RV Stair Lifts Explained

Part of the great experience of taking an RV vacation is the freedom of the open road that it gives to those who enjoy breaking free of the mold. People with disabilities are included in this as specially adapted RVs can provide for all their needs and this experience can also be hugely enjoyable. Often, people ask about ramps and lifts for wheelchair users getting in and out a handicap RV, so this article will cover the RV stair lift and explain what it is and how it works.

An RV stair lift is an automated mobility machine that is designed with the intention to make accessing the interior of a recreational vehicle simpler for people with disabilities. Those with mobility impairment, as well as the elderly, injured or wheelchair bound will benefit from its installation. This kind of automated lift circumvents the necessity for a person to have to be carried or assisted up and down the RV stairs.

RV Lift Features

An electrically powered motor is hooked into the RV's engine is the driving force for the RV lift. The chair lift itself swivels around from the vehicle's outer wall, in through the main door, then swivels on to the inner wall. To operate the RV stair lift, a remote control connects to the electric motor via a cable. This allows the user to activate it as well as to control the lift's speed.

Types of RV Stair Lift

There are several different companies that manufacture RV and wheelchair stair lifts. You'll find that each will have a variety of different features as well as construction methods. Handicap lifts such as these are generally made from aluminum or steel for maximum strength. They are customizable to suit different heights, as well as being able to carry an additional weight load. Seats width can be made wider or narrower or have removable armrests to provide easier access for wheelchairs.

What to Consider Before Buying

Make sure that you measure carefully your RV's height and its door's width before you go ahead and purchase an RV stair lift. This is a precaution to ensure your choice of lift will fit properly onto your vehicle. Installation of RV lifts can be difficult so you should consider having it installed professionally by the manufacturer or call in a third party company that specializes in this kind of installation. In some cases, an extra step may have to be fabricated onto your RV to accommodate the lift or you may need extra bolts fixed to the RV wall in order to use the lift safely.

Considerations of Use

In all cases, make sure that you don't exceed the lift's maximum weight limit, which will be designated by the manufacturer. This can happen by allowing more than one person riding the lift at a time, which may cause the engine to overload or even break off with the potential for causing a serious injury. Some lifts come with a safety belt buckle, so if yours has one, always wear it for added safety.

After all the warnings and consideration, remember the main reason you are having one of these lifts installed is to make a person with disabilities very happy by providing them with the ability to join you on an RV vacation. The kind of places you get to visit and sights you get to see are often only possible when you can get behind the wheel and head off along the open road to wherever it may take you. So enjoy every minute of the ride, cause it's a great one!

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