Ceiling lift for handicapped individual

Question

Has anyone tried installing a Surehands ceiling lift in an RV? Ithe RV is a 36ft 2001 model, and the lift is older ( and heavier) than "todays" model, runs in tracks attached to the ceiling, and is used to move the individual from a wheelchair to a bed. Usually installed in a home, i am not sure the ceiling/roof of an Rv could handle its weight + individual being lifted.

Any prior experience, or suggestions, along these lines gratefully accepted.

ductape · Answer

Lots of variation in roof construction, be specific about make and model for better answers.

Edit: I see it's a Damon Intruder from your other post. Not familiar with that one personally. The aluminum trusses in our Newmar would do it I'm sure, with adequate hardware. Need to find someone who's familiar with the roof internals on yours.

May have to add some supporting framing reaching down the walls to the floor, worst case.

ca_traveler · Answer

RV roofs often have weight limits and if OK then bolt it to plates on the roof. SS plates and bolts.

However I'd build a free standing frame over the bed for what you want. It could be partially welded and bolted for removal. If the bed is in a slide out then you'll need to design for that.

I'd have problems with wheelchair access and it would be impossible with the slides in.

rgatijnet1 · Answer

Safari made a coach with a heavy bed, about 350 pounds, that came down from the ceiling with a track system, which was later changed to a strap system. The whole mechanism was mounted to the side walls of the coach. No weight was carried by the roof structure.
I am sure that some welding shop can design and build a wall mounted frame to support the lift mechanism, or design a new lift mechanism to suit your needs.

mrwizard · Answer

the ceiling is NOT going to hold thismounting plates on the exterior roof, with holes coming thru the roof to hold the tracks, would spread the weight and support thiseven in stick house, this bolted to the rafters and truss's not the ceilingbut like others, i think an internal framework of some kind,is probably the best way to do this

wolfe10 · Answer

Actually, I was thinking the same thing-- support on the roof, through drill to track on ceiling.

That is what I would do unless working with a heavily built coach. Walk on the roof. No give, there is STRUCTURE. Flex-- through bolt!

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Ceiling lift for handicapped individual

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