Handicap RVs

It may not be common knowledge outside of the circle of people with disabilities Handicap RVs are those specially adapted vehicles sometimes referred to as motorhomes. They can be easily driven and handled by handicapped drivers and carry passengers in comfort and safety just as you would do with a regular RV. They make ideal transporters for people with disabilities who crave the freedom of the open road. For wheelchair users they can be adapted to their needs and are perfect for taking folks out to visit places of interest, or even to make that longer drive to a vacation resort or just hit the road. With an RV, you literally never need to stay in a motel again, as they are completely self contained living accommodation on wheels. So let's look at the main types of handicap RVs that are currently available for this purpose.

Generally, RVs that are used by people with disabilities have been custom adapted by the owner to suit their individual needs, but you can also get them factory built or adapted as well. RV'ing is definitely the best way to travel if you have a physical disability that does not bar you from driving an adapted vehicle, because it levels the playing field for and makes everyone equal in this area. When you think about it, what other type of travel allows anybody to bring along their accessibility with them? That's because it can happen that accessibility issues can arise in some hotels and motels that could prevent you from using their facilities. But with your own mobile hotel that you own and drive yourself, these issues will never arise.

Customization of vehicles for disabled or physically handicapped travelers involves physically altering the structure of the vehicle, and not just some cosmetic changes. That's because every person with disabilities has different impairments, so the customization and adaptation must be in accordance with those circumstances.

The most common type of vehicle customization is for wheelchair users and involves installing a wheelchair lift as well as widening the entrance to the vehicle and also the interior aisles in order to accommodate the wheelchair's width. It also involves installing the necessary hand control systems to make using the facilities of the RV easy for the owner. When adapting RV motorhomes and trailers, other common changes include, modifying the shower and /or tub, instaling longer handles on taps, as well as providing hand rails in strategic positions where the wheelchair user needs to transfer from the chair to a facility or sofa or bed.

Buying Handicap RVs

When it comes to buying a handicap RV, there are several options available to you, depending upon what you can afford to pay and the logistical side which is the distance you are able to travel to go view the vehicle in person or get someone you trust to do that for you if you are buying privately. If you are buying from a dealership, you can often arrange with them to set up a situation in which you can personally see the vehicle and in some cases they will lay on transport for you to do that if the distance is not too great.

Handicapped RV Resources

Some companies do specialize in handicap RVs and we can provide some information that may be of use to you.

Play-Mor in Westphalia, Missouri is presently the only manufacturer that builds specially adapted travel trailers for people with disabilities as part of the vehicle's normal production process. All other companies, dealers and manufacturers make the necessary modifications in the post-production stage, after the vehicle has been completely built.

Chariot Eagle Park Models are able to be designed especially for handicapped accessibility. Call the factory in Ocala, FL for further information on (352) 629-7007

It is always a good idea to join up with like minded folks and Travelin' Talk Network, in Clarksville, can be called on 615/552-6670. If you send an SASE they'll send you their membership requirements, including information about their member directory and also a free copy of their quarterly newsletter. The directory costs $35 and you'll find this pretty useful as in their 550 page membership directory, you'll find listed over 800 members as well as a variety of resources and services specially tailored to the disabled traveler.

Additional contact information for handicap RV services, sales and rentals can be found on our Handicap RV Contacts page.

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