HELP!! Wheelchair carrier hitched to TT???

LarryJM wrote:

ai.woodworking wrote:
Hello all. I'm a newb to RVing, and the forum. I have 15+ years experience towing automobiles as well as some experience with towing TTs. I have been recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) and intermittently require the use of my power wheel chair. I'm having difficulty deciding how to transport my chair. I have concerns using my hitch mounted "tilt ramp" wheelchair carrier on the REAR of my 28', dual axle TT. Both weight balancing concerns as well as bottoming out on driveways, dips, etc. Carrying it in the bed of my truck is an option, though the 360lbs the chair weighs (EMPTY weight) is also concerning bringing it down a potentially unsteady and HEAVY ramps (I have limited Mobility and strength also due to the M.S.). Any thoughts, or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. I'm 37 years old and find myself in INVOLUNTARY retirement due to this GD DISEASE! Therefore, I have an EXTREMEMLY LIMITED budget. If anyone can share their experience with a hitch mounted, extra storage "shelf" (can't think of the item's name) on the rear of a TT, I'd appreciate it.

While the heaviest duty power WC can weigh 350 to 400lbs the normal every day ones are in the 150 to 250 lbs range. I would recommend installing a front receiver and getting a folding platform with ramp to transport your wheelchair. Both front receivers and the better platforms can hold up to 500lbs, but I would limit your weight to around 1/2 of that. I typically carry my ECV which with batteries weights around 175lbs with a front receiver and platform/ramp system on my Van.

With a pickup and a non 5er RV I think the best and easiest system would be an in bed power lift. It might not be the cheapest, but IMO when dealing with issues like this you will find cost is not the real driving or most important factor.

Larry

Thank you, Larry. Another good idea (front hitch). My chair does actually weigh 362 lbs. It has additional hydraulics for tilting, reclining and leg lift. The chair was delivered with itemized weight documents from the manufacturer due to it's customization to my physical needs. I was told by the rep to use those specifications for transportation issues like this.