Roci

Have you made some progress you could share? We’re just starting and looking for some accessible bus ideas to understand floor plans etc.

I'm considering selling mine. I'm attached to it though, like every cool project i do. I've really made a lot of finishing touches lately in preparation for sale photos. I'll post soon.

What makes a good accessible bus makes a good bus period. I think the lift should be as close to the front as possible. If the lift is all the way to the back it limits floor plans. An emergency exit is too difficult.

When buying get the basics up front. Storage underneath, Air Conditioning, rear engine for driving noise. etc. I never intended to have a lot of systems under the bus like propane and water tanks. With that said, a full sized bathroom would be nice. Floor space for a wheelchair is key.

I have tried to do everything i can myself so i can fix it. I don't like to depend on others to if something simple screws up.

[Roci]

Awesome can’t wait to see your sale photos. Our whole bus plan revolves around a wheelchair accessible shower. We have a rifton hts for my daughter and it has a big foot print.
I’ll post ours as we go too. Should be fun and insightful! And a boat load of work.

[Disbus]

Originally Posted by Roci

Awesome can’t wait to see your sale photos. Our whole bus plan revolves around a wheelchair accessible shower. We have a rifton hts for my daughter and it has a big foot print.
I’ll post ours as we go too. Should be fun and insightful! And a boat load of work.

The lift has a big foot print? Or the wheelchair? I cut the side of my lift out so if I can get it on the ground I can get on and off the lift.

[Roci]

No her bath chair has a big foot print.