2 replies to this topic

[Lucydog]

I like asking technical questions so here goes. Camber is the angle of your wheels right? I was told it makes your chair more steady, but harder to manouvre is that right? I have a really slight camber in my wheels, but I was wondering if I could change it? I was thinking of moving my wheels forward a bit, but wondered if increasing the camber would improve the stability. How can I adjust the camber bar? Can I do it myself or do I need it to be done by someone who knows? Finally on my travels out and about Ive come across people who have a very pronounced camber in their wheels. Now I know if you are doing sport you would have this obviously but why would you want it for everyday use? Is there an advantage over not having camber?

Ok Ive waffled on and on but I guess you can tell Im interested in the mechanics. Anyone got and ideas/suggestions/tips?

cheers

L

[russ1]

Increased camber increases stability in a lateral direction ie. side to side. It's entirely different to moving axle forwards/backwards. Moving your wheels forward will decrease your stability and make your chair tippier. It has the distinct advantage of making the front wheels easier to pop up to get over stuff and takes weight off the front wheels making pushing over anything other than perfectly flat surfaces much easier.

Increased camber will also make your chair easier to manouvre (ie. turn). The only downside to increased camber is increased width. You should have as much camber as you can accept in chair width.

If you have an adjustable camber bar (IIRC unlikely on a RGK) you can adjust it yourself. On most (rigid)wheelchairs (with non adjustable camber bars) the camber is set into the axle and to change the camber you need a new axle.

[Lucydog]

Thanks Russ

Somehow I knew youd be the one to answer. No I cant change the camber on my chair, and its all probably best left alone as some of the doorways at work are a bit on the narrow side!!

Anyway thanks for that, at least I know what Im waffling on about now!!

Cheers
L