Improvements on Ramps and Doors!

posted on Jun 19 by Stacy in the Wheelchair Accessible Vans category

AMS Vans is always tweaking things to make our vans work even better. We’ve made some small changes to our ramps and doors that have resulted in major results.
A new machine allows AMS to produce ramps even faster – what used to take 10 minutes, now only takes two!  Also, a new design allows for greater traction, as holes drilled into the ramp provide better grip for the wheels on a customer’s wheelchair.  Holes drilled down the center of the ramp help keep the ramp dry, and serve as a guide to line your wheelchair up properly.

This increase in production has allowed us to focus on other things, like finding ways to make our customers even happier!  Our rear entry vans also have improvements.  The ramp is now spring loaded so that anyone can lift it. It almost makes the ramp feel weightless!
When you lower the floor on a van, you also have to lower the door.  The door extensions were once welded on, but now they are bolted.  This prevents any damage to the door’s computer system and also makes the door easier to repair and replace.  The doors also come with a rock and chip guard, which ensures that the door works in all weather conditions (especially up north where it can get salty).  Another change is in how the power controlled doors are designed.  Most power controlled doors are operated by cable cords that can break with the standard cable design (that leaves the cord in the pathway of the door).  Instead, the cable is now guarded from the ramp, dirt, and debris so that it doesn’t break down as easily.

Jordan Boston, who helps design and engineer the conversions, is excited about the improvements.  “All our changes are done with the customer in mind,” Jordan says. “They make our product last longer so servicing issues don’t interfere with a customer’s day-to-day activities. However, if servicing is needed we know that not everyone lives near a mobility dealer, so these changes make it possible for our vans to be serviced basically anywhere which saves the customer time and money.”