Side-Entry vs. Rear-Entry: Which Used Handicap Van Configuration Is Right For Your Family?

Let’s talk about one of the biggest decisions you’ll face when shopping for a used handicap van: side-entry or rear-entry? It’s a choice that goes well beyond preference – it’s about how your van will work in your actual life, with your specific needs, in the places you go every day.

At Paul Sherry Conversion Vans, we’ve guided countless families through this decision. We’ve seen the relief on people’s faces when they find the configuration that just “clicks” with their lifestyle. So let’s break down these options in plain language to help you figure out which might work better for you.

The Basics: How Each Van Setup Actually Works

Before diving into which might be right for you, let’s get clear on what we’re talking about.

Side-Entry Vans: Coming in From the Side

Picture this: You pull up to a parking space, and a ramp unfolds from the passenger-side sliding door. The floor inside has been lowered to give enough headroom, and there’s space where the middle seats would normally be. The wheelchair user rolls up the ramp and can either stay in the middle area or, in many cases, move all the way up to the front passenger area.

Rear-Entry Vans: Straight in From the Back

With these vans, the ramp extends out from the back hatch. The floor is lowered in a channel that runs from the back through the middle of the van. The wheelchair user enters from the rear and typically positions in the middle of the vehicle.

Now, let’s talk about how these different designs play out in real life.

Side-Entry Vans: When They Make Sense

The Good Stuff About Side-Entry

Front Seat Access: This is huge for many families. Side-entry vans are the only option that lets a wheelchair user sit up front as a passenger or, with the right setup, even drive the vehicle. If being up front matters to you, side-entry is your only path.

Being Part of the Conversation: Nobody wants to feel like they’re sitting in the back of a taxi. Side-entry configurations often allow wheelchair users to be right beside other passengers, making conversation and connection more natural during drives.

Made for Accessible Parking: Those designated accessible parking spaces with the striped areas? They’re designed with side-entry vans in mind, giving you the space you need to deploy the ramp and enter safely.

Often More Refined: Because side-entry conversions typically involve more extensive modifications, they often have a more integrated, finished feel. The lowered floor usually extends further, and the overall conversion may feel more complete.

The Challenges of Side-Entry

You Need Space to Deploy: The reality is you need about 8 feet of clearance on the passenger side for the ramp and maneuvering. This can be a real headache in tight parking lots, narrow driveways, or most garages.

Higher Price Tag: There’s no way around it – side-entry vans generally cost more, even on the used market. The more extensive modifications simply cost more to perform.

Fewer Seats: Side-entry conversions often require removing or significantly altering the middle row of seating, which reduces how many passengers you can carry.

Height Considerations: The lowered floor often means the overall vehicle height increases, which can create clearance issues in standard garages or parking structures.

Rear-Entry Vans: When They Shine

What’s Great About Rear-Entry

Park Almost Anywhere: Maybe the biggest advantage of rear-entry vans is their flexibility with parking. Since the ramp deploys from the back, you can use standard parking spaces as long as you’ve got enough room behind the vehicle. No more circling the lot looking for that one accessible spot!

Easier on the Budget: The simpler conversion process typically means a lower price point, both for new and used vehicles. We regularly see savings of $5,000-$10,000 compared to equivalent side-entry models.

Room for More People: These conversions often keep more of the original seating intact, making them practical for larger families or when you need to transport additional passengers.

Straightforward Access: The straight-in, straight-out path can be easier to navigate, especially for larger power wheelchairs or for users who might struggle with the turns sometimes required in side-entry vans.

The Downsides of Rear-Entry

No Front Seat Option: There’s no way for a wheelchair user to access the front passenger position or driver’s position in a rear-entry van. For many, this is a deal-breaker.

The Backseat Effect: In most rear-entry setups, the wheelchair user sits in the middle or rear of the vehicle. This can create a disconnect from front-seat conversations – like being a kid in the backseat while the adults chat up front.

Traffic Awareness: Loading and unloading requires being mindful of traffic behind your vehicle, which can be stressful in busy areas.

Need Room Behind You: While you can use standard parking spaces, you still need about 5-6 feet of clearance behind the vehicle for the ramp and entry/exit process.

Real Life Scenarios: Finding Your Best Match

Let’s think about how your actual daily life might point you toward one option or the other:

Side-Entry Might Be Your Better Choice If:

• The wheelchair user wants to drive or sit in the front passenger seat
• You frequently visit places with designated accessible parking
• The social aspect of traveling together is particularly important
• You have a wider driveway or garage with good side clearance
• Most of your regular destinations offer ample parking space

Rear-Entry Might Work Better If:

• You often struggle to find accessible parking spots
• You’re working with a tighter budget
• You need to transport more passengers regularly
• You have a larger wheelchair that benefits from the straight-in access
• Your home has limited side clearance but good rear space
• You regularly park in a garage with height limits

Smart Questions to Ask When Looking at Used Vans

When you’re checking out used handicap vans, keep these practical questions in mind:

For Side-Entry Vans:

1. “Can I see how the ramp deploys?” Watch it in action to check for smooth operation.
2. “What’s the width of the ramp?” Make sure it accommodates your wheelchair with room to spare.
3. “Can I see the floor up close?” Look for any signs of rust or damage to the lowered floor section.
4. “How much headroom is there when inside?” Make sure it’s comfortable for the wheelchair user.
5. “How does transfer to the front seat work?” If that’s important to you, understand the process.

For Rear-Entry Vans:

1. “What’s the angle of the ramp?” Steeper ramps can be challenging for manual wheelchair users.
2. “Is there enough turn space inside?” Make sure your specific wheelchair can maneuver comfortably.
3. “How does the securement system work?” Test the tie-downs for ease of use.
4. “How’s the visibility for the driver?” Rear-entry conversions can sometimes affect rear visibility.
5. “Has the suspension been modified?” This helps compensate for the weight of the conversion.

Making the Call: Practical Steps

Here’s our real-world advice for figuring out which configuration fits your life:

1. Bring your actual wheelchair and try both types: There’s no substitute for seeing how your specific setup works in different van configurations.
2. Think through your regular routine: Where do you park most often? Do you use street parking? Is your garage narrow? These everyday realities often end up being the deciding factor.
3. Consider the long view: A quality used handicap van should serve you for many years. Think about how your needs might evolve over time.
4. Get input from everyone involved: The wheelchair user’s preference matters enormously, but so does the experience of the primary driver and other regular passengers.
5. Look beyond the ramp: The quality and condition of the overall conversion is crucial in a used van. At Paul Sherry, we thoroughly check conversion components, not just the vehicle mechanics.

Beyond Entry Type: Other Practical Matters

While you’re focused on the entry configuration, don’t overlook these other important factors:

• Conversion age vs. vehicle age: Sometimes a newer conversion on an older van can be a better value than vice versa.
• Manual vs. power features: Power ramps and doors add convenience but also complexity. Consider reliability and your comfort with technology.
• Wheelchair securement: Test the system with your specific wheelchair to ensure it’s secure and manageable for whoever will be handling it.
• Climate control: Check how heating and cooling reach the wheelchair position – comfort matters on long drives!

We’re Here When You’re Ready

Choosing between side-entry and rear-entry doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Paul Sherry Conversion Vans, we’ve helped all kinds of families find their perfect match – from parents seeking the right solution for a child with mobility needs to adults maintaining their independence.

We encourage you to visit and physically experience different van configurations. Bring your wheelchair, your questions, and even your typical parking scenarios (we can help you think through them).

Our current inventory includes quality used handicap vans in both configurations, and our team is happy to walk you through the practical differences without any sales pressure.