6 Wheelchair-Accessible Motorhomes & Travel Trailers
Accessibility is the name of the game with these RVs designed for wheelchair users.
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Enjoying the open road is something everyone should experience regardless of who you are, where you live, or even your physical capabilities. But finding wheelchair-accessible RVs hasn’t always been easy, as the market for those models remains relatively small. Thankfully, there are a few manufacturers that do offer options designed specifically for those with mobility challenges, with motorhomes and travel trailers to choose from.
These RVs offer accessible accommodations designed to be more inclusive to those with special needs. If you or someone you know falls into that category, these are the campers to keep in mind when planning your next trip
Photo Credit: Winnebago
Winnebago Roam
Interior Height: 6’3”
Interior Width: 6’2”
Sleep Capacity: Up to 4
Winnebago has often led the way when it comes to making RV travel more accessible to a wider audience. Sadly, the brand’s large Class A Inspire model—which was specifically designed for wheelchair access—has been phased out, but the smaller, easier-to-drive Winnebago Roam remains in the line-up.
Designed to combine the privacy and comfort of home with the freedom of independent mobility, the Roam puts the fun in functional. It’s more compact than the Inspire but packed full of features ideal for both quick trips and long journeys. Built with accessibility in mind, this Class B model comes with a Braun UVL wheelchair lift that makes it easy to enter and exit the rig.
Other thoughtful features include integrated wheelchair tiedowns, a motorized bed, and a dinette that folds out of the way for extra interior space. The galley an features easily accessible microwave, refrigerator, and sink, and includes a conveniently located outlet for an induction cooktop. A wet bath with a wide door is a welcome addition, too. MSRP: $184,929
Photo Credit: Keystone
Keystone Outback 342CG
Interior Height: 6’6”
Interior Width: 8’
Sleep Capacity: Up to 8
Created specifically with wheelchair accessibility in mind, the Keystone Outback 342CG addresses the primary concerns that disabled RVers face most often. Narrow entry doors? The Outback heard that complaint and widened the entryways. Countertops that are too high? Not in the Outback, countertop heights are at accessible levels throughout. Complicated entry and exit? That problem is solved thanks to a 56-inch ramp door, complete with ramp extensions, that makes entering and exiting the RV simple and convenient.
The interior of the Outback has widened doorways and a fully functional kitchen that makes navigating the floorplan in a wheelchair hassle-free. The entrance to the bathroom is also more expansive, with a sliding barn-style door that provides plenty of privacy but doesn’t cut into the traffic flow of the RV by swinging out or in. Having the entry ramp open into a wide and spacious cargo bay was also a good design decision, further enhancing accessibility, while also adding additional storage. MSRP: $71,478
Photo Credit: Maxvan
Maxvan Pathway
Interior Height: 6’4”
Interior Width: 6’3′
Sleep Capacity: 2
Maxvan may not be as big or well known as Winnebago or Keystone, but they are one of the few brands building a wheelchair-accessible RV these days. The company’s Pathway model rides on a Ram ProMaster wide-body chassis, which makes the interior surprisingly spacious for a Class B model. And to make that interior even more accessible, the rig comes with a powered rear ramp that makes getting onboard quick and easy. That same ramp also folds flat into the van’s floor when not in use.
Pathway owners are treated to a variety of other great features designed to make life on the road easier. For instance, the galley kitchen includes a stainless-steel sink and countertops, a single-burner induction cooktop, and plenty of storage, all within easy reach. That includes a storage cart designed specifically for kitchen utensils, which stores under the counter, but rolls out of the way to allow wheelchair access. As you would expect, all of the switches and controls are at a lower height, and the onboard wet bath has a wide doorway. Even the soft bed is designed to be highly versatile, reconfiguring in multiple ways to maximize comfort, space, and accessibility. MSRP: $121,800
Photo Credit: Newmar
Newmar Mobility Lineup
With its exceptional Mobility Lineup, Newmar not only caters nicely to RVers with special needs, it does so with luxury and style. This line of Class A motor coaches includes three of the brands most popular models, including the Dutch Star, Northern Star, and Bay Star. And as you would expect from Newmar, each option includes luxurious features and amenities, ensuring outstanding comfort for everyone aboard.
Newmar takes wheelchair-accessible RVs seriously and has been innovating in this space for years. Each model is built on the same assembly line as the company’s regular models, ensuring that they adhere to the same high level of construction that the brand is known for. The integrated wheelchair lift isn’t something that is just added as an afterthought, but is instead carefully engineered to seamless fit into the vehicle’s design.
But that isn’t all. Over the years, Newmar has continued to refine its Mobility Lineup by adding features like a power height adjustable bed and power flush stepwell covers to reduce falling hazards. Those evolutions have come over time, but show the company’s commitment to creating wheelchair-accessible RVs even if market demand is small.
The three options in the mobility lineup are:
Photo Credit: Newmar
Northern Star 4011
Interior Height: 6’9”
Interior Width: 8′
Sleep Capacity: Up to 4
The Northern Star’s wheelchair-accessible dinette, large kitchen, and private primary bedroom suite give this model a touch of elegance that’s hard to top. An optional fireplace and TV behind the passenger seat add to the comfortable homey feel. As with all of Newmar’s Mobility Lineup, the open floor plan with extra space is a major plus, too. MSRP: $404,132
Photo Credit: Newmar
Bay Star 3811
Interior Height: 7’
Interior Width: 8’
Sleep Capacity: Up to 4
A BraunAbility electric lift comes standard on this model, makes getting in and out of the Bay Star with a wheelchair a breeze. Inside, you’ll find a wheelchair-friendly floor plan that includes a 48”x36” roll-in shower, a larger, more accessible wardrobe, and a more open living space. MSRP: $293,440
Photo Credit: Newmar
Dutch Star 4311
Interior Height: 6’9”
Interior Width: 8’
Sleep Capacity: Up to 4
Lowered switches and appliances, widened aisleways, a roll-in shower, and a power-adjustable kitchen table are just a few of the features in the Dutch Star that make this RV a dream come true for RVers that routinely use a wheelchair. Newmar’s luxurious furnishings and eye for detail are found throughout, making this an amazing option for RVers of all lifestyles. MSRP: $618, 570
Photo Credit: simonapilolla/Getty
Renting a Wheelchair-Accessible RV: What to Look For
When it comes to hitting the open road for an adventure, buying an RV isn’t the only option. You could always rent an RV if you’re not ready to make the purchase just yet. A few things to look for when renting a wheelchair-accessible (or ADA-compliant) RV to ensure your next trip is your best trip are:
Open Floorplans — Much like homes, RVs are available in various floor plans that may or may not have removable features that can make them more wheelchair-friendly. Models with widened hallways and spacious living spaces make it easier for wheelchairs to navigate the inside of the RV without issue.
Wide Entrance/Doorway — RV door frames range in width from as little as 14-inches up to 70-inches, while the average wheelchair is approximately 32-inches wide. It’s important to look for entryways that are wide enough when renting your RV.
Ramps and Power Lifts — Most toy haulers and fifth-wheels have slide-out ramps, but if you’re exploring another type of RV, it’s essential to narrow your search by this feature. Power lifts and ramps make it easier for wheelchair users to get in and out of the vehicle.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. And avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
