Innovative 'van opens up new world of travel for disabled

AN INNOVATIVE new caravan which can be lowered to simplify access has opened up a whole new world of travel for people with disabilities.

The Airflow caravan: ideal for disabled travellers

The unique airbag suspension system allows the caravan to be near ground level when parked, simplifying access for disabled travellers and their wheelchairs.

Designed by Toowoomba engineer Justin Clarke, the Airflow Caravan can be custom built to meet the specific needs of would-be travellers with mobility limitations or who are in a wheelchair.

But the caravan is not just for travellers with disabilities ... Justin said it would also benefit elderly people with access issues or people with mobility scooters. "These can easily be stored in the caravan," he told Caravanning News. "It will also cater for people wanting to carry canoes or bicycles."

Justin and his family are keen caravanners and have travelled extensively in a 1820kg prototype Airflow.

"We tow with a 128kw, 400NM turbo diesel VW and have no problem sitting on the 100km or 110km-an-hour speed limit. It is economical to tow," he said.

"On our Christmas trip from Toowoomba to the Snowy Mountains and the eastern Victoria coast we averaged 13.6 litres for 100km with  two adults, five children and six bikes.

 "While travelling we have had many comments from elderly people who are sick of climbing two or three steps to get in and out of their 'vans. We have also met several people in wheelchairs who have had custom 'vans made with very long ramp ... and worn-out partners."

Justin is an engineer who thinks outside the square, and when he launched JPC Engineering in 1988 the basis of the business was to provide engineering solutions across a wide range of industries.

Product development was part of the vision, which led him to working with many top name clients such as Western Star Trucks, Boeing Australia on an F111 project and Brisbane-based custom bus company Coach Design.

Over the years, Justin became involved in modifying several vehicles to suit the requirements of the disabled and he identified a need for a disability-friendly caravan to allow people in wheelchairs or who have restricted mobility to travel freely and enjoy the benefits of caravanning.

The first Airflow caravan was three years in the design and build process, with his prototype being completed last September.

Easy access to the Airflow caravan

BACK TO CARAVANNING NEWS MAIN PAGE