Transport DW Wheelchair and Bumper Pull TT - RV-Dreams Community Forum

saltfevr · RV-Dreams Community Member

Transport DW Wheelchair and Bumper Pull TT

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

My guess is your 2500 series 4x4 has sufficient suspension that a front receiver hitch would not be an issue. Adding a hitch in the back is problematic, unless some serious design issues are resolved. Get the services of a well qualified welder before attempting the rear receiver. I have seen a chair on the back of a truck with a weight distributing hitch for the travel trailer behind that Not sure how it worked, because the trailer was not hooked up. A handicap accessory place most often has a lift to put a chair in the back of a pickup with a cover on it. Same issues as in a van so it is doable.
Do a bit of research and see what is available out there. Check with the chair manufacturer for help, betcha they can help.

Bob and Cheri · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have seen in the past what looked like a turtle shell car top carrier that had a lift mechanism in it for the wheel chair. I do not remember any name brands or even where I saw it. Maybe someone else out there might remember something like that. But that I would imagine that would be for a non-motorized chair.

Bob

saltfevr · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks 53 Merc & Bob & Cheri for your quick replies! DW & I appreciate it very much! Some good ideas and some hope. Thank you both again..

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

the name of the rooftop chairlift is... Braun Ability......it is made for a non motorized chair but if you contact them or The Scooter Store, Im sure they will be able to help you or give you Ideas to resolve this issue quickly

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

I installed a Handi-Lift on our 5th wheel next to the entry door. It has a platform and will lift 400lbs It's not designed for a wheelchair but a small wheelchair (transport chair) will fit on it. We use it to get my 94 year old dad in and out of the 5th wheel. If I had to do it all over again, I would get a toyhauler and use the rear ramp to get him in & out.

You would be able to find a toyhauler that can be towed by your truck. There are many bumper pull models within you TV weight capacity.

nightsky · RV-Dreams Family Member

My significant other had muscular dystrophy and couldn't do stairs. Like Bear I had a Handy-Lift installed on the travel trailer so he could get in and out by himself. It worked well, and as an added plus my grandkids loved it, they called it the elevator. lol

It does add a fair amount of weight (about 120 pounds if I remember correctly) and it sticks out about 9" on the side when folded up for traveling, something to keep in mind when maneuvering the trailer. I got mine here, they had the lowest price I found at that time and also the quickest shipping time frame. Very nice guy that I dealt with. The local RV dealer installed it for me. They weren't real happy with it only attaching with bolts through the side wall of the trailer so they also had a welder fabricate a brace from the lift to the underside frame of the trailer.

http://www.usmedicalsupplies.com/22780Burr.html?utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=base&utm_source=google

Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Tuesday 26th of February 2013 07:57:20 AM

saltfevr · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks Lucky Mike and Bear II also for your great replies. More ideas for us to consider, thanks again for your time and caring!

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

Consider this. A good set of ramps, 400-500 lb. capacity. A small winch mouted inside the topper at the front of the bed. We used this method for years to load two Harley Davisons in the bed, under the cap. Now that we have stopped riding, we use it to pull our golf cart and my power scotter inside.

saltfevr · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks Nightsky and Dog Folk for your ideas. Have seen online the attached, seated chair lifts, and wondered how they attached sufficiently. Hadn't thought about a tv bed mounted winch and ramps? Hmmn now lets see, Harbor Freight or Warn Brand winch? Still pondering, dw has to decide on power chair or scooter. Thanks all!

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another option for you:

I also have a "travel scooter" that we use when shopping, visiting, eating out, etc. If needed, it comes apart into five pieces, weighing no more than 20 lbs. each. Fully assembled, it weighs only 100 pounds, but carries my 250 pounds just fine. My wife and I just lift it into the truck, no ramps needed for it. It is quick and easy.

I use the Pride GO-GO four wheel travel scooter. Here is a link: http://www.thescooterstoreonline.com/travel-scooters.html

saltfevr · RV-Dreams Community Member

Dogfolks:

Just so happens, dw and I looked at power chairs and scooters today . Being so naive, the differences were explained to us, both good and bad. Dealer only had 2 Pride Brand scooters, but about 10 various brand power chairs. Being too young for medicare, and private job ins, not too interested in outdoor chair coverage., we're still shopping. Definately some savings from used models on CL or local classifieds. DW seemed to like the Pride, 3 wheeler go go's for their turning radius. Salesperson showed us how they come apart for travel. Wondering if I could use a ramp to tv bed, and push it up while in nuetral? Again thanks for your 2nd idea!

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sure, you could push a Go-Go Scooter up a ramp. There is a lever that puts it in free wheel mode and they are very light. (100 Lbs) We have done it as a test. It was very easy.

Watch the prices around the country, the Go Go that I have is $879.00 retail, at the scooter Store, but I have seen it listed as much as $1,595.00, elsewhere, for the exact same model. Wal Greens can even order you one.

I chose the four wheel model for stability. A sharp, fast turn on a three wheel could tip easier than a 4 wheel model in my opinion. My four wheeler will make a U-turn in a regular grocery store isle without backing up. That is a tight enough radius for everyday use.

I have had mine for three years now, and rarely do I have to back up. The Go Go is a very agile little scooter. I am very happy with it.

Also, when my wife wants to load it alone, she takes the battery pack out, and then it is light enough that she can lift it into the truck by herself. You might be able to do the same. (no ramps needed)

-- Edited by Dog Folks on Friday 1st of March 2013 06:14:12 PM

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Tom and Cathy,

I just tried to activate your link but held up because the url address you provided for Ride Rite takes one to a Firestone website selling what looks like air bags for trucks and other vehicles. You might want to recheck that url address.

Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 4th of March 2013 08:12:29 AM

saltfevr · RV-Dreams Community Member

We'd like to thank all of you for your kind replies and ideas! DW decided on a used 3 wheel scooter by Pride called the Maxima. Its a hefty bugger about 187lbs,(2 batteries weigh 25lbs. ea) Had the seller help me lift into pickup bed today. Read the manual to take it apart to place in apt. Even with batteries out, the rear drive motor section is quite heavy. BTW,
I found 10' long suitcase aluminum ramps at http://www.riderite.com from Virginia for $350, which is a good price, cheaper than the roll a ramp brands. After discussing about trying to park tv in handicap stall at Wallyworld, then drag out 10' ramps in front of everyone, nearly blocking travel lane, I'm looking at a used Bruno elect chair lift tomorrow. Not jazzed about drilling holes in tv bed, but install looks easy, and running positive wire to batt. not bad, with Leer shell opening of 36". Will let 'ya know, thanks!

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

I checked it out on line, looks like a good scooter. It should work out well for you.

The wheels are much bigger than the travel scooters so it should travel better over grass and rough areas. My Go-Go does not do well on grass.

At shopping centers, we often do not park in the handicapped space, as that area is often is very busy with passing cars as we try to unload.

We park towards the outlying spots as my wife does not mind walking a few extra feet, and I have my scooter, so it doesn't matter. Also, pull the truck as far forward in the space as you can to allow extra room to unload in the rear.

Now you can go camping!! Enjoy.

-- Edited by Dog Folks on Monday 4th of March 2013 08:02:46 AM

saltfevr · RV-Dreams Community Member

Terry:

I must apologize for the incorrect link, and thank you for trying to make it work. It should be: http://www.literamp.com

Sorry for any inconvenience this caused anyone.

BTW, I purchased a nice used Bruno model(VSL690)wheelchair lift to bolt into right rear corner of my tv bed, under my Leer topper. It about 80Lbs. so a friend will help me mount it. Yes, that's about 270lbs additional weight(scooter & lift) in tv bed, but might have to remove some tools??? yikes, did I say that? Thanks again.

Bellio · RV-Dreams Community Member

You may find this helpful: healthyhowardmd.org/best-wheelchairs/

I prefer a wheelchair. I can push it myself when I need to walk, I can have DH push me if I'm tired, and I can push myself when I need to. Even if it's only to move myself a few feet, or to turn around. With a transport chair I can't move myself at all when I'm sitting in it

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bellio,

If you had read the post above yours, the original poster had solved their issue years ago. I would also like to remind you that this thread is 5 years old, and Howard prefers that we not revive threads that are much over 1 year old. Thus, I am closing this thread.

Terry