Disabled Explorers - Sportsmobile 4wd Van

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We are very excited to have this chance to work with Sportsmobile West to create a 4wd RV style Ford van with a wheelchair lift, hand controls and other mobility aids.

This rig will provide backcountry independent travel experiences for the disabled and cause a real stir at the many shows and events we attend.

The countdown is on till the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nov 3rd-7th where we will debut the rig, meet with sponsors, retailers, and manufacturers along with showcasing the importance of motorized access to the outdoors by the disabled community.

Sportsmobile 4wd Van

Intro to the WAV

We are working on a new project vehicle and thought it would be interesting to document the process and our thoughts behind the choices we make.
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Planning the WAV

What a cool row of offroad RV's

At the Overland Expo I had a chance to really look over just about every option for a new rig there is to dream about. However it was Andy T's who was cool beyond belief when he offered me a chance to drive his rig on the demo course. This was a perfect opportunity to see how much interior room is available, how stable the rigs are and how the diesel engine and Atlas transfer case work together.

Building the W.A.V.E. Part 1

It is a team sport!

Time to start showing pictures of the actual build and talk more about the bits going into the rig and the process behind the scenes. This project would have been near impossible without the help of everyone at Sportsmobile West and all the companies we are working with. Everyone is excited about the project and while SEMA will be a cool debut it will be the first disabled guy behind the wheel that will really make it all worthwhile (well the first after my 1 legged self).

Building the W.A.V.E. Part 2

All that tech to make sure your beverage stays chilly

Now that I am back from my 2nd visit to the Sportsmobile West factory it is time for an update on the W.A.V.E.'s progress. The Wheelchair Accessible Van for Expeditions is coming along nicely and while we have made a few changes, the overall result will be amazing. Working with everyone at SMB West has been beyond fun, from Alan the owner to Jonathan the Sales Manager down to the guys who are twisting the bolts, everyone has been excited about this project and is always watching for new creative solutions. These are very much hand built rigs and the shop guys know that people depend on them when out in remote areas, no shortcuts or half baked quality.

Building the W.A.V.E. Part 3

Great people build great rigs!

“Five working days till SEMA? No problem my friend.” Those are the words that settle frazzled nerves when you see a picture that has miles of wires hanging out of your project. I was sent these pictures today by email to let me know how well the project was going.

The guys at Sportsmobile West have been here before and know what they are doing. If they tell me the Wheelchair Accessible Van for Expeditions can be finished in five days, and say it with that kind of smile, then I trust them.

A couple of things to note in the picture above, you can see the Sure Grip hand controls that Nor-Cal Mobility was able to bring over from out previous FJ Cruiser project. Also on the floor you can just see the track for the B&D Independence power driver’s seat base.

Getting into the WAVE

It is way up there to get it

The WAVE may be very wheelchair friendly but we noticed pretty quick that for amputees like me it is a bit of a jump to get inside. Luckily one of the reasons we attend events like the SEMA show is to find cool new products that can solve this kind of mobility issue. We were finally able to get out of the crowded booth on the last day of the show and just in time to meet the guys at Rock Slide Engineering. It was the this display with a one of the guys standing on the slider that caught my eye.

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