Getting Chair In Suv, quick questions... Options

[Ches]

I'm learning to break it down,.. I did poorly today, it took me 15 minutes each time, but I know it will get easier. At one point my entire frame fell just barely out of reach, I ended up taking the pin out of my gas rod(portables) and using that insert rod to poke at the frame and swing it towards me!

I really dont know what I'm doing, I've watched the videos, asked around, practice with sedans, I have logic and I got it done.. but I just know theres got to be an easier way..

So my Questions;
When you guys start to break down your chair... is it easiest to push the backrest down first thing? Or keep back up and use its "locked in" stability?

When you take the wheels off, what position is your chair in?

When I finally get my frame ready to lift into car should I have it right side up? Back end of chair coming into car first?
Today I spent at least 5 minutes trying to pull in my chair that way, and my casters kept hooking on the bottom of my damn car.. Its so annoying..

I know part of it is strength and practice, but surely theres got to be a way to not have my chair ALL over the place, scratched to hell.

[pistol_pete]

I'll attempt to break down my breakdown process for you.

- Once I have transferred into the drivers seat the cushion comes off and is stashed on the floor on front passenger side.
- Spin the chair 90 degrees so the back is now facing me.
- Recline drivers seat to be closer to chair wheels and allow room to bring frame into car.
- Lift wheels off ground slightly using back strut thingy with right hand.
- Left wheel comes off with left hand and stashed behind passenger seat.
- spin chair further 90 degrees and remove right wheel. Stash with left. Fold down handle hooks onto car door handle to keep axle off ground.
- Hold chair with right hand by axle or rear strut thingy and fold down seat back and handles ( if you have handles ).
- grab rear strut thingy in left hand and front right leg above caster in right hand.
- as you lift the chair the casters should face away from you, and be pointing up by the time the chair is above you.
- move frame across you onto the passenger seat. front casters should be facing up and against the back of the carseat.

Getting out is pretty much a reverse process. It's pretty important, for me anyway, to recline your carseat slightly. It just allows more room to pull the frame across you.

Thats how I do it. Haven't timed myself yet, but I reckon it takes less than two minutes easily.
Keep practising, you'll find a way thats suits you, your car and your chair.

[Jax]

I'm learning to break it down,.. I did poorly today, it took me 15 minutes each time, but I know it will get easier. At one point my entire frame fell just barely out of reach, I ended up taking the pin out of my gas rod(portables) and using that insert rod to poke at the frame and swing it towards me!

I really dont know what I'm doing, I've watched the videos, asked around, practice with sedans, I have logic and I got it done.. but I just know theres got to be an easier way..

So my Questions;
When you guys start to break down your chair... is it easiest to push the backrest down first thing? Or keep back up and use its "locked in" stability?

When you take the wheels off, what position is your chair in?

When I finally get my frame ready to lift into car should I have it right side up? Back end of chair coming into car first?
Today I spent at least 5 minutes trying to pull in my chair that way, and my casters kept hooking on the bottom of my damn car.. Its so annoying..

I know part of it is strength and practice, but surely theres got to be a way to not have my chair ALL over the place, scratched to hell.

I'll post step-by-step pics on my myspace later today for you. There's a much easier way for most chairs than the standard "lift the back and hold it up" approach. Let me know what kind of SUV and what frame style of chair. I've got several chairs to pick from for the photos, and I'll try to get as close as I can to what you're using.

[Apparelyzed]

At one point my entire frame fell just barely out of reach, I ended up taking the pin out of my gas rod(portables) and using that insert rod to poke at the frame and swing it towards me!

Might be worth buying a second hand walking stick, not to walk with, but to use the hook on the handle to pick your frame up or wheels if they fall out of reach!

Simon

[guido]

Hi Ches

Pistol_Pete has given pretty good instructions. Have you got an L-shaped lightweight frame?

I found the main thing to help was keeping the back up and locked and taking the wheels off in the right order.

The transferring the chair into the car and whether you need to move your seat, etc, is slightly car dependent (in my car it's not necessary, but then I sit far back too!)
My 1st car after injury looked like a rabid dog had been through it. This one is looking a lot better!!

And it gets much quicker with practise.

Best wishes

Guido

[Ches]

Pistol Pete, you lost me in the middle there.. Whats a handle hook?

Problem w/ SUV vs Car is the reach difference.. I'm having trouble twisting and rotating my chair around from that high, and not having it catch under my vehicle frame.

Jax I got the Lexus RX350 and a TiLite... I dont have your myspace info though, so let me know!

Guido, I think youre on to something with the back peice. I keep trying to fold it down first thing, I'll have to refrain and see how it goes!

Its amazing how many CAR transfers are on Youtube, yet when I searched SUV's only 1 video came up!

This post has been edited by Ches: Oct 13 2009, 09:56 AM

[greybeard]

Pistol Pete, you lost me in the middle there.. Whats a handle hook?

Problem w/ SUV vs Car is the reach difference.. I'm having trouble twisting and rotating my chair around from that high, and not having it catch under my vehicle frame.

Jax I got the Lexus RX350 and a TiLite... I dont have your myspace info though, so let me know!

Guido, I think youre on to something with the back peice. I keep trying to fold it down first thing, I'll have to refrain and see how it goes!

Its amazing how many CAR transfers are on Youtube, yet when I searched SUV's only 1 video came up!

Hi Ches, I wonder whether this might help. You'll notice the guy gets in from the "wrong" side, and that kind of makes sense using his technique.

[Ches]

Pretty slick there, Im excellent as passenger seat stuff.. but i have major console to jump over so that wouldnt be an easy option for me...Thanks though grey.. The video made me realize I'm lacking the muscle for that lift more than anything.

[jules]

Hi Ches

I am about to get an XC90, but did practice and it worked the same as I do now, which is the same as pete suggested.

Hope this helps

[Jax]

Pistol Pete, you lost me in the middle there.. Whats a handle hook?

Problem w/ SUV vs Car is the reach difference.. I'm having trouble twisting and rotating my chair around from that high, and not having it catch under my vehicle frame.

Jax I got the Lexus RX350 and a TiLite... I dont have your myspace info though, so let me know!

Guido, I think youre on to something with the back peice. I keep trying to fold it down first thing, I'll have to refrain and see how it goes!

Its amazing how many CAR transfers are on Youtube, yet when I searched SUV's only 1 video came up!

My myspace is linked on my profile here on the forum, but here's the link. Photos are in the Chair Loading album. I have got to get a digital vid cam and learn how to post vids on youtube... I'm so far behind.

[edlee]

Just wondering, Pete,,, do you Aussies drive on the right side of the road,,, or the wrong,, like those Brits? That might make a difference on which hand grabs where, in you description.

No help here Ches, I have a Jeep Liberty,, and still can't get my rigid into it.

ed

[Texaswheelz]

Hey Ches, what ya doing over the next couple of days? I'm off work until Sunday and will be happy to meet up with ya and see what we can figure out. I'm on my 4th SUV 4x4 and they've all been a little different as some have had tilt and reclining seats and some haven't. I've also had different chairs and the type of chair can make a difference. If ya got time and want to meet I'll be happy to, other then going to Cowboy Stadium for a tour tomorrow I'm free for the next 4 days.

This post has been edited by Texaswheelz: Oct 14 2009, 02:00 AM

[pistol_pete]

Pistol Pete, you lost me in the middle there.. Whats a handle hook?

Problem w/ SUV vs Car is the reach difference.. I'm having trouble twisting and rotating my chair around from that high, and not having it catch under my vehicle frame.

Jax I got the Lexus RX350 and a TiLite... I dont have your myspace info though, so let me know!

Guido, I think youre on to something with the back peice. I keep trying to fold it down first thing, I'll have to refrain and see how it goes!

Its amazing how many CAR transfers are on Youtube, yet when I searched SUV's only 1 video came up!

Sorry Ches, my use of words or lack of punctuation may have confused you.
I meant that I use my chair handles to rest or hook onto the inside handle of the car door to keep the axle off the ground.

Ed did raise a good point about which hands to use.
Here in Australia we drive on the right, meaning correct, side of the road, the left
So this will affect where you put your hands. Also, the fact that you drive a big SUV changes things.
So what you will need to do is get a right hand drive Honda and then my instructions might make sense.

Good luck, you'll figure it out and be doing it one handed in no time.

[Ches]

Kevin I really appreciate the offer.. Ive got several errands to run the rest of this week, I'm hoping the practice will make a difference.. If I cant figure it out I will totally take you up on your offer.. Thanks again!

[twisted_ophelia]

Getting in and out of an SUV takes practice and time to figure out your own best method. Before I bought my Xterra, I had my Explorer and once I figured it out, it became super easy.

Chummer, I've just explained my trucky transfers to you in detail hahaha but the one thing I do find it absolutely necessary for SUV transfers in running boards. When I get in my car, I stick one foot on it and the other leg on the driver's side door and when I'm dismantling or assembling my chair, I rest my chair on them once I've popped off that first wheel. I always pop off the right wheel first (wheel closest to door, as when I rest the chair on the running boards, it faces 'outward' parallel to door). By resting my chair on the runnings boards, I avoid having to drag it around on concrete--unless it falls over or something but that doesn't happen often.

I also always wear my seat belt when getting my chair in or out. I don't have full trunk control and so if I start to fall out, the seat belt will at least help a little bit.

I also do not fold my chair down. I leave the cushion on and my chair is super light so I'm able to lift it while hauling myself upwards using the steering wheel (once the wheels are off). I put the wheels in the backseat usually or and then my frame goes in the passenger seat beside me on it's side. I also have a really small chair. 14" x 16" so it doesn't take up much room. When I've got my knobby tires on my chair, which are significantly heavier than my spinergy wheels, I have trouble getting them in the back seat so they go in the front seat, kind of resting against passenger seat back.

If I have a passenger, I bite the bullet and let them put the chair in the backseat (or trunk if we'll be getting in and out of the car a lot so that we don't have to keep assemling or disassembling it--my Xterra has a huge trunk and my chair go in fully assembled and 'stand up' in there). I can't twist enough and lift my chair to get the frame in the backseat. So I let whoever is with me do it for me.

Other than that, Ches, I think I've told you pretty much everything else when we talk but any other questions, you know to ask! I'll do my best to help!

[warchi81]

Getting in and out of an SUV takes practice and time to figure out your own best method. Before I bought my Xterra, I had my Explorer and once I figured it out, it became super easy.

Chummer, I've just explained my trucky transfers to you in detail hahaha but the one thing I do find it absolutely necessary for SUV transfers in running boards. When I get in my car, I stick one foot on it and the other leg on the driver's side door and when I'm dismantling or assembling my chair, I rest my chair on them once I've popped off that first wheel. I always pop off the right wheel first (wheel closest to door, as when I rest the chair on the running boards, it faces 'outward' parallel to door). By resting my chair on the runnings boards, I avoid having to drag it around on concrete--unless it falls over or something but that doesn't happen often.

I also always wear my seat belt when getting my chair in or out. I don't have full trunk control and so if I start to fall out, the seat belt will at least help a little bit.

I also do not fold my chair down. I leave the cushion on and my chair is super light so I'm able to lift it while hauling myself upwards using the steering wheel (once the wheels are off). I put the wheels in the backseat usually or and then my frame goes in the passenger seat beside me on it's side. I also have a really small chair. 14" x 16" so it doesn't take up much room. When I've got my knobby tires on my chair, which are significantly heavier than my spinergy wheels, I have trouble getting them in the back seat so they go in the front seat, kind of resting against passenger seat back.

If I have a passenger, I bite the bullet and let them put the chair in the backseat (or trunk if we'll be getting in and out of the car a lot so that we don't have to keep assemling or disassembling it--my Xterra has a huge trunk and my chair go in fully assembled and 'stand up' in there). I can't twist enough and lift my chair to get the frame in the backseat. So I let whoever is with me do it for me.

Other than that, Ches, I think I've told you pretty much everything else when we talk but any other questions, you know to ask! I'll do my best to help!

I am currently in the process of perfecting my car transfers and chair break down. Its always good to hear other methods. I have a Toyota Tacoma 4 door pick up. One thing my PT and OT are worried about is the affect it will have on my shoulders. Has anyone had shoulder problems regarding SUV and Trucks. I was looking into getting a boom crane to load my chair in the bed of the truck and a seat that folds out and lowers, but its like $8000. Would love to hear some insight on all of this. Also I'm interested in what the best hand controls are or is it all preference.

[Texaswheelz]

So far shoulders are fine, could it eventually cause trouble, I'm sure it could. I think a lot will depend on the weight of your chair and your strength. Even a heavy chair at 30 lbs isn't going to be terribly heavy unless your are getting in and out of your car over and over and over through out the day. I can't see that it is that much harder on my shoulders or arms getting in and out of my SUV then it was the little convertible I used to have.

[Ches]

Damn that rain we've had.. its rained probably 12 of the 16 days Ive had my ride.. Ive done the whole bit, solo, a few times but for the most part ended up riding w/ friends to avoid getting soaking wet and sick...

I've yet to actually go run an errand alone, or ya know... go somewhere friends arent there... another new little fear I need to conquer. Ugh.

My sister little car is hell to get out of, SUV's are way less work on the shoulder any day, I would think.

[Texaswheelz]

Yeah, some cars are just a pain in the ass, there just isn't anything to get a hold of when trying to get out and they sit so low. Of all the vehicles I've had since being injured SUV's are the easiest to get in and out of.

Your right Ches, you'd think we've turned in Seattle, It just keeps coming down. I can do it fast enough that it really isn't to much of a bother, just get a little wet.

This post has been edited by Texaswheelz: Oct 27 2009, 02:39 PM

[blckchns]

Props to you guys that are getting out of SUV's and trucks! My parents have a Lincoln Navigator and there's no way in hell I can get into that thing by myself. My car is a different story. I'm in and out in under 2 minutes.

[Ches]

Cars are more trouble for me to get out of..Granted I havent really tried in months, but the pulling up into a higher vehicle and jumping out is just soooo much easier.

Ive just about got it down.. Ive encountered just about every troublesome issue I can...and lived!!

Ive yet to really get a routine down for putting wheels back on to chair though.. that can sometimes turn into a war!

[Beautiful]

Your right Ches, you'd think we've turned in Seattle, It just keeps coming down. I can do it fast enough that it really isn't to much of a bother, just get a little wet.

HEY mister, we honestly do not get THAT much rain! We only say that so people won't come up here!

Ches, I'm jealous. I have no guts to get down from an SUV. I always ask people to pick me up, haha. I can't even get into one! I seriously need to gain back some of my muscle. I can't even pick my chair up anymore, and it folds, and is real lightweight! Whenever I am in a car I have to have people lift it in for me. They're always like "you can transfer yourself, but you can't lift a chair that is almost 1/5 your weight?"

This post has been edited by Beautiful: Nov 7 2009, 09:04 AM

[Ches]

Oh beautiful...... we all have different abilities.. You're the girl who can pop wheelies and hang with the boys, I can barely make it up a 3 inch step.. I still cant figure out how to ride and wheelie and get that momentum needed to get up a big step! I am a dork on that note..Im always like "Let me try, let me try" 5 mins later Im like ok I cant figure it out!

Jumping down from the car still scares me a lil each time.. Ive landed pretty hard and had my chair tip back and few times but instinct kicks in and somehow Ive managed to make it! Its the huge gap in the Sedan to Chair that I cant get over.. Too much of a gap with a weird position for grip.. even if I make it into my chair its just not very easy, convenient or ideal.

Russ once posted something about how we are all so different, not just our injuries but our abilities, and no one should be judge for what they can and cant do.... I really liked that line, and I constantly remind myself of it!

its really crazy how different we all are. Ive been around a ton of para's and Ive yet to find anyone who does things the same exact way I do!

[mjrcpd]

I have a Tacoma 4 door as well. If you can manage the transfer in, you're good to go. Extra mechanical items are more things to fail, have issues, break down etc. In my 13 years post injury, one thing I've learned is less is better ! I can tranfer into the truck and have my chair inside in less than a minute. Once you get a routine, you'll be all set. Good luck. Try to manage without lift mechanisms as long as you can. I'm sure they'll be a time when we all need something, however, I'm avoiding like the plague as long as possible.

[Texas Angel Ang]

Don't let ches fool you... she's got it down or at least getting there... I personally like it when she hahahaha