Caravan adaptations ...

[Angela M]

I've been thinking for some time about starting a new thread about using a static caravan if you have a disability ...

I think that this could be an excellent source of information which would benefit anyone who already owns a static, or is thinking of buying one, and is either disabled themselves, or have a disabled relative, friend, or perhaps someone wishing to hire your caravan has a disability.

It will be interesting to learn about adaptations to caravans, which company has done them, buying or selling an adapted caravan, and most important of all, what difference it has made to people's lives...

As a former special needs nurse it's a subject that's close to my heart, and always will be. I've also spotted a couple of posts mentioning disabled ramps etc, so we do have disabled members amongst us already, but we haven't touched on this subject ...

~ and finally, if we can all bear in mind that certain 'terminologies' that are used can be offensive to people, as a word or phrase used by one person, can inadvertantly cause offence to someone else without it being meant that way.
If we can all be understanding when we are chatting, then this thread could be really useful when people are researching this subject ... this is after all an 'open forum' so I hope we don't upset anyone

So, if you have had adaptations done to your caravan, or are considering doing it would you share your experiences with us?
Who carried them out?
Who would you recommend?
How has it changed your usage?
Have you bought a static with adaptations?
Have you sold a caravan with adaptations?

No need to give really personal details, only give as much information as you are comfortable with sharing

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to reading your replies...

[treetopper]

Angela.....I'll jump in before TREETOPS.
A couple on our park,the lady who uses a powered wheel chair on our park,told us that when they were looking for a van.TREETOPS recommended/obtained a van with widened doors etc.
She also had decking with ramp fitted ,and on her pitch the decking extends to the front,to make use of the views.

[Clarissa]

We changed our static from 10ft wide to 12ft wide and to one with a ramp and large decking to accommodate our 7yr old step grandson who is in a wheelchair. This means his wheelchair can have a place at the round table at the dining table and it has an area in the living area where it can sit without obstructing the rest of the room. Also there is a little bench seat area in the shower so that his dad can sit on it when he takes him in the shower which works quite well as we don't have a wet room as he does at home. We also pushed two of the single beds together in one room so that he doesn't hit the wall when he moves his arms around in his sleep. We also had to consider the paths etc around the site as on some sites they would have been too rough and bumpy for his comfort. Our daughter has cystic fibrosis so we couldn't choose a site with a steep incline either. None of these things cost us any extra but we have found that they make life easier.

[Angela M]

Thanks for those posts
Incidentally, this is not meant to be just for people with a disability, it's for all of us to learn about each others worlds, as they can be so different, so I would hope everyone can comment and ask questions, so we can all learn from each other.
~ You just never know when any of us might need the information in the future...

It would be really useful to see some photo's of adaptations on the gallery as well if anyone fancies posting any

[TreeTops]

Originally Posted by treetopper

Angela.....I'll jump in before TREETOPS.
A couple on our park,the lady who uses a powered wheel chair on our park,told us that when they were looking for a van.TREETOPS recommended/obtained a van with widened doors etc.
She also had decking with ramp fitted ,and on her pitch the decking extends to the front,to make use of the views.

Thanks Tree Topper, it's also worth noting that depending on the disability some caravan may actually be ok without adaptation. This is a lesson learned from on of my customers, she absolutely didn't want an adapted caravan as they are sometimes a bit basic and dont always suit other users. We worked through a number of caravans and in the end found onewhich she loved and met all her needs. In other words it can be worth looking at the standard models before jumping at adapted ones.

Some manufacturers like Pemberton (a very nice company to deal with) will make changes to standard models. You could have a standard caravan with a wet room style bathroom for example.

Cheers

Andy

[parkandleisure]

TreeTops advice is spot on, some of the standard production vans are suitable for certain disabilitys.
Specialy made disabled vans most are basic and boring.
We have carried out conversions for disabled use , some simple modifications to make life easier, to full blown conversions of wider doorways , sliding doors , lower kitchen units , wet room, to even fitting in a hyderalic hoist in bathroom and bedroom.
Each disability has its own needs , but should not be a limiting factor to the enjoyment that a caravan can bring to your life.
Peace-Nature-Tranquility-Community Spirit, all can be found on a caravan site.

[wee_daisy]

This thread is right up my street.....

Ive recently changed my van as it no longer met my daughters needs, shes 10years old and a wheelchair user.

I got a quote to get my Arizona adapted, but the quote was 10k! It turned out to be much much cheaper to buy a second hand Pemberton-which was difficult to source, but worth the research.

I find the problem with adapted vans is the assumption is that the adult is disabled. I liked the ABI Presitge, but it would have ment that I would have had to share a double bed with my daughter. As really only 1 of the rooms were for a wheelchair user, at least with the Pemberton both rooms can be easily used.

Having a roll in shower is wonderful too.

I have a ramp and decking for easy access, the doors are nice and wide, and its just 100% accessible - smashing.

If we didnt have our van, we would find it difficult to get away on holiday. This way all Niamhs medical bits are left at the van, and its a real home from home.

[wee_daisy]

Just out of interest, do any other users on the forum have an adapted van, it so, what one? No need to divulge about disabilities, just your adapted van pls?v.x

[wee_daisy]

tumbleweed......rolling....rollling.....still rolling

[Angela M]

- someone will stumble upon this thread soon ...

Has anyone seen adaptation companies or equipment promoted at any caravan shows?
Can't say as I remember seeing any at the N.E.C in birmingham ...