Tag Archives: Wheelchair Tie Downs

Accessible RV

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You’ve probably read a lot about handicap minivans and full-size vans, but how about an accessible RV? If you travel often and find accessible hotels not so wheelchair friendly or you have a distaste of flying, an accessible motor-home could be a solution. Finances permitting, you could buy a new or used RV and have the conversion equipment you need installed.

A mobility equipment dealer can modify your new or used RV with whatever you require. The most common type of customization involves installing a wheelchair lift and widening the vehicle’s entrance and interior aisles to accommodate the wheelchair’s width.

Other common adaptations might include lowering the bed and toilet, installing hand control systems, wheelchair tie downs and handrails in strategic positions or modifying the shower and/or tub.

RVs carry their own water and waste management system. All you need is an electrical hookup at an RV campsite, state or national park or, if necessary, a generator.

Google “accessible RV parks” or “accessible RV campgrounds” for locations along your route. Access varies with each camping location, so check out the website or call beforehand. Be sure it has hard-surface cement or asphalt sites, not gravel or sand.

Think about it, you wouldn’t have to stay in a hotel or motel again, as RVs are totally self-contained living quarters on wheels. They have open floor plans with kitchens; barrier-free, roll-in showers with grab bars; extra-wide interior doors; and whatever bells and whistles you desire.

If you don’t travel often enough to justify purchasing an RV, search for a place that rents accessible RVs. Start looking well in advance of your trip.

Wheelchair Securement Systems

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Securing a person and their wheelchair inside a wheelchair accessible vehicle isn’t much fun, especially if you do it several times a day, but it can be a lifesaver in the event of an accident or sudden stop. “Wheelchair tie-downs,” “wheelchair docking systems” and “wheelchair tie-down straps” are systems used to secure a wheelchair when in motion.

Although most securement systems have a universal design to accommodate almost all wheelchairs, it is important to understand the different kinds.

The three main types of wheelchair tie-downs are non-retractable tie-downs, retractable tie-downs and electric/automatic docking systems.

  • The non-retractable strap is a 4-point system. It is the most basic and the least expensive. You must get the wheelchair into the right position to tighten and release the straps. Since the straps do not retract into a housing, they can get in the way.
  • The simple-to-use retractable tie-down offers a tie-down on four points of the wheelchair and four straps. “Retractable” means that the strap retracts into a housing where it can be tightened and/or released.
  • Automatic docking systems are more popular and allow the wheelchair to be secured just by pushing it into a pre-determined position. The wheelchair slides into position and locks automatically. For wheelchair users who are driving, these systems are required for them to be able to secure their wheelchair without assistance.

A variety of add-ons and options are available, including:

  • Audible and visual indicators which advise when the passenger is secure
  • Automatic, self-locking allows one-handed hook-up of wheelchairs
  • Self-tensioning – retractors automatically take up the slack

Some companies that make securement systems include EZ Lock, Q’Straint and Sure-Lok. For more companies call or visit your local mobility equipment dealer.

Sure-Lock Wheelchair Tie-Downs


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With over 30 years of experience, Sure-Lok is a leading manufacturer of wheelchair securements and occupant restraint systems for transporting individuals with special needs. Sure-Lok offers a wide selection of wheelchair securements and occupant restraint systems, giving our customers the freedom to choose the system that best meets their needs.

AL700 Titan Series Systems
With its distinctive blue webbing and highly-visible, yellow “locked” indicator tag, the AL700 Titan Retractor Series lets operators know when the retractor is in locked mode. With the auto-tensioning feature, webbing automatically retracts into the housing and stays off the floor, keeping it cleaner and longer lasting. The low-profile design minimizes interference with most wheelchairs and has a sleeker, cleaner retractor case with stud fitting to attach the occupant restraint system. Titan retractors allow operators to quickly secure a wheelchair in seconds — with only one hand.

FF600 Retractor Series Systems
The FF600 Retractor System is a proven and convenient way to secure passengers in wheelchairs. The ergonomically designed handle is quick and easy to grasp, the dual, 24-teeth sprocket mechanism enables the user to more easily increase tension on the webbing and the track fittings are specifically designed to ensure free pivoting action for optimum belt alignment. And the versatility of the system offers users a choice — S-hook or Buckle & Tab hardware attachment styles.

FE500 Manual Series Systems
The FE500 System has been relied upon for nearly 20 years, offering maximum versatility and a quick, simple operation. As our most economical solution, the easy-to-use tie-down is available in Cam, Ratchet and Overcenter Buckle assemblies and offers snap hook and D-ring or S-hook attachment styles. The 1” wide strap provides easy attachment to a variety of wheelchair designs allowing the webbing to conform to the structural frame of the wheelchair, minimizing scratches and dents.
Important Safety Information

Select Sure-Lok Products Suitable for Your Application
The Sure-Lok products that you select must be suitable for your particular application. All products shown on this website and in the catalog are designed and intended to be installed and operated with the occupant in a forward-facing orientation within the vehicle. Installation of products that are not suitable or are installed in an unsuitable manner may compromise proper securement of the wheelchair and occupant, causing injury or death to the occupant, other passengers or driver and wheelchair damage.

Installation and Operation
A qualified person (an individual properly trained in securing mobility aides and positioning occupant restraints) must ensure that the intended application conforms to current, applicable industry standards and government regulations regarding the installation of wheelchair securement and occupant restraint systems.

The vehicle and/or seat manufacturer and/or vehicle modifier must review and approve the system’s location, method of installation and operation of the securement system. The vehicle floor and sidewall structures, where the system anchorages are attached, must have sufficient strength to meet applicable federal government and recommended industry standards.
Not all wheelchairs (e.g. scooter) are endorsed by their manufacturer for use as an occupant seat when transporting an individual in a motor vehicle. Contact the manufacturer of your wheelchair for their recommendation regarding alternative seating options.

Some wheelchairs are compliant with the ANSI/RESNA transit safety standard WC-19, which means that they have been dynamically tested. To determine if your wheelchair is ANSI/RESNA WC-19 compliant, refer to your wheelchair’s labeling or owner’s manual or contact the wheelchair manufacturer.

Standards Compliance
AL700 Titan Series Systems when properly used with a complete Sure-Lok System, comprised of wheelchair tie-down, a complete occupant restraint system (including lap and shoulder belt), track and anchorages are designed to meet the following requirements where applicable:

  • 30mph/20g Impact Test Criteria per SAE J2249
  • 30mph/20g Impact Test Criteria per Canadian Z605 Standard
  • 30mph/20g Impact Test Criteria per National Standards for School Buses
  • 30mph/20g Impact Test Criteria per ISO 10542 Standard
  • 49 CFR Part 38 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • 49 CFR Part 571.222 (FMVSS 222) School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection
  • FMVSS 302 Flammability Test

Q’Straint QRT Max Wheelchair Tie Downs

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Q'Straint QRT Max Wheelchair Tie Downs, Q'Straint, QRT Max, Wheelchair Tie Downs, Q'Straint QRT Max, Wheelchair Tie Downs, Tie Downs, Wheelchair van
The QRT Max is one of the latest developments from Q’Straint. Mobility Sales is proud to be a distributor of this highly developed product. Q’Straint believes this is an advancement in the industry of wheelchair restraints, therefore raising the bar for all its competitors. The QRT Max offers greater safety and convenience and continues to remain a dependable product. Compared to its other restraints, the QRT Max offers improvements in a number of areas. For example the Positive Lock Indicator confirms that the base is secured to the track. Also, this new design is so compact that most footrests are able to easily clear the QRT Max when entering and exiting the van.

The Brand
Q’Straint has been an established company since 1983, and has researched in the field of wheelchair and passenger restraints since 1970. Around that time, they discovered that wheelchair passengers were not as secure in moving vehicles as the other passengers. It was Q’Straint’s goal to change this as quickly as possible. Their research has continued through the decades to bring you the latest in wheelchair restraints. They test their products beyond the specifications and remain the leader in wheelchair and occupant restraints. The 6200 Wheelchair Restraint is a single, fully automatic deluxe retractor, and is mounted onto an L-track fitting.

Features and Benefits
The QRT Max continues to deliver the qualities that have made Q’Straint the leader in the wheelchair restraint industry. The One-Hand Securement allows the attendant to conveniently secure the wheelchair in place with minimal exertion. Once the restraints are in place on the chair, the QRT Max automatically eliminates the slack left on the webbing. This increases the safety of the wheelchair passenger along with other passengers whose path could be obstructed by the slack. There is no manual tightening, the process is effortless and can save you time and energy. Furthermore, you will not have to worry about which part goes where because all of the QRT Max pieces are interchangeable. These are just a few characteristics that help Q’Straint set itself apart from its competitors.