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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allowed folks with special needs to travel by RV and fifth wheel trailers easier than ever before. Most fifth wheel trailers can be purchased with ADA specifications, or if you already own an RV, they can be modified for your specific needs. RVing is for those with or without physical disabilities, so get on the road today.

Do not leave town before solidifying a place to park fifth wheel trailers

There are many RV camp sites that have ADA accessibility for fifth wheel trailers. It is up to you, though to make sure you and your needs can be met. There are special spots for fifth wheel trailers that are handicap accessible on most RV grounds. Once you know the route you want to take and the new RV campground that you want to stay at, call and ask questions that complement your own needs.

1.         Do the 5th wheel spots have wheelchair slabs for accessibility?

2.         Do the spots for RVs have wheelchair ramps?

3.         Make sure that the hookups available are easy to access for fifth wheel trailers.

4.         Will I be able to access the RV facilities (office, bathroom, store) easily if I am disabled?

5.         Do the onsite showers have a wheelchair accessible entrance?

6.         Are the recreational facilities ADA friendly?

7.         Will there be dedicated things to do for those with physical disabilities?

Be emergency prepared in your motorhome

1.         You will want to keep the details of your medical needs and information organized and on hand in your recreational vehicle.

2.         Make sure medical details are written clearly, just in case someone has to pass on the information to a health care agent.

3.         You will want to include your personal, at-home doctor phone number and information. Keep a list on hand of all prescription drugs.

4.         The prescription drug list should be as detailed as possible, name, description, time you take, etc.

Also keep a list of items that will be helpful to you if your identity is stolen. Items you should make copies of are Medicare card, identification card, credit card numbers. It is also important that this private information is kept locked up and safe.

Have you thought about a travel buddy with you in your Class A motorhome or 5th wheeler?

Sometimes it is pleasant to travel independently, but be extra careful if you have special needs. In some cases, it is better to travel with a buddy. This could be beneficial, so think about taking a friend or family member. You can also hire a specialized travel companion through dependable services.

Two organizations, Handicapped Travel Club, Inc. and the Travelin Talk Network, are both great ways to connect with other physically disabled travelers. You will make RVing friends along your route.

If you or your traveling family members are physically challenged, then you will be satisfied in knowing that there is a fifth wheel trailer to suit your special RVing requirements. There is a fifth wheel trailer that you can modify, no matter if it is new or as used fifth wheel trailer that has been modified previously. Your life on the road will not be discontinued.

Fifth wheel trailer adaptations just for wheelchairs

One of the most popular ways to modify a fifth wheel trailer is with a special restrain system. There are wheelchair safety belts with safety straps to hold the wheelchair in the fifth wheel trailer steady. Safety belts will stabilize the chair and help to support the rider. This helps to ensure safety when traveling in the fifth wheel trailer.

You can also modify the travel trailer 5th wheel by adding an elevator lift to help with the chair be raised and lowered to the ground. If you choose to add a used elevator lift for the chair on your own with a mechanic, make sure the RV mechanic is knowledgeable and approves the apparatus.

There are other aids and technology for RVers with physical disabilities

There are many types of driving aids for people who have disabilities. For example, you can place a left foot accelerator on the 5th wheeler. This tool helps the driver. There are devices, such as these, that help control the accelerator and/or the brakes. There are electronic steering apparatuses also available. If you are or will be traveling with a quadriplegic, you can find touch pad systems and controls, as well as power head rests to make traveling easier, safer, and more pleasant.

Things you can do to your RV to modify it for the physically challenged

1.         You may be able to widen the travel trailer doors so moving within the cabin is safe. There are also roll-in showers that are available on the market for you to purchase and install.

2.         Lower the sinks in the motor home and lower the countertops. By doing this, you can allow easier access to the wheelchairs in the recreational vehicle.

3.         When you lower sinks to make sure someone in a wheelchair can reach the faucets and counters.

4.         Another good idea is to install a panic button or buttons throughout the recreational vehicle or 5th wheeler in case someone is stuck in a troublesome situation all alone.

Can I lower costs when converting my RV?

Keeping your costs low is important when moderating your motorhome or fifth wheeler. Use a company that is reputable. Research around. Look for experts in the field. Ask your dealership for recommendations. See if there is a used recreational vehicle available that suits your RVing needs.

Should I go to the trouble of modifying my recreational vehicle?

When you are thinking about your RV and whether or not to modify it for special needs, you need to understand that you can continue your life on the road, no matter what. RVs are adaptable. If this would be your first time RV buy, then be reassured that your life on the road is just around the RVing bend.