Holy Build Plan Batman...this thread is really getting full of great advice.
Thanks for the pic on the drivers side power/swivel base. I will copy that for Norcal Mobility.
I already plan to have unscrewable transfer case shifters but thanks for the comment for others sake.
The rough layout I sent SMB West has the gaucho on the drivers side and cabinets on the passenger. Thanks for the battery comment to justify it
I really like the comment on the cabinets being recessed lower towards the floor. That will make a real visual impact at rehab presentations, events and such.
While I understand the idea of a fold up bed vs a gaucho I will have to think on that some more. The rig is meant to be a general overview for anyone with a physical mobility issue..sure wheelchair uses are the most dramatic but lets not forget amputees, folks with MS, MD, strokes and just plain getting older. I think I want to have a variety of solutions. One reason to keep the gaucho would be storage under it...there will be extra gear to take for events and such, tables, popup awnings, chairs, brochures and more.
On the lift I am looking at a Rincon lift that folds so that non wheelchair users can still enter/exit through the side doors.
Alan at SMB West & I already spoke about max window size all around..gotta provide visibility for those who can't/won't leave the rig. That will mean less cabinet space so as not to block windows. For this reason and the need not to have to deal with opening a fridge door into a wheelchair or an amputee bending over I think we will go with a ARB style offroad fridge with top access.
Granted Sportsmobile is sponsoring their part of the build but I still have to cover the cost of the van, components and such...thus I will have to make choices along the way. But my hopes are to get some other component companies on board with the project since it will be shown at SEMA, Ability Expos, rehab/support groups and more. With all the young guys coming back from overseas going through driving rehab in soccer mom mini-vans this rig will show them that there are options out there and the backcountry is still accessible.
Any mod's to the side doors outside handles to make it easier to reach/open for those of you in a chair?
There is a thread on expeditionportal.com regarding a rear tire swing out/lift for someone who can't handle getting the tire on/off the swingout.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/s ... t=swingout
I am also looking for input on how many of you with physical mobility issues use your rig...
If you are in a chair do you prefer to cook inside or outside?
If you don't use a chair but have a bending/lifting issue cook inside or outside?
Showers? If you are in a chair do you transfer to a shower seat of some kind or navy shower with towels/baby wipes?
Dishwashing? Any issues, concerns, habits?
How are many of you dealing with trash if you aren't getting in & out of your rig frequently?
For those of you will a power chair, any special notes on using an inverter to recharge it? Trip Lite vs other? And speaking of power, solar panels & extra batteries since a dead rig is a huge deal to someone who can't walk out.
How about the side awning? I am thinking of using the body mounts for the side awning that secure the legs to the body instead of stakes & guy lines.
I have read the threads on the actual mounting of the awning to the vehicle, so I think I will have Aluminess install it on the roof rack.
I really can't say thanks enough to everyone for all the help with this build. The clock is ticking with only 11 weeks till SEMA but please keep the ideas coming.