[Papaw Bug]

Howdy from Texas! ​

We recently picked up a Braunability wheelchair converted 2022 XLE+. Yes, we've hit THAT chapter of our lives... As my sweetheart's health declined (and after throwing my back out loading/unlading her in the SUV), we began looking at wheelchair vans in earnest (including used). Came close to a Promaster or Transit conversion, but after viewing the Sienna, it was an easy choice (in spite of the hefty mark-up for the wheelchair conversion). Although there are many features missing (second row seats, center console, etc), this vehicle has been a life-changer and is a pleasure to drive with my disabled loved ones!

Upcoming projects:

• Front/rear Dash-cam with charging capacitor and park mode.
• Sound deadening
• L-Bracket locking platforms for securing cooler and port-a-potty (for long trips)

 

[BenG]

Wow...that is jacked up! LOL

If you don't mind me asking, what is the extra height needed for?

 

[jseyfert3]

Welcome! I have a coworker with a 3rd gen Sienna, modified for a wheelchair for his daughter. He said he’d really like AWD, and the 4th gen Sienna was the only option that would allow that, since the other vans all use a driveshaft for the rear wheels which would make the wheelchair conversion impossible, but since the 4th gen Sienna uses only electric motors for the rear wheels with no driveshaft it’s possible to get it converted to a wheelchair model in an AWD platform.

Did you get a FWD or AWD model?

 

[Papaw Bug]

Wow...that is jacked up! LOL

If you don't mind me asking, what is the extra height needed for?

Ha - it is JACKED! Raised body and lowered floor permit all my friends on their over-clocked power chairs to ramp on in there and hunker down for some air conditioned high adventure! We love it!

 

[Papaw Bug]

Welcome! I have a coworker with a 3rd gen Sienna, modified for a wheelchair for his daughter. He said he’d really like AWD, and the 4th gen Sienna was the only option that would allow that, since the other vans all use a driveshaft for the rear wheels which would make the wheelchair conversion impossible, but since the 4th gen Sienna uses only electric motors for the rear wheels with no driveshaft it’s possible to get it converted to a wheelchair model in an AWD platform.

Did you get a FWD or AWD model?

Thank you for the welcome! The first wheelchair van that impressed me was a 3rd Gen Sienna - I almost pulled the trigger but wanted to find something new in case I decide to start some kind of Uber side gig. We have an XLE+ FWD. It seems to do just fine... or just enough for me to get hollered at on occasion ("Easy there Ricky Racer"). We live in Central Texas where it is over 90F most of the year, where any hazards would be along the lines of rain and short-lived ice in FEB, but that's about it. The truck is 4WD if/when needed, but for every day errands with wife/parents, FWD does 99% of missions. Overall, it has everything we need so far. As noted in OP, I'll build some platforms to secure to the L-Tracks that will hold a fridge, potty, and a Bluetti Power Station with enough space to keep my sweetheart comfortable and secure in her power chair for long trips to the Grands. No TV or entertainment system needed since iPads and CarPlay cover all the bases. I do miss having a console and storage for little doo-dad's up front. Jury is still out on that accessory holder thing behind the main screen (pic 3 in OP).

 

[BenG]

Ha - it is JACKED! Raised body and lowered floor permit all my friends on their over-clocked power chairs to ramp on in there and hunker down for some air conditioned high adventure! We love it!

Thanks! I had no idea the conversion was to lower the floor!! I always thought these were jacked up to accomodate additional equipment under the original floor, like ramps or lifts or something.