Modifying an RV For People With Disabilities

Traveling by recreational vehicle is great for anybody, but it’s especially beneficial for people with disabilities. Why? Because RVs allow you a lot more freedom and independence, as well as providing the necessary comforts and accessibility in your accommodations and transport. Planes, buses and cars can all be challenging to travel in, while hotels or other places to stay may not have the features you need while traveling. Also, you can go camping out in the wilderness safely with an RV, provided you’ve modified it to suit the needs of all your campers.

Here are a few ways to modify your RV so that it’s more comfortable, accessible and disability-friendly.

Providing Support For Limited Mobility

If you or one of your traveling companions has limited mobility, you need to make sure that everything in the RV is still accessible without them having to bend, stoop, strain or reach in ways that could potentially injure them. Simple tools like grabbers can help travelers reach objects, while canes and walkers provide support for moving around the RV. Grab bars installed near the toilet and shower provide the necessary support for sitting and standing.

For wheelchair users, more significant modifications are necessary. These may include raising the heights of tables and sinks to allow for the wheelchair to slide under them. Also, you can remove or rearrange furniture on a customized RV to create a more open layout. Installing a ramp or a lift allows for wheelchair users to enter and exit the RV quickly and easily.

Addressing Sensory-Processing Issues

A number of conditions can cause people to have heightened sensitivities that need to be addressed to keep them calm and comfortable while they travel. Those who are on the autism spectrum or who suffer from a mental illness such as depression can easily become overwhelmed, while others who have chronic pain issues may struggle with temperature dysregulation.

To keep out excess light, put up blackout curtains in the RV. Thicker curtains can also help to muffle outside sounds, as can a white-noise machine. Adding insulation can also improve sound-dulling. A climate-control system with heating and cooling options ensures that the interior temperature of the RV stays comfortable, no matter what the weather is like outside. Lower-wattage light bulbs can reduce photosensitivity, too.

We hope we’ve given you some great ideas for your RV! Visit our dealership in Indianola, IA, today to view our current stock of new and used RVs for sale. Talk to our staff to learn about our financing options, and check out our selection of RV parts that can help you to make your RV more accessible and practical to use. Herold Trailer Sales proudly serves the cities of Des Moines, IA, and Omaha, NE.