Found my Van to Convert

[Seon]

Took delivery on the cl IV trailer hitch yesterday so will be installing it today and post pics later.

At any event, this van has a wheel chair lift that's in very good condition.  OP said they used the van and lift only for Doctors appointment thus the low mileage.

I'd like to donate the lift to someone or an organization that can use it. I'm located in the Sacramento, Ca area.  I called a couple local handicap businesses but aren't interested.

 

[Rob&Deryl]

The DOT Private use marking would certainly preclude any business from using it.
Maybe there are volunteer groups that try to find medical equipment for those in need?

 

[phil-t]

The DOT Private use marking would certainly preclude any business from using it.

That is just darned "sticker" 

 

[Seon]

I called several handicap businesses with no luck. I've listed it on craigslist but no replies.
I'll give it another week or two then it goes to the dumps. I have no room to store.
OP said they paid over $5k installed.
Sad...I'm sure someone could use it.

BTW I finished the hitch installation.  Quite easy.

 

[Rob&Deryl]

When my mom & then my wife passed, it took me a bit to find a group that takes ?durable medical equipment? that was pleased to be able to give my walkers, crutches and such to needy people.

Check out the companies that install lifts like you have. Perhaps they would like to do a good deed?

 

[Seon]

I finally found a taker for the lift for his wife.  He and I unbolted the fasteners and I disconnected the wiring.  Was relatively easy and took about 40 minutes to remove and load in the bed of his truck.
I haven't done anymore on the van other than putting the dog's crate for the dog I rescued.  He loves to ride when I drive to town on errands. I got him about the same time I bought the van.

 

[edjunior]

I finally found a taker for the lift for his wife.  He and I unbolted the fasteners and I disconnected the wiring.  Was relatively easy and took about 40 minutes to remove and load in the bed of his truck.
I haven't done anymore on the van other than putting the dog's crate for the dog I rescued.  He loves to ride when I drive to town on errands. I got him about the same time I bought the van.

Cool dog.  That's an Airdale Terrier, right?  Neat little dog.

 

[ChasA]

That looks like a Bull Terrier to me.  Airdales are large dogs.

 

[edjunior]

That looks like a Bull Terrier to me.  Airdales are large dogs.

I think  you are right.  I was way off.  Anyway, cool dog.

 

[Seon]

Thanks for the compliments, it's an English Bull Terrier named Gunner. 

 

[SpencerPJ]

Your van and project look great.  I'll bet it tows your trailer well.  Keep us posted on pics, we love to help spending others money 

 

[Seon]

Although I have a finished sofa bed that I placed in the van already, but the problem is that I need to modify the legs wider so I can install a 48"wide x 72" long "slider tray" underneath that'll make it easier to load and unload camping gear.
So I found a "frame only" sofa bed on craigslist that I cleaned and painted.  Then I'll cut, place and re-weld the legs wider.

Then buy bed cushions, fabricate and sew covers for it.

 

[jackiemac]

Very creative!  Well done on rescuing the pooch, hope he's settled in.

 

[Seon]

Stripped cushions off the sofa bed frame, cleaned and painted.
Using the old cushions cut and sewed upholstery material. New cushions to be delivered next week then will permanently install the seats on the frame.

 

[Seon]

My van's tag expires this month so I went to Ca. DMV with the title to have it changed from Commercial to auto plates. Got there 15 minutes before they opened and already had about 10 customers in line. Fortunately most were for drivers written test so I was number 4 to the counter where I was instructed to pull the van in front of the building for inspections. Supervisor even accompanied the clerk. After matching all the 4 VIN stickers against the title located at different area on the van it was smooth sailing other than being told I can not remove the sofa bed other wise the empty van is considered commercial. Naturally I agreed and got new auto plates that costed half as much as the renewal fee for the commercial plates.

 

[edjunior]

All righty then. What's next on the getting it ready list??

 

[Seon]

Not much else to do to the van other than load camping gear for when I go fishing.
Van will be my TV for the 28' TT for when the wife and I camp.

I also tow my 23.5 Duckworth boat when I ocean fish (3 hrs drive) for Salmon, Rockfish and Dungeness crabbing and usually leave early morning. But now will leave the night before and park at the launch ramp lot and get a couple of hour sleep in the Van until the day break.