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Van Conversion
We enlisted the aid of Van Safety Conversions, another southwestern Oregon company. Through much hard work and extensive research a solution was found to correct the instability problems with 15 passenger vans. This conversion involves the addition of dual wheels to the rear, complete change out of the wheels and tires, suspension modifications and new fenders. "The change in handling of the 15 passenger van is unbelievable; this is what is needed on all 15 passenger vans that are currently on the road. I feel this conversion would virtually eliminate the accident/rollover problems associated with these vehicles" added Wayne.
The testing conducted on the 15-passenger van dual-wheel conversions illustrated the improved stability. A study referenced by Safetyforum in April '02 illustrated that placing dual wheels on the back axle of the 15-passenger vans made them much more stable than stock vans. The 'Heitzman' J-Turn Test demonstrated how easily the loaded stock vans rolled-over in emergency maneuvers, and how much more stable the same vans were with the dual-wheel conversion. The technology that could make them safe does not need to be invented. It has long been well known. Equipping them with dual rear wheels. The feedback has been 'overwhelmingly positive. Individuals that have driven the van report that "The van drives like a totally different vehicle." One person who has driven standard 15-passenger vans 'side-by-side' with the dually conversion vans reports a 'startling difference' in handling characteristics. The dual wheel vans had far superior lateral stability, less 'bounce' and more controlled steering while transporting a full load of passengers and towing a trailer. Rogue Klamath | About Us | Contact Us | Reservations | Affiliates
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Southwestern Oregon Outfitter becomes first to address 15 passenger van safety concerns - Rogue Klamath River Adventures announced today that it has begun a program of converting its 15 passenger vans to a much safer configuration. This conversion is the one recognized retro-fit for the much publicized instability problems of 15 passenger vans. "We have not had any problems with 15 passenger vans in our history, but with all of the incidents that have been documented we felt that converting our vans would bring added confidence in our long standing commitment to customer safety" said Wayne Zallen, President of Rogue Klamath River Adventures. 
Zallen's thoughts have been proved by records that show engineers recognized early the need to extend the wheel base and add dual rear wheels to prevent fishtailing. Video taped tests demonstrate that using dual rear wheels would significantly reduce side sway and the tendency to 'slide out." When vans are fully loaded, single wheels do not provide adequate rear traction to perform emergency steering maneuvers without fishtailing. Dual wheels in the rear greatly improve traction as well as offer the safety redundancy of an extra tire on each side so that sudden failure of one tire is less likely to cause loss of control. 