Outlaw ramp too steep for wheelchair?

[zzz]

After having some difficulty finding a newish RV that has a wheelchair lift and is affordable, it was recommended to me that I consider a Thor Outlaw.

In many ways, I think they look like great RVs. However, I worry about how realistic it is for a powered wheelchair to go up those Tampa with someone in it. In fact, in our case, the wheelchair is huge and weighs about 450 lbs, plus it's pretty tall, so I even worry about getting the wheelchair up there even when it's empty.

The ADA recommends a ramp be 1' long for every 1" of height. From what I can tell, most Outlaw ramps are about 1' long for every 3" to 4" high, if not worse. However, ADA rules are purposefully overly safe, so this doesn't necessarily Moran we're hosed.

Unfortunately, there are no Outlaws anywhere near me, so I can't just try it myself. Does anyone here either already use am Outlaw ramp for a powered wheelchair, or have access to both an Outlaw and a powered wheelchair to try it out?

I'm most interested in the 2016 37LS, if that matters, but I'm interested in any and all feedback from any and all models. Thanks!

[Scarab0088]

Here is our Smart Car being unloaded from our 3611 (garage and ramp is duplicate of the 37LS) as an attempt to illustrate the unaltered set-up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsCS7jPbqsY

There are there simple things that can be done to decrease the effort in this evolution:
*Add legs and a folding ramp extension to the end of the ramp...will look for the photo I found of that.
*Add a small electric winch to pull any wheeled apparatus up the ramp (like Mike B. reported here).
*Add a mid-sized electric winch and cable to the ramp to lift/lower the ramp itself (so you load at the bottom of the ramp - then lift to make a flat loading surface).

Now... a question. How will your spouse get forward of the interior garage door? It is a rather narrow door with a step.

Best luck

[Scarab0088]

This website shows a ramp extension and ramp lift winch:
Toy Hauler Ramp Lift Assist | RVB Precision
And
IMG_1447 | RVB Precision

We are not affiliated.

[Slice]

Issue with that ramp it is steep. Coming down could be disastrous. I backed out of one on my Harley. Front brake just skidded all the way down and then tipped over. Never again.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by Slice

Issue with that ramp it is steep. Coming down could be disastrous. I backed out of one on my Harley. Front brake just skidded all the way down and then tipped over. Never again.

Although this thread is about a wheelchair climbing an Outlaw's ramp, there is an easy answer to the particular issue above...
...With a heavy motorcycle descending a ramp, most of the weight is on the downhill tire. The typical narrow front tire being uphill would be prone to skid down a toy hauler's ramp, if used as the only method to control the bike.

The correct way to do this is:
*Start with the motor off, in gear.
*Keep both feet squarely on the deck.
*Engage the clutch, releasing the transmission gently.
*Engage the front brake and transmission by modulating the hand levers, to slowly decend the ramp.

Works on everthing from a low slung chopper to a light dirt bike...guaranteed

Safe travels

[Scarab0088]

See Mike B's winch install:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f121/outl...ml#post2281872

He bolted it down, but the GenII Outlaws have a D-ring in the center of the forward floor that could be used to hold a lightweight winch in place for loading...easy to remove as a trip hazard.

There is a high output jumper block in the Outlaw's garage to connect power to it with a jumper.

Best luck

[zzz]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

See Mike B's winch install:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f121/outl...ml#post2281872

He bolted it down, but the GenII Outlaws have a D-ring in the center of the forward floor that could be used to hold a lightweight winch in place for loading...easy to remove as a trip hazard.

There is a high output jumper block in the Outlaw's garage to connect power to it with a jumper.

Best luck

We'll probably do this. Thanks!

[brucev]

My mother had ALS and when it came time for a power chair, I built a ramp into the front of the house that was much steeper than the ADA calls for because I had a short sidewalk. Her chair had more than enough power. From looking at the pics in previous posts the ramp I built was about the same as the Outlaw ramp. You will also need to consider the width of doors and hallways when the slides are in. Good luck!