Despite both being confined to wheelchairs, Cheryl and Trevor McLaren of Barongarook West, near Colac in Victoria’s western district, have overcome several major obstacles to embrace their new freedom lifestyle.

During 2022, the couple attended their first CMCA event, the Cohuna (Vic) Solos Rally, at the urging of their friend and Solos member, Shar Brett, also from Colac.

During the week-long event they took part in rally dinners, theme nights and other social activities. “We really enjoyed ourselves,” said Cheryl. “The Solos were very friendly and welcoming.”

While they’ve readily embraced the motorhoming lifestyle, Cheryl and Trevor’s background story is vastly different from most other RV travellers.

In 1971, at the age of 16, Cheryl was injured in a car accident and became an incomplete paraplegic. She has reduced mobility, is unable to stand unaided, and has used crutches for the past 50 years. More recently, she has found it easier to use a power chair.

After meeting Trevor, a local builder, on a blind date at the Colac skating rink, the couple married in 1978 and raised a family.

The beautiful coastline of Lakes Entrance

But almost 20 years later, in a tragic twist of fate, Trevor had a motorbike accident at the age of 44. Three hours after the accident, he suffered a rare complication – a blood clot in his spine – which blocked the nerves, and he became a complete (P10) paraplegic.

Testament to his quiet determination, the accident didn’t put an end to Trevor’s days as a builder. “I just can’t run up ladders anymore,” he quipped. He now works as a draftsman.

A few years ago, Cheryl suggested they buy an RV for short trips away. Although new to motorhoming, both had some previous camping experience when they were younger.

Cheryl grew up with ‘ourdoorsy’ parents and enjoyed camping holidays in her youth. However, Trevor didn’t share her passion. “His dad had been a shearer, so he’d seen enough of shearers’ camps,” she explained, before adding with a chuckle, “But he eventually weakened.”

Because of their mobility issues, a spacious motorhome was a necessity. “It was too difficult to stay in motels or with friends, and towable caravans and fifth-wheelers were too difficult for us to handle,” explained Cheryl. “A motorhome was our best option. It was the only way we could travel together.”

The picturesque town of Colac

Trevor elaborated: “A motorhome is much easier to manage than a towable unit when you don’t have a ‘walker’ who can hitch up and unhitch.” Even re-fuelling can be problematic, although Cheryl is still able to manage this task herself.

It took more than three years for the couple to successfully convert their new Avida motorhome to cater for their specific needs. The first conversion company they engaged didn’t live up to expectations. There were mistakes, long delays, and Consumer Affairs became involved. “It was a nightmare,” said Trevor, shaking his head. Fortunately, a second conversion firm was able to complete the job to their satisfaction.

Even so, there were still some minor issues that later needed to be rectified. As Trevor points out: “The more sophisticated the RV, the more complex array of components you have, so the more there is to break down.”

According to Trevor, even their eight-metre motorhome with slide-out was ‘borderline’ for accommodating their two wheelchairs. Special modifications included moving the electrics to allow for access and installing hand controls for driving. They also have a hydraulic platform to raise and lower their wheelchairs about one metre to either ground or floor level.

Their maiden voyage with other family members was a disaster, the couple laughingly recall, adding that it was memorable for all the wrong reasons.

“We made an overnight family camping trip to the Meredith Park campground on Lake Colac,” said Cheryl. “It was freezing cold, so we made a huge bonfire to keep warm.”

The McLarens are keen RVers

“But when the grandchildren went to bed, they pinched all our  blankets and pillows. We didn’t have the heart to take them back off them, so Trevor and I rugged up as best we could. But we couldn’t get the diesel heater in the motorhome to work – it was absolutely freezing.”

When the couple made their first trip away on their own – to a funeral at Lakes Entrance – they were starting to get the hang of things. And by the time they attended the Cohuna Solos Rally, they were managing their new rig capably.

Due to the weight of the motorhome, both Cheryl and Trevor had to obtain their endorsed licences before hitting the road. Trevor does all the driving, which he says is an easy task with modified controls.

They encountered some difficulties when VicRoads was adamant they had to be able to demonstrate they could throw straps over the RV – a requirement necessary for truckies to secure their loads.

“It took some time to convince them we were only driving a motorhome, not a semi-trailer used for haulage,” said Trevor.

“But eventually common sense prevailed and we got our licences.”

Despite the additional on-road difficulties they face due to their limited mobility, Cheryl and Trevor are thoroughly enjoying the freedom and independence of their newfound RVing lifestyle.

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Written: Tue 01 Nov 2022
Printed: November, 2022
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