Roof Stowage systems as the name implies are stowage boxes these are mostly used for the stowage of a wheelchair or to help lift and lower the wheelchair, they’re great if you have particular motoring needs and don’t have loads of space inside the vehicle. You will normally find that roof stowage systems come in two different styles: spider roof stowage and chair topper systems.
But what are the main differences between the two options, and which are likely to work best for you in the long run? Carry on reading to find out more about each option.
What type of Roof Stowage should I choose?
Spider Roof Stowage
A roof spider, as it’s sometimes known, is a versatile box which can be used to hoist a wheelchair up and down from the roof of your car. It’s referred to as a spider due to the mechanism in which it lifts up and down.
Many people choose spider roof stowage for the simple fact that you can access it from any area of your vehicle. It’s all-encompassing! However, this option may not always be the best choice if you have a narrow vehicle or if you’re likely to be getting in and out of particularly tight spots.
However, these options are often really handy for getting wheelchairs folded up and back out at short notice. You can even use a roof spider with a remote control if you like!
Chair Topper Stowage
For many people, a chair topper stowage option is a simpler way of doing things. This stowage support will allow you access to your chair at either side of your car, and it tends to be the best roof stowage system for those cars likely to be parking in narrower spots.
However, a chair topper is a manual unit. This means that you’re always going to need to configure it by hand whenever you wish to lower your chair or hoist it back up. Therefore, it might not always be as smooth or as flexible as a spider.
Which Option is Right For You?
If you’ve never used a wheelchair stowage system before, it can sometimes be tricky to work out which option is likely to be your best choice.
Crucially, it’s worth remembering the difference in the form of one being automated, and the other being manual. A spider is going to allow you to access your wheelchair from anywhere around your car through a remote. However, a chair topper, which requires manual loading and positioning, is likely to be the better choice for tighter parking and versatility.
There are clear pros and cons to both systems. However, it’s clear that both stowage systems will help to take the strain away from your boot.
We hope that our blog has been helpful if you have any further questions or would like to talk with one of our friendly team members please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01525 850588 or head over to our contact page to fill in the online enquiry form.
Recently had my fourth vehicle adapted by Paul At Pb Conversions.always does a first class job and with first class service & always easy to deal with. Thanks for the great service Paul from you and your crew over the years.
Kiran was very helpful today explaining some of the issues I had with my hoist, and how to avoid them from happening again.
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Thank you so much for all your advice, help and very professional job on adapting our car. Without your advice I would never have known to apply for a grant. You were excellent, thank again.
Due to my husband's condition we need a car with adaptions, we were advised by his paraplegic group to visit and this place is the best. Felt so relaxed talking about what we needed, all the staff were so friendly and so well informed, going above and beyond, especially Paul Berridge. I fully recommend this business. Honest and reliable. Thank you.
Staff are super super friendly, helpful, extremely informative and really nothing Paul & Co can’t do to any vehicle. PERFECTION is their middle name! Thank you so much for your outstanding service to me over the years and I look forward to using your company all my driving life.
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