Hand Controls
Thread Starter
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3rd Gen Ram Moderator
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 16
From: Cádiz, Spain
Hand Controls
I'm getting hand controls installed in my '05 1500 QC on Thursday. I saw it installed on a Caravan and they look pretty simple to use, just will take a bit of getting used to and a big, empty parking lot to practice for a while before I feel safe on the streets or with my kids in the vehicle with me.
It's actually a very simple apparatus. It's got a "handlebar" on the left side with a twist-grip throttle like a motorcycle (is that not irony at its finest?). Twist to go. Push forward on the entire "handlebar" to apply the brakes via a metal shaft attached to a bracket on the actual brake pedal. The throttle is applied via a cable, and the brakes are applied manually...just with your hand instead of your foot.
I'm paying out of pocket, unfortunately, but it's just time to get this done and over with. I'm still in that gray area between the DoD and the VA and I don't see it getting resolved anytime in the very near future. I need to get myself mobile and completely independent again. The total cost will come to just shy of $670.00. It's expensive, but actually much cheaper than I thought it was going to be. The VA rep said I may even be able to get it reimbursed later on down the line. That would be nice, but I'm not banking on it.
I'll post some pictures and give a report/review of the system once it's installed on Thursday. I probably won't get a chance to take it out for a drive until this weekend, as everyone I know is working all the time. Now, I just need to get some step bars for it, so I can get into the damn thing!!!
It's actually a very simple apparatus. It's got a "handlebar" on the left side with a twist-grip throttle like a motorcycle (is that not irony at its finest?). Twist to go. Push forward on the entire "handlebar" to apply the brakes via a metal shaft attached to a bracket on the actual brake pedal. The throttle is applied via a cable, and the brakes are applied manually...just with your hand instead of your foot.
I'm paying out of pocket, unfortunately, but it's just time to get this done and over with. I'm still in that gray area between the DoD and the VA and I don't see it getting resolved anytime in the very near future. I need to get myself mobile and completely independent again. The total cost will come to just shy of $670.00. It's expensive, but actually much cheaper than I thought it was going to be. The VA rep said I may even be able to get it reimbursed later on down the line. That would be nice, but I'm not banking on it.
I'll post some pictures and give a report/review of the system once it's installed on Thursday. I probably won't get a chance to take it out for a drive until this weekend, as everyone I know is working all the time. Now, I just need to get some step bars for it, so I can get into the damn thing!!!
Champion
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
RE: Hand Controls
Yeah I'd definately be interested in seeing some pictures of that! Its quite interesting how it sounds from what you explained. Thats alot cheaper than I would have guessed too....
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Middletown, RI (originally Nebraska though)
RE: Hand Controls
I have a cousin that has this in his minivan. His chair rolls into a locking system on the floor, one hand on a little, umm.... don't know what it is called but it was used on the steering wheels of older tractors, and the other is on a lever that operates the brake when pushed and has the motorcycle twist for throttle. I will see if I can get a pic of it from him.
Thread Starter
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3rd Gen Ram Moderator
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 16
From: Cádiz, Spain
RE: Hand Controls
Thanks, guys. I'll definitely get some pics up as soon as I can. Probably this weekend.
Are you talking about the "suicide ****". Basically it's a **** on the steering wheel like the old bus drivers used to have? I need to get one of those, too. I ws unaware of this, but apparently those are only legal to have on private vehicles if you have handicap permits.
Are you talking about the "suicide ****". Basically it's a **** on the steering wheel like the old bus drivers used to have? I need to get one of those, too. I ws unaware of this, but apparently those are only legal to have on private vehicles if you have handicap permits.
