Personal/Standing Lift

My niece used to camp with us, since she was wheelchair bound I had to carry her into the TT whenever she needed to be tended to, while she never complained it was an issue. The fit through the entrance door was tight and I had to ensure she did not bump an arm or leg as we squeezed in.
When we started looking for our next TT I inquired about the possibility of a lift being installed and unfortunately the TT wall construction was the issue, it would not be strong enough.
I was advised a class A or Toy Hauler would be a better option.

rockhillmanor wrote:
If you want some answers by experienced wheelchair RV'ers go to this forum here on this site. THEY will be able to tell you what you need to know.

Forum can be found by Going to upper right of page to 'jump to forum' drop down and click on:
RVing with Disabilities and General Health Issues
then click the 'go' button.
Here is the direct link to get there.
http://forums.woodalls.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/6825665

Happy Camping. Good to see you don't let the little inconveniences of life keep you from RV'ing! :C

Thanks Rock. I found that thread after I first posted here. Actually, there are more responses here. I'm grateful for all input.

avoidcrowds wrote:
What about getting 3 (triangle configuration) or 4 powered stabilizer jacks, bolt them to an aluminum platform, and use that to lift the wheelchair? It could be configured to use the retracted steps for stability. A wire harness could be installed under the floor, so you plug the lift into the mounted "outlet". It lifts, he goes into the trailer, and you slide it aside for later use. A couple of rails could be welded beneath TT, so it could be slid under TT for travel.

A small ramp would allow the chair to go up the 5" to the lift platform, from the ground.

Just a thought.

A great thought! I'm amazed by the awesome brainstorming going on here to help us work through our dilemma. We are so very appreciative of all your thoughtful kindness. Thank you!

What about getting 3 (triangle configuration) or 4 powered stabilizer jacks, bolt them to an aluminum platform, and use that to lift the wheelchair? It could be configured to use the retracted steps for stability. A wire harness could be installed under the floor, so you plug the lift into the mounted "outlet". It lifts, he goes into the trailer, and you slide it aside for later use. A couple of rails could be welded beneath TT, so it could be slid under TT for travel.

A small ramp would allow the chair to go up the 5" to the lift platform, from the ground.

Just a thought.

Naio wrote:
What is preventing him from using the crutches? Shoulder injuries?

I may have an idea if I understand better what the barriers are.

Yes, shoulder issues.

BellaLynda wrote:
Thank you all for your innovative suggestions. As DH says, there is a solution. We're leaning toward the standing lift; he is an above the knee amputee w/o a prosthetic. Until last year, he got around via wheelchair and crutches. He's no longer able to use the crutches and therein lies the real challenge. He would be able to transfer from the mobility cart below, stand on the lift, and get into the wheelchair in the trailer. (In the past, he would have managed the stairs on the crutches :)) We're waiting to hear from Forest River regarding recommendations on the installation of the lift on the fiberglass structure. And, of course, there is matter of the cost involved with all that. Nonetheless, we've reserved a site at a state park here in FL for a week mid-January and we're happy and excited to get out there and do it! Again, thank you all, I'll report back with the final solution.

Wishing all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year traveling along your roads of adventure.

If you want some answers by experienced wheelchair RV'ers go to this forum here on this site. THEY will be able to tell you what you need to know.

Forum can be found by Going to upper right of page to 'jump to forum' drop down and click on:
RVing with Disabilities and General Health Issues
then click the 'go' button.
Here is the direct link to get there.
http://forums.woodalls.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/6825665

Happy Camping. Good to see you don't let the little inconveniences of life keep you from RV'ing! :C

What is preventing him from using the crutches? Shoulder injuries?

I may have an idea if I understand better what the barriers are.

cyberiankhatru wrote:
This may not help at all but...My aunt has no legs and uses a manual chair. She has a slide board that she uses to get into vehicles. Using it from the chair through the TT door, she scoots up the board and onto the floor. Then she scoots up the board onto the dinette in "bed" position and onto the chair with her short board. It's time consuming but works so she can camp with us sometimes.

WOW...talk about innovative and determined...smiles...your aunt is the perfect example of finding a solution that works! I'll relay this option to DH. Thank you.

Thank you all for your innovative suggestions. As DH says, there is a solution. We're leaning toward the standing lift; he is an above the knee amputee w/o a prosthetic. Until last year, he got around via wheelchair and crutches. He's no longer able to use the crutches and therein lies the real challenge. He would be able to transfer from the mobility cart below, stand on the lift, and get into the wheelchair in the trailer. (In the past, he would have managed the stairs on the crutches :)) We're waiting to hear from Forest River regarding recommendations on the installation of the lift on the fiberglass structure. And, of course, there is matter of the cost involved with all that. Nonetheless, we've reserved a site at a state park here in FL for a week mid-January and we're happy and excited to get out there and do it! Again, thank you all, I'll report back with the final solution.

Wishing all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year traveling along your roads of adventure.

This may not help at all but...My aunt has no legs and uses a manual chair. She has a slide board that she uses to get into vehicles. Using it from the chair through the TT door, she scoots up the board and onto the floor. Then she scoots up the board onto the dinette in "bed" position and onto the chair with her short board. It's time consuming but works so she can camp with us sometimes.