Modifying An RV For Travelers With Disabilities
Accessible RVing is only a few modifications away! Simple tweaks can transform your home on the road into a comfortable and safe place for individuals with disabilities. No more will you have to dedicate all that time and money coordinating a hotel and transportation that can accommodate the unique needs of yourself or your travel buddy. You'll instead forever get access to a camper that will allow for a disability-friendly travel experience.
We've rounded up our favorite tips for RVing with disabilities below. If you have any questions, visit the expert staff at Broadmoor RV. We can provide advice on finding a new model or tailoring your existing one. We proudly serve those in the Tri-Cities, Yakima, Seattle, Spokane, and Walla Walla, Washington as well as Portland, Pendleton, and La Grande, Oregon.
Mobility Issues
Some individuals face limited mobility. They may struggle to grab an item off of a shelf or reach down into a cupboard. There are many ways to approach modifying your RV. You can lower the cabinets or raise the counter tops, adjusting them to the ideal heights. This tweak can help reduce the need to bend down low or reach up high, which can help make grabbing items around your camper more comfortable and attainable.
Others struggle with chronic pain or joint disorders. These can make standing or sitting for extended periods of time painful. Focus on outfitting your camper with comfortable seating and beds. After all, you'll be spending several hours sleeping on the bed and plenty of time sitting down. Make sure it's comfortable. You can also install shower seats and grab bars in the bathroom to make those processes easier.
Others need a mobility aid to get around, such as a crutch or walker. For these individuals, plenty of interior space to navigate around is key. If needed, you can remove counters or furnishings that are too wide. You'll also want to make sure they can easily go through doorways and hallways with their mobility aid. If the individual needs a wheelchair, get a ramp or a lift.
Intellectual Disability
One key focus of RVing with disabilities is ensuring the safety of all travelers. Individuals with intellectual disability, such as Down syndrome, might leave your camper unsupervised and are at risk of getting hurt. You'll want to focus on installing security to help prevent this. You can also put locks on cabinets where potentially dangerous items, such as medications and cleaning supplies, are kept.
Sensory Processing Sensitivities
Some individuals suffer from sensory processing issues. These can include autism, Asperger's Syndrome, anxiety, and depression. These individuals experience sensations as more extreme than others, such as light or noise.
One easy approach to modifying your RV is installing blackout curtains. These can reduce both noise and light. If you have yet to buy a model, find one that offers plenty of insulation. The insulation serves to help reduce the noise from the outside that enters into your camper. For those who are sensitive to heat or cold, focus on making sure your rig’s internal temperatures stay regulated. These sound like simple tactics, but they can offer a big impact.
We hope you found these tips helpful! If you have any questions about RVing with disabilities, visit Broadmoor RV. We can provide advice on modifying your current RV or finding a new model that can meet your unique needs. Whatever you need, you can find it with us. We proudly serve those in the Tri-Cities, Yakima, Seattle, Spokane, and Walla Walla, Washington as well as Portland, Pendleton, and La Grande, Oregon.