One big benefit of RV travel is the fact that it makes regular travel easier for those in wheelchairs through the use of wheelchair-accessible RVs. By owning an accessible RV or seeking out a handicap RV rental, people in wheelchairs can travel when they want, where they want, and with everything they need. They’ll have an accessible restroom wherever they go, even if public restrooms are less than accommodating, and they won’t have to worry about whether the hotel room they booked will work for them.
Finding a Wheelchair RV Rental
RVshare is the world’s largest online RV rental marketplace, and has thousands of RVs listed directly by owners all over the US. With so many options, you’ll be sure to find the perfect wheelchair-accessible RV trailer for all your needs.
Once you’ve found one or two listings that interest you, send the owner a quick email to ask any questions you may have. For example, you can ask owners about accessibility features or accommodations for service animals. If their answers are satisfactory, you can move on with the rental process, book your accessible campground and be out on the open road in no time!
What Makes an RV Wheelchair Accessible?
Whether you’re shopping for an accessible RV of your own or an RV rental, it’s important to know what you’re shopping for. This involves learning what’s available to you.
Some of the accessible features found in RVs made for people in wheelchairs include the following:
- A ramp or lift: allows the wheelchair user to get into the vehicle.
- Wider doorways: give plenty of space for a wheelchair to pass through.
- Open floor plans: make it possible to move the wheelchair everywhere within an RV.
- Lower countertops and tables: mean the wheelchair user can reach to prepare meals, dine, and more.
- Extendable dinettes and recessed sink cabinets: help when using the table or sink.
- Accessible showers: make it possible for wheelchair users to bathe in their rigs.
Of course, included accessibility features will vary from one motorhome or trailer to the next and you aren’t likely to find one that includes everything. For this reason, it’s a good idea to carefully consider which options are most important to you in your day-to-day life, and which ones you can live without or put in at a later date.
Once you have a good idea of which features you absolutely must have, you can start the hunt for the perfect handicap RV rental or the ideal rig for you to purchase.
The Best Wheelchair Accessible Class A RVs
Our very favorite accessible RVs fall into the Class A category of motorhomes. We like them because they are well-made and will last and remain comfortable for years to come.
Newmar Accessible RVs
Newmar has a few great wheelchair-accessible Class A RV options:
Winnebago Accessible RVs
Winnebago also has some Class A RVs that are wheelchair accessible:
The Best Wheelchair Accessible Class C RVs
We haven’t been able to find any current stock Class C RVs that are wheelchair accessible. That said, there are many companies that offer custom rigs, and some have features available that would make the RV comfortable for a traveler in a wheelchair. We recommend using this option or searching for a used Class C that suits your needs.
To find the perfect wheelchair-accessible Class C camper made for you, we recommend checking out the following options:
- Born Free: This company is no longer producing RVs. However, they did make wheelchair-accessible RVs, and some might be available in the used RV market.
- Showhauler Custom Motorhomes: This company will make a custom Class C motorhome that will accommodate your wheelchair and keep you comfy.
The Best Wheelchair Accessible Class B RVs
As mentioned before, there are even some Class B campervan options out there. Like Class C motorhomes, these are not accessible as stock vehicles. In fact, the campervan companies listed below don’t even put out stock vehicles. Instead, they build campervans from scratch, meaning you can design your own wheelchair-accessible Class B RV, and they will build it for you.
We recommend contacting one of the following companies to get the perfect Class B made:
The Best Wheelchair Accessible Trailers
Lastly, there are accessible towable RVs. These include both bumper-pull trailers and fifth wheels, and they come in a variety of floorplans. Some of these accessible trailers are available as stock RVs, and others must be custom-made. No matter which way you go, you’ll have a camper trailer that allows you to camp in comfort.
- All Harbor View Trailers: Harbor View prides itself on producing only wheelchair-accessible units. Anything you purchase from this manufacturer should work with a wheelchair.
- Weekend Warrior Luxe Toy Hauler: The Weekend Warrior Luxe Toy Hauler can have options added at the factory that make it a great wheelchair-accessible rig.
- Dune Sport Custom Toy Haulers: This is a custom toy hauler manufacturer that offers some wheelchair-accessible features, meaning you can build an RV that works for you.
Upfitting an RV to be Wheelchair Accessible
In some cases, some DIY uplifting projects will do the trick. However, those who don’t have the skills or time for DIY projects and those who want more extensive overhauls might want to leave the job to a professional. In this case, companies such as Access Unlimited, BURR Mobility Products, Star Tracks Custom Seat Lifts, and Creative Mobile Interiors should be able to help you out.
When you’re planning an RV trip, there are two things you expect to have – freedom and comfort. A wheelchair-accessible motorhome is a perfect way to get the freedom you expect of the open road, without extra difficulties while traveling.
Not into the idea of RV ownership? A handicap RV rental means you can enjoy all of these benefits without buying a rig of your own. Search available RVs to find the perfect RV for you!
