Fitting wheelchairestraint system into Multivan floor track system-is this possible?

[lisaa]

Hello
We have recently purchased a 2011 multivan. Hope was to be able to remove one or both middle seats (function I love about this vehicle) so our 5 yr old's wheelchair could sit there. I thought we would be able to get a restraint system that would secure into the floor tracking system so we wouldn't have to have holes drilled into the floor. I came across this forum when searching on-line and someone mentioned they were trying/using the q-straint system to do exactly that.
The vehicle modifiers here don't seem to think there is any system that fits into the vw, only one that fits into the mercedes vans. And they aren't being very helpful
Any help, advise, experience on this would be much appreciated.
We are in New Zealand and the market here for disability fittings is very controlled and limited.
Thanks
Lisa

[Guest001]

Hello
We have recently purchased a 2011 multivan. Hope was to be able to remove one or both middle seats (function I love about this vehicle) so our 5 yr old's wheelchair could sit there. I thought we would be able to get a restraint system that would secure into the floor tracking system so we wouldn't have to have holes drilled into the floor. I came across this forum when searching on-line and someone mentioned they were trying/using the q-straint system to do exactly that.
The vehicle modifiers here don't seem to think there is any system that fits into the vw, only one that fits into the mercedes vans. And they aren't being very helpful
Any help, advise, experience on this would be much appreciated.
We are in New Zealand and the market here for disability fittings is very controlled and limited.
Thanks
Lisa

Go with whats legal in NZ as I have had similar problems modifying vans for use as a taxi.

Had to jump through hoops and consult engineers for seatbelt anchorages etc so you would possibly have to do the same.

I see you want a fitted system.Perhaps ask VW if there is anything overseas which you could get certified for use in NZ.

Disability taxis use floor anchors so maybe ask one of them what they use.

[Silver Caravelle]

Hi there, I suspect the tracking itself for the seats would not be strong enough to anchor down tightly enough the wheel chair in any event. I have a rear lifter in my Multivan and went with the Surelok restrain system.

Norden - Norden Wheelchair restarint, sure-lok, occupant restraint, vehicle modify, self drive hire, disabled access, wheelchair restraints, community transport, wheelchair restraint wheel chair

See link with the solo fiitings. Much neater than tracks and very convenient to secure/unsecure the restrain belt mechanisms.

Regards,

Scott

[Sunny43.5]

I used the Qstraint system in our latest van and by far this is the best system I have used in over twenty years . I used to do Maxi Taxi conversions until I sold that business 13 years ago . When I did the conversion for our own two disabled children in our first two VW,s I used the track system and it was a pain . The straps were the type that you had to fit in the track and you had to lift a release lock to move them then the hook and strap was a cam style to adjust and tension . It was always a time consuming process , I used the Qstraint system in our latest and it is brilliant . You just slide each fitting onto a floor mount and the straps are self locking with a simple flick of a lever to release even my wife loves this style . To mount the fittings as I did the conversion was quite easy as there is heaps of open space under the floor for bolting the fittings to you can see the floor fittings in this series of pictures http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...ect-80976.html

[lisaa]

Thank you everyone - awesome forum for advise. What did we do before the internet?

[Wardy]

Have to agree with Sunny43.5. We have a Multivan with a rear lifter and the Qstraint system with floor mounts as described by Sunny works well with a full size electric wheelchair for my wife.

[Guest001]

Have to agree with Sunny43.5. We have a Multivan with a rear lifter and the Qstraint system with floor mounts as described by Sunny works well with a full size electric wheelchair for my wife.

Just as long as all this stuff is compliant in NZ as the OP is in Auckland.

[Sunny43.5]

I think you will find the Qstraint system is known worldwide for the top quality and a such accepted by authorities around the world . The main thing you need to do like us here in Australia is to get the local approved fitting stations to issue you with a compliance certificate after the parts are fitted . Here in our part of Aus we have authorized officers who can issue you with the appropriate certificate , as long as the parts are fitted in accordance with the relevant safety procedures then all is fine . Here is a link to their website Q'Straint - Wheelchair passenger safety solutions and their New Zealand distributors .Hale Manufacturing (Christchurch 1997) Limited
97 Buchanans Road – Hornby
Christchurch – New Zealand
Ph: 03 3426211
Fax: 03 3423511
Website Hale Manufacturing You could also contact the Australian distributors Tramanco here in Brisbane I purchased mine direct from them .Disability Equipment | TramancoTramanco

[Silver Caravelle]

Sunny, is the Qstaint system the same principle as the Surelok system (just different brand)? Regards, Scott

[Sunny43.5]

Hi Silver there are similar products in the Sure Lok system I just had a look on their website they have what they call a "Solo" fitting which is the same style as the Q Straint even the attachment is the same style but they are different products made by each individual company , I had a look at their tracking system with the retractable belt setup but it looks cumbersome .I personally like the Q Straint as we have the fittings for both our kids set up for their wheelchairs and its a breeze to fit and lock them into the van . I found the Aussie distributors for Sure Lok here Norden - Vehicle Access, Commercial Body Building, Hydraulic Industries and Hydraulic Connections, RV industry, Storage Solutions, Wider Community Solutions, Vehicle Access

[Silver Caravelle]

Hi Sunny,

Yes it was Norden that fitted the solo fittings (not the tracks) and Surelok system to my Multivan a few years ago (per my link above). To be honest I could not see much difference between the two brands in terms functionality. The belt setup slides into the solo fittings easliy. I leave the belts in place in the solo fittings anyway. Regards, Scott

[Sunny43.5]

Yes Scott agree the system works so good I find it so easy compared with the other style in our old van .

[Wardy]

On a related tiopic does anybody know of any system that fits in to the Multivan tracks to act as tie downs (not for a wheelchair) to stop loose objects flying around the van eg I often want to carry a gas stove and bottle.

[Sunny43.5]

I would imagine VW may I repeat "may" have some fittings suitable for their tracking system but if not I would approach a couple of the conversion companies who do the wheel chair fittings and ask if you can test one of their tie down straps for tracks , One of the problems with track systems is there are so many different manufacturers and someone else's fittings may not fit in the track . As an alternative you can buy some nice chrome tie downs from accessory stores a couple of those in strategic positions might be the cheaper alternative . we have fitted them to our last few vans and my sons current one as we sometimes carry MX bikes in the back and these tie downs are made for that use . This might be what you are after Macs Single Stud TIE Down Ring Suitable FOR TIE Downs | eBay When I did the conversion on our latest van I fitted 4 marine deck saddles to various points and then bought a shallow cargo net so my wife can load groceries in the back without them flying around the back if you look second photo from the bottom you can see the net it simply unhooks when we load the wheel chairs .http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...ect-80976.html Just found these if I had know about them I would have got some for the new van when not in use they are nice and flush .http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PUTCO-999...item5890b0b8d0

[cooperwood]

hi.. Last year i converse my old van to a wheelchair accessible and also fitted restraint system for one of the my friend,he is permanent in wheelchair.Now he can go anywhere without any problem.