Community Forums

stinger608 · 03-18-2019, 05:39 PM

I have some good friends that last year purchased a Class C coach.
He is a double amputee above the knees and uses prosthetic legs. They attach above the knees and he walks with two crutches.

He gets around pretty good but getting in and out of the coach is getting pretty tough for him.

They are about 1/2 time RV'ers and are trying to find something that can either be made or purchase to enable him to raise up to at least the inside step. It has the bottom step in side the door and if he could get to that point he could manage the step up.

They don't have a lot of money to deal with and don't want to have to purchase something like a wheelchair lift system.

If anyone has some ideas I would very much appreciate any advise, links, or direction.

I've been in building construction for many years and will be most likely either doing this mod or at the very least helping with it.

Thanks a ton in advance.

Dsallach · 03-18-2019, 06:14 PM

How about some type of hinged fold down handicap ramp. It could be raised or lowered using a simple pulley/cable system.

stinger608 · 03-18-2019, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dsallach

How about some type of hinged fold down handicap ramp. It could be raised or lowered using a simple pulley/cable system.

That would probably work. The only thing that would possibly need added would be some kind of a hand rail. He has a hard time walking up ramps unless it was something pretty wide.

Wouldn't really need to have a pulley system as his wife can swing it up or pull it and stow it away.

I was thinking of maybe one of the ATV ramps that fold up. I would just have to ensure it was attached stable when in place.

stinger608 · 03-22-2019, 06:45 AM

Haven't had any other responses so I kind of started doing some research.

I'm thinking that something like this might just be the ticket.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HKSDH6W...d5d4e5c18&th=1

Don't know if anyone else has used this or something similar or not.

Dsallach · 03-22-2019, 01:36 PM

I would think that should work. The ADA height stated is to meet the 3 degree ramp slope code. Since the coach is not a public place that would not be a concern. I forgot to ask what the height rise on the coach is to both the first step and floor level. I have thought of a couple solutions but with cost being a major factor, the ramp would be the cheapest. If he needed a hand rail you could add one that slides into holders on the side of the ramp or one that folds down and is locked in place by a hitch pin when in use.

Dsallach · 03-22-2019, 01:43 PM

One other factor I forgot to ask, you say he is a 1/2 time fulltimer. Does he camp in one spot or travel during that time. I.e. would this be a once in 6 month set up or something that needed to be mobile and quickly setup each day.

Mojim · 03-22-2019, 03:18 PM

google RV handicap lift should give you ideas maybe a platform lift from ground to floor level we looked at many then went with a chair lift …

Dsallach · 03-22-2019, 05:27 PM

The Original poster stated he did not want to purchase a handicapped lift system so we were trying to come up with least cost alternatives.

stinger608 · 03-23-2019, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dsallach

One other factor I forgot to ask, you say he is a 1/2 time fulltimer. Does he camp in one spot or travel during that time. I.e. would this be a once in 6 month set up or something that needed to be mobile and quickly setup each day.

They only go to about 3 different areas so quick setup wouldn't be necessary.

And you're right, cost is a major factor in this system.

The motorhome only has a single fold out step so it isn't terribly high. From the entry inside the door to the floor level is only 7 or 8" if I recall correctly.

Dsallach · 03-23-2019, 06:55 AM

The ramp would be the simplest idea but, I even thought of using something like this and modifying it using a reversible motor
https://www.discountramps.com/snowmo...xoCENUQAvD_BwE

stinger608 · 03-24-2019, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dsallach

The ramp would be the simplest idea but, I even thought of using something like this and modifying it using a reversible motor
https://www.discountramps.com/snowmo...xoCENUQAvD_BwE

Hmm, that would actually be a pretty good idea!!!
Only thing I'm not sure of is if the 25" lift would be enough.

They are suppose to be back in town in a couple of weeks so I can measure the height of the first step.
Dang, thanks for the link, that may just be the ticket!

He actually has an old wheel chair lift motor that we were going to engineer a reverse for his Harley trike so he already has the reversible motor.

RustyTools · 03-31-2019, 11:14 AM

When one of our dogs developed hip-issues and got too lame to climb the rv stairs, we found a strong but very light-weight ramp - similar to your first photo (He was about 90 lb and I'd get on too and guide him up). I added a bracket to the top lip of it so it would 'lock' to the rv step, to keep it from slipping off. Heavy-duty plastic polymer, rough walk area and folded easily.

It was either this one, or very similar (can't seem to find the exact one now):
https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Gear-supe...-1-spons&psc=1