[mjrcpd]

Hello again gang ! This is a follow-up to my earlier post. Looking at buying a Honda Ridgeline pick-up truck, and wonder if it will accept a set of Monarch hand controls. The hand controls are only the basic 90 degree action, with pushing for the brake, and pulling down to your knees for the accellerator. I love the truck and think I can manage the transfer in and out, however, now my concern is that it will accept hand controls. Is anyone driving this vehicle and is it equipped with hand controls? My biggest fear is that I buy the truck and later find out that there isn't a way to fit in the hand controls !!! Lots of money spent and can't drive the vehicle.......YUCK! Let me know your thoughts and again, I appreciate your responses.

[Tim13]

Pretty good chance they'll fit-hand controls are pretty versatile. Assuming you're somewhere in North America, check with your local Honda dealer and your phone book to find a hand control installer in your area. See this site for a lot of helpful info.

http://automobiles.honda.com/information/m...assistance.aspx

[Hawkeye]

mjrcpd, on Mar 31 2008, 09:57 AM, said:

My biggest fear is that I buy the truck and later find out that there isn't a way to fit in the hand controls

You really should verify your ability to transfer and hand control compatibility before you buy. But you already knew that...

I'm kinda picky about my vehicles, so a lot of them end up being special orders. To test the transfer, I make the dealer find a similar vehicle locally(even if it's at another dealer) I can practice transferring myself and chair in and out of. As long as the suspension and seats are similar, I call it close enough.

For the hand controls, you need to rely on the manufacturer. Call them and verify compatibility. If you are buying a used vehicle and not getting a new set of hand controls (generally on the car maker's dime) then who ever you plan on doing the installation needs to have a chance to at least voice an opinion, or better yet, take a look.

The Monarch should work, but you may need a new mounting bracket. Especially if your current one has been modified in any way. I've had a couple sets of Monarchs and I remember them being pretty universal.

Alternatively, hand controls from www.wells-engberg.com are very versatile in the vehicles they can be mounted in. I currently have 5 sets of their CT-100 model, and really like them.

Good Luck...

Joe