Travelers with disabilities have a wide range of specialized needs that can be accommodated in various types of recreation vehicles.
By Jan Lee
June 2023
Here in the 21st century, advances in technology are turning out to be a boon for RVers, particularly for those of us who want to keep traveling as we grow older. Smart technology that allows remote monitoring of RV functions; lighter construction materials; and longer-performing batteries are making it easier for RVers to take the comforts of home on the road with them.
Winnebago Inspire Type A motorhome
Such innovations are making it easier for RVers with disabilities. According to the Canadian RV Industry Association, at least 2 percent of RVers in the United States and Canada go camping with someone who has a physical limitation or disability. For many individuals, that means finding creative ways to adapt the amenities they have in their RV to fit their living needs on the road.
So, it’s no surprise that an increasing number of RVers are turning to mobility-accessible vehicles for their seasonal and full-time travel. Accessible RVs are best known for automated wheelchair lifts or ramps. But they often include other adaptive features as well, such as smart technology that helps people with low vision or hearing concerns to operate some functions more comfortably. Or the vehicle may be outfitted with specialized driving controls so an individual can operate the brakes and accelerator by hand.
ACCESSIBLE RVS: A GROWING MARKET
Keystone Outback 342CG travel trailer
Newmar and Winnebago were among the first manufacturers to offer Type A motorhomes with an automated wheelchair lift and variable floor plans. In 2012, Newmar debuted the Canyon Star 3911, its first manufactured mobility motorhome. The company has offered such features as a power incline at the head of the bed; power-adjustable bed height options; and a flush, power-operated stepwell cover to reduce falling hazards. For the 2023 model year, the Newmar Mobility Lineup includes three floor plans with accessible designs: the Dutch Star 4311, the Kountry Star 4011, and the Bay Star 3811. Power-adjustable kitchen tables, roll-in showers, wheelchair-accessible vanities, and BraunAbility electric lifts are among the amenities.
For decades, Winnebago has modified its motorhomes for wheelchair users upon request. In 2019 the company formally introduced several Accessibility Enhanced Type A motorhomes in its standard production lineup. The 2023 Inspire, a mid-entry diesel-pusher model, continues that trend. These motorhomes feature wheelchair lifts, wider hallways, galleys configured for accessibility, integrated tie-downs, and accessible bathrooms.
Winnebago Roam Type B motorhome
To address the growing demand for smaller RVs that can accommodate a wide range of mobility needs, Winnebago launched its first wheelchair-accessible Type B motorhome, the Roam, in 2021. The compact 20-footer includes a Braun UVL remote-controlled wheelchair lift and integrated tie-downs that secure a wheelchair and enable it to function as an additional seat for travel. The open floor plan accommodates wheelchairs, walkers, and individuals with service dogs.
Keystone RV produces a travel trailer suited for wheelchair accessibility. The Outback 342CG is touted as a true wheelchair-accessible floor plan. Its 56-inch-wide entry door is accompanied by a ramp with an extension that lowers the angle of entry. The main door measures 30 inches wide to allow for an aftermarket wheelchair lift if desired. Inside, amenities include accessible countertops, a step-in shower, and wide sliding barn doors into the bathroom and bedroom.
The Harbor View travel trailer from HL Enterprise Inc. provides a selection of floor plans that can be personalized for additional accessibility. According to the company’s website, amenities include easy-access electric tongue jacks, remote control operation of systems, a BraunAbility Century lift, a power 50-inch entry door, conveniently placed kitchen appliances, and bathrooms with roll-in showers.
The Newmar Kountry Star 4011 includes a dinette with space for a wheelchair.
A number of other companies throughout the United States and Canada also offer customized accessible conversions. These services are usually the go-to option for individuals looking to customize a personal vehicle or wanting more of a say in the features and layout that are added to a newer model. A dedicated community of companies throughout both countries offer mobility-accessible conversions.
SELECTING ACCESSIBLE OPTIONS
Picking the right accessibilityoptions for your RV is an important process. According to Robert Kim, Winnebago’s director of Specialty Vehicles, the first step is to identify your accessibility requirements and the amount of room you’ll need to live comfortably.
Field Van offers new and preowned accessible van conversions that can be ordered directly from the company.
For example, if an individual uses a wheelchair, will they be able to comfortably transfer to the bed, chair, or bathroom? Will there be other equipment needs? Should a shelf for a CPAP machine be included? Will a separate compartment be required for a service animal?
Having an idea of the kind of traveling you will do is another factor. Is the RV for seasonal trips, such as brief summer vacations, or for full-time travel? Some RVers have calculated the cost and inconvenience of flying to vacation and business destinations and opted for an adapted RV instead.
“Flying is always a challenge for someone with a wheelchair. Some will use the RV mainly as a way to do road trips, visiting fun places or friends and family. Once they reach their destination, they may stay in a hotel or home,” Kim said.
REQUEST A TOUR OF ACCESSIBLE FLOOR PLANS
Jonny Feld, CEO of Field Van in Fresno, California, said obtaining feedback from an expert in accessible van construction is critical to determining the right floor plan and options. His company designs custom van conversions for various applications.
“It’s always valuable to talk to people who have done [this type of work] before,” Feld said. Company representatives consult with mobility experts as needed for questions about ergonomics and features such as light switches and control panel options.
The Keystone Outback 342CG has wide sliding barn doors for easy access to the bathroom and bedroom.
As an example, Feld told of a customer who is visually impaired and relies on his wife and dog for assistance. The family required a layout that would allow him to move about the van independently with his guide dog at his side.
ACCESSIBLE STORAGE LOCATIONS
Determining the amount of room that will be needed for storage is important; for instance, the space availability in a 20-foot-long Type B differs dramatically from that of a 35-foot Type A. But Winnebago’s Kim points out that you could tow a trailer with the Class B to carry belongings (ensuring the setup falls within the motorhome’s gross combination weight rating).
In the Winnebago Roam Type B, storage areas can be reached from a seated position.
Most van models accommodate two occupants — unless a pop-up roof is installed, which provides another sleeping area. On the other hand, many Type A motorhomes can accommodate about seven people.
In both Type A and B motorhomes, cabinets and drawers are available at wheelchair-accessible level. Winnebago’s Roam includes an auto-operated cabinet that lowers for easy reach. Field Van’s modular design options allow for shelves and cabinets that fit customer needs.
Of course, many standard pro-duction motorhomes come with overhead storage that won’t be accessible from a wheelchair or walker. Determining who will retrieve hard-to-reach items may be important when selecting the right design for your needs.
WHO’S DRIVING?
Will specialized equipment, such as hand-operated driving controls, be beneficial? It’s important to keep in mind that factory-ordered RVs don’t usually come with preinstalled adaptive driving features, but they can be added as an aftermarket item. Feld said his company works with specialists that can install hand controls and other features. “We customize the van around adaptive equipment,” he added.
The Type B motorhome has one solid advantage over other motorhome types: parking. “The camper van benefits include easy to drive and park,” Winnebago’s Kim said, as it fits in any conventional parking place. He also noted the advantage of better fuel economy.
On the other hand, larger motorhomes win out when it comes to off-grid capabilities. Bigger water tanks and holding tanks, a generator system for power, and more spacious storage below the floor work well for long trips and full-time travel.
PRICE POINTS AND ORDERING PROCESSES
Type B accessible models usually are priced lower than the larger motorhomes, such as the Winnebago Inspire and Newmar diesel pushers. Keep in mind that base estimates don’t account for custom items such as manual braking systems, special modifications, or other added design features.
Winnebago Inspire Type A motorhome
Customers can order an accessible motorhome by contacting the nearest participating dealership. Kim said that the number of dealerships that handle orders for Winnebago’s accessible models continues to expand as the market grows. “Therefore, buyers should realize that they may not be able to purchase a vehicle from their closest RV dealer, but Winnebago is working to establish dealers in major markets.” Dealers will walk you through the ordering process. Custom modifications generally are ordered through the manufacturer.
Field Van’s accessible Type B model and personal vehicle conversions can be ordered directly through the company’s offices in Fresno, California, or Reno, Nevada. The company also lists preowned models on their website, which have good turnover, Feld said. “They hold their value,” he noted.
Because individuals’ needs for accessible options vary, the process of selecting or ordering an RV is not cut and dry. The information sources included in this article are by no means comprehensive. Use them as a starting point, and do your homework by researching online for additional accessible RV manufacturers, conversion experts, and other helpful contacts.
MORE INFO
Handicapped Travel Club
www.handicappedtravelclub.com
This organization provides information and encouragement to travelers with a wide range of disabilities.
MANUFACTURERS, CUSTOM CONVERTERS, AND EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS
Access Unlimited
(607) 669-4822
www.accessunlimited.com
Accessibility products
Burr Engineering Co.
(269) 966-3122
www.mobile-lifts.com
RV lifts
Creative Mobile Interiors
(614) 539-4600
www.creativemobileinteriors.com
Custom conversions
Dune Sport
(480) 357-3863
www.dunesport.com
Customized travel trailers and fifth-wheels
Field Van
(559) 233-8267
www.fieldvan.com
Type B motorhome customizations
HL Enterprise Inc. (Harbor View)
(574) 294-1112
harborview.hlenterpriseinc.com
Travel trailers
Maxvan LLC
(844) 240-8962
www.maxvan.com
Pathway wheelchair-accessible Type B motorhomes
Newmar Corporation
(800) 731-8300
newmarcorp.com/mobility
Type A motorhomes
North American RV
(800) 580-9350
www.northamericanrvllc.com
Wheelchair-accessible travel trailers and fifth-wheels
Roadtrek
(888) 762-3873
www.roadtrek.com
Wheelchair-accessible Type B motorhomes
Startracks Custom Seat Lifts
(574) 596-5331
www.startrackseatlifts.com
Custom power seat lifts
Superior Van & Mobility
(844) 341-5438
www.superiorvan.com
Mobility scooter carriers, wheelchair lifts, driving controls
Winnebago Specialty Vehicles
(800) 492-9135
www.winnebagoind.com
Type A and Type B motorhomes