Wheelchair-accessible RV rentals provide people with mobility needs the freedom to travel independently with essential accessibility features built in. Key features include ramps or lifts for entry, wider doorways, open floor plans for maneuvering, lowered countertops and tables, accessible showers, and recessed sink cabinets. Major manufacturers offering accessible models include Newmar, with the Dutch Star 4311, Ventana 4311, and Canyon Star 3911, and the Winnebago Inspire for Class A motorhomes. Companies like Showhauler Custom Motorhomes and Sportsmobile Custom Vans create custom Class C and Class B builds. Finding rentals is much easier with peer-to-peer marketplaces like RVshare, where you can communicate directly with owners about specific accessibility features.
Wheelchair Accessible RV Features At a Glance
| Feature | Purpose | Availability | Best For |
| Ramp or lift | Entry/exit from RV | Essential, most accessible models | All wheelchair users |
| Wider Doorways (32″+) | Clear passage for wheelchairs | Standard in accessible RVs | Full-time wheelchair users |
| Open Floor Plan | Maneuvering throughout RV | Common in Class A, custom builds | Maximum mobility |
| Lowered Countertops/Tables | Meal prep, dining access | Available in most accessible models | Daily living independence |
| Accessible Showers | Bathing independence | Roll-in or transfer showers | Extended trips |
| Recessed Sink Cabinets | Knee clearance at sinks | Custom or modified units | Kitchen/bathroom access |
Benefits of Wheelchair Accessible RVs
Accessible RVs provide independence and freedom for wheelchair users.
Travel independence benefits:
- Accessible restroom always available, eliminating the guesswork of whether public facilities will be accessible
- No concerns about hotel room accessibility or last-minute accommodations
- Travel on your schedule without accessibility uncertainty
- Bring all needed equipment and medical supplies
- Maintain independence during extended trips
Quality of life improvements:
- Family travel becomes feasible and comfortable
- Access to national parks, campgrounds, and remote destinations
- Service animals accommodated and comfortable
- Customize environment to specific mobility needs
- Avoid accessibility challenges of air travel and hotels
Financial considerations:
- Rental costs comparable to standard RV rates on peer-to-peer platforms
- Custom modifications increase ownership costs but provide long-term value
- Accessible campgrounds widely available across the US
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 road.
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:
- 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: easier when using the table or sink.
- Accessible showers: make it possible for wheelchair users to shower in their RVs
Of course, included accessibility features will vary from one motorhome or trailer to the next, and you may not find one that includes everything. It’s a good idea to consider which options are most important 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 wheelchair accessible RV rental or RV to purchase.
What Are the Best Wheelchair Accessible Class A RVs?
Our 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:
What Are the Best Wheelchair Accessible Class C RVs?
We haven’t been able to find any current stock Class C RVs that are wheelchair accessible. But custom builders like Showhauler Custom Motorhomes create modified Class C models designed for wheelchair users, and used accessible Class C units may be available.
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 with wheelchair accommodations and comfort features tailored to your needs.
What Are the Best Wheelchair Accessible Class B RVs?
No stock wheelchair-accessible Class B campervans exist, but custom van builders like Sportsmobile Custom Vans and TouRig Custom Vans create fully customized accessible camper vans built to your specifications.
Custom van builders:
What Are 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.
Can You Modify an RV to Be Wheelchair Accessible?
In some cases, some DIY uplifting projects will do the trick. However, if you don’t have the skills or time for DIY projects, or you want a more extensive overhaul, you might want to hire a professional. 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 from 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.
Key Takeaways
- Handicap RV rentals offer independence and accessibility features like ramps, wider doorways, and accessible showers for people with mobility needs.
- Major manufacturers like Newmar and Winnebago provide various wheelchair-accessible RV models, while custom builders offer tailored solutions.
- Peer-to-peer marketplaces like RVshare simplify finding handicap RV rentals with specific accessibility features.
- Traveling in a handicap RV ensures access to restrooms, eliminates hotel concerns, and allows for freedom on the road.
- You can modify RVs to include accessibility features if necessary, or hire professionals for extensive overhauls.
FAQs on Wheelchair Accessible RV Rentals
A handicap-accessible or wheelchair-accessible RV rental is an RV rental vehicle that people using wheelchairs or who have other accessibility needs can still access and use. Some of our favorite brands include Born Free, which is no longer producing RVs, and Newmar and Winnebago, which have select wheelchair-accessible models.
Often, RVs from big box rental dealerships are all the same, and they might not be accessible. Using a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace like RVshare makes it more possible to find a rig that suits your needs. You can also chat directly with the owner about any additional accessibility features the RV might have.
The most important for many wheelchair users is a ramp or lift to help gain entry into the RV. (Most RVs have a step-up doorway.) Lowered countertops, wider doorways, and accessible showers are all also features that accessible RV manufacturers might add into their rigs.
They can be in some cases, mostly because they’re rarer. You may simply not find an accessible RV rental at your local big-box RV rental dealership. However, on the peer-to-peer market, it’s a lot more possible to find accessible rigs, and prices tend to be affordable compared to standard rates.
Depending on the exact nature of your needs, yes, some RVs can be modified to be made accessible. Additionally, some manufacturers make custom RVs for people with accessibility needs, or build models with wheelchair accessibility already in mind.
Wheelchair-accessible RVs provide the freedom and independence to travel comfortably while allowing travelers access to essential facilities. Whether renting or purchasing, understanding available features and manufacturers helps you find the perfect accessible RV for your adventures.
Ready to find your wheelchair-accessible RV rental? Search available RVs on RVshare to discover accessible options and communicate directly with owners about specific features that meet your needs.
