2 replies to this topic

[bluekatj]

I am trying to help my brother find the right power chair for him. He currently has an Invacare TDX tilt in space which has been in the shop more than not. We have found one of the major problems is that if it's even misting outside and he goes to get in his van which of course takes a few minutes due to the fact that he has to lower the lift and back up on it and of course raise the lift and back up, and then his chair quits because something or other got moist and then we get approval to take it into the shop or call them out and their statement is " oh he's had this in the rain ". Well if he's shopping what's he supposed to do, stay at the store until even the mist stops? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Aparr]

Welcome to the forum!

I have a Permobile power chair which I love for outdoors. It's a front wheel drive which works out well. I've been on all different terrain with it and the only time I had trouble was when I tested it in a lot of mud (and I do mean a lot!). I got stuck and had to be pushed out ... Lol. However, I don't think that's what you have in mind. I also have a van that lowers a lift and i've never had trouble on the ramp. I've also been in down pours with it and there were no problems.

Check them out!

I know there will be others along to help you out too. Good luck!

Edited by Aparr, 09 January 2012 - 06:52 PM.

[Scott_C4-5]

 bluekatj, on 09 January 2012 - 05:49 PM, said:

I am trying to help my brother find the right power chair for him. He currently has an Invacare TDX tilt in space which has been in the shop more than not. We have found one of the major problems is that if it's even misting outside and he goes to get in his van which of course takes a few minutes due to the fact that he has to lower the lift and back up on it and of course raise the lift and back up, and then his chair quits because something or other got moist and then we get approval to take it into the shop or call them out and their statement is " oh he's had this in the rain ". Well if he's shopping what's he supposed to do, stay at the store until even the mist stops? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I have a TDX 5 and I've had my problems with the electronics, but not due to moisture. If his is like mine and the computer (brains) are in the back you might try covering it during rainy days. Keep a good size garbage bag handy and if its wet/moist out, lean your brother forward a bit and slide the bag down over top of the entire backrest. I do this when I'm getting my hair washed while I'm in my chair. If this doesn't completely cover the box you might try using some plastic sheeting and black duct tape to cover it as much as possible. I'm not sure if this will help or if that is where the moisture is coming through, but its a quick and easy fix to try. (You may need to put a hole in the bag at the top if he uses his headrest)

Good luck,
Scott

I just read your post again and saw that you were looking for the "right chair" and not how to fix that one. I had a Storm series from invacare (rear-wheel drive) which I drove in the rain, snow and through puddles and never had a moisture problem. I only went with a TDX 5 years ago after the Storm I had, back cracked. I thought the center-wheel drive and 6 wheel chair would be better and went with it. Big 5 year mistake. I got my Storm repaired and after 3 1/2 years of this (pain in the ass TDX) started using it until a few weeks ago when the back broke again. I got it fixed again, this time using steel parts instead of aluminum and when it come time to get a new chair, it wont be the TDX. It does manuever well and turns easier than the rear-wheel drive chairs, but I had to change so many things to accommodate the different wheel base that I just want my old style chair again.

Edited by Scott_C4-5, 09 January 2012 - 07:04 PM.