Truck Options for Old Folks that cant climb?

[Ezekiel2517]

My parents are both in their 60s. They are not in the greatest shape. They like my Sierra but have a hard time climbing up into the seat, even on its lowest setting. I have the rectangular nerf bars and they dont help. In fact I think it makes it worse for them. They kinda just want a seat at butt level that they can plop into. I was thinking of the Colorado or Canyon but it sat in one and it seemed about the same height at the seat.

 

Does anyone have any ideas for options to make ingress more do-able for older folks who cant climb up into a tall truck seat?

Thanks.

[fondupot]

A Scion XB.

 

No joke, http://www.autoevolution.com/news/scion-xb-built-for-teens-drove-by-elderly-regular-car-reviews-79974.html

[kstruckcountry]

An older Colorado or Ranger would work well. If a truck isn't required an Outback will do great in snow and is easy to get in and out of.

[MikeNH]

Maybe the Ram with its air suspension?

[KARNUT]

Low rider. Maybe 2-4 lower or bag it.

[RyanbabZ71]

Help them in? My 78 yr old grandma occasionally rides in my truck. Nerf bars and the grab handle helps

 

 

Ryan

[Imcrazy]

Ryan,

 

I think hes looking for a vehicle for his folks to buy not a way to get them into his truck.

 

The first gen colorados and canyons would fit the bill probably. If they can afford to spend a little on mods have a lowering kit put on a fullsize truck.

 

My Dad is 62, has no issue getting in my truck neither does my 58 yea old Mom but, they have a GMC terrain and that thing is a breeze to get in and out of.

[Test Alpha]

I wonder why no one has designed driver and passenger bucket seats that rotate 90 degrees to make it easier for elderly and handicapped folks to enter and exit vehicles?

[KMGZ400]

A small SUV would be best... Low cars and trucks that are high are the hardest to get in and out of

[RyanbabZ71]

Ryan,

 

I think hes looking for a vehicle for his folks to buy not a way to get them into his truck.

 

The first gen colorados and canyons would fit the bill probably. If they can afford to spend a little on mods have a lowering kit put on a fullsize truck.

 

My Dad is 62, has no issue getting in my truck neither does my 58 yea old Mom but, they have a GMC terrain and that thing is a breeze to get in and out of.

This we posted in the truck forum. OP is this topic relevant to the section it was posted in. If not I will move

 

 

Ryan

[SouthernSilveradoGuy85]

I wonder why no one has designed driver and passenger bucket seats that rotate 90 degrees to make it easier for elderly and handicapped folks to enter and exit vehicles?

It would cost too much because in order to rotate the seat it would have to also move out into the door way and also forward to be able to clear the center console and B-pillar (the vertical piece of the chassis just behind the front door). Think about how most lambo door hinges (not a fan at all) are, they not only open the door up but also comes out so the door edge clears the fender. Plus it's not really enough of a market for that kind of custom mod for any company to even think about designing a seat bracket. But, with enough money and skills it can be done, just would have to take good engineering.

 

Hell I've seen a setup someone did on a K2, on this forum I believe, that helped someone in a wheelchair to get in and they had both doors on the same side to move out away from the truck, imagine how much money and time it took to do that. It's not nearly enough of a market to do things like that from the factory, even for elderly and disabled.

 

My grandmother is in her 70s and she has gotten into my '14 a handfull of times. Of course it wasn't super easy, but she also normally drive a minivan and can still move pretty decent. She needed my steps and grab handle, but she still got in there pretty easy for being her age. I know you're looking for an answer where they won't need anybody's help to get in and out, but if they have a terrible time getting into a full size truck then they should look into a smaller truck or SUV, that simple. Maybe a midsize crossover SUV.

[redwngr]

I carry a step stool in my 2500 so my 80+ mom can get in.

Step stool and running board - problem solved.

 

I know an older guy that does that for himself. Has a rope tied to the step stool so he can lift it in after he is sitting down.

[OldHobo]

Funny, that was one of the reasons I bought the truck. The wife and I are both 71 and ease of getting in (I did put side steps on it) and getting out was important to me. The secret of getting in is to step up into the truck instead of trying to slide your butt onto the seat first as many people do with cars. And getting out is just an easy step down instead of trying to force your hips and legs to raise you up as you get out. One of our sons-in-law has a Camaro and I can get in without too much trouble, but getting out is a real struggle. We traded in our Impala for the truck and have no regrets. Of course, physical impairment can play a role regardless of age.

[jenga]

Amp power steps lowers down further than nerf bars. Retract back and tuck into the body rockers nicely.

[diannabill]

I wonder why no one has designed driver and passenger bucket seats that rotate 90 degrees to make it easier for elderly and handicapped folks to enter and exit vehicles?

They used to have them in some passenger cars back in the 70's. Don't know if any other vehicles still have them.