Canyon Star 3911 Wheelchair Tie Downs?

[pbrod]

New owner of a CS3911 handicapped RV. Wife is in an electric wheelchair and has very limited mobility. We are planning our first trip and hope to be able to have her travel in the passenger seat but I am sure there will be time that she would prefer to remain in the wheelchair.

The RV currently does not have tie downs. For those of you who travel with wheelchairs are tie down necessary? If you have installed them could you recommend where and how many?

Peter and Jan
2014 CS 3911

[Jim T.]

I have a 3911 that we bought new in 2013. I use an electric wheelchair (Jazzy), but when on-road in our coach, I ride in the co-pilot's seat (my wife drives the coach). She moves my wheelchair to the bedroom and secures it (no tie-down). If you wish to tie down, add 2 eye-bolts to bed frame and use a bungee cord.

We love our 3911. I hope you come to love yours as well.


Jim & Shirley & Abbie (Scottie)
2013 Newmar Canyon Star 3911
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan Toad

[Algoma]

There is a reinforced steel plate under the floor behind the passenger seat. That is designed for you to install your own tie-down latches. Newmar will not install these and you cannot do this if you have the option TV/fire there. My wife always transfers to the passenger seat and I leave her Jazzy just behind the seat. I would never allow her to travel in the wheelchair even if the seat were locked down.

[TonyDi]

I don't know why you would want to ride in a wheelchair while travelling. Manufacturers go to great lengths to make sure that passenger seating is really secure and won't break loose. Secondly would be the seat belt issue. Some wheelchairs have retainer belts on them but would they be effective in a crash?
I urge you and her to use the passenger seat and it's belt. JMHO.

[Jim T.]

You might investigate an EZ lock system, available as an add-on to a power wheelchair. It provides an easy and secure way to lock and unlock a wheelchair to any car or motorhome floor. Here's their website:
http://www.ezlock.net/

I've used one in our car for over 10 years. Very reliable device.


Jim & Shirley & Abbie (Scottie)
2013 Newmar Canyon Star 3911
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan Toad

[pbrod]

Jim T and Algoma Thank you for your informed replies. I posted hoping to find RVers in similar situations who could comment with insight from personal experience and it looks like I have found two who are willing to share.

Both my wife and I feel very fortunate to have found our CS 3911 and are looking forward to getting back to traveling. It's been a long journey getting to this point. It is our interest to travel safely and comfortably but our everyday challenges are uniques to very few of us. I post on this public forum to find help and to share whatever knowledge is generated with those in similar situations.

To those who have helped please excuse me but TonyDi keep your self righteous, uninformed opinions to yourself. JMHO!!

Peter and Jan
2014 CS 3911

[Algoma]

Peter, even with tile floors we have I have never had a problem with the Jazzy moving under heavy braking so I don't think tie-downs are necessary. You could always put a strap around it and tie it to the lift if you are concerned.

[pbrod]

Jim T our current passenger vehicle is a Toyota Braun conversion van. The EZ system was investigated at that time and we passed thinking that it would lower ground clearance on the power chair. After a year of use that concern was probably unfounded.

The EZ system had slipped my mind and you are right to suggest further investigation. We will be on our first trip in April and will start by developing our system to transfer to passenger seat. We are hopeful that with practice the transfer will become "routine." But I do like to plan ahead and that is the reason for my question.

I was at the Newmar dealership yesterday and ask about installation of tie downs.
They don't do them. I also asked about the structure of the floor and they referred me to Newmar and stated that they now have model specific customer service for CS. I plan to call because this info would be needed if I move forward with any system and work with a mobility shop for installation.

Peter and Jan
2014 CS 3911

[Jim T.]

I also use a Hoyer-style body lift that allows my wife to transfer me from wheelchair to various places in the 3911 (passenger seat, lift chair, commode, shower & bed). Works for us. When underway on road, the Jazzy & Hoyer-style lift is securely stored in bedroom. Bungees & eye-hooks will do the jog quite well.




Jim & Shirley & Abbie (Scottie)
2013 Newmar Canyon Star 3911
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan Toad

[pbrod]

Jim T I would be very interested in more information on your hoyer-style lift. I have only seen pictures of hoyer lifts and they look big. You obviously have one that works in a 3911.

Peter and Jan
2014 CS 3911

[Jim T.]

I had it fabricated at a local welding shop out of one inch square stock. The two screw lifts are standard lift chair mechanisms. The red unit is a battery pack that inverts 12vdc to 120vac to eliminate extension cord dragging behind. Here is a sorry picture of unit. I'll try to get a better picture taken.




Jim & Shirley & Abbie (Scottie)
2013 Newmar Canyon Star 3911
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan Toad

[Jim T.]

Here are a few better pictures of my body lift unit, which we've named Al for A$$ Lifter. I have one in my S&B and one in my 3911. One less thing for my wife to move back & forth.







If you need to get a sling, I've found that a split-leg works best. I got one made at a sailmaker shop, but I don't think you'll find many sailmakers in PA!

If you need further information, email me at jtneil@att.net


Jim & Shirley & Abbie (Scottie)
2013 Newmar Canyon Star 3911
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan - Braun Accessibility Modified Toad