Ramped Wheelchair Carrier for Use on 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue

Question:

Ihave a pride power wheelchair. I need a carrier with a ramp tobe placed behind my 2001 Oldsmobile intrigue auto. What would you recommend? In$250 range. I do not understand the 2 inch hitch how it fit on the auto. Thanks.

asked by: Charles L

Expert Reply:

Your 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue can be equipped with 1-1/4-inch hitch of either a Class I or a Class II rating. In order to use a wheelchair carrier your hitch will have to be a Class II type. A Class I hitch will not likely have the capacity to handle the weight of the chair and the carrier. The weight of both together must remain within the hitch's and the car's tongue weight (TW) limit. There will be a sticker on your hitch to indicate its class rating and tongue weight capacity.

The Class II hitches we offer for your Intrigue can be seen on the link provided, and the highest-rated among them is the Curt # C12239, rated for 350-lbs TW. This hitch must be used with a stabilizing strap like # 18050 or a similar item to help support any load other than a trailer; this includes a chair carrier.

Pride's power chairs come in many varieties and their weights vary considerably. Be sure to verify that you chair's weight is within the available weight capacity of the carrier. You'll also want to use some ratcheting tie downs to secure the chair to the carrier, such as # EM31352 from Erickson.

expert reply by: Adam R