In Pursuit of Mobility: Accessible RVs

RVing is a pursuit not limited by age or mobility. In fact, with a significant percentage of RVers being older, varying degrees of mobility issues are common. This raises the question – if you find yourself in a wheelchair, are your RVing days over? Not if you don’t want them to be. I dug into what manufacturers are currently offering in the way of accessible RVs, and as it turns out, there are more than a few. Here’s what I found.

Keystone Outback 342CG

Photo credit: Keystone RV Company

Industry magazines RV Pro and RV News recognized the Outback 342CG as one of 2021’s best new models. According to Keystone, the design team applied the company’s “Live It Out” mantra to creating a travel trailer that helps campers with physical disabilities get out on the road.

Based on a toy hauler floorplan, this model has a 56″ wide extended ramp door, a natural entry point for people who use a wheelchair. However, getting a wheelchair into the trailer is part of what this trailer does. The team looked at the other amenities in the unit and adapted them for easy access. They said, “We took the basic footprint and reconfigured the kitchen counter, slimmed down the wall for the entertainment centre and replaced a hinged door with a sliding bar door to create an easy transition for a wheelchair into the living area. We also widened that main door to 30″ so that it would work with an aftermarket wheelchair lift.” This year, Keystone is looking at applying this same formula to a variety of its towables.

Photo Credit: Keystone RV Company

Specifications:

• GVWR: 10,500 lb
• Length: 38’
• Width: 8’
• Height: 11’4”

2022 Newmar BAY STAR 3811

Photo Credit: Newmar

Newmar, a well-known name in motorcoaches, has engineered three accessible RVs. Every coach in the Newmar Mobility Lineup is crafted to deliver uncompromising accessibility for people who use a wheelchair, they say.

Photo Credit: Newmar

One of these coaches is the Bay Star. This is more of an entry-priced unit as it’s built on a Ford chassis and features the 7.3L gas-powered V8 engine. Still, as Newmar has always been a premium brand – it continues to offer all of the amenities you’d expect from a Newmar coach, but with more wheelchair-friendly designs. A BraunAbility® electric lift on the large door is standard, along with a large 48″ x 36″ roll-in shower, larger wardrobe, and floor-to-ceiling mirrored doors. You’ll also find more spacious areas throughout for more wheelchair accessibility.

Specifications:

• • GVWR: 26,000 lb
  • Length: 38’11”
  • Width: 101.5”
  • Height: 12’8”

Winnebago Roam

Photo Credit: Winnebago

Utilizing the Ram ProMaster chassis, Winnebago’s Roam is powered by the 3.6L gas-V6. The Roam is equipped with an under-vehicle wheelchair lift, wheelchair tiedowns for secure travel, lowered countertops/controls for in-reach use, bathroom grab-handles and more. You can travel in freedom with these accessible RV features. This is a spacious unit; between the powered reclining sofa/bed and the pop-top, there is sleeping space for up to four.

The Braun UVL wheelchair lift uses a wireless remote for easy access into and out of the Roam, while integrated tie-downs secure the wheelchair and allow you to use it as another seat while you travel. The Roam bath features an integrated shower and a cassette-style toilet.

Specifications:

• • • GVWR: 8,900 lb
    • Length: 19’

Winnebago Inspire 34AE

Photo Credit: Winnebago

One of the few mid-entry diesel pusher motorhomes on the market, the upscale Inspire is suited for Winnebago’s accessibility enhancements. Designed with a 340-hp Freightliner XCS chassis, the Inspire delivers a well-mannered ride with more luxury, space, and power, says Winnebago.

The Inspire 34AE floorplan is designed with freedom and comfort in mind. A platform wheelchair lift with 800-lb lifting capacity and power swing-style door, along with the wall-mount and key-fob remote controls, allows campers using a wheelchair to independently enter and exit the coach. An expanded hallway and larger bathroom area, lowered controls and countertops with roll-in shower and assist bar to allow greater accessibility overall.

Specifications:

• • • GVWR: 26000 lb
    • Length: 35’9”
    • Width: 8’5.5”
    • Height: 11’.11”

Harbor View Mobility Travel Trailers

Photo Credit: Harbor View

HL Enterprises offers its Harbor View mobility travel trailer in seven different floorplans. Everything about the Harbor View is designed with an eye for ease of use and comfort. It comes with an easy-access electric tongue jack, a hand-held remote-control system to set up the unit quickly, and the slide-outs, front & rear stabilizer jacks, exterior lights, and electric awning all operate using a remote. A BraunAbility Century lift is available with a 50″ entry door, providing plenty of room for loading a scooter or wheelchair.

Photo Credit: Harbor View

Interiors are laid out to ensure the utmost comfort and convenience. Accessible bedrooms and diverse floor plans mean finding a coach that fits your lifestyle is easy.

The Kitchen is user-friendly with halogen lighting, laminate countertops and glazed maple cabinetry. The extra-wide pass-through interior doors allow for easy movement throughout the unit. Bathrooms feature a “roll-in” shower, adjustable shower head, and stainless-steel assist bars.

Specifications:

• • • Seven models – from 24 to 36-feet.