converting a caravan for wheelchair user

[flims]

Anyone on here that could give advice for a very dear friend of mine who is now confined to a wheelchair? An avid fan of camping and in more recent years caravanning, he and his family have travelled extensively through France and the UK in their Lunar Quest caravan. Sadly 2 years ago experienced a spinal injury and has very little use of his lower limbs. My mate is desperate to get back caravanning (he sold his van shortly after his injury occurring as he wasn't sure of how he would recover! !)
Amazingly my mate and his grown up family have a very large tent and much to my amazement have coped admirably under canvas in France this year. He is due to retire soon and is desperate to get back caravanning. He would like to purchase a caravan that could accommodate his needs. Please can anyone offer any experiences of their own or knowledge of companies specialising in disabled access to caravans and or motor homes. ......(We think he'd be better off in a motor home and to tow their other small car for getting about)

 

[Parksy]

A quick Google search has revealed two suppliers of tourers with access for wheelchairs.
Nirvana advertise pre-owned disabled access caravans and Coachbuilt offer new caravans for sale.

 

[Abinitio1989]

Not sure if suitable, but the rear door of the Knaus Sport looks like it may be wide enough for chair access (in conjunction with a ramp)

 

[Martin24]

There are some 19' transfer chairs that will fit a standard width caravan or motorhome doors, especially when the flyscreen and housing is removed. It is then a case of making up your own ramp to fit the doorway and then come out wider. It may be a good idea to fit a winch system in the van to help get the chair in, same as is used in a WAV.

Obviously the van needs to be accessible for the chair and the user needs to be able to fit in it. I have MS and that is the solution we are working on for me. It may or may not be suitable. Many specialist designs are very expensive if the full conversion is not needed.

 

[emmerson]

A simple and cheap method my pal used for his late wife was to buy an aircraft chair, which I think is what Martin means. Transfer from wheelchair to small chair, up the ramp, and in, and the small chair will fit between the beds too.