Since getting my power wheelchair, it has always bothered me that we could only transport it with our van and only load it with the rear seat stowed, limiting the van to 4 people. Although I can still handle the ramp comfortably, I'm sure the time will come when I won't be able to. Already, I get people rushing over to help me when I'm loading or unloading.
Anyway, last week we installed a lift on the back of the Highlander Hybrid using the Class 3 hitch we installed on the rear. This lengthens the footprint of the Highlander about 18 inches but otherwise is quite unobtrusive. We haven't had it long enough to know how it affects gas mileage.
One of the nice features about this lift is that it can be swung away, giving total access to the rear door of the Highlander. Of course given the weight of the power chair, the swing-away feature is only available when the lift is empty.
This is what it looks like with the power chair loaded on the lift and ready for travel. We have a barbecue cover to protect the chair from weather but we don't keep it on for little trips around town.
Looks great and useful.
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