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Larger tire size for wheelchair accessible van

13K views 34 replies 11 participants last post by  davedrivesody  
I have a 2021 Odyssey that has been converted by VMI for wheelchair access. It doesn't matter which conversion company did the modification(s), or the make of the van; all wheelchair-accessible vans are very low to the ground and easily bottom out on speed bumps. You also have to be very careful when going up or down a steep incline/grade driveway. Your suspension was raised already during the conversion and I don't believe it is safe to raise it any higher. I have heard of wheelchair-accessible van conversions getting stuck in the snow/ice if it is hard-packed and too high for the lowered floor and body panels to clear. Also, do not take the van to an automatic car wash as it can get stuck on the track because it is so low. If you put on larger tires, they will rub when you fully turn the wheel (usually when parking - lock to lock). I hope that helps.
 
I believe that the lowest points are actually the cosmetic panels installed on the sliding side doors after the floor is lowered to cover gap left by the dropped floor. When my van scrapes, I can feel the whole vehicle scraping. It’s unsettling to say the least.

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