Loren is a quadriplegic who engineered his own wheelchair-accessible van conversion with help from a friend who also uses a wheelchair. The DIY build includes hand controls customized for his limited arm mobility, a powered arm lift to load his wheelchair, and a ceiling-mounted zip-line transfer system that moves him from the bed to the driver’s seat. He and his wife Karla use it to travel and get out into nature, with plans to eventually go full-time.
Images via Tiny House Giant Journey
Zip-Line Transfer Lift from Bed to Driver’s Seat
Images via Tiny House Giant Journey
Powered Arm Lift for Wheelchair Loading
Images via Tiny House Giant Journey
Video Tour: DIY Wheelchair-Accessible Van
Design Details
- Owner: Loren
- Co-Traveler: Wife Karla
- Disability: Quadriplegic (baseball accident in his 20s)
- Mobility: Paralyzed legs, limited arm mobility
- Build Type: DIY with help from wheelchair-using friend
- Driving: Hand controls customized for his range of motion
- Wheelchair Entry: Powered arm-style lift
- Transfer System: Ceiling-mounted zip-line lift (bed to driver’s seat)
- Interior: Turning radius for wheelchair maneuverability
- Bed: Elevator-style with storage underneath
- Gear Storage: Space for adaptive hand-control bike
- Bathroom: Future planned addition
- Goal: Full-time van life
- Instagram: @vangrato
What Makes This Build Special
- Dual Lift Systems Enable Independence: The combination of a wheelchair loading lift and a separate transfer lift for moving between bed and driver’s seat allows Loren to operate the van without assistance
- DIY Builds Can Match Professional Conversions: While commercial wheelchair van conversions cost $20,000–$80,000, Loren’s DIY approach with a knowledgeable friend achieved similar functionality through creative problem-solving
- Interior Turning Radius Is Essential: Planning enough floor space for a wheelchair to rotate inside the van is critical for independent movement between areas
- Elevator Beds Create Accessible Storage: Raising the bed allows gear like Loren’s adaptive bike to be stored underneath while keeping the sleeping surface at a manageable height
- Custom Hand Controls Accommodate Limited Mobility: Standard adaptive driving equipment can be further customized for specific ranges of motion, making driving possible even with significant arm limitations
Learn More
Explore More
- Paralympian’s Wheelchair Accessible Van with Hydraulic Lift
- Stealth Wheelchair-Access Cargo Camper with Lift Bed
- Wheelchair Accessible Van Life: Ram ProMaster with Lift
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Alex