access for wheelchair users

[billy_374373856]

i know nowt about caravans but my parents have a Swift Island Colonsay (based on a Charisma 550). My mum is registered blind and is a wheelchair user so steps are out of the question. Unfortunately, as my dad has emphasima, he cannot push a wheelchair up a ramp either. Do any of your members or staff know of anywhere that supplies a suitable hoist or lift? I've tried searching on the internet to no avail and becuase I am not a member id any caravan clubs (because I don't have a caravan myself) I can't contact any of these organisations whose members may be able to answer my query. Please help. Any information would be most appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[glake]

hi Billy, there was a feature done regarding the adaptation of a caravan for disabled use in a previous issue of PC. Contact the Mag direct and they may be able to give you the info on the company that did the work.

 

[RogerL]

Caravan doors are far too narrow, about 50cm, to allow wheelchair access but magazines carry articles on adaptions with wide/double doors.

I recall somewhere and electrically operated platform which would raise from ground level to caravan floor level.

Sorry, that's not very helpful for actual contacts.

 

[greenhouse50]

hi billy frys caravan will be able to help you they do hoists for caravans,they are on internet as well.hope this helps.

 

[RogerP]

Hi Billy

check out this website to see if there's anything helpful (haven't personally so no idea).

http://www.wheelgotravelling.info/

 

[TonyAsh]

Hi Billy

We have just bought a wheelchair adapted caravan with wide door and an 'open layout' to allow access into toilet / shower area for wheelchair. This was not a cheap excersise though and we had thought long and hard before going ahead. The caravan is adapted by a company who specialise in this area.

I had investigated a DIY job on a conversion but would prove to be very difficult.

Cheers Tony

 

[Guest]

My only comment on this would be for anyone considering this tomaybe look at a motorhome.

This is because to make all the adaptations will require strenthening and will add weight. The extra payload available with a motorhome will possibly be an advantage here.

The other issue is the towcar as it may be that a wheelchair user requires a converted van type vehicle. Again you need to ensure that everything you want will fit and work.

I do know that there are a number of converters of motorhomes who sepcialise in this type of work and of course the vehicle is VAT free. Yes, you will lose the advantage of the tow vehicle to run around, but if the motorhome is not too large, you can probably do things just as well. At least everything you need will always be with you in the one vehicle and you of course have the loo facility on hand.

As mentioned in the opriginal Post it is really not practical to consider converting an existing van as the body is built for the sepcific design.