WAV Vehicle fuel tanks
Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) are designed to provide people with disabilities the freedom and independence to get around. However, there are some unique considerations that WAV owners need to be aware of, one of which is the fuel tank.
Why are fuel tanks different on WAVs?
The main reason why many fuel tanks are different on WAVs is because the floor of the vehicle is lowered to accommodate the wheelchair ramp. Lowering the floor means that (depending on the vehicle and conversion) there is physically less space for the fuel tank, so to get around this a new smaller fuel tank is fitted, and/or sometimes the fuel tank is relocated to a different area of the vehicle. Not all WAVs have modifications made to the fuel tank – some use the original tank – check with the converter or dealer
What do WAV owners need to be aware of?
There are a few things that WAV owners need to be aware of when it comes to the fuel tank:
- If the vehicle conversion company have fitted a smaller fuel tank you will need to refuel more frequently than you would normally have with a conventional vehicle/original tank.
- If the fuel tank has been relocated, you may need to be aware of where it is located.
- If a smaller fuel tank has been fitted the fuel gauge may not be accurate, so it is important to never let the fuel get too low. Although fuel tanks are replaced the fuel-level sender is invariably not – so the gauge does not show a 100% accurate fuel level.
- To protect yourself against inaccurate fuel gauge readings – we recommend never letting the level get below a quarter of a tank.
How to choose the right WAV for your needs
If you are considering purchasing a WAV Vehicle, it is important to be aware of possible fuel tank chnages. If you drive regularly or frequently travel longer distances, you may want to choose a WAV with a larger fuel tank your wheelchair accessible vehicle dealer should be able to give you information about the fuel gauge accuracy and how to access the fuel tank. (Please bear in mind they may not have this information to hand – but they will be able to find out from the company that originally converted the vehicle)
WAVs are an essential item for people with disabilities who want to maintain their independence and still be able to travel. However, it is important to be aware of the unique considerations that come with owning a WAV, such as the different fuel tank – but the challenge of a smaller tank can easily be mitigated by some small chnages to your driving routine. i.e. filling up more regularly, or treating the quarter tank mark as the new ‘bottom’.
With some research and choosing the right WAV for your needs, you can ensure that you have a safe and reliable vehicle that meets your needs.
This is one of a series of articles that offers honest advice when buying a WAV.
