Tips for making RV ing easier with disabilties

[dpgllg]

My health has been on a steady decline over the last 2 years to the point that I am now disabled. I suffered multiple heart attacks and strokes. Had open heart surgery and a pacemaker inserted. Three weeks ago the doctors put stents in my carotid arteries to open them back up.

I now walk with a cane, the left side of my body is weakened by the strokes, to much exertion causes chest pain so it is slow and steady when doing anything.

My wife and I discussed keeping the RV or selling it. It is currently stored at Willowtree RV Resort in Myrtle Beach and we have a trip already scheduled for June 3rd that was planned before the last go around of issues.

We decided to still make the trip and decide what to do based on how things go on the trip.

The one advantage is that Willowtree pulls the 5th wheel out of storage and puts it on the camp site and puts it back when we leave. I don't have to fuss with the landing legs or un hooking the hitch etc. So for now that is good.

We are responsible for making all the connections electric, water, sewer, and satellite. What I am looking for are some tips that can make setting up and tearing down easier for us so that we can continue the lifestyle if at all possible. For example I have found that a pair of Robogrip pliers are very handy for tightening the water and cable connections. I store the electric cable in the compartment right next to the connection so I do not have to lift the entire cable out at once just the ends make the connections and the coil remaining cable on the ground below the compartment. A post here asked about sewer connections and someone advised a strap wrench.

So I guess I'm looking for advice from those of you that have found various ways to make the things required for the RV lifestyle a little easier.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Dave

[bsinmich]

I like my Roadtrek for the fact it has a 30 gal. tank and If I use it carefully I don't have to dump for a couple weeks. I typically use only the 110V hookup because it is the simplest to use. With my drain for the holding tanks under the LF door I only do that when absolutely necessary. To me it is a great combo for not giving up on travelling.

[CWDoc115]

Both DW & I use mobility scooters to help with setup & teardown. Brass quick connects on the water hoses help too.

[dpgllg]

thestoloffs wrote:
We use brass quick disconnect fittings between each of our fresh water system components (Y connector @ hose bib, white hose ends, filter, & 90 degree connector @ fresh water intake).

All our 30A power cord connectors have Coil n Wrap Plug Dogs handles for ease of removal.

We also use their coax quick disconnects for the cable TV connection, on those rare occasions where we find such services these days.

We swapped out our Marinco shore power connector & cord with a SmartPlug system. Much easier to plug in and gain a positive connection.

Finally, for the sewer connection, we ordered our coach with a built-in Thetford Sani-con macerator. DW can manage 2 21' lengths of retractable 1" hose from her scooter, rather than a single 3" hose.

NOTE: These are merely the products we've used; this is not meant as a commercial endorsement.

Thank you for the heads up on these items!

I have ordered the plug dogs, cable quick connects and will be getting the hose quick connects once I get to the RV. These should all help setting up and tearing down.

"We added a Burr Handi-Lift http://www.burractuators.com/lifts/handy_lift.htm

Thank you for the information at this time I am still able to get in and out of the RV OK because I have a handle installed. Although my leg is weakened from the stroke I can still navigate with a cane or other forms of support. As long as I don't have further strokes the doctors feel this will not get any worse and might improve slightly over time.

"Sounds like a quick way for a teenager, able to follow verbal directions to make a few bucks when needed. Your issues are more severe than mine, but my doctor told me that I could have a severe problem anywhere, anytime and would I like to go when I'm sitting at home or seeing what I can of this country. We kept the RV and have trips planned. Enjoy your travels."

I feel the same way. I do not want to spend whatever time I have sitting here at home feeling sorry for myself but rather enjoy what life still has to offer. I have taken steps to minimize any issues if something were to happen and have an envelope with instructions medication list physician contacts etc. for my wife to use in the event it does happen. I have family and friends lined up to get her home and to get my truck and RV back home as well. My will is current and legal and the family is aware of my wishes regarding life support. I am in the process of drawing up a living will with these wishes detailed there as well.

"Did you discuss your situation with management at Willowtree? Maybe they can have an employee make the connections for you.

Or talk to a neighbor at the CG. I know I don't mind helping, I think most of us feel the same way."

Willowtree is a great place and the staff has been excellent to deal with. I'm positive they would help if asked. I was asking because I would like to have as much control as possible. That may be my stubborn and foolish side but I want to be able to do as much as possible. There will probably come a time when I can't do these things but until then I want to be as active as possible.

Thanks again for all the responses and I hope to meet all of you sometime on the road!

[thestoloffs]

We use brass quick disconnect fittings between each of our fresh water system components (Y connector @ hose bib, white hose ends, filter, & 90 degree connector @ fresh water intake).

All our 30A power cord connectors have Coil n Wrap Plug Dogs handles for ease of removal.

We also use their coax quick disconnects for the cable TV connection, on those rare occasions where we find such services these days.

We swapped out our Marinco shore power connector & cord with a SmartPlug system. Much easier to plug in and gain a positive connection.

Finally, for the sewer connection, we ordered our coach with a built-in Thetford Sani-con macerator. DW can manage 2 21' lengths of retractable 1" hose from her scooter, rather than a single 3" hose.

NOTE: These are merely the products we've used; this is not meant as a commercial endorsement.

[CA_Traveler]

Would a shorter power cord work? Does it have a handle on the plug to help pull it apart?

Hiring someone should work.

[the_bear_II]

We added a Burr Handi-Lift http://www.burractuators.com/lifts/handy_lift.htm

[Mr__Camper]

Sounds like a quick way for a teenager, able to follow verbal directions to make a few bucks when needed. Your issues are more severe than mine, but my doctor told me that I could have a severe problem anywhere, anytime and would I like to go when I'm sitting at home or seeing what I can of this country. We kept the RV and have trips planned. Enjoy your travels.

[gbopp]

Did you discuss your situation with management at Willowtree? Maybe they can have an employee make the connections for you.

Or talk to a neighbor at the CG. I know I don't mind helping, I think most of us feel the same way.