For some people a pickup truck can be a popular option. For years, wheelchair users have not had the option to drive a 4 x 4 truck. GoShichi LLC has changed the playing field and it is not level. Now you can have a rugged vehicle that can take you comfortably down the road or across an open field. GoShichi has engineered a lift system that will put you behind the wheel of one of the most capable, adaptable vehicles on the road today. Whether you need to haul a load of rock, tow a boat, or just feel safe driving down a snow covered road, a GoShichi pickup truck is for you.
Please note that getting an evaluation from a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist is highly recommended.
R & J Mobility Service is Oregon’s first GoShichi dealer; we have been working with GoShichi from the beginning!
About GoShichi:
Steve, the founder of GoShichi (pronounced Go Seat-chi) was injured in an automobile accident in 1999. His injuries included a completely severed spinal cord (C6-7) making him a quadriplegic. One of the frustrations of living with this injury is the limited options of vehicles.
“I know, minivans are great for a lot of families,” Steve said, “but I never saw myself driving one.” Yet, the reality was that he could not practically transfer and was forced to drive one for many years. When faced with replacing that van, Steve said “I just could not purchase another minivan.” He searched for alternatives, but there were no practical options.
The Solution:
“I complained to a friend, who just happened to be a mechanical engineer and he began inquiring about the obstacles of putting a wheelchair in a 4 wheel drive truck. Believe me, there are obstacles! We began to corroborate a design. We measured cab space, ground clearance, wheelchair height and width. After many, many hours and several designs and prototypes we selected the best one and began building my truck.” Steve had enlisted the help of a couple certified welders and one really good mechanic. When Steve finally got into his truck he states, “I couldn’t stop smiling”. Somewhere along the line it was decided that others would certainly rather drive a truck, so a patent was filed and a company was started. GoShichi LLC was born!
GoShichi Truck Conversion
Putting a wheelchair into a truck is a formidable task. It has to be functional, reliable, adaptable and long-lasting. To achieve these things GoShichi wanted to keep the design as simple as possible, less moving parts means less chance of something breaking. The design is simple, effective and strong. Strong to handle the weight of a wheelchair and the driver (over 600 pounds!). GoShichi lowers the floor of the trucks, replaces factory steel with steel that is twice as thick and beefs up the frame. The boom carrying the load is a steel box and is rated to carry more than 750 pounds. The lift is housed inside to protect it from the elements which in turn preserved standard ground clearance that makes the conversion virtually undetectable from the outside. Strong and good looking, what a combination!
Specifications:
- GMC Sierra or Chevrolet Silverado (1500 or 2500) trucks.
- Driver side conversions are available on Extended or Crew Cab trucks
- Passenger side conversions are available on Crew Cab trucks
- It must be a model with a backseat (crew cab or extended cab) so there is room to put the lift.
- The back seat remains in vehicle so you can carry up to 5 passengers.
- You may select 2 or 4 wheel drive.
- Conditional warranty covers modifications for at least 3 years, 36,000 miles
FAQ About GoShichi Trucks:
Will all chairs fit in this vehicle?
- Unfortunately no. However we are confident we can accommodate most. Not all wheelchairs will fit all vehicles, and some may require a small adaption. Generally if the wheelchair is under 28 inches wide and you are under 57 inches tall (sitting in your chair of course), GoShichi and R & J Mobility Service can get you in. We can accommodate those individuals who may be taller and slightly wider but vehicle must be special ordered.
Can I purchase my own vehicle and have it shipped to GoShichi for the conversion?
- Yes, you can. GoShichi can now accept vehicles purchased and sent there for conversion. However, GoShichi has a direct account with GM and order their vehicles with the necessary equipment and configuration to support the lift system. They also purchase used vehicles using the same criteria. Please contact R & J Mobility Service to make sure you purchase a vehicle with the correct options to support our lift system.
Is the GMC Sierra or Chevy Silverado the only vehicles available?
- As of today, these GM trucks are the only vehicle in production. GoShichi is able to keep expenses low and quality high producing these trucks on an assembly line. GoShichi believes their lift is adaptable to fit most full size trucks and SUV’s, however this requires additional expense. If you have your heart set on a different vehicle, contact R & J Mobility Service and we will work with GoShichi and look into the modification.
Can you raise the truck higher and add bigger tires?
- Yes, there is room to go up. The truck is raised 3″ above standard, but GoShichi can go higher.