The Best Handicap Accessible Motorhomes
Once upon a time, it was almost impossible to find a handicap accessible motorhome unless you or a manufacturer made the necessary modifications. Even with the passing of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, the requirements of accessibility only applied to buildings and facilities, not RVs.
Life is not over when you have a disability. Nor is it over if you are advancing in age with limited mobility. You should be able to feel comfortable and safe while taking the road trip of a lifetime.
Even with ADA, a hotel could have all their handicap-accessible rooms booked when you need one. Having your own traveling “hotel” alleviates the need to be at the mercy of others. It also provides you all the comforts of home.
Handicap accessible motorhome must-haves
The average RV shopper doesn’t think about accessibility when touring hundreds of motorhomes at an RV show. For someone who is confined to a wheelchair, the experience is much different.
Furthermore, not all motorhomes are designed with handicap access in mind. It’s not standard to have ramps or lifts. For instance, many smaller units are not big enough to widen the pathways to accommodate a wheelchair. For a motorhome to make an impact on handicapped RVers, these features should be available and accessible:
- Powered wheelchair lift controlled by a remote.
- Wider pathways to accommodate a wheelchair or walker.
- Kitchen appliances accessible from a seated position.
- A dining table with one side accessible by wheelchair.
- Roll under sink is usually located in the bedroom.
- An adjustable headrest bed is easily raised by a remote control.
- Grab bars in key areas such as the bathroom.
- Tie-downs to secure the wheelchair.
- Switches accessible from a seated position.
- Bathrooms accessible with roll-in shower.
Wheelchair-friendly motorhomes on the market now
At this time, there are two major RV manufacturers with standard handicap accessible Class A motorhomes. These manufacturers are Newmar and Winnebago. Outside of these companies, you can find a mobility dealer to make necessary modifications to an existing motorhome.
Let’s explore the standard handicap accessible motorhomes currently on the market.
Newmar
Newmar claims to have “the world’s first and largest wheelchair-accessible Class A motor coaches.” Their three available coaches were designed after years of research and testing. In addition, they were designed with the direction and oversight from wheelchair users.
First, the diesel-powered Ventana includes a remote-control BraunAbility wheelchair lift. The lift comes with a power-opening door and retracts into a luggage compartment; therefore, it increases interior space.
In addition, the Ventana has extra-wide aisles, a deep roll-in shower, and a dinette with a power-adjustable table (shown in the photo below). Lastly, switches, fixtures, and appliances were lowered throughout the coach for ease of access.
Next, you will find the luxuriously appointed diesel-powered Dutch Star motorhome. Equipped with many of the same amenities as the Ventana, the Dutch Star also includes a Sleep Number adjustable mattress. In addition, it comes with a height-adjusted dishwasher.
Lastly, there is the industry’s first non-retrofit handicap accessible motorhome, the Canyon Star. This founding member of their fleet boasts extra-wide aisles that are even accessible with the slides in.
Winnebago
Winnebago also has 3 different models as part of their Accessibility Enhanced Line. There are two gas and one diesel option. Prices range from $200,000 to $350,000.
The Adventurer is a mid-range 31-foot gas coach. The only missing handicap accessible feature on this motorhome is the adjustable headrest on the bed.
However, all other necessary features are available. This smaller model gives you increased flexibility. In other words, you are able to stay in most all US National Parks.
Next, Winnebago’s Intent model is also a 31 foot gas motorhome. This option has a Murphy bed, therefore, it has more floor space for increased mobility.
Finally, there is the largest of the three handicap accessible motorhomes. The Forza is a 36-foot diesel coach with a smooth ride thanks to a 340-hp Freightliner chassis.
If you are not ready to buy or are unsure if RV life in a wheelchair is for you, renting first is a great option. For example, RVshare gives you the ability to do a stress-free search online to find what you need to be comfortable.
If you are experiencing life in a wheelchair for the first time, you are not alone. You don’t have to give up on a life full of freedom, adventure, and comfort. There are resources available to support you. Check out Wheel Chair Traveling to find support and more access to your world!
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We have invented a remote controlled RV sewer dumping system called Autodocked. It would make life a lot easier for handicapped people to dump their RV holding tanks. It operates with a remote control. You don’t have to touch the hose at all. I would be happy to talk with anyone interested.
As a Disabled Veteran I’ve already checked these options out…Not worth looking at! When your in a wheelchair you have zero income most of the time…And these manufacturers have jacked the prices way up to accommodate the disabled.
I worked on a farm life until I got bacterial infections in my knees ,5 knee operation later .can’t use our travel trailer we need to rent or buy one does anybody know where to rent or buy preferably rent so we can find what we need thanks Jim
most major dealers have rentals Also places that just rent them. You said your knee is messed up make sure you ask for a rental with a wheelchair lift
We are both disabled, she is in a motorized wheel chair. We have been looking for over six months for a new, smaller Class B plus with slide out or smaller Class C with lift, Bath room doors and aisle wide enough for a wheel chair to have room to operate in, low beds, accessible toilet and shower and no internal steps.
We want fully equipped, not lavish but comfortable , appropriate priced but not a large class A.
We are disabled veterans in our LATE 70s, have been RVing since early 80s and want to get back on the road in the closing years of our outstanding 61+ years of our lives.
There is a company out of Atlanta that makes a handicapped B class RV http://www.maxvan.com it is based on the RAM Promaster
I’m in a wheelchair. I don’t need a kitchen only a bedroom. Is there a small one we could rent? How much is it to have it delivered & set up?
Looking for motor home with lift and a lift to get in and out of bed into wheelchair. Can not walk or talk for my son. Do you know or have anything like that?
Looking for Class A handicap coach
I want something cheap that I can afford on my disability
Interested in a smaller handicapped accessible motor home. Looking for information and where I can see one.
I am looking for an RV to buy or rent that has a wheelchair lift for my Dad so we can travel from June 7th to around October 1st. Prefer a Class C but okay with Class A if not too big. We live in Sacramento but could go to a nearby state (Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon) to make the purchase or rent. Plan to use hotels at night and RV sleeping accommodations just for traveling time. Prefer to rent but okay to buy. If you have any idea where I can look, please contact me.
Where would I find Handicap Motorhomes for sale Preferably used Most of the websites just take me to regular dealers
Thank you for any assistance
Looking for a handicap accessible class a RV with two bedrooms call Mom and Dad
Thanks