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Press release: Wheelchair Accessible Van for Expeditions unveiled |
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Written by Chuck Nordstrom
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Monday, 02 November 2009 11:23 |
Disabled Explorers and Sportsmobile West will present the Wheelchair Accessible Van for Expeditions project vehicle at the SEMA (SEMA Booth Number 30193) show in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 3, 2009.
Disabled Explorers and Sportsmobile West have built a custom recreational vehicle specially equipped for backcountry adventuring by people with physical challenges. The vehicle is based on the time-proven four-wheel-drive Sportsmobile platform and features equipment and modifications individually selected by Disabled Explorers to make remote, self-sustained travel possible and enjoyable for anyone, even those with extreme mobility issues.
The Wheelchair Accessible Van for Expeditions (W.A.V.E.) project is the most recent and largest vehicle from Disabled Explorers and is based on extensive backcountry experience with smaller platforms. Lance Blair, founder and director of Disabled Explorers said, "We've built and traveled extensively in other cars and trucks and had fantastic experiences. But the Sportsmobile will allow us to extend our outreach programs to a much larger group of disabled people. Its capabilities far surpass anything we have done or could imagine. This new vehicle will bring outdoor adventure into the lives of people we could not help, until now."
The Disabled Explorers W.A.V.E vehicle is based on a diesel-powered Ford E-350 van with four-wheel-drive running gear converted to a fully self-contained recreational vehicle by Sportsmobile West. It includes the high-quality custom interior layout and electrical, water, cooking, sleeping, shower, and toilet systems, and the ruggedized traction, enhanced ground clearance, and body protection systems that the company regularly offers its customers. It also features upgraded modifications carefully chosen by Disabled Explorers for safe extended overland explorations by those with impaired mobility.
The van's four-wheel drive system includes an Atlas II transfer case, a Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 front axle and hubs, and an ARB air-powered front locking differential. Alan Feld of Sportsmobile West says, "The heavy-duty drivetrain is tremendously important for people with mobility challenges. If they get stuck in the backcountry, walking out may not be an option."
The W.A.V.E features a Braun Millennium wheelchair lift, a B&D Independence powered drivers seat base, and Sure Grip Hand Controls all installed by Nor-Cal Mobility. It also includes an upgraded power system capable of recharging an electric wheelchair. The van has an additional rear air conditioner and Espar diesel-fueled auxiliary heater. These two features are especially important for paraplegic and quadriplegic travellers who are very sensitive to temperature variations.
A self-spotting camera system from Total Vision delivers views from the front and rear bumpers and underneath the front and rear axles. The system also offers an overhead view of the side door for checking clearance for the wheelchair ramp before stopping on the trail.
Exterior LED lights from Rigid Industries illuminate the front, rear, and sides of the van. The lights and cameras work together to provide all-around vision inside the van of the terrain outside. This helps the occupants navigate tight trails and choose campsites without getting out of the vehicle.
The W.A.V.E vehicle will become the flagship for Disabled Explorers and will be used to take members of the disabled community on extended backcountry overland adventures, many of them for the first time. The project's goal is to introduce disabled people to a world that they envisioned but did not think possible. The vehicle's maiden voyage will take it south of the US border into Mexico with a recently disabled US military veteran along as both an honored guest and full expedition participant.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show is the largest automotive industry tradeshow in the world. It runs Tuesday, November 3 though Friday, November 6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Disabled Explorers and the W.A.V.E Sportsmobile will be in Booth Number 30193. The 20 by 30-foot booth and its prominent location in the Trucks, SUVs, and Offroad Hall are a donation from SEMA.
About Disabled Explorers:
Disabled Explorers is an Arizona-based 501c3 non-profit that is volunteer run by the disabled and donation supported. The founder, Lance Blair, is an Intensive Care RN, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Overland Certified, a Tread Lightly Trainer, Wilderness First Responder, amateur radio operator, part of the winning team of the 2007 Expedition Trophy, and last year led a Disabled Explorers team over 24 days and 5000 miles on the Continental Divide Expedition.
For more information on Disabled Explorers, see www.disabledexplorers.org, e-mail
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, or telephone (601) 451-6079.
About Sportsmobile West:
Sportsmobile West of Fresno, California has more than 50 years of experience in converting vans into recreational vehicles. The company offers custom conversions based on Ford, Chevrolet, and Sprinter vans. It also offers both two- and four-wheel drive and regular and extended-length van bodies. Among its many industry-leading innovations is the patented Penthouse Top that rises to give over six feet of interior standing headroom.
For more information on Sportsmobile West, see http://www.sportsmobile.com, e-mail
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, or telephone (559) 233-8267.
Remote adventure travel is possible with the right equipment. The W.A.V.E project is possible through the generous support of sponsors who want to participate in its success.
Partial list of W.A.V.E equipment sponsors:
Disabled Explorers
Sportsmobile West
Kyocera solar panel
Blue Sky battery controller
Deka auxillary battery
Equipt Expedition Outfitters
National Luna off-road capable refrigerator
ARB USA
Air locking front differential
Custom spec Dakar partial military wrap springs
Total Vision
Custom self-spotting camera system
Aluminess
Custom aluminum roof rack
Rigid Industries
LED off-highway and scene lighting
Spot Satellite Messenger
Extreme Outback
Magnum Air compressor and tank
Nitto Tires
Trail Grappler Tires
Advance Adapters
Atlas II transfer case
Ramsey Winch
Patriot 9500UT with semi-automatic clutch
Sure Grip Hand Controls
Transfer Flow Fuel tank
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