Can Winch be Used to Pull Wheelchair Into Mobility Van

Question:

Item # DL25200 Is this legal in NYS to use to pull my wifes wheelchair into a van? Due to my own severe health issues, I have no strength to safely push her into the mobility van we own. Your device could buy us time before we purchase a new van, especially if it possible to put into the old van first, and the new van later with a minimum of hassles. What are your recommendations?

asked by: John T

Helpful Expert Reply:

While I wouldn't be able to tell you what may or may not be legal in any one state, I can tell you that the winch you asked about, the Dutton-Lainson TW4000 StrongArm Electric Winch # DL25200 does have the capability to pull a wheelchair into a van.

I do have to say that it should not be used with anybody on the wheelchair, as winch manufacturers, including Dutton-Lainson, specifically state they should not be used to transport people. This winch does also need to be powered by a 12 volt battery, so you would need to find some way to wire it to a battery, likely your van's starter battery, though that is not something we have experience in as these winches are meant to be used for pulling boats onto a trailer, for example.

So while it is possible to use an electric winch in the application you are asking, it is important to keep in mind the limitations I mentioned. If you'd like, I have added a link below to the instructions and a video review for you to check out as well of the Dutton-Lainson TW4000 StrongArm Electric Winch # DL25200.

expert reply by: Kyle S