Forest River Vans for Sale
Carpenter Bus Sales offers Forest River Vans built on the Ford Transit platform. With unibody construction, a 3.5L V-6, and shuttle-bus capacity in an SUV-friendly drive, these no-CDL passenger vans are ideal for churches, schools, and senior living.
View Forest River VansProfessional-Grade Ford Transit Van Conversions
Forest River Van, a division of Forest River Bus & Van, specializes in professional-grade van conversions built on the Ford Transit platform. As a certified Ford Pro upfitter, Forest River Van delivers vehicles that are 100% ADA and NHTSA compliant from the factory — not aftermarket retrofits.
Why Forest River Vans Leads the Industry:
• Ford Transit Platform: Unibody construction with high-strength steel delivers automotive-style handling, fuel efficiency, and a lower step-in height than traditional cutaway buses.
• ADA-Compliant Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible configurations include Braun rear-entry lifts (800 lb capacity) with Q'Straint securement systems and occupant lap and shoulder belts as standard equipment.
• Modern Powertrain: Powered by the 3.5L PFDI V-6 engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission, GVWR from 9,250 to 10,360 lbs — all non-CDL.
• Purpose-Built Durability: 5/8" plywood sub floor with steel sub floor reinforcement, Gerflor commercial vinyl flooring, and sealed floor-to-wall construction for long-term serviceability.
Two Configurations, One Platform
Choose the Forest River Van Built for Your Mission
Every Forest River Van starts with the same Ford Transit chassis and 3.5L V-6 powertrain. From there, Carpenter Bus Sales offers two configurations: a standard 15-passenger transit for everyday group transportation, and a wheelchair-accessible paratransit build for organizations that need to move riders with mobility needs.
Forest River Vans Passenger Series
The everyday workhorse for churches, schools, hotels, and shuttle operations. Drives like an SUV, parks like a minivan, and seats a full group of fifteen with 3-point Freedman seating and full OEM Ford interior trim.
Forest River Vans Wheelchair Series
Factory-built ADA and NHTSA compliant from day one. Braun rear-entry lifts, Q'Straint securement, and Freedman GO-ES fold-away seating let organizations carry ambulatory and wheelchair riders together in the same vehicle — no aftermarket retrofits.
*CDL requirements vary by state and intended use. Some states, including California, require a CDL with passenger endorsement for vehicles designed to carry more than 10 occupants when used commercially or by a nonprofit. Verify requirements with your state DMV before purchase. All Forest River Van configurations are serviced through Ford's nationwide dealer network. Final passenger capacity is subject to weight analysis and seating layout.
View Our Featured Forest River Van Inventory
Compare FOREST RIVER VAN CONFIGURATIONS
| Configuration | Max Passengers | Wheelchair Positions | Length | Roof | CDL Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 15-Passenger | 15 | — | Varies by wheelbase | Mid or High | No |
| Paratransit (Long Medium) | 5–8 + Driver | Up to 2 | 235.5" | Mid | No |
| Paratransit (Long-EL High) | 5–7 + Driver | Up to 2 | 263.9" | High | No |
Standard 15-Passenger
Paratransit (Long Medium)
Paratransit (Long-EL High)
All passenger capacities are references and subject to final weight analysis.
No CDL is required for any Forest River Van configuration sold by Carpenter Bus Sales.
Why Should You Choose a FOREST RIVER VAN?
The Smallest Footprint in the Lineup
The Forest River Van Ford Transit is the most compact vehicle Carpenter Bus Sales offers. Its unibody construction and car-like handling make it easy for any licensed driver to operate — including volunteers and staff who may not be comfortable driving a full-size bus. The Transit platform navigates parking garages, tight parking lots, and residential streets that cutaway buses simply cannot access.
Full ADA Compliance, Factory-Built
Unlike aftermarket wheelchair conversions, Forest River Van's paratransit models are built as a certified Ford Pro upfitter with ADA and NHTSA compliance engineered into the conversion from day one. Braun wheelchair lifts, Q'Straint securement, and occupant restraint systems are standard — not add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions About FOREST RIVER VANS
In most states, you do not need a CDL to drive any vehicle that carries 15 total passengers or less. However, some states have stricter requirements. Always check with your local DMV for CDL licensing requirements.
The Ford Transit chassis is covered by Ford's 3-year / 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Forest River Van conversion carries a 5-year / 100,000-mile conversion warranty, and the Braun wheelchair lift includes a 5-year OEM warranty. Carpenter Bus offers PlatinumCare (8 years, unlimited miles, bumper to bumper) free for churches and senior care communities only; other buyers get SilverCare free (5 years or 60,000 miles, entire vehicle, bumper to bumper) and may upgrade to GoldCare ($800, 7 years or 70,000 miles).
Because the vehicle is built on the Ford Transit platform, all engine, transmission, and chassis components can be serviced at any authorized Ford dealership nationwide. For conversion-specific parts and warranty service, Carpenter Bus Sales provides direct support.
The standard wheelchair lift is the Braun NCL919FIB with a 34" x 51" platform and 800 lb capacity, mounted at the rear with a backup pump. An upgraded 1,000 lb lift with a 37" x 54" platform is available as an option. Both rear-entry and side-entry mounting configurations are offered.