I guessed 12, 000 U.S. dollars. I am super impressed by you & your determination & perserverance!! The more my mobility has decreased due to multiple diseases, the more timid & home-bound I have become. I live in an apt. on a $920 income, so a mobile lifestyle is out of reach & my health problems are degenerative & progressive; also without cures. I am so excited to see your life and adventures that I subscribed! I am really very much in awe of your can-do attitude and your courageous, adventurous personality!! You rock!! You are amazing!! 👍🏻👍🏻😍😍👏👏🙂🙂♥️♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻 PS: You are one heck of an inspiration!! Thank you so much!!❤❤
And I forgot to add that I totally agree b with your assessment on the disabled Tax Just for us to live with the same abilities and opportunities as others
I watched this because I’ve “known” Margaret for about 10 years when she gave me advice on making our kitchen renovation more accessible for me and my wife who has a mild case of Cerebral Palsy. We are an Inter-Abled Couple. And I also follow Empowered Para. Thank you for this video.
I guess the van cost 70,000 Canadian and that you spent $20,000 converting it-I just obtain my first vehicle and converted it a metric van but it has a F6 Evo lift into the van-My shoulders couldn't do the ramps -add on the hand, controls the flooring and 2 -6 way power seats that turn -it was 40,000.- Great video I'll finish it off but I'll be interested to see the power system -solar?and what to do for bathroom shower
I do have solar and the ability to charge while driving or plugging in. I’ll be making a video about my bathroom in the next month or so, so stay tuned and turn on notifications so you’ll be alerted when it’s uploaded :)
I’m saving for a van to install hand controls, and I have to have a van that is no more than 3 years old. I’ve never seen a lift like that! It wouldn’t work for me, as I am in a high backed power chair, but your’s is awesome! The pull Down cabinets are AWESOME! I haven’t been hanging with the right crowd, as all the upper cabinets in my house are inaccessible to me! I’m going to look into those! I’m really happy to have found your channel! I was out fitting my Toyota sienna for part-time on the road, when I suddenly became much more disabled. I thought that dream was gone. Thank you for awakening it, in me again. You should see the smile on my face! Thank you! New subscriber!
I love to hear it, I want this channel to be interesting but above all - helpful! I did part time life in my tiny SUV and it’s totally doable so you’re going to have an amazing time in the Sienna.
Neither my wife nor I, are in a wheel chair, but we are planning a nomad life when my wife retires. The inspiration for us here, are your pull down cabinets. While we have no chair concerns, my wife is not very tall, and she got VERY excited about those. Thank you for being an inspiration even to those not in a chair!
Hello! What an inspiration you are. I am a part-time wheelchair user, and I so respect you for handling all of this on your own. I said your mods would have been $30k CDN and hubby said $10k CDN, so you were right in between. And we love your positivity! ❤
Yep, I've looked at some SUV's and vans the older models starting at $19,000 up! That wouldn't include my hand-controls, seat's, wheelchair lift as well. I've never seen a lift like her's. My wheelchair is small
I’m guessing at least 20,000 American dollars, I am in Australia so I am probably way under. I haven’t finished watching your video yet but I am so awed by your positive and wonderful attitude. I will come back at the end and finish my comment, I think you are amazing.Carol❤
I’ve never thought that a disability is a form of a tax, but you are absolutely right. Everything costs more because we have to spend the extra $$ to make it accessible. I currently have a cargo carrier on the back of my Subaru Outback to carry my electric folding wheelchair. Although it’s only 57lbs I cannot get that thing into the back of the Outback. So I have a cargo carrier with a fold down ramp. However, with the cargo carrier installed I would not be able to have access to the cargo area in the back of the Outback so I had to spend extra to get a swing away hitch to install the carrier on top. Something that is extra and unnecessary for an able person.
Me and a few friends are building a RV from a shuttle bus. I love your channel. I am a C5/C6 quad looking to travel more with my wife and son. Your channel is very insightful. Thank you!
Absolutely flabbergasted at the cost of the wheelchair lift. (My estimate was $5000 Cad) My estimates on the other items was slightly lower than the actual cost
Hi, Lisa, I've been watching your videos and I've been inspired and learning a lot. I also, I'm in a wheelchair, I've been in a wheelchair for my whole life but it was also complicated with an additional auto accident afterwards so I lost a lot of my mobility on top of being in a wheelchair. Now I am an electric wheelchair. And I need attendant care. I would like not to have a tenant care. And I would like to live your lifestyle. Some of your ideas make up look like I could try to do some of that On My Own. I'm inspired by your channel and I am a fan. Thank you very much.
Thanks for commenting Stephen. My motivation for making these videos is to help people see what is possible, so your comment certainly encourages me to keep putting out content. All the best in pushing your limits and figuring out ways you can do more 🫶
You young lady are a super nerd, the devices you have created should be patented, very impressive. I will be following your adventures. Safe travels, might see you out on the road one day.
I am so impressed, my guess was into the hundreds of thousands. I love your videos and your Spirit. I am so glad to have come across your channel, I am also in Saskatchewan , a senior and I have so many questions for you just about getting around with mobility issues. I hope we can meet some day. Keep on wheeling ❤❤❤❤❤
I'm an ambulatory (for now) wheelchair user and exploring a van for more part-time travel for grad school research. I take the bus now and use a power chair, but have to use a collapsible chair in cars and even at 50lbs, I can't lift it. So I thought if I end up getting a van with a lift for the chair, might as well be something I can sleep in (just a bed, minifridge, power, AC/heat). But seems like even that, I'm probably looking at $40k+ ... why is it all so spendy?!?
I figured about $15,000 - $16,000 USD. I'm an OT, so I had a general idea of how expensive these items can be. It's crazy! I'm glad you got some funding to help you out. I've never seen a wheelchair lift like yours; it's very cool (if wc lifts can be cool?).
Haha I think it’s cool! And I can hang my hammock from it. I think you have an advantage as an OT - most people don’t realize the high cost of the lift. Good job!
Wow I was surprised. I estimated $15,000 USD - pretty close! I’m jealous of your factory swivel seats; I did not see them as an option when I ordered my Transit or I would have got them. Maybe it was because I wanted the seat warmers. Thanks for your videos!
I was off by 10500 usd Because I wasn't expecting the lift because I've seen many of those Craigslist for 500 also the hand controls you have in the us are less than 200 usd But other than that you are absolutely right about everything being more or even twice as expensive than normal.
I know you have what it takes to help others. Your spirit is strong. Even though TH-cams numbers might make you wonder. I think if this is your major and I mean major passion. You will reach countless others that will be blessed. But you will need all your passion of gold medal wheel chair grinding to push you beyond your limits. Set your spirit to your dreams. You are a great soul. Blessings. PEACE AS ALWAYS.
Amazing how challenges can be overcome when someone wants to enjoy life with disabilities. The only thing that I would change is my cooking by using a couple of electric devices, especially If I cook for myself most of the time. The induction stove is good too, but I think electric pots and a pan with microwave will make cooking and cleaning easier and still tasty. I am impressed; enjoy life!
I was actually thinking a lot more as in the 40 to 50,000 range. I've been wanting to make my seats in the van swivel and I think the only way I can do it is if I can actually get picked at the RTR. The kind souls who do it there for a much cheaper price are in high demand.
I love my swivel seats, even just for hanging in the passenger seat. I hope you get them soon. The total was on top of the van and regular build…so it hurt the bank account pretty badly! Still wouldn’t want to be living anywhere else.
This was an excellent video. As I added in my head your cost was about 2/3 of what I thought at 30 K. I have a brother that has lost both legs just below the knee and gets by with prosthetics. Thanks for the info. Wish you well on your adventure.
It’s Carol again, I think you did remarkably well with the cost, I have just subscribed and I am so looking forward to watching your other videos. You are amazing, I so admire your fantastic attitude, I hope you have many years of wonderful adventures ahead of you. I shall look forward to catching up on the ones I haven’t seen and to any new ones you post. Sending you a big hug. Carol ❤😊
I follow Foresty Forest but I have never met him. I tried messaging him one time when we were in the same area, I thought I'd be neat to bike with him, but I never received a response. I think he's even more of an introvert than I am haha!
I'm looking forward to hitting the road when my kid is grown but though I was thinking of modifying my typical family van Pacifica, I realized that I can't use my regular rear lift (I can walk some but need a power chair, can't push wheels) because I can't securely *store* the chair outside the van. I need to be able to keep my big ol' chair inside.
Fantastic videos, inspiring by example, and lots of useful ideas to consider. I saw your video with Alex first so I know its about $15k for the lift arm, and it seems like the custom cabinet and kitchen would be costly (but I don't know what comes with the original van), plus $1k for hand controls, so I'm guessing roughly $25k.
You didn't mention the winch. What was the cost and where did you get it? I want it for pulling my wife's wheelchair into our Transit van. It's going to get to the point where I can't do it anymore. I'm also inspired by what you're doing. If you are ever in the Inverness, Fl. area, reach out to us! We've had 3 van lifers in our driveway this year. It was a ball. Great for my wife too. She perked up a lot. I'm now subscribed.
@@frankwolf389 hi! I did include the cost at the 13:30 mark. I backed it on Kickstarter wayyyy back in the day and paid $115. It was called MyLIFTER but I believe they were bought out by a company called SmarterHome. The winch is designed for lifting kayak, bikes, storage racks etc to a ceiling in a garage. Thanks for the driveway offer! I’ll certainly look you up if I ever find myself out that way.
Excellent video. The price comparison in Canadian & US dollars was a bonus. My brother had a wheelchair van, so I've become more aware of the increased costs associated with handicapped accommodations. And I'll be stealing your idea of the tilting step well cover, have to put shoes someplace.
The most recent quote I got on a new SuperArm lift was more than $14,000 US. (They recently raised their prices quite a lot.) I was lucky to find an older used one on Craigslist, now trying to find someone willing and able to fix it up and install it. The disability tax is real!
Hey I’m 29year old c7-t1 been 9 years in chair, going to look at a van on Monday to convert with a friend thanks for the ideas. Hope your channel does well! Thanks from the UK 🥳
@@Callum_degan welcome to the channel and thanks for commenting! I have straps that came with the lift and they attach to my chair and stay there. When I get my next chair, I’ll have a “hole” in my side guard made so it can clip into that (my side guard will be welded to the chair, not removable).
Did you get a motor in your lift that has a manual backup feature? I originally got the cheaper one without it but only a month into van life a limit switch broke and left me stuck outside and no one to close the door. Luckily people were around and threw me in the van and I was able to figure out the issue from there. I'm in the process of upgrading though. Luckily, I had assistance with funding too, DVR with the DSHS here in the States. Man, those pre-inflation costs were a lot nicer on the budget. It seems like your counters are high. I know you had shoulder issues, do you wish they were lower? I got a shallow ADA sink and am going to try and make just above my legs. It will limit storage down low, but I like your pull-out countertop solutions! Thanks for another great video!
Hello. New subscriber here. Love your contents. Im learning alot. Im also a paraplegic (c8/T1) and I love traveling. Im in the process of selling my house and eventually would like to do what youre doing now-Van life. I have a question regarding mails. How do you deal with mails being on the road full time?
@@wheretheresawheeltheresawa2379 awesome, I hope your plans all come together. I still have my condo and I have my mail forwarded to a friend in whatever location I’m in. In the summers I’m near my place so can easily stop in a few times a month to collect it. I’m contemplating just having a trusted friend check my mailbox for me every few weeks and tell me what is there since most of my mail is digital now. I believe the US has a service that will scan your paper mail for you and forward it to an email address. Hope that’s helpful.
I could use a hearing aid but I found out they are not covered by insurance even if I had insurance. I was thinking at least 20,000 US dollars for your van upgrades My grandmother had rheumatoid arthritis and I know things can get expensive.
It wasn’t quite that much but still a difficult number to wrap my head around….but it’s given me an independent and wonderful life so it’s worth it. Thanks for tuning in!
I looked at sprinter $90k + lift $25k + conversion $100k =$215k NO THX. Bought 2015 diesel transit bus with fold out ramp $30k + $80k custom conversion = $115 CAD check. What was the price of your van and the rest of the conversion?
@@lindsayborland9255 nice!! I’d love the room of a bus but I do find myself in the city a lot and parking/driving would be a bugger. My brand new van was $63k and my DIY build was just under $25k. A professional outfitter would have charged 4-5 times that.
The total van, with accessible features, was around that if you’re talking USD. I saved a lot of money by going with a DIY build vs a professional outfitter.
Shocked that you had time to reply. You must be so busy. Yes I have spent my time researching all options of van life. And I have created a no build setup for an suv. Have a great spring.
Not quite! If the van was professionally built - yes, the total cost would have easily been 150k. But since I went with a DIY builder I saved a lot. The accessible features did make up 25% which is substantial!
Boy, I could make an entire video on that. I do not carry, that’s something Canadians don’t even consider. I have a few self defense items but I also just try to be really smart. If I’m sleeping in a city I just drive to a location and park, never getting out of my vehicle or turning on a light. That way nobody knows who is in the vehicle. I always say if anything happens it’s because I was in the wrong place at the wrong time
@@Keepinitwheel306KeepinitREAL-Just got it😄. I recently came across your channel and i’m enjoying watching your contents. The reason I asked about your vulnerability is because I’m thinking about living out of my car and although I’m not paralyzed, I’ve had health issues such as diabetes with it’s complications such as Peripheral Neuropathy with significant nerve damage making me dependent on a rollator to be able to barely walk for short distances. I am considering carrying as I live in the US (not as restrictive) and I do fear and feel vulnerable not being able to maneuver as fast as I would like if i needed to. Canadian gun laws are probably not as friendly as in the US. i absolutely understand your stance on not carrying and deploying other strategies to keep you safe as it seems you can get into bigger trouble while having a firearm. I’m sorry about your physical disability but you’re making the best of it and you inspire us all to live life to its fullest.❤
@@caroljackson4296 wow really? Remember the cost I shared is JUST the accessible things, it doesn’t include the van or build. Either way, thanks for playing my guessing game!
@@Keepinitwheel306 Thanks. Ever since I started following Empowered Para, as well as some of my wife’s “extra costs” (which are not extra but are essential to her life but aren’t covered by insurance), I’ve leaned so much about the costs of being disabled. Empowered Para did a wonderful video on all of her costs over the 20 years since she became paralyzed. It is mindblowing!
I've paused the video...😅 first of all, congratulations on your inventive ability! As for the price, I couldn't even afford the mountain bike, I would love to have one Wow! I can't guess the price of everything together but I'm sure it's exorbitant.🧑🏼🦽♿😎
I guessed 12, 000 U.S. dollars. I am super impressed by you & your determination & perserverance!! The more my mobility has decreased due to multiple diseases, the more timid & home-bound I have become. I live in an apt. on a $920 income, so a mobile lifestyle is out of reach & my health problems are degenerative & progressive; also without cures. I am so excited to see your life and adventures that I subscribed! I am really very much in awe of your can-do attitude and your courageous, adventurous personality!! You rock!! You are amazing!! 👍🏻👍🏻😍😍👏👏🙂🙂♥️♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻 PS: You are one heck of an inspiration!! Thank you so much!!❤❤
And I forgot to add that I totally agree b with your assessment on the disabled Tax Just for us to live with the same abilities and opportunities as others
I watched this because I’ve “known” Margaret for about 10 years when she gave me advice on making our kitchen renovation more accessible for me and my wife who has a mild case of Cerebral Palsy. We are an Inter-Abled Couple. And I also follow Empowered Para. Thank you for this video.
My grandson has been in wheel chair since he was 5. He is now 28. It has been an adventure. He has his own business also.😊
I guess the van cost 70,000 Canadian and that you spent $20,000 converting it-I just obtain my first vehicle and converted it a metric van but it has a F6 Evo lift into the van-My shoulders couldn't do the ramps -add on the hand, controls the flooring and 2 -6 way power seats that turn -it was 40,000.-
Great video I'll finish it off but I'll be interested to see the power system -solar?and what to do for bathroom shower
I do have solar and the ability to charge while driving or plugging in.
I’ll be making a video about my bathroom in the next month or so, so stay tuned and turn on notifications so you’ll be alerted when it’s uploaded :)
I’m saving for a van to install hand controls, and I have to have a van that is no more than 3 years old. I’ve never seen a lift like that! It wouldn’t work for me, as I am in a high backed power chair, but your’s is awesome! The pull Down cabinets are AWESOME! I haven’t been hanging with the right crowd, as all the upper cabinets in my house are inaccessible to me! I’m going to look into those! I’m really happy to have found your channel! I was out fitting my Toyota sienna for part-time on the road, when I suddenly became much more disabled. I thought that dream was gone. Thank you for awakening it, in me again. You should see the smile on my face! Thank you! New subscriber!
I love to hear it, I want this channel to be interesting but above all - helpful! I did part time life in my tiny SUV and it’s totally doable so you’re going to have an amazing time in the Sienna.
you go girl keep keepingwheel😊👍
Neither my wife nor I, are in a wheel chair, but we are planning a nomad life when my wife retires. The inspiration for us here, are your pull down cabinets. While we have no chair concerns, my wife is not very tall, and she got VERY excited about those. Thank you for being an inspiration even to those not in a chair!
Haha right on! I am glad to know it’s helpful for many people!
Simple yet functional, outstanding!
Thank you for posting.
Thanks for tuning in!
Hello! What an inspiration you are. I am a part-time wheelchair user, and I so respect you for handling all of this on your own. I said your mods would have been $30k CDN and hubby said $10k CDN, so you were right in between. And we love your positivity! ❤
You a amazing young lady very beautiful and inspirational ❤
I don’t even want to imagine. My neighbor just paid more for a 2007 SUV, than I did my house 22 years ago.
Wow really? Did it have a wheelchair lift / mobile seat in it?
Yep, I've looked at some SUV's and vans the older models starting at $19,000 up! That wouldn't include my hand-controls, seat's, wheelchair lift as well. I've never seen a lift like her's. My wheelchair is small
Great video Lisa! Very interesting and informative.
I’m guessing at least 20,000 American dollars, I am in Australia so I am probably way under. I haven’t finished watching your video yet but I am so awed by your positive and wonderful attitude. I will come back at the end and finish my comment, I think you are amazing.Carol❤
I’ve never thought that a disability is a form of a tax, but you are absolutely right. Everything costs more because we have to spend the extra $$ to make it accessible. I currently have a cargo carrier on the back of my Subaru Outback to carry my electric folding wheelchair. Although it’s only 57lbs I cannot get that thing into the back of the Outback. So I have a cargo carrier with a fold down ramp. However, with the cargo carrier installed I would not be able to have access to the cargo area in the back of the Outback so I had to spend extra to get a swing away hitch to install the carrier on top. Something that is extra and unnecessary for an able person.
Me and a few friends are building a RV from a shuttle bus. I love your channel. I am a C5/C6 quad looking to travel more with my wife and son. Your channel is very insightful. Thank you!
Absolutely flabbergasted at the cost of the wheelchair lift. (My estimate was $5000 Cad)
My estimates on the other items was slightly lower than the actual cost
👍
Hi, Lisa, I've been watching your videos and I've been inspired and learning a lot. I also, I'm in a wheelchair, I've been in a wheelchair for my whole life but it was also complicated with an additional auto accident afterwards so I lost a lot of my mobility on top of being in a wheelchair. Now I am an electric wheelchair. And I need attendant care. I would like not to have a tenant care. And I would like to live your lifestyle. Some of your ideas make up look like I could try to do some of that On My Own. I'm inspired by your channel and I am a fan. Thank you very much.
Thanks for commenting Stephen. My motivation for making these videos is to help people see what is possible, so your comment certainly encourages me to keep putting out content. All the best in pushing your limits and figuring out ways you can do more 🫶
Limited paraplegic but I can bear partial weight if I'm in the pool daily, thank you the video answered questions I've had 🤗
Perfect!
What a lady amazing personality beutyfull inside and out very inspirational.😍
Aw thank you
You young lady are a super nerd, the devices you have created should be patented, very impressive. I will be following your adventures. Safe travels, might see you out on the road one day.
I am so impressed, my guess was into the hundreds of thousands. I love your videos and your Spirit. I am so glad to have come across your channel, I am also in Saskatchewan , a senior and I have so many questions for you just about getting around with mobility issues. I hope we can meet some day.
Keep on wheeling ❤❤❤❤❤
If you include the cost of the van and everything inside it - it's over $100,000 so you weren't that far off
As a post polio person, I love your life style . Would you please inform where I can find used lift?
I'm an ambulatory (for now) wheelchair user and exploring a van for more part-time travel for grad school research. I take the bus now and use a power chair, but have to use a collapsible chair in cars and even at 50lbs, I can't lift it. So I thought if I end up getting a van with a lift for the chair, might as well be something I can sleep in (just a bed, minifridge, power, AC/heat). But seems like even that, I'm probably looking at $40k+ ... why is it all so spendy?!?
I figured about $15,000 - $16,000 USD. I'm an OT, so I had a general idea of how expensive these items can be. It's crazy! I'm glad you got some funding to help you out. I've never seen a wheelchair lift like yours; it's very cool (if wc lifts can be cool?).
Haha I think it’s cool! And I can hang my hammock from it.
I think you have an advantage as an OT - most people don’t realize the high cost of the lift. Good job!
Jeez I would have guessed between 50 to 75 grand...
Good for you... You Go Girl...
Wow I was surprised. I estimated $15,000 USD - pretty close! I’m jealous of your factory swivel seats; I did not see them as an option when I ordered my Transit or I would have got them. Maybe it was because I wanted the seat warmers.
Thanks for your videos!
Well done on your guess! I haven’t heard if factory swivel seats have been discontinued but it’s probably cheaper to do aftermarket ones!
some people make your day lovely day you are one of them
I was off by 10500 usd
Because I wasn't expecting the lift because I've seen many of those Craigslist for 500 also the hand controls you have in the us are less than 200 usd
But other than that you are absolutely right about everything being more or even twice as expensive than normal.
Thank you for posting. ❤
Thanks for watching!! Just uploaded another Vanlife adventure this week
I know you have what it takes to help others. Your spirit is strong. Even though TH-cams numbers might make you wonder. I think if this is your major and I mean major passion. You will reach countless others that will be blessed. But you will need all your passion of gold medal wheel chair grinding to push you beyond your limits. Set your spirit to your dreams. You are a great soul. Blessings. PEACE AS ALWAYS.
Amazing how challenges can be overcome when someone wants to enjoy life with disabilities. The only thing that I would change is my cooking by using a couple of electric devices, especially If I cook for myself most of the time. The induction stove is good too, but I think electric pots and a pan with microwave will make cooking and cleaning easier and still tasty. I am impressed; enjoy life!
I was actually thinking a lot more as in the 40 to 50,000 range. I've been wanting to make my seats in the van swivel and I think the only way I can do it is if I can actually get picked at the RTR. The kind souls who do it there for a much cheaper price are in high demand.
I love my swivel seats, even just for hanging in the passenger seat. I hope you get them soon.
The total was on top of the van and regular build…so it hurt the bank account pretty badly! Still wouldn’t want to be living anywhere else.
You are beautiful and inspiring
This was an excellent video. As I added in my head your cost was about 2/3 of what I thought at 30 K. I have a brother that has lost both legs just below the knee and gets by with prosthetics. Thanks for the info. Wish you well on your adventure.
Thank you for all the great info..Blessings to you.
Oh! I think you did a fantastic job!😍
Thank you! 😊
It’s Carol again, I think you did remarkably well with the cost, I have just subscribed and I am so looking forward to watching your other videos. You are amazing, I so admire your fantastic attitude, I hope you have many years of wonderful adventures ahead of you. I shall look forward to catching up on the ones I haven’t seen and to any new ones you post. Sending you a big hug. Carol ❤😊
so enjoyed this video, Have you met Foresty Forest,? He is another one of my favorites, climbing mountains and sharing the beauty of God.s world
I follow Foresty Forest but I have never met him. I tried messaging him one time when we were in the same area, I thought I'd be neat to bike with him, but I never received a response. I think he's even more of an introvert than I am haha!
That bench lift to the bed is genius! Thanks for sharing. I wanna get into vanlife too. Still saving up for a van. :)
I spent many sleepless nights trying to figure out a solution, I’m glad you appreciate it haha!
Best wishes to you and your Vanlife dreams!
@@jeffj_39 you bet! Try this link :)
amzn.to/3xUrktf
Had a long comment with questions, but what I really want to say is.... Thank you for sharing.
I'm looking forward to hitting the road when my kid is grown but though I was thinking of modifying my typical family van Pacifica, I realized that I can't use my regular rear lift (I can walk some but need a power chair, can't push wheels) because I can't securely *store* the chair outside the van. I need to be able to keep my big ol' chair inside.
Awesomeness. Keep going. Thank you
Thank you! Will do!
I was shocked at the price of the lift system to get in! We have a heavy electric wheelchair and don’t think this style lift would work.
@@lisastgeorge1801 I know a few people with power wheelchairs that use the Superarm lift. It has a 600lb lifting rating so it just might work for you.
Thanks!
Wow! Thank you so much Scott 🥰
Fantastic videos, inspiring by example, and lots of useful ideas to consider. I saw your video with Alex first so I know its about $15k for the lift arm, and it seems like the custom cabinet and kitchen would be costly (but I don't know what comes with the original van), plus $1k for hand controls, so I'm guessing roughly $25k.
You’re pretty darn close if you include the kitchen (which I didn’t)! Nice work 🙌
Just found you....Thank you for sharing your Van Life.......We the Nomad community need a channel like yours..... ps new subscriber
Welcome and thank you so much for the positive words! Happy to have you along for the journey.
You didn't mention the winch. What was the cost and where did you get it? I want it for pulling my wife's wheelchair into our Transit van. It's going to get to the point where I can't do it anymore. I'm also inspired by what you're doing. If you are ever in the Inverness, Fl. area, reach out to us! We've had 3 van lifers in our driveway this year. It was a ball. Great for my wife too. She perked up a lot. I'm now subscribed.
@@frankwolf389 hi! I did include the cost at the 13:30 mark. I backed it on Kickstarter wayyyy back in the day and paid $115. It was called MyLIFTER but I believe they were bought out by a company called SmarterHome. The winch is designed for lifting kayak, bikes, storage racks etc to a ceiling in a garage.
Thanks for the driveway offer! I’ll certainly look you up if I ever find myself out that way.
My dream to buy a van to travel
Excellent video. The price comparison in Canadian & US dollars was a bonus. My brother had a wheelchair van, so I've become more aware of the increased costs associated with handicapped accommodations. And I'll be stealing your idea of the tilting step well cover, have to put shoes someplace.
Funny because I stole the step cover idea from another vanlifer 😂
The most recent quote I got on a new SuperArm lift was more than $14,000 US. (They recently raised their prices quite a lot.) I was lucky to find an older used one on Craigslist, now trying to find someone willing and able to fix it up and install it. The disability tax is real!
Oh that’s great! I’m always on the lookout for used ones for friends too.
I just found your channel and you are an inspiration..love the videos
I’m glad you’re here! Let me know if there’s any content you’d like me to cover 🤙
nice job. Thanks
Hey I’m 29year old c7-t1 been 9 years in chair, going to look at a van on Monday to convert with a friend thanks for the ideas. Hope your channel does well! Thanks from the UK 🥳
Also what do you attach the straps to for the super arm? Do they stay on permanently? The frame of the chair?
@@Callum_degan welcome to the channel and thanks for commenting!
I have straps that came with the lift and they attach to my chair and stay there. When I get my next chair, I’ll have a “hole” in my side guard made so it can clip into that (my side guard will be welded to the chair, not removable).
Hi Lisa. I subbed
Awesome, welcome aboard!
I'm guessing about 20k, my Superarm cost about 16k alone not installed.
Did you get a motor in your lift that has a manual backup feature? I originally got the cheaper one without it but only a month into van life a limit switch broke and left me stuck outside and no one to close the door. Luckily people were around and threw me in the van and I was able to figure out the issue from there. I'm in the process of upgrading though. Luckily, I had assistance with funding too, DVR with the DSHS here in the States. Man, those pre-inflation costs were a lot nicer on the budget.
It seems like your counters are high. I know you had shoulder issues, do you wish they were lower? I got a shallow ADA sink and am going to try and make just above my legs. It will limit storage down low, but I like your pull-out countertop solutions! Thanks for another great video!
I didn’t put it down but I guessed 30,000 so I over estimated.
I was guessing around 25K USD so I was off, but not far if you do it in CA money. Blessings!
Nice work!
Just sub all I can say is u go gurl! Do ur things
Thanks for the sub, I’m happy you’re here!!
I didn’t listen, guess it’s just like when I was at school 😂. I guessed 100k but for the whole setup including the van 🤭
You’re fairly close then
❤
Hello. New subscriber here. Love your contents. Im learning alot. Im also a paraplegic (c8/T1) and I love traveling. Im in the process of selling my house and eventually would like to do what youre doing now-Van life. I have a question regarding mails. How do you deal with mails being on the road full time?
@@wheretheresawheeltheresawa2379 awesome, I hope your plans all come together.
I still have my condo and I have my mail forwarded to a friend in whatever location I’m in. In the summers I’m near my place so can easily stop in a few times a month to collect it. I’m contemplating just having a trusted friend check my mailbox for me every few weeks and tell me what is there since most of my mail is digital now. I believe the US has a service that will scan your paper mail for you and forward it to an email address. Hope that’s helpful.
I went over board. i said 120000. Thats including the promaster van brand new. 😂😂😂
I could use a hearing aid but I found out they are not covered by insurance even if I had insurance. I was thinking at least 20,000 US dollars for your van upgrades My grandmother had rheumatoid arthritis and I know things can get expensive.
It wasn’t quite that much but still a difficult number to wrap my head around….but it’s given me an independent and wonderful life so it’s worth it. Thanks for tuning in!
I looked at sprinter $90k + lift $25k + conversion $100k =$215k NO THX. Bought 2015 diesel transit bus with fold out ramp $30k + $80k custom conversion = $115 CAD check. What was the price of your van and the rest of the conversion?
@@lindsayborland9255 nice!! I’d love the room of a bus but I do find myself in the city a lot and parking/driving would be a bugger.
My brand new van was $63k and my DIY build was just under $25k. A professional outfitter would have charged 4-5 times that.
I guess $150000 total with the cost of the van included will wait till the end to see how close I am.
You did great
Today is July 30th, 2024 and I guess 35K USD
I'm never good at these guessing games tho 😅
I'm very happy I guessed so wrong 😁❤
Me too! The total still hurts when you consider that’s on top of the van and regular build.
Guessing about 95k. Hopefully you did better than this. Love your "Keeping it wheel" The name is great keep at it. BEST WISHES.
The total van, with accessible features, was around that if you’re talking USD. I saved a lot of money by going with a DIY build vs a professional outfitter.
Shocked that you had time to reply. You must be so busy. Yes I have spent my time researching all options of van life. And I have created a no build setup for an suv. Have a great spring.
Well I thought no more than $20,000 US dollars
Yeah. They are SUPER expensive even for able bodied people.
added expense is 22,000
Pretty close!
Increase cost guess 30,000
Like, Share, Subscribe, Comment. Thank You. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 100g for everything inc the van.
Hi what is the name of the hoist you use
The one into my van is called a Superarm
Im gonna say 150k for whole thing
Not quite! If the van was professionally built - yes, the total cost would have easily been 150k. But since I went with a DIY builder I saved a lot. The accessible features did make up 25% which is substantial!
how do u feel about your vulnerability because of your wheel chair bound?
Do u carry?
Boy, I could make an entire video on that. I do not carry, that’s something Canadians don’t even consider. I have a few self defense items but I also just try to be really smart. If I’m sleeping in a city I just drive to a location and park, never getting out of my vehicle or turning on a light. That way nobody knows who is in the vehicle. I always say if anything happens it’s because I was in the wrong place at the wrong time
@@Keepinitwheel306KeepinitREAL-Just got it😄. I recently came across your channel and i’m enjoying watching your contents.
The reason I asked about your vulnerability is because I’m thinking about living out of my car and although I’m not paralyzed, I’ve had health issues such as diabetes with it’s complications such as Peripheral Neuropathy with significant nerve damage making me dependent on a rollator to be able to barely walk for short distances.
I am considering carrying as I live in the US (not as restrictive) and I do fear and feel vulnerable not being able to maneuver as fast as I would like if i needed to.
Canadian gun laws are probably not as friendly as in the US. i absolutely understand your stance on not carrying and deploying other strategies to keep you safe as it seems you can get into bigger trouble while having a firearm.
I’m sorry about your physical disability but you’re making the best of it and you inspire us all to live life to its fullest.❤
I was off really bad with the money😂
Haha too low? Or high?
@@Keepinitwheel306 to high
@@caroljackson4296 wow really? Remember the cost I shared is JUST the accessible things, it doesn’t include the van or build. Either way, thanks for playing my guessing game!
Your welcome me and my husband are want to do van life adventure of the whole United States
21000
200.00
$20,000 is my guess hmm 🤔
Good guess, you must have intel ;)
150k
Yes, that would be close if you include the price of the van and build brand new.
1500
I think everything in total cost at least $250K
I didn’t realize we were estimating were for just the accessibility features. Nonetheless your van is amazing
20,000 dollars
$120,000 including the price of the basic vehicle.
You’re pretty bang on
@@Keepinitwheel306 Thanks. Ever since I started following Empowered Para, as well as some of my wife’s “extra costs” (which are not extra but are essential to her life but aren’t covered by insurance), I’ve leaned so much about the costs of being disabled. Empowered Para did a wonderful video on all of her costs over the 20 years since she became paralyzed. It is mindblowing!
$6500
your safety features....over $20000.
€36000
5600
A bit more lol
$45,000.00
$54,000
70 thousands dollars
I guessed $15,000 USD
@@azcactusflower1 wow! Well done, I wish I could give you a prize for the closest guess but a 🙌 will have to do!
Around $25000 ?
@@afn1231 not too far off, and with inflation you probably would’ve been right on. Thanks for playing!
@@Keepinitwheel306 I was thinking of the hand commands for the van too … by the way I love your channel ❤️
I love how you wheelie in your chair.
After adding it all up i think I could have saved you the $520 ,its a joke some of u will get it
Shoot, where were you a few weeks ago when it broke? That’s actually the subject of my next video that I’m currently editing 😅
two dollers ! and a million phone calls to stupid people . plus night after night of screaming into the void ?
Sorry but para girls are hot.
Awesome !
I've paused the video...😅 first of all, congratulations on your inventive ability! As for the price, I couldn't even afford the mountain bike, I would love to have one Wow! I can't guess the price of everything together but I'm sure it's exorbitant.🧑🏼🦽♿😎
Ha yes the bike is hefty as well. I have fully invested into this lifestyle but it’s working for me :)
Thanks for tuning in!