Written by Sylvia Longmire, April 17, 2023 for Spin The Globe
I recently had the opportunity to spend some time checking out the Winnebago Roam AE, a recreational vehicle (RV) with wheelchair accessible features, at the La Mesa RV Center here in my hometown of Sanford, FL. I know from the feedback on my previous post about wheelchair accessible road trips that many of you are really interested in opportunities to explore the US — or even your own neighborhood – in an RV if at all possible. While it’s not suitable for absolutely everyone who uses a wheelchair, the Winnebago Roam has many accessible features that could make this a reality for many explorers with disabilities.
RV Life 101
Life on the road with an RV is a dream for many people. You get to explore new places, meet other like-minded people, become one with nature, all while bringing the comforts of home along with you. There are many unique aspects of RV life that bring this huge community together, and make it so appealing to a wide variety of people. SpaceWise explains that the RV lifestyle is suitable for all kinds of people, including nomads, remote workers, retirees, snowbirds, couples without kids, and small families. In addition, some RV dwellers choose to live in their motorhomes year-round, while others may only live in their RVs for a few weeks or months during certain times of the year.
It can be very exciting to wake up in a new place every day, have campfires with new friends, and not have to worry about finding an accessible hotel room every place you go. You can afford to be spontaneous and just head to a new destination without having to worry about where you’re going to stay or use the bathroom. There are some downsides and challenges, like finding a parking spot for your RV, taking care of all the hook ups for power and water and clean up for the toilet cassette, and finding places to buy groceries. There are also limits on storage and gas expenses to contend with.
RV life isn’t for everyone, but it’s definitely an option to explore if you’re looking for outdoor adventures, as well as wheelchair accessibility and comfort you can bring with you to destinations where the availability of these things might be uncertain.
Why a Road Trip is a Great Option for Wheelchair Users
Road trips aren’t just one way that people get from one place to another; they’re a staple of American culture. They evolve from college students on pilgrimages to see their favorite bands to families visiting relatives for the holidays. The United States is one of the largest countries in the world, and while air travel is certainly still the fastest way to span it, road trips are the only way to really understand what America is all about. They’re also one of the easiest ways for wheelchair users to travel, and with some planning and preparation, accessible road trips can be truly amazing!
The best thing about a road trip in an accessible RV is that you get to bring many of the comforts of home with you, and all of your stuff stays in one place. If you have food sensitivities, then you can bring your favorite meals and snacks. You will always have your most comfortable pillow and blanket, and you can drive around in your pajamas without anyone being the wiser. You also don’t have to worry about having access to a toilet or shower that you can use, especially if you’re visiting friends who have homes that are not wheelchair accessible.
What is the Winnebago Roam AE?
The Roam is essentially a compact RV loaded with wheelchair accessible features designed to make travel easier for exploring locally or longer road trips. It has several adaptations and modifications like an under vehicle lift, push button controls, straps to make things more reachable, and lots of things to grab onto for transfers and support. The interior is also laid out in a way that makes it easier for a wheelchair user to maneuver.
