Conversion Van - Conversion Types

Conversion Types

There are several different types of conversions aside of the usual passenger-van-like conversion:

1. Travel Van- These are the standard conversion vans and the only ones offered with low tops as well as high tops. A typical travel van will accommodate seven passengers on one rear bench, and four captain's chairs. Often, the rear bench electronically folds flat into a bed. These vans normally have large windows with shades, storage cabinets, and a TV. Originally, TVs were small DC conversion models with antennas. These TVs were bulky (especially in low tops where they had to be mounted on the floor) and not very useful due to poor signal. In the '80s, VCRs and later DVD players were added greatly improving the usefulness of the TV. Finally, flat screen monitors have eliminated the need for special cabinetry to hold the TV. High-end stereo systems and other electronics have become typical. Most accommodate multiple game systems.

2. Disability Vans - The van has any or all of the following structural modifications that enable a person in a wheelchair to use the van: raised roof to allow proper clearance through the door, raised roof to allow adequate head clearance, lowered or dropped floor to allow adequate head clearance. These changes are made necessary because a person sitting in a wheelchair will almost always sit higher than a person sitting in the van's OEM seats. In all cases a platform lift is added to either the rear doors or passenger side doors to enable the person in a wheelchair to enter/exit the van. A lowered floor modification can be done just in the cargo area to save money whereas a full lowered floor is one in which both the cargo area and driver/passenger area are lowered. Standard lowered floor conversions are 6" and 9".

3. Office Vans - These vans are built like a small office in the back, with a desk and chair bolted to the floor, an electrical outlet in the office area (for computer, etc.), and usually one or two seats in the back for passengers. These are most popular for traveling salesmen and TV camera crews.

4. Motorhomes "Class B" campervan are built on a full size cargo van that is lengthened a couple of feet. Lengths range from 17–20 feet. "Class C" mini motorhomes have the back completely taken out of the van (known as a cutaway), and have it replaced with a larger back that offers more space than Class Bs. Lengths range from 18–30 feet. These vans have more features that enable camping, such as a toilet, fridge, microwave, sink, side sofa, popup canvas top that allows standing up, and sometimes a stove.