Wheelchair tiedowns??
 

Where do you usually go on what is needed for wheelchair tie downs in a van? Does someone professionally put them in or if you know someone pretty handy would it be easy to do ourselves? Chloe's new w/c is coming tomorrow and I am going ot talk to the guy about it but just wondering from others about it. Glad to be back but I have to get to bed! :) Talk to ya's later. Thanks!!

Kori,
I have no idea deary......Megs never is transported in her chair. Hoping you find all the info you need. Hugs to you all
Tracy

You really need a professional to attach the tie downs. I know this is a pain and can be expensive, but you are messing with the infrastructure of your vehicle. We chose the non-mechanical tiedowns because they are less expensive. Be sure to get the ratchet type and not the link and pull type. We had those at first and, because of a defect, they let go. Tyler's chair tipped over while I was driving because of it and it landed him in the hospital via lifeflight. Not recommended, believe me. The tiedowns have to be bolted into the floor in a specific location in your vehicle to allow for the size and type of wheelchair you are using. This means removing seats. It can get pretty detailed. Unless you absolutely know what you are doing, get help from someone who does.

Thanks Tracie and Tamie! My biggest thing was I got Chloe's w/c today and I can't lift it! I can but it is heavy(alot heavier than when I tested it when we were fitting her weeks ago, for some reason)plus we're going to be planning for another baby in the future and I cannot be lifting that when I am pregnant. I think I might just get a ramp for the actual chair for now and then in 3yrs when this van is paid off we will get a bigger more handicap accessible van. I don't have a problem lifting Chloe in and out, it is just the w/c. Alot heavier than I thought. It breaks down though but that is just a pain to take everything apart. I like for Chloe to use it more because she sits well in it and it keeps all of her in there snug unlike the jogging stroller we have for her. Anyway, thanks for your help. Any suggestions for ramps?? I am looking at this 6' telescoping wheelchair track ramp on ebay. They look nice but not sure if the platform type or track type is better. THanks again!!

Kori what kind of wheelchair did Chloe get? you may take a look at abilitations.com and see I know I have seen portable ramps in there before too. Good luck....