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GaryKH's avatar
GaryKH
Explorer
May 01, 2014

Bringing along a disability scooter

Hi, I may have to bring along with me in our '96RT D190P, a 4 wheel disability scooter (like a shoprider). This weighs about 230 pounds. Has anybody done this in a RT? Whats the best way, trailer hitch, or trailer? Thanks, gary
  • Thanks for the ideas. I haven't bought one yet, but it seems there are 2 basic types... Lightweight & trail ready. Now i'm wondering if one with a 3" clearance would be adequate for campground gravel roads & well maintained trails.
    It seems that a lightweight one that can be disassembled enough so that the base is the heaviest at 50 pounds would be ideal as my wife & i could lift it into the back.However, how would it hold up to the above scenario re trails, etc.
  • If you don't have a scooter already, and it would word for you, you might consider a travel scoot, which is very weight efficient and would likely obviate the need for a lift.
  • The Dodge B's tend to be a bit light in the front and heavy in the rear due to the long rear overhang. Hitch mounted stuff has a magnified effect due to this overhang.

    I'd suggest getting axle weights with the B loaded as for travel, to be sure you have the rear axle & tire capacity. My best guess is that you don't, so the small trailer is going to be your best bet.

    Jim, " 'Life' is the whim of a few billion cells deciding to get together and be 'you' for a while."
  • I've even carried a 4 wheel scooter (Merit) on a rack with a fold down ramp, receiver hitch mounted, on my Suzuki Sidekick (my toad). Before you get the Harbor Freight carrier (or any other for that matter) be sure to check the width is sufficient as some are too narrow. I bolted a seat belt to the carrier to secure the scooter (across the scooter foot well). Anybody want a scooter in good shape?
  • Does the scooter come apart?

    We have two scooters (A Pride and an Invacare) that breakdown into about 6 pieces each. At first it looks like a daunting task but it's easy. Easy to take apart and easy to get back together...takes just a few minutes. Biggest part is the seat when the scooter is apart.

    We do have a Bruno lift that we bought off of Craigslist for $500 we use it in a receiver hitch mounted on the rear of my DW's car when she goes shopping around town.
  • I don't use it on the RV but, for my MIL's scooter, I bought a Harbor Freight Carrier/
    I use it on our Chevy Suburban. It's aluminum, easy to install and works great. I have several hundred miles with no problems. You do need to assemble it, which is a simple process. I had it shipped to my house.
    You just need a 2" receiver on your vehicle.
  • We put a (solid) hitch attached to the back of our Fifth wheel and put the scooter on a ramp. Works fine and lights are still quite visible on trailer.