Which Vehicle Lift is Best for me?
5
Key Tips to avoid making a mistake
Before ordering a Vehicle Lift that may not be
right for your particular needs or vehicle, please
empower yourself with
the following tips to make the best decision.
What is a Vehicle Lift and how does it
work?
A Vehicle Lift, also called a Mobility Lift, is a
piece of equipment attached to your vehicle designed to load and unload your
mobility device (normally a Scooter or Power Wheelchair).
... Read MoreHaving a lift helps you avoid assembly or
disassembly of a scooter or power chair and avoids any type of physical stress
on your part. It’s typically
electrically powered so you can load and unload your device at the touch of a
button.
Tip
1: Learn the different ways that a Vehicle Lift can be installed on your
vehicle.
Vehicle lifts can be installed several ways Internally
(inside the back of your vehicle) or Externally to the rear with a
trailer hitch. Each way has certain pros and cons to consider; like complete protection
from the weather versus reduced interior space.
... Read More
- Internal
Lifts:
There are two main categories of options. Each
option requires the right type of internal configuration.
1. A Boom Arm that is bolted to
the floor area inside the back of the vehicle. This has a winch that raises and
lowers your device into your vehicle. A Mini Van, mid to large SUV, truck or limited
vehicles with a trunk may work
2. A full platform which retracts out of the back of your vehicle and then lowers itself to the ground. A Mini Van, mid to large SUV or truck would be a good option.
- External
Lifts:
This type of platform requires your vehicle to have enough strength (Tongue Weight*) in
order to safely transport the overall weight of the platform and your scooter
or power chair. You will also need to have a trailer hitch installed on the
back of your vehicle.
Tip
2: Will a Lift work on my vehicle?
The type of vehicle you have is the most critical
factor when determining which lift is best for your needs. Most vehicles like
cars, sedans or even sub compact SUV’s ... Read More typically cannot safely handle the amount
of weight that is needed once you add the weight of an
External platform
and the scooter or power chair. A truck, Mini Van or full-size SUV typically has
enough suspension to haul most external lifts with a scooters or power chair.
Per an
Interior Lift, most Mini Vans, large trucks or SUV’s may
accommodate a platform or winch but you should contact a provider to confirm
about your specific year, make and model before committing to any vehicle lift.
Tip
3: What is the Tongue Weight* of your vehicle?
Tongue Weight is different from pulling weight and
refers to the downward maximum weight your vehicle can safely handle.
... Read More Call a
provider to confirm the Tongue Weight before committing to a lift purchase…you
may be surprised that it’s lower than you may think which may limit the type of
scooter or power chair that can be transported.
Tip
4: Who will install my Vehicle Lift and what is involved?
Typically, the
provider of the lift can install the platform for you. For external lifts and
electrical connections, some units require
... Read More direct wiring that must attach
directly to the vehicle’s battery. The electronic port in the rear of the
vehicle will not have enough power to operate the lift. Some external platforms
now have their own battery pack which can power the platform without any wiring
to your car. This option will require occasional charging of the battery pack.
The external platform is then inserted into your trailer hitch and then
adjusted for balance, For internal platforms, the platform will have to be
bolted to the interior floor and the electric wiring will be attached to the
vehicle’s battery. An interior install will take up the majority of the rear
space inside your vehicle so you must consider that versus an exterior install.
Tip
5: A manual platform vs. an Electric Version, which is best for me?
The main benefit to a manual (external version
only) is the price. You still have to have physical strength to
... Read More load and unload
your scooter or powerchair. With an electronic version, everything is done
automatically with a switch or button and there is nothing physical for you to
do. (examples: it lowers or raises the platform by itself and it also folds
itself up against the back of your vehicle when not in use)
Unfortunately,
insurance does not cover the cost of Vehicle Lifts, but companies like Southern
Mobility and Medical do offer a Best Price Guaranty and payment options to make
purchasing more affordable.
Want more information about Vehicle
Lifts
? Call us at
1-800-681-8831 or
click here to see models
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