Wheelchair accessible RV for rent has made it much easier for wheelchair users to enjoy the comforts of traveling in recreational vehicles.
That’s in stark contrast to when the average wheelchair user struggled with all kinds of travel (1). Accessible vehicles have been at the forefront of this revolution.
But where do you get accessible RVs for rent?
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- There are multiple options for rental RVs, though only a few places make it easy to rent a wheelchair-accessible RV.
- Outdoorsy and RVshare are the best places for a wheelchair user to rent a wheelchair-accessible recreational vehicle.
- Key accessibility features are an essential consideration when renting an accessible RV. That’s beside the trip’s length and your entourage’s size.
Where to Get Wheelchair Accessible RV for Rent?
Recreational vehicles have been around for over 100 years (2). Then, they didn’t have all the accessibility features that allow RV travels for wheelchair users.
However, with the advancements in technology, accessible motorhomes are now a common occurrence. More manufacturers are making RVs with accessibility in mind.
A perfect example is Winnebago Industries with their Winnebago Specialty Vehicles. Here is a video review of one of the Winnebago Specialty Vehicles to show you how good they are.
A person with a physical disability can also enjoy road trips to faraway places thanks to these vehicles with wheelchair accessibility.
Still, finding a place to rent the perfect motorhome can be stressful for most disabled people.
With the rise of the internet, the best place to rent an accessible travel trailer is online.
Online RV Rentals
Online RV rentals such as RVshare, Cruise America, Escape Camper Vans, and Vintage Surfari Wagons allow you to rent an RV.
They have nationwide locations that make it easier for you to access these vehicles.
After carefully looking up all the mentioned options, I only found two options close to ideal for a wheelchair user looking to rent an accessible RV.
For the other options, such as Cruise America, finding an accessible RV option is difficult.
Let’s have a look at the two.
1. RVshare
Of these online rentals, RVshare is perhaps the most popular rental marketplace.
RVshare has plenty of options, with hundreds of thousands of RVs you can rent. You can rent any RV you want directly from owners to reduce complications.
The renting process is smooth, making it easier to gain an accessible option for a rental vehicle faster.
An issue I found with RVshare is there’s no quick way to filter out RVs for a disabled person from that of a non-disabled person.
It can be a long search before you can find the perfect vehicle. You’ll also need to travel to the owner’s location to pick up the vehicle before returning it after use. Hectic!
The wide range of RVs available from listings by owners nationwide kind of papers over the cracks, though.
2. Outdoorsy
Outdoorsy has thousands of listings for RVs with accessible features. What I loved most about looking for RV listings here is the accessibility check box.
In the RV search, ticking the Accessibility Checkbox under the ‘Guest’ option is all you need to get exclusive access to ADA-compatible RV travel vans.
Outdoorsy also has thousands of listings of all kinds of RVs from Newmar Corporation, among others.
Things To Remember When Renting a Wheelchair Accessible RV
Though there are plenty of options for accessible RV rentals, you’ll still need to know what to look for. RV rentals don’t list vehicles with a specific user in mind.
It’s up to you to understand your needs before renting one. Here are some things to remember when renting an RV with access in mind.
1. What Are the Key Features of the RV?
Wheelchair-accessible RVs are vastly different. So you’ll need to see the features each individual RV has before renting.
Does the RV have an accessible bathroom with a roll-in shower? Does it have a shower chair instead?
Are there any additional features that would make it easier to use? Does it feature a powered wheelchair lift?
Tick these questions before renting an RV for the perfect accessible travel experience.
2. What’s the Length Of Your Trip?
The length of your trip will directly influence the price you pay for an accessible RV rental. It would be prudent to make your plans before booking.
3. Company
If you’re traveling as a group, you’ll need to rent a spacious RV. Maybe you have a friend to serve as the additional driver or are camping with friends.
The search for the ideal RV could be longer and the price a bit higher.
4. Other Special Needs
Any special needs you might have will have to factor into your choice of RV rental. If you need a vehicle with adaptive hand controls, that will raise the price.
FAQs
How much does it cost to rent a wheelchair-accessible RV?
Though prices are at the owner’s discretion, accessible RV rentals are as low as $10 a night. Other factors, such as the size of the RV, cleaning fees, and mileage fees, will raise the price.
Which is the best place to rent a wheelchair-accessible RV?
Though you can rent from many places, Outdoorsy is the best place to look for a rental. They have various options and make searching for an accessible vehicle easier.
Conclusion
There are many places you can find an RV for rent. However, finding a wheelchair-accessible RV for rent in most of these places is quite challenging.
Outdoorsy is the best option if you need the best wheelchair accessible vehicles for rent.
RVshare is the next best option to try for RV rentals, thanks to its nationwide locations.
Physical disabilities shouldn’t affect your travels. With wheelchair accessible van rentals, it’s now easier for wheelchair users to enjoy road trips with friends and family.
Do you know any other places that offer wheelchair-accessible RV rentals? Please share them with us, and we’ll add them here.
Resources
- 1. Facing handicapped travel challenges [Internet]. Chicago Tribune. [cited 2022 Nov 22]. Available from: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2003-08-03-0308030329-story.html
- 2. Magazine S, Morrison J. Commemorating 100 Years of the RV [Internet]. Smithsonian Magazine. [cited 2022 Nov 22]. Available from: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/commemorating-100-years-of-the-rv-56915006/#:~:text=The%20burgeoning%20interstate%20highway%20system
This would be a fun adventure. I wouldn’t mind renting a RV and seeing if we like it.
What a great way to get the disabled out of the house.
Travelling by RV has become so popular! It also seems like a great way for people in wheelchairs to travel!
I have never thought about car rentals for those in wheelchairs. This is a great option for traveling.
This is all great to know. It’s nice to see they have some available with wheelchair accessibility.
This would be a really great and wonderful adventure specially to those who are using wheelchair.
As someone with some minor disabilities, I can only imagine how difficult this must be because the world isn’t always disability friendly. This should help so many, thanks for sharing!
Great to know, I’m glad there are options available for people with mobility issues to still be able to enjoy RV camping!
Such great and helpful information for finding the perfect RV and meeting the needs of people with mobility issues. Thank you so much for sharing!
It is very col that they have their to accommodate anyone in a wheelchair.I am looking to buy an RV soon… and my husband is gettin a truck to pull it!
I wish that I had an RV so I could go camping. My parents had a pop up tent trailer when I was younger and it made camping so much fun.
This is good to know for people who need wheelchair access. I know RV travel can be a lot of fun so it’s nice there are some out there to accomodate!
It’s so important to know where to find the right thing you need. Your post makes it so easy!