Anyone here drive to WDW with a interior rear lift or crane to carry their scooter or

[POOHsie]

Hi, and thank you for your reply. I want to get a device to store my scooter inside, too. That is why I bought my original scooter that could be broken down and placed in my car's trunk to be safe and out of the weather.

I have been looking at the Pride SilverStar Backpacker and the Bruno Joey that appear to be similar devices, but different manufacturers. I don't know which is better.

The third seat thing sure seemed to be simpler when they did not fold down and just slide out with a flat surface.

1. Did you have fold down third row seats?

2. Thank you for your review of the Dodge Caravan. I will have to look at this one closer. Was it harder to get into the driver's seat because it was higher?

I'm sorry that you had trouble with balancing and lifting the rear minivans liftgate. Walking and balancing are my issues right now.

I saw the Chrysler Town and Country minivan at the Atlanta Abilities Expo. It used the BraunAbility side entry or side door ramp. BraunAbility was well represented at the Atlanta Abilities Expo, but they seemed to specialize in the side entry ramp feature and do not make a rear lift like the Pride Silver Backpacker or the Braun Joey.

The Chrysler Town and Country was very nice to sit in the driver's seat, but I had a little difficulty getting up into the seat.

I like looking at the Spinlife website, too. I bought new gel batteries for my scooter from them at a reasonable price.

Did your Chrysler Town and Country minvan have third row seats that folded down? I was wondering if the local installers that you used had to remove the third row folding seats or left them in the floor and build over them to add your Pride SilverStar Backpacker lift?

3. That is really good information. I was interested in a new scooter with a head rest. Thank you.

I don't mind lowering the scooter tiller or lowering the back rest, but I really do not want to disassemble anything on the scooter like lifting the seat off or anything else. It would just add to my balance issue difficulties in the future.

4. Great information. Thank you. I would like a battery backup, too. I would rather not have to use the manual crank that I saw somewhere to lower the heavy device in case of a power failure from the car battery.

5. I like the idea of an external battery and recharging it while driving. I park in an underground parking garage without an electrical outlet nearby.

Thank you again. I may not see much snow in Atlanta, Georgia, but a lot of rain and mud sometimes.

So much good information. I really appreciate that you took the time to explain everything. This is the first time that I have ever had such great explanations and personal experiences. Thank you very much and good luck to you in the future, too.

Ray

1. Did you have fold down third row seats?
The seats are called Stow and Go. The third row seats are split 60/40 (not exactly in half). They fold into the floor. When folded down, you don't see them. The chair back becomes part of the floor of the van. I mention the 60/40 split because your lift track will go down the middle of the van, so it's good that the seats don't split there. I actually like the Stow and Go seats better than the bench seat you remove, because you had to store the bench seat somewhere. Now you don't have to. The seats stay in when the lift is installed.

2. Thank you for your review of the Dodge Caravan. I will have to look at this one closer. Was it harder to get into the driver's seat because it was higher?
I have long legs, and I can get to the driver's seat with no problem. Any mini van or van will probably be the same problem for you. My guess is your problem is getting in, not getting out. When I get out, my feet are a few inches from the ground, so I put my right hand on the door's arm rest and just let gravity work.

You mentioned to another poster that you saw a truck with a driver's seat chair lift. It might be worthwhile to look into that. My guess is the seat would fit in a mini van. Here's a link to a website that shows a Braun lift up seat, and there's a video. There are probably other vendors for you to look at, too. http://www.mobilityworks.com/wheelchair_van_TAS.php

I wonder if you could build a small platform from a few 2x4's and a small piece of plywood on top and on bottom. You could put a hole through the platform and attach it to a piece of rope fastened inside your car. When you got seated, you could pull the rope and get the platform inside the car. You could even create a disconnect on the rope, to detach the platform and set it somewhere inside the car. This is just a crazy idea that someone handy could possibly rig up.

3. That is really good information. I was interested in a new scooter with a head rest. Thank you.
If you get a mini van, you will have to give up the idea of a seat with a head rest. With my tiller folded down, and the seat-back folded on top of the tiller, there is maybe 1.5-2 inches clearance. That's why I say the head rest chair would not clear the opening. Even if you lifted off the head rest-type chair, there's no place to put it. It's very large and heavy.

4. Great information. Thank you. I would like a battery backup, too. I would rather not have to use the manual crank that I saw somewhere to lower the heavy device in case of a power failure from the car battery.
I got the battery with the lift because I didn't want to pay the installers to hard wire the lift to the car battery. Plus, when changing cars, you would have to go through that step again with the new vehicle ($$). The battery lasted at least 3 years before I replace it, and it was a common size.

5. I like the idea of an external battery and recharging it while driving.
I looked up some scooters on the Spinlife website and noticed they had an external charger for about $200. FYI, the one I bought at Sears cost $40. If you have a way to get your scooter inside your home, it's good to give the batteries a long charge, in addition to charging them as you drive. You might not drive far enough to fully charge them.

Pride Maxima vs. other Scooters
I noted that you considered the Pride Maxima because of the optional larger battery. One thing to keep in mind is the Maxima weights 250 lbs. vs. most others that weigh around 175. That extra 75 lb. scooter weight will eat up that extra battery power. Most scooters like the Pride Victory, my Pacesaver Plus III Jr., and others, use two U-1 batteries, and I think they'll do the job for you. What batteries does your Pride Revo use?

If you look at the Pacesaver Plus III at the Spinlife site, they have a brochure you can download. On that brochure, they talk about another model of the Pacesaver Plus III, called the Plus III Titan, that specifically addresses its ability to climb steep hills. Here's a quote: "The brawny Titan is designed for long hill climbs and demanding terrain. Titan adds a mighty 4 pole 4” motor for 25% more power, 5.40 mph. speed and 350 lb. capacity. Titan is an excellent value in a maximum performance scooter." http://www.pacesaver.com/ps2PlusIII.html

Ford Transit
A previous poster mentioned the Ford Transit. I saw one recently. It might be worth looking at this vehicle.

You have a lot of info to digest. Let us know what you decide and how it worked out for you.

 

[peemagg]

Hi, peemag. Thank you for your reply. The most cars at Walt Disney World that I have seen have lifts like you describe.


I thought about the Ford Transit. I see a lot of companies are using them in Atlanta. But it sure looks big wide enough to hold any interior platform lift. They seem to like the height and narrow aspect as they have shelves going up the inside on both walls.

They are too tall to get in the underground parking lot for me.

Out of curiosity. Do you use a full size van or a minivan? And have you had any issues with it rocking back and forth on the highway?

When driving down to Walt Disney World, I have seen a few cars pass me by with their outside lift bouncing up and down and back and forth because of all the weight pushing down on the single hitch of the vehicle.

Our van is a full sized one. We used to have issues with the swaying, but got a hitch stabilizer for about $20 that makes a world of difference with sway, even when towing one of our trailers. It got rid of any sway or bounce. My lift when in the upright position without the scooter only sticks out about 1- 1 1/2 ft from the vehicle.

The Ford Transit vans also come in a passenger van style that is not as high as the work van ones. The one I looked at at Mobility Works was no higher than a mini van that was sitting next to it.

 

[videogal1]

Thank you for your reply.

I have looked online at the Toyata Scion XB and some people talk about removing the rear seats like you said.

There was one Toyata Scion XB with a platform lift like a Pride SilverStar Backpacker or a Bruno Joey. And another company that removed and replaced the side driver's door and passenger door behind it, and removed the seats, and made a one moving part door that raised up to allow a wheelchair driver to drive on and drive themselves.

I thought that this was very unusal to be able to install a crane or platform lifter for what appeared to me to be such a small car.

I often wandered if the rear opening would be large enough for the crane or platform lifter and the scooter itself to fit through the rear liftgate area for total height and width of both.

I sure would like to see a photo of your car with the rear crane and how the scooter and smaller powerchair fit together if you can post a photo sometime.

What year is your Toyata Scion XB?

Is there a particular Sundancer scooter that you own?

Do you drive it to Walt Disney World with all of your luggage okay?

I have so many questions?

Thank you so much for your reply and informtion. It is giving me so many options.

Ray

I bought a new 2005 Scion. The dealership had just had one equipped with a Bruno hoist for another customer so they knew just what I was talking about. The Scion did not require any modification except I lost the rear seats and a built in spare tire compartment as well as a little built-in ice chest thingie. I know the newer models have a slightly less "cargo van" look and may not have as large a hatch door but you'd have to check with the dealership for the specs. comparison. The Scion that I have is plenty large as far as the hatch opening goes. I wired a carpet remnant to the leftover backseat mounting hardware so that I could flop it out over the rear bumper when loading and unloading to prevent scratching the paint...it just squishes back inside the door when not in use. The post that supports the cross arm of the lift does not touch the ceiling and there is lots of room around it so that other stuff can be hauled if the scooter isn't on board. Whoever installs one has to have the mobility device on hand so that they can position the hoist properly side to side and front to back. You really have to be confident that the device you're going to be hauling is the largest one you'll ever want to haul and won't go out of production if you need a replacement...it might be difficult to find another one that the hoist is rated to lift and that you can fit in the car and still, at the same time, love to spend time sitting in. My Sundancer is just a regular one (3-wheel red with slightly squished front basket). Fully loaded there is adequate room in the car for normal luggage...no steamer trunks.... Will you have someone riding in the passenger seat? When I toted around the power chair with the Sundancer I also had a passenger (the lady who was using my scooter), as well as a pretty good size (unhappy) Service Dog inside. The Scion is easy to drive, does not feel as "top heavy" as the Honda Element, gets pretty good mileage and is big enough to carry dog, scooter, eight overhead compartment-sized suitcases, and a passenger (he gave up a little foot space for a suitcase or two but on that trip we didn't drive far). I'll take some pics and see about posting them on a snapshot website for you to see. Quite frankly I think the Scion XB is one of the ugliest cars on the road today (you don't see too many Citroens, my pick for the all time ugliest car, in these parts) but that just makes it easier to find in a parking lot. I just do not see myself as a van-type so the Scion suits me perfectly.

 

[RaySharpton]

Hi, POOHsie. Thank you for your reply.

The seats are called Stow and Go. The third row seats are split 60/40 (not exactly in half). They fold into the floor. When folded down, you don't see them. The chair back becomes part of the floor of the van. I mention the 60/40 split because your lift track will go down the middle of the van, so it's good that the seats don't split there. I actually like the Stow and Go seats better than the bench seat you remove, because you had to store the bench seat somewhere. Now you don't have to. The seats stay in when the lift is installed.

Stow and Go...that's what they call them. That makes sense about the 60/40 and the track of the platform lift mechanical arm going down the middle of the minivan. I agree with liking not having to put in storage the third row seat of the older minivans and instead having them stay in the floor.

2. Thank you for your review of the Dodge Caravan. I will have to look at this one closer. Was it harder to get into the driver's seat because it was higher?


I have long legs, and I can get to the driver's seat with no problem. Any mini van or van will probably be the same problem for you. My guess is your problem is getting in, not getting out. When I get out, my feet are a few inches from the ground, so I put my right hand on the door's arm rest and just let gravity work.

Okay, I understand. I have shorter legs and I had to climb up into the minivan to get in the driver's seat. I also let gravity get me out of the minivan like you described. As I get older, I just want to open the door, and have my feet sit on the ground when I get in or out without using any special help. My right leg is the issue getting in the car or minivan for me.

You mentioned to another poster that you saw a truck with a driver's seat chair lift. It might be worthwhile to look into that. My guess is the seat would fit in a mini van. Here's a link to a website that shows a Braun lift up seat, and there's a video. There are probably other vendors for you to look at, too.

http://www.mobilityworks.com/wheelchair_van_TAS.php

I wonder if you could build a small platform from a few 2x4's and a small piece of plywood on top and on bottom. You could put a hole through the platform and attach it to a piece of rope fastened inside your car. When you got seated, you could pull the rope and get the platform inside the car. You could even create a disconnect on the rope, to detach the platform and set it somewhere inside the car. This is just a crazy idea that someone handy could possibly rig up.

Thank you for the link.

Speaking for myself, I personally am trying not to go this way as far a an electronic driver's seat. That is why I first looked at the non electronic outside rear trailer hitch platform that had no electrical components. I could just pull a lever and tilt the platform with hidden ramp to the ground. And then not riding the the scooter on the platform, but guided it until it balanced itself level again before locking it in place. Just about as simple as it gets. But my present 23 year old car wasn't made to hold the trailer hitch required to handle the device.

I have always liked, first, a car/suv/minivan that had a great reputation of being mechanically sound over the years, and rarely needed constant repair because of the design. I guess that is why my car lasted 23 years so far. But I don't think that it can last much longer.

Then I thought the electric rear car trailer hitch platform lift would be better for me as I got older, but my car still could not meet the minimum requirements for trailer hitch to hold the platform.

I have now reached the point where I must carefully decide what used vehicle I need to buy and what type of electronic crane or electronic platform lift I will need to go with the car/suv/minivan.

I am torn between choosing a suv/minivan to go with a electronic crane/platform lift.

Both the suv/minivan have to be compatible with each other no matter what decision I make.

I also thought the electronic crane has less mechanical parts than the electronic platform lift. I am thinking of less breakdown and less likelihood of future breakdown or repair of the device.

Just like choosing the right suv/minvian that will last me until I die with less likelihood of frequent repair or breakdown due to manufacturer design or production.

And money and loan and possible job loss all and increasing disability are all concerns for me, too.

3. That is really good information. I was interested in a new scooter with a head rest. Thank you.


If you get a mini van, you will have to give up the idea of a seat with a head rest. With my tiller folded down, and the seat-back folded on top of the tiller, there is maybe 1.5-2 inches clearance. That's why I say the head rest chair would not clear the opening. Even if you lifted off the head rest-type chair, there's no place to put it. It's very large and heavy.

That is a very good point and makes sense to me. Thank you for your experience.

4. Great information. Thank you. I would like a battery backup, too. I would rather not have to use the manual crank that I saw somewhere to lower the heavy device in case of a power failure from the car battery.


I got the battery with the lift because I didn't want to pay the installers to hard wire the lift to the car battery. Plus, when changing cars, you would have to go through that step again with the new vehicle ($$). The battery lasted at least 3 years before I replace it, and it was a common size.

Thanks.

5. I like the idea of an external battery and recharging it while driving.


I looked up some scooters on the Spinlife website and noticed they had an external charger for about $200. FYI, the one I bought at Sears cost $40. If you have a way to get your scooter inside your home, it's good to give the batteries a long charge, in addition to charging them as you drive. You might not drive far enough to fully charge them.

I live in a small one bedroom in a highrise since I live alone. It is fine for me since I have no family. I planned ahead when I bought my condo home that the parking was very close to the elevators and my home entry very close to the elevator.

I can still walk short distances and I thank God for that. I just can't get out and about.

I really liked the idea of storing my scooter in the back of a suv/minivan when not in use and never having to take it apart or put it back together. If I need to recharge it, I think that I would drive it up to my home and recharge it and take it back down. At least that is my thought process. At present, I carry the scooter batteries separate from the scooter on a wheeled transport to my home when I need to recharge them. If I had a larger home with storage area, I would just leave the scooter in my home.

I love Walt Disney World. I just need to take my scooter out of my trunk only once when I get to my Disney resort and put it together and leave my car parked. Then I only use the Disney bus, boat taxi, monorail and sidewalks for transportation. And I just drive the scooter into the Disney resort room to charge every night.

Pride Maxima vs. other Scooters

I noted that you considered the Pride Maxima because of the optional larger battery. One thing to keep in mind is the Maxima weights 250 lbs. vs. most others that weigh around 175. That extra 75 lb. scooter weight will eat up that extra battery power. Most scooters like the Pride Victory, my Pacesaver Plus III Jr., and others, use two U-1 batteries, and I think they'll do the job for you. What batteries does your Pride Revo use?

If you look at the Pacesaver Plus III at the Spinlife site, they have a brochure you can download. On that brochure, they talk about another model of the Pacesaver Plus III, called the Plus III Titan, that specifically addresses its ability to climb steep hills. Here's a quote: "The brawny Titan is designed for long hill climbs and demanding terrain. Titan adds a mighty 4 pole 4” motor for 25% more power, 5.40 mph. speed and 350 lb. capacity. Titan is an excellent value in a maximum performance scooter."

http://www.pacesaver.com/ps2PlusIII.html

Thank you for the link. This gives me another choice. I may not find a scooter to go up the hill since it appears greater than 12 degree grade. It almost looks 30 degrees.

I use the U-1 Gel batteried that I bought from SpinLife.com. I needed the extra power to get up a steep hill out of my deadend street in my neighborhood. I live only a few blocks from a grocery store. My Pride Revo won't carry me up the hill. I will sacrifice distance over the power to get out and about my neighborhood without using a vehicle.

If I every got to the point where I couldn't drive by myself, I could still use my scooter to go the store by myself. At least that is my plan and thought process when choosing a newer scooter.

So many decisions. To choose a vehicle and a scooter and a platform lift to meet all the possibilities and needs in my future without requiring external help from others since I live alone.

And I just have to visit Walt Disney World every year. Even if I have to use a bus or airplane.

Ford Transit

A previous poster mentioned the Ford Transit. I saw one recently. It might be worth looking at this vehicle.

You have a lot of info to digest. Let us know what you decide and how it worked out for you.

Thank you so much for your time and experience. It allows me to talk out loud to myself and see different choices.

 

[RaySharpton]

The way it was with both Harmar and Pride is when you order the lift you also tell them they type of vehicle it will be installed into. They then ship a specific adapter that attaches to the seat anchors. The lift then attaches to this adapter. No drilling through the floor is needed. On our first install they did drill a small hole to run the power feed to the battery. On our second install they ran the cord through the inside of the van behind the molding and then through the firewall.

Thank you, DSquare. This device truly is portable to another suv/minivan if you need to buy another one. And it seems like the manufactorer really planned this device to install easily without many changes to the vehicle.

I used air shocks from AirLift. This was from advice on a Toyota Sienna forum that I frequent. Both the 06 and 12 took AirLift1000, this seems to be a size that fits most minivans. There is a configuration tool on their webpage to show what model is needed for each vehicle. We also had an on-board air compressor installed to inflate and deflate as needed.

Thank you, I saved the link to AirLift for future reference when I buy my vehicle. And thank you for your experience.

Speaking on Toyota Sienna's they do offer a towing package from the factory and the only difference is it includes a heavy duty radiator and oil cooler. Our 06 had this option while our 12 does not. Last week we drove from MI down to FL through the mountains where the outside temp gauge was showing above 100 and no issue at all with the minivan's engine temp.

That's good to know. Thank you for the information.

If you go with air suspension I doubt you need the heavier shocks. Before installing the air suspension in the 06 I searched for better shocks and springs and was told that they had nothing that would help and the air suspension was they way to go.

Thanks. I am not knowledgeable about shocks nor air suspension for vehicles.

Knowing what I know now I should have pursued the issue more, I was naive on lacked the info I know now. Also at that time I was out of warranty (back then standard warranty was 1yr) and just took it for granted it would be something we had to deal with having such a heavy powerchair.

But your experience has truly helped me, and I am truly appreciative.

I did not consider a Dodge. I've never cared for the Dodge or Chrysler minivan plus there is no dealer close by. However the Dodge seems to be a popular choice for the conversion companies to make into ramp vans. I looked at Toyota first again and liked what I saw and didn't look at any Hondas.

I have never owned a Dodge or Chryler or Toyota vehicle either.

They both do the same thing. They have the same specs and same warranty. The Bruno I saw in person and it has a Barrier Option. It's a metal bar structure that is suppose to prevent from the chair flying forward in the event of an accident. Mobility Express does not show it on their website but it is an add-on option. I personally think its a good idea in theory but with the size of my sons chair I didn't see how that would help. It would first hit the metal structure holding the lifting cylinder and if that didn't stop it I don't think that barrier would either.

I agree with the bar. I saw that online.

Yes these are permanent conversions. The floor is lowered or cutout depending on if you go rear or side ramp. Braunability has a section on youtube that shows the difference between their conversion and some of their competitors. An interesting watch to say the least.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7D04BBE97E217A7B&feature=plcp

Also on the conversion vans there is not special financing like you see offered on the new vans. The conversion (depending on what all is done) runs over $20k and the resale value is not good at all. Where as the lift can be removed with no evidence it ever was in.

Isn't that something. That is all that I saw at the Atlanta Abilities Expo and thoughout Atlanta and the state of Georgia. I am sure that it truly helps many individuals, but I was looking for something else.

Not really. I did all my own research since there seems to be very very little info I can find from other owners.

Feel free to PM for additional info. I can send pics and video of ours in action too if you like.

Thank you so much.

 

[RaySharpton]

Our van is a full sized one. We used to have issues with the swaying, but got a hitch stabilizer for about $20 that makes a world of difference with sway, even when towing one of our trailers. It got rid of any sway or bounce. My lift when in the upright position without the scooter only sticks out about 1- 1 1/2 ft from the vehicle.

The Ford Transit vans also come in a passenger van style that is not as high as the work van ones. The one I looked at at Mobility Works was no higher than a mini van that was sitting next to it.

Thank you, peemagg. I have heard of the hitch stabilizer, but I never really knew anyone that used one or which cars on the highway that I saw actually used one.

It does fold in really close and is what I liked about the mechanical and the electronic outside trailer hitch type platforms.

But now, with my home and parking situation, I am hoping to be able to store my scooter in my suv/minivan when I am home. I have a very short walk to from my underground parking space (2 parking spaces) to the elevator, and an even shorter distance from the elevator to my front door.

I didn't know that their were two sizes to the Ford Transit.

Thank you for all of your experiences.

Ray

 

[RaySharpton]

Hi, videogal1. Thank you for your reply.

I bought a new 2005 Scion. The dealership had just had one equipped with a Bruno hoist for another customer so they knew just what I was talking about. The Scion did not require any modification except I lost the rear seats and a built in spare tire compartment as well as a little built-in ice chest thingie. I know the newer models have a slightly less "cargo van" look and may not have as large a hatch door but you'd have to check with the dealership for the specs. comparison.

Thank you for the information on your 2005 Scion XB. It is very nice to hear from someone that not only owns one, but also had a Bruno hoist installed in one. I had no idea that the Scion XB was large enough.

Was it easy for them to remove the spare tire compartment and built in ice chest or did they have to cut it out to make room for your scooter? Not that I need those things, but I was just curious. I saw where you wrote they didn't have to make any modifications to install your Bruno hoist.

The Scion that I have is plenty large as far as the hatch opening goes. I wired a carpet remnant to the leftover backseat mounting hardware so that I could flop it out over the rear bumper when loading and unloading to prevent scratching the paint...it just squishes back inside the door when not in use.

I gather that it must be a tight fit when you load and unload your scooter and the scooter must bump against the car's bumper and paint finish. Good idea though. Is it because it is such a tight fit when loading?

The post that supports the cross arm of the lift does not touch the ceiling and there is lots of room around it so that other stuff can be hauled if the scooter isn't on board. Whoever installs one has to have the mobility device on hand so that they can position the hoist properly side to side and front to back. You really have to be confident that the device you're going to be hauling is the largest one you'll ever want to haul and won't go out of production if you need a replacement...it might be difficult to find another one that the hoist is rated to lift and that you can fit in the car and still, at the same time, love to spend time sitting in.

Thank you, good point about the lift and the scooter fitting in the car.

It is nice to know that the Bruno hoist crane lift doesn't hit the roof. In your earlier conversation, is your scooter a little to large and that is why it is a tight fit and sometime hits your car bumper when loading or unloading your scooter?

My Sundancer is just a regular one (3-wheel red with slightly squished front basket). Fully loaded there is adequate room in the car for normal luggage...no steamer trunks.... Will you have someone riding in the passenger seat? When I toted around the power chair with the Sundancer I also had a passenger (the lady who was using my scooter), as well as a pretty good size (unhappy) Service Dog inside.

I will be riding alone. I think that the Sundancer used to be made by Pride Mobility. I think that I saw that they no longer make them anymore. It is amazing that you could haul a power chair and a scooter and a Service Dog and friend all in the Scion XB. I would never have thought that.

The Scion is easy to drive, does not feel as "top heavy" as the Honda Element, gets pretty good mileage and is big enough to carry dog, scooter, eight overhead compartment-sized suitcases, and a passenger (he gave up a little foot space for a suitcase or two but on that trip we didn't drive far). I'll take some pics and see about posting them on a snapshot website for you to see. Quite frankly I think the Scion XB is one of the ugliest cars on the road today (you don't see too many Citroens, my pick for the all time ugliest car, in these parts) but that just makes it easier to find in a parking lot. I just do not see myself as a van-type so the Scion suits me perfectly.

I seem to agree with everything that you say, but it is a great to know that this is an option over a larger, more expensive suv/minivan.

That would wonderful to see photos. I would love to see the part about the area where the tire compartment was and where the ice thing was removed. And the carpet and how it protects your car bumper when loading your scooter and wheelchair and the space left for luggage.

Thank you so much for your experience.

Ray

 

[videogal1]

When you have the "hook" firmly seated on the T-bar you start winding up the nylon strap that connects the hoist body to the hook. This pulls the scooter up off the ground and at that point it is free-hanging. Then you push the "in" button and the arm swings the scooter toward the open hatch. At this point a scooter wheel may bump against the car bumper as the scooter is being hoisted. You want to pick the scooter up directly, not at an angle so as to keep the swinging to a minimum. One thing to remember is to fold the back of the scooter seat down so the whole package is as compact as possible. (This is where the talent of the installer shows itself.) I sometimes give the device I'm loading a little direction to keep the it facing properly and a nudge to help the wheels clear the hatch door opening. It's like putting shoes in a box...everything fits just so. When I load two devices I load the smaller one, the chair, then, when it's inside I put it in free wheel, remove the hook from the T-bar, then roll the device into place. Then I back the arm out to pick up the second device, load it, close the door and go. The Service dog sits in a space in the middle or off to one side. I do all of this by myself one-handed and leaning against the car for support. I found a couple of pictures of my Scion this morning but the hatch door is closed and you can't see the hoist very well through the window. The scooter is partially visible parked nearby...it might give you an idea of scale...and a view of a messy garage. If you could send me your e-mail address I could send them now and others later...
I'm not sure now where the spare tire fit. I never saw it since the car was delivered to the hoist installer by the dealership soon after it was delivered to them. I believe that there was a "well" build into the floor for the ice chest thing and the spare tire fit in another "well". The spare now sits upright in what would be the foot space for a rear passenger and cinched to the back of the driver's seat with a bungee cord. (Effective, not necessarily elegant.)