Wheelchair in an RV?

[mr__ed]

I've located some narrow wheelchairs on line that may work in my fifth wheel. Are any of you using one? Any advice appreciated.

[tonyandkaren]

I'm glad your trial run worked. Wishing you a good and fast recovery so that you can get back into your fifth wheel.

[mr__ed]

Well, I tried my standard-size wheelchair on the lower floor of my fifth wheel and found that I can use it. Of course, it has to be folded to get through the entry door, but with the help of friends it's doable. I'm going to continue getting physical therapy and hopefully in the near future be able to get back to my RV. Paying almost $3k/month at this facility is getting a bit old, although I had no choice at the time. 😞

[mr__ed]

Clay L wrote:

thestoloffs wrote:

Clay L wrote:
We found what they called a transport chair that would fit through the hallway going to the bedroom. It folded up and fit in the trunk of my Honda when we took him to doctors appointments.

Unlike standard wheelchairs, which has large wheels that can be reached easily from the seat, transport aka escort chairs wheels are only a few inches in diameter.

They are designed deliberately to limit the user's own ability to move themselves without supervision; they are designed to have someone else push the user around.

Unless the intent is to have an escort to push their chair, or if the user's legs have enough power to push the chair, an escort chair is probably unsuitable for the suggested usage.

You are right. Our friends left it with us after they no longer needed it and I just went out to the shop to take a look at it. I had forgotten that it is intended only to be pushed by someone other than the user.

Good point. Haven't thought of that!

[Clay_L]

thestoloffs wrote:

Clay L wrote:
We found what they called a transport chair that would fit through the hallway going to the bedroom. It folded up and fit in the trunk of my Honda when we took him to doctors appointments.

Unlike standard wheelchairs, which has large wheels that can be reached easily from the seat, transport aka escort chairs wheels are only a few inches in diameter.

They are designed deliberately to limit the user's own ability to move themselves without supervision; they are designed to have someone else push the user around.

Unless the intent is to have an escort to push their chair, or if the user's legs have enough power to push the chair, an escort chair is probably unsuitable for the suggested usage.

You are right. Our friends left it with us after they no longer needed it and I just went out to the shop to take a look at it. I had forgotten that it is intended only to be pushed by someone other than the user.

[thestoloffs]

Clay L wrote:
We found what they called a transport chair that would fit through the hallway going to the bedroom. It folded up and fit in the trunk of my Honda when we took him to doctors appointments.

Unlike standard wheelchairs, which has large wheels that can be reached easily from the seat, transport aka escort chairs wheels are only a few inches in diameter.

They are designed deliberately to limit the user's own ability to move themselves without supervision; they are designed to have someone else push the user around.

Unless the intent is to have an escort to push their chair, or if the user's legs have enough power to push the chair, an escort chair is probably unsuitable for the suggested usage.

[mr__ed]

tonyandkaren wrote:

mr. ed wrote:


Actually. I'll have assistance getting in. I'm not driving yet so a friend will be able to help. Yes, it's a bit awkward but I'll still be getting therapy and hopefully will be more mobile soon.

That's good news. If I'm assuming right your fifth wheel has slide outs which should give you plenty of room to move around. You may want to have someone install grab bars in the bathroom to make it easier for you.

If you think that you won't be using a wheelchair very much in the future you might be able to find a used one on craigslist. A folding one will fit in any doorway and can be easily loaded into your truck or a car. I have a rigid frame chair because I put it through a lot of abuse but a folding one is fine for light duty.

Yes, I have slide-outs. That will help. What I like about the small wheelchairs is that they're relatively light.Since I have only 3 steps to the bedroom, I may be able to take it up there without too much difficulty, if I find that I need it at that location.

[tonyandkaren]

mr. ed wrote:


Actually. I'll have assistance getting in. I'm not driving yet so a friend will be able to help. Yes, it's a bit awkward but I'll still be getting therapy and hopefully will be more mobile soon.

That's good news. If I'm assuming right your fifth wheel has slide outs which should give you plenty of room to move around. You may want to have someone install grab bars in the bathroom to make it easier for you.

If you think that you won't be using a wheelchair very much in the future you might be able to find a used one on craigslist. A folding one will fit in any doorway and can be easily loaded into your truck or a car. I have a rigid frame chair because I put it through a lot of abuse but a folding one is fine for light duty.

[Monster9903]

My in-laws looked at a Class A that had a wheelchair lift and an extra side door etc... I believe it was a Hurricaine. Didn't buy it due to declining health but they are out there

[mr__ed]

Looking around, I see that Amazon sells wheelchairs that may fit the bill, They're also reasonably priced. Anyhow, it's probably only temporary as I'm making good improvements with my therapy.

[mr__ed]

tonyandkaren wrote:
Will you be able to climb the steps to get into your fifth wheel? If not the entry door may have to be widened because lifts need extra room even when used with narrow wheelchairs. This site has a lot of different types of lifts - http://www.startrackslifts.com/

Another option might be to buy a used RV that has been modified - http://www.disableddealer.com/item_search.asp?category=1020

We fulltime in a small class C that has been built to make it accessible for me(Karen). It has a Super Arm lift, a wider door, the dinette is cut down to half and the bathroom door and a wall section has been replaced with a folding door. With just those few alterations I have access to everything in the motorhome and room to spin in a complete circle at either end.

Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Actually. I'll have assistance getting in. I'm not driving yet so a friend will be able to help. Yes, it's a bit awkward but I'll still be getting therapy and hopefully will be more mobile soon.

[mr__ed]

JoeGood988 wrote:
Almost all fifth wheel trailers have steps inside. Bathroom doors are usually 24-30"...As far as I know, unless you order a custom unit, a class A motorhome is all on one level. You can order a chair lift on some models also.

I've already considered that. I have some limited mobility and I think I wouldn't have too much problem getting upstairs and into the bathroom. I would use the wheelchair primarily downstairs. I'm anxious to get back to my RV. I'm paying almost $3,000/month at this assisted living facility. The rv park is only $350/mo in comparison.

[Dog_Folks]

garyhaupt wrote:
Would one of those ATV type winches work in this application? Using a remote controller..one could be 'on line' going down and then for the return. Just asking.

Good idea Gary. We have used an ATV winch in the bed of our pickup to load heavy (750 lbs.) Harley motorcycles inside, up steep ramps.

The Harleys are gone and now we use it to load a small golf cart and a mobility scooter. The beauty is you can winch in and out so it is very controlled.

As I am facing wheelchair use in the future, when that day comes I plan to use a decent lightweight ramp, a 30 inch wide entry door,(Available on most later model trailers) and my trusty winch mounted inside.

Good luck to you and Happy camping.

[Clay_L]

As far as narrow wheel chairs go - a friend fell off his motor home ladder backwards landing on the heels and shattered both of them. He had surgery and a two month prohibition on walking.
We found what they called a transport chair that would fit through the hallway going to the bedroom. It folded up and fit in the trunk of my Honda when we took him to doctors appointments.

[Dtank]

mr. ed wrote:
I've located some narrow wheelchairs on line that may work in my fifth wheel. Are any of you using one? Any advice appreciated.

Provide some more info...:@

What about the entry stairs outside and also *inside* the 5th?

There are solutions for *almost* all - the exception might be for
the stairs (inside) to the bedroom area of a 5th.

BTW - 24" width wheelchairs are readily available at reasonable cost.

.