People with disabilities who enjoy leisure travel may find a motorhome to be a good option. Below is a sampling of resources that may be helpful. Please note that the list is not comprehensive.
Manufacturers
A number of manufacturers produce motorhomes that are equipped for people with disabilities. Depending on the manufacturer, features may include a wheelchair lift; an extra-wide entrance and interior aisles; lower kitchen countertops and cabinets; a roll-in shower; roll-under sinks; a raised toilet with assist bars; a hand-operated throttle and brake controls; and height-adjusted controls, light switches, outlets, and drawers.
- Born Free Motorcoach offers a line of customizable motorhomes called Mobility RVs. (515) 332-3755; www.bornfreerv.com/mobility-rv.
- Coach House Inc. can customize its motorhomes to meet the needs of people with disabilities. (800) 235-0984; www.coachhouserv.com.
- Foretravel Motorcoach builds handicapped-accessible motorhomes on a special-order basis. (800) 955-6226; www.foretravel.com.
- Newell Coach Corp. can custom-build motorhomes that range from partially to fully accessible. (888) 363-9355; www.newellcoach.com.
- Newmar Corporation offers three wheelchair-friendly Type A motorhomes: the Dutch Star 4311 and Ventana 4311 are diesel-powered; the Canyon Star 3911 is gas-powered. (800) 731-8300; www.newmarcorp.com/mobility.
- Prevost Car works with converter partners that can customize Prevost motorhomes to accommodate people with disabilities. For information about Prevost motorhomes, visit www.prevostcar.com. The converter partners are Emerald Luxury Coaches (888-675-8612; www.emeraldluxurycoaches.com); Featherlite Coaches (757-923-3374; www.featherlitecoaches.com); Liberty Coach Inc. (800-554-9877; www.libertycoach.com); Marathon Coach Inc. (800-234-9991; www.marathoncoach.com); and Millennium Luxury Coaches (877-322-0190; www.millenniumluxurycoaches.com).
- Roadtrek can outfit its motorhomes to accommodate people with disabilities. (888) 825-2772; www.roadtrek.com.
- ShowHauler motorhomes, built on truck chassis, can be specially outfitted for people with disabilities. (574) 825-6764; www.showhauler.com.
- Winnebago Industries uses the term “Ability Equipped” to label its motorhomes that have been outfitted to meet the needs of people with disabilities. (800) 492-9135; www.winnebagoind.com (enter “ability equipped” in the search box).
Retrofits
Some shops will retrofit RVs with various accessibility features for people with disabilities.
- Amazing Creations focuses on interior modifications. (541) 556-0501; www.amazingcreationsrv.com.
- Classic Coach Works can make a variety of modifications. (386) 944-9716; www.classiccoachworks.com.
- Coach Supply Direct can install lifts for people with disabilities as well as do interior modifications. (800) 589-7251; www.coachsupplydirect.com.
- Creative Mobile Interiors can customize motorhomes with lifts, special grab handles, accessible lavatories, and other features for people with disabilities. (866) 204-8264; www.creativemobileinteriors.com.
- Dave & LJ’s RV Interior Design can do remodeling work, such as flooring, counters, and doorways, to improve access. (360) 225-7700; www.daveandljs.com.
- Drive-Master installs mobility equipment, such as wheelchair lifts, and modifies motorhomes to make them accessible. (973) 808-9709; www.drivemastermobility.com.
- Duncan RV Repair can equip a motorhome with a variety of accessibility features. (888) 738-6226; www.duncanrvrepair.com.
- Master Tech RV Services installs wheelchair lifts and outfits motorhomes with other accessibility equipment. (866) 895-4556; www.mastertechrv.com.
- Olympia Luxury Coaches can install lift systems and make interior modifications to improve access. (615) 280-1278; www.olympialuxurycoaches.com.
- Pro Custom Inc. can customize motorhomes with a variety of accessibility options. (574) 217-0399; www.procustominc.com.
- RV Décor can equip RVs with wheelchair lifts, roll-in showers, custom flooring, roll-under sinks, and more. (928) 550-7010; www.rvdecor.com.
- S&S Mobility Products offers the RV Handicapped Lift by Coach Lift. (480) 456-5438; www.coachlift.com/rv-lift.
- Smoky Mountain Coach Works can install a variety of handicapped-accessible equipment. (865) 446-0888; www.smokymountaincoachworks.com.
- Texas Custom Coach can customize motorhomes for disability access. (888) 761-4225; www.texascustomcoach.com.
Organizations
- The Handicapped Travel Club Inc. was formed in Arcata, California, in 1973 to encourage people with a wide range of disabilities to travel. The club, which has about 200 members, is open to people with and without disabilities. Members receive a newsletter and can attend an annual rally. “Our club is almost like a big family,” president Mark Neurohr said. Dues are $15 the first year and $10 a year thereafter. For information, visit www.handicappedtravelclub.com.
- The RVing Accessibility Group, based in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is a nonprofit educational organization that provides training focused on helping the RV and campground industries comply with accessibility standards for people with disabilities. The organization also serves as a resource for people with disabilities by publishing information about accessible RV campgrounds. For more information, call (970) 903-7442 or visit www.rvingaccessibility.org.