Getting into the passenger seat of a 4x4

Not sure what is meant by a stealth boast, not sure what a short arse disabled person has to boast about because they've never had a problem getting in a variety of 4x4's and pick ups over the past 20 odd years but whatever. I've got a hospital appointment in central London on wednesday and I'll see if I can still manage to do it, I'll be shocked if after all this time I can't but you never know. They'll measure my height too so I'll know I've not grown either. I was just answering the question and have now told the family I'm either imagining I can get in the vehicle with ease or a budding olympic athlete which has made them laugh.

I love driving a vehicle where you are higher off the ground but agree with Tea3 that it is awkward to get into for smaller or less able people.

Spice101 has answered your question perfectly.

Riverwalk

FlexibleFriend

No, I'm only 5'2" and disabled but have always found a 4x4 incredibly easy to get in to. Maybe it's the way your doing it. Basically the seat is pretty much bum height so stick your bum in first and swing your legs up.

Blimey, how high is your bum - or is this a bit of a stealth boast?

A type of Fosbury flop perhaps?

FlexibleFriend

No, I'm only 5'2" and disabled but have always found a 4x4 incredibly easy to get in to. Maybe it's the way your doing it. Basically the seat is pretty much bum height so stick your bum in first and swing your legs up.

Blimey, how high is your bum - or is this a bit of a stealth boast?

Yes I am the same, short and disabled! My friend had a Land Rover Discovery and getting into that was always a nightmare! I like the SUV's which are higher than your average car but not as high as others, I have a BMW X1 which is just perfect to get into for me, my daughter has a Fiesta and getting into that is difficult as it is too low for me .....

Yes, Tea3, the drivers usually find it most amusing!

Thank you to everyone who agrees that they are difficult to climb into! I know my back needs little excuse to play up without levering a leg or having to grab a handhold and haul up my body, but 4x4s without an extra step don’t seem the best of vehicles from which to make an elegant entry or exit.

Spice101

I have trouble getting into the higher cars. Bought one of these and find it great.
www.aidacare.com.au/products/daily-living-aids/assisted-living/handy-bars-for-car
They are portable so you can have it in your bag and so eliminate the driver getting in and out to retrieve the stool.

Thank you that looks useful.

?
Jane71 said I’m interested to know why so many of you have 4x4’s. Do you all tow caravans?j

So I was explaining why DD had one, which I find difficult to climb into.

I thought I was answering her question.

"It's fairly essential if you live in a farm and/or go camping out bush"
A fairly niche market among GNetters I would have thought

And tow a boat

On a farm

Jane71

I’m interested to know why so many of you have 4x4’s. Do you all tow caravans?j

It's fairly essential if you live in a farm and/or go camping out bush.

One reason given is the space required for the bulky car seats.
When ours were young they had seatbelts but even with a baby seat, we could just squeeze in with granny too.
I guess it's to do with safety which is a good thing.

I had five children and never felt the need for a huge 4x4! I drove a people carrier, a Ford Galaxy, which had two extra seats in the boot area. We also towed a caravan with it.

Where I live, young mums drive big 4x4’s on the school run, it seems like a competition to own the largest one!

Jane71 this also puzzles me!
Just as we should be encouraging public transport, electric cars and smaller cars for congested streets there seems to be a rash of massive cars around where I live.

My own family is guilty too DS and DiL drive a big car (it is a hybrid) and I also have difficulty getting in and out.

There's a grabrail but the car was designed in Sweden for giants.

I have trouble getting into the higher cars. Bought one of these and find it great.
www.aidacare.com.au/products/daily-living-aids/assisted-living/handy-bars-for-car
They are portable so you can have it in your bag and so eliminate the driver getting in and out to retrieve the stool.

Jane71

I’m interested to know why so many of you have 4x4’s. Do you all tow caravans?j

No caravan here, horse boxes and large family

I’m interested to know why so many of you have 4x4’s. Do you all tow caravans?j

Never been in a Rav so wouldn't know tbh. Both my sons drive large 4x4's and never had a problem with any of them. My bum must be really pert.

FlexibleFriend

No, I'm only 5'2" and disabled but have always found a 4x4 incredibly easy to get in to. Maybe it's the way your doing it. Basically the seat is pretty much bum height so stick your bum in first and swing your legs up.

Not all are bum height and perhaps I'm not as Flexible as you ?

Some are fine but DD has a Land Cruiser and I find I have to haul myself into that.
The Rav is smaller.

I am 5’2” have had a 4X4 for the last 14 years, my Mum was 5’ she used to put one foot in the car one hand on door handle and we pushed her up. This worked up till 3 weeks before she died.

My husband drives a Toyota Rav which is grand for my bum level. I’m 5’6”. But I think my left leg is a bit weak and I have to use my left arm at the thigh to help it in. Getting out is no problem as I also just turn my legs out and slide ‘gracefully’ until my feet touch the ground.

My own car is a little Toyota Yaris so no problems getting into that.

My son had running boards put on his range rover so the kids could get in

Hellogirl1

My bum will never reach the seat, so bum first doesn`t work for me. If no step or stool available, I cling onto the side of the door, and after about 4 attempts, my leg just about gets high enough to get one foot inside. After that, the rest is easy.

And does the driver finds it hilarious as you struggle in?