Which Vehicle Lift Fits Your SUV or Truck: What I Check in Baton Rouge
In order to assess the various vehicle-lift models, I first must have some key information about the transport situation. In the case of a wheelchair vehicle lift in Baton Rouge, I need to consider the weight of the mobility device, the make and model of the vehicle, the hitch, the cargo area, the clearance on the rear of the vehicle, and the customer’s normal parking location.
When working with customers in Geismar, Prairieville, and Baton Rouge, I do not begin my evaluation with which lift is the easiest to use. At 101 Mobility of Baton Rouge, I first consider the vehicle and the mobility device, and only then consider the various transport options.
| Fit Question | Why I Check It |
|---|---|
| What mobility device is being transported? | The weight, wheelbase, width, and other dimensions of the device help determine the type of lift that can be used to transport it. |
| What is the make, model and year of the transport vehicle? | The transport vehicle must have a hitch and cargo area that can accommodate the lift. The clearance on the rear of the vehicle must also provide sufficient space for the mobility device. |
| Where will the mobility device be transported to? | Will the device be transported to the final destination and then removed from the vehicle, or will the mobility device remain on the vehicle? Each of these alternatives requires consideration of the space available for transport. |
| How will the mobility device be transported? | Will the final means of transport provide access to the rear of the vehicle? |
An exterior lift moves the scooter or power chair to a cargo platform located behind the vehicle. Exterior lifts can help use more of the vehicle’s cargo space, but these systems can make the vehicle longer.
Interior lifts are different. These systems hoist mobility devices through the rear cargo opening and store it in the vehicle.
There are pros and cons to each system.
I spoke with a family who wanted a scooter lift for their SUV in Gonzales to help determine the amount of cargo space used by the scooter and if that space was needed to transport other family members or items. I measured to see if the rear cargo opening was large enough to accomodate the scooter and if there was sufficient clearance to manuever the scooter into the cargo area.
The Bruno Curb-Sider is an example of an interior lift system. This system utilizes a vehicle specific base and mobility device specific docking system to lift, lower, and rotate the mobility device into and out of the vehicle.
The VSL-6000 and VSL-6900 models of the Bruno Curb-Sider have a capacity of 250 and 400 pounds, respectively.
Although it is helpful to have this capacity information, it does not answer if the lift will work for the user’s mobility device.
Only a complete system check can provide this information.
Device Weight, Hitch Rating, Bumper Clearance, and Rear Visibility
I have to consider both sides of an equation when looking at mobility device lifts.
I have to work with the actual specifications of the mobility device, and then find a lift where those specifications fall within the published limitations.
The Bruno Out-Sider is a mobility device with a published weight capacity of 350 lbs. with a 28.5” platform. It requires a Class II or Class III hitch.
The other Harmar external lifts also limit mobility devices based on factors such as weight capacity.
The Harmar AL100/AL100HD limit mobility device transport based on factors such as weight capacity and platform size. The AL100 and AL100HD have weight caps of 350 lbs. and 400 lbs. respectively. The platform is adjustable, and along with a cradle, can extend to 46” from the wall.
The Harmar AL300/AL300HD also transport mobility devices up to 400 lbs. and 350 lbs. respectively. Like the AL100/AL100HD, the AL300 and AL300HD also limit transport mobility devices based on a 27” width and a 42” wheelbase.
Because these harmar lifts can transport a variety of mobility devices, I have to look at other factors to help narrow my options.
I also evaluate the mobility of the vehicle.
I assess if the vehicle can be outfitted with the hitch and lift being considered. Just because a vehicle has a hitch, it does not mean the vehicle can be outfitted with every lift and mobility device carrier.
I look at the clearance the lift requires to extend over the rear of the vehicle.
After the mobility device is loaded, I look at clearance required for the lift to stow.
How far does the platform extend behind the vehicle? How does this impact access to the rear cargo area? Does the loaded scooter or wheelchair obstruct the driver’s sightline? Where to the license plate relocation brackets be mounted?
I am most concerned with how the equipment impacts your everyday routine.
Parking and Garage-Door Clearance
Where does your vehicle sleep?
An exterior lift changes how tight you are able to park your vehicle. I still need to take into consideration how the lift is operated, even if the platform folds when it is unloaded.
How much clearance is there behind your vehicle if if it is always parked in a garage?
Can the garage door be closed with the lift in its travel position?
Can the rear hatch be closed if the lift is loaded?
How do the answers to these questions effect your final decision?
Some lifts have swing-away features to provide access to the rear of the vehicle. The Bruno Out-Sider, as well as the Harmar AL100/AL100HD and Harmar AL300/AL300HD, have features that improve access to the rear of the vehicle.
Answers to these questions also effect the final design of the lift system.
Sometimes, the largest capacity lift still doesn’t solve your problem. For example, if you need to move your truck to a different spot each time you need to load or unload your wheelchair, then the largest capacity lift isn’t very helpful.
In those cases, I would recommend considering other options.
Product Options from Bruno and Harmar
The other option would be to determine if the device is to be located inside or outside the vehicle.
Bruno Out-Sider
The Bruno Out-Sider is an exterior lift for power chairs and scooters. It folds up when not in use and is controlled by a switch.
Depending on your vehicle and hitch setup, this might be a good option.
Bruno Curb-Sider
The Bruno Curb-Sider is similar to the Out-Sider, except it lifts the device into the cargo area of the vehicle. This is good if you want to keep the mobility device in the vehicle.
Harmar AL100/AL100HD
The Harmar AL100/AL100HD are similar to the Bruno Curb-Sider, except that they are designed to lift scooters.
I can compare Harmar vehicle lifts in Louisiana, for example, if I confirm the harmony of the vehicle and device.
AL300/AL300HD
Harmar AL300/AL300HD models cover a larger range of scooters and power chairs.
The AL300 models’ limitation of the width and wheelbase of the mobility device allows me to assess device compatibility for comparison with a power chair or scooter in question. If these limits are exceeded, then I will not consider the AL300 models for that power chair or scooter.
I am not analyzing Bruno vs. Harmar.
Rather, I am assessing a specific power chair or scooter, a specific vehicle, and the daily transport requirements of an individual.
What Happens after Installation?
The user, or a family member in the case of a power chair, will learn the operation of the lift and the process for loading the power chair onto the lift.
The family will also learn the process for securing the power chair to the lift, and for stowing the power chair in the vehicle.
In the case of an external lift, the family will learn the process for ensuring the mobility device is placed and secured on the lift in the correct position for travel.
In the case of an internal lift, the family will learn the process for stowing the power chair in the vehicle.
Can you park in your normal spots? Are you able to get to the equipment you need in the back of the vehicle? Do you understand the operation of the platform if an is selected?
After we install the equipment, our service and support team is always available to answer equipment use and operation questions.
Should you need assistance transporting your mobility device in the Geismar, Prairieville, Gonzales, Baton Rouge area, we offer free in-home consultation. During this consult we review your mobility device and the vehicle, considering the weight and dimensions. We look at your parking situation and the family’s preferences regarding equipment loading. We review your vehicle’s make and model as well as your hitch, if you have one. We review your family’s mobility needs and what equipment you’ll be transporting.
We encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about equipment mobility device lifts for trucks and SUVs.
What questions should I ask when deciding on a vehicle lift?
The first questions should be what mobility device and what vehicle are being transported? With that information I look at the dimensions and weight of the device, the vehicle make and model, the hitch if there is one, the opening at the rear of the vehicle, and family’s parking situation. I also look at the family’s preferences regarding equipment loading.
I have a couple of questions about vehicle lifts. How can I determine if my scooter is too heavy for a vehicle lift?
In this case, I suggest considering the actual weight of the scooter versus the listed capacity of the vehicle lift. Some of the lifts we currently list have a capacity of 250 pounds, while others can go up to 400 pounds.
Also, is it safe to say that any vehicle lift can be installed on any truck or SUV?
Not necessarily. There are many variables to consider, such as the truck/SUV, the mobility device and lift itself, as well as the hitch and/or mounting location.
What is the main difference between the Harmar AL100 and the AL300 series lifts?
The AL100 series is designed to transport scooters, and the AL300 series is designed to transport power operating wheelchairs and scooters. Because of this, the AL300 series has a more universal securement system.
Will an exterior vehicle lift obstruct access to the cargo area of an SUV?
Possibly. It depends on the type of lift, the size of the SUV, and where it’s being parked. Some of the lifts have a swing-away feature to move the platform out of the way to access the rear cargo area, but this may still obstruct the lift from being parked where it’s needed.
Should I measure my garage to be sure there will be enough clearance for a vehicle lift?
Yes, this information is very helpful. I would like to know the clearance to the garage walls, the way the garage doors are hinged, and the position of the parking space to understand if a particular lift would work for the customer. It’s possible for a lift to be installed on a vehicle, but the clearance to the garage may make it inefficient to use in its intended parking location.
About the Author
Jonas Boutte is the owner of 101 Mobility of South Louisiana and has hands-on training from accessibility-equipment manufacturers including Bruno, Harmar, Stiltz, Staying Home, EZ-ACCESS, National Ramp, and others. He helps Baton Rouge-area families evaluate vehicle lifts, ramps, stairlifts, platform lifts, home elevators, and other mobility equipment based on the person, equipment, property, and daily routine.
