Mobility Lift

TabRookie · June 2020

Anybody have any experience with a standing lift or low rise steps for the Tab 400? My wife has restricted mobility and we need something like this to make it easier for her to get in and out of the trailer.

Thanks.

VictoriaP · June 2020

I haven’t seen either added to any Tab on the forum or in the main Facebook groups. Because either of those would have to be tied into the structure to be safe for use, this is likely a question best posed directly to nuCamp. The lightweight, composite sandwich construction of these trailers doesn’t leave a lot of places to easily secure something as simple as a grab bar, let alone anything like a lift, or the extra weight of low rise steps.

Edit: I’d start by emailing tech@nucamprv.com. Include names/item numbers/links to the accessibility products you’re considering installing. Hopefully that will help them help you determine if anything can be done to improve the Tab 400 for your needs.

falcon1970 · June 2020

Is the problem that the step is too high from the ground or too low from the trailer floor--or both? The top of the step is 12.5" from the ground. from there it is another 9.5" to the door sill--although the floor is about 1.5" lower than the door sill.

Would this be of any use to you?
ref=zg_bs_2290233011_3.

TabRookie · June 2020

@VictoriaP I did contact Nucamp and they deferred to the dealer for suggestions. @falcon1970 the rise from the ground to the step and then from the step to the trailer are both too tall. Our issue is with climbing stairs with anything more than a 4" rise. I am in the process of building a small set of steps that will run alongside the trailer. I was curious if any other Tab owners had faced a similar situation and, if so, how they addressed it.

Homebodyatheart · June 2020

@TabRookie not exactly, but I found some steps at a rummage sale that make it up easier on my knees getting in and out of my 320S. I think your built steps are the answer!

Tampakayaker · June 2020

When we had our PUP, I made a couple of 2x4 with plywood top boxes that cut down on the drop from the floor to the step and step to the ground.

rfuss928 · June 2020

We use a pair of folding steps. They set just inside the door stacked while we travel.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/6a/ajtbxhdkk70v.jpg

Have fun!

Mouseketab · June 2020

Perhaps a ramp? Like the kind they use for truck beds, and fold up?

DougH · June 2020

The link below is not very well organized or written, but does show a few options I didn't know existed...
https://cancrusade.com/21-delightful-handicap-rv-steps/

Mouseketab · June 2020

https://www.va-stairlift-company.com/new-motorstep

Denny16 · June 2020

Interesting solutions. There is also a product called rigid RV steps for those who can walk, but not step,up on high reaches.
https://www.google.com/search?safe=strict&source=hp&ei=_p3rXuvoNcfJ-gTdkKXgAw&q=rigid+rv+steps&oq=rigid+steps&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQARgBMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB46DggAEOoCELQCEJoBEOUCOgUIABCxAzoECAAQAzoCCAA6BQgAEIMBOgQIABAKOgoIABCxAxBGEPkBOggIABAWEAoQHlDwDVijM2DgP2gBcAB4AIABe4gBwgaSAQQxMC4xmAEAoAEBqgEHZ3dzLXdperABBg&sclient=psy-ab

TabRookie · June 2020

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I have put together a design for a set of scissor steps that I will try to build over the next few days if I can find the time. I'll post a picture if all goes well.

Sharon_is_SAM · June 2020

I think the portable ramp is a great idea!

Dalehelman · June 2020

I haven’t done this, but it has been rattling around in my head. Mainly because I don’t need it yet. This jack could be mounted to the outside left of the door. It would require reinforcing on the inside. Maybe some large fender washers, and bolts through the wall. There should be an aluminum frame next to the door as well. A piece of 3/4” plywood or possibly a piece of aluminum would be bolted at the corner to the foot plate. Then just crank it up or down. Should cost less than $100
https://smile.amazon.com/2500-HVY-DUTY-FIXED-JACK/dp/B005NI3D4E

Verna · June 2020

Okay, @Dalehelman....more expensive, but what could you do using an electric, remote controlled trailer jack? That would be a great solution!

Dalehelman · June 2020

@Verna l also considered using a truck camper electric corner jack. Maybe find one on eBay. Since they are usually sold in pairs and are pretty expensive. You could replace the crank with a bolt like the tongue jack mod. Always thinking.

Verna · June 2020

Awesome, @Dalehelman! Keep your mind going!

Marceline · June 2020

I think that the best solution might be folding steps at appropriate heights as pictured by @rfuss928. There are even some bigger folding aluminum work platforms. You could maybe rig a “rail” by tying a piece of fat rope (like Dacron sailing line) to the handhold then staking or securing it at a suitable place.

I also found this game lift with a manual winch that might work. (Warning: don’t open link if you’re squeamish about hunting) https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1019252940

TabRookie · June 2020

I'm new to this forum (and the RV world in general) and I have to say the Tab community is a great bunch of people. Everyone is so helpful and genuine. It's refreshing in today's climate.

There are some great suggestions above. I like the tongue jack idea from @Dalehelman. The jack can lift a lot of weight, which is a push action but I would be using it in a pull motion and I wonder if it could handle the weight in that manner. I could see mounting an electric jack on hangers to the left of the door. That way it could be removed easily and stored away for travel. I also like the big game lift idea from @Marceline. It can certainly handle the weight and it folds up nice and flat.

This is going to be an iterative process for me. We will pick up our trailer in a couple weeks so I will have a set of steps built as a first effort. I imagine I will need to make improvements afterwards once we really understand what we are dealing with.

Dalehelman · June 2020

Dalehelman said:

I haven’t done this, but it has been rattling around in my head. Mainly because I don’t need it yet. This jack could be mounted to the outside left of the door. It would require reinforcing on the inside. Maybe some large fender washers, and bolts through the wall. There should be an aluminum frame next to the door as well. A piece of 3/4” plywood or possibly a piece of aluminum would be bolted at the corner to the foot plate. Then just crank it up or down. Should cost less than $100
https://smile.amazon.com/2500-HVY-DUTY-FIXED-JACK/dp/B005NI3D4E

I ordered one of these. I would like to see if my idea is feasible practical and will work.

tybladesmith · June 2020

Of course it would need the @Dalehelman tongue jack mod.

Dalehelman · June 2020

@TabRookie
Good point on the pulling action. If that is not feasible. I am considering making it free standing. Enlarging the foot base to make a stable base, and attaching lift plate to the upper section.

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