Senix Sensors Chosen for Winnebago's Accessible RV
BraunAbility and Winnebago have selected Senix ToughSonic® sensors for its wheelchair accessible RV camping vehicle, opening RV camping to a wider audience.
Historically, RVs—and especially wheelchair accessible RVs—are large and carry a price tag of several hundred thousand dollars, making them unobtainable for most campers. The new Roam is Winnebago’s first RV designed specifically with accessibility in mind. 
The Roam is a smaller Class B RV, based on the Ram ProMaster van, that features enough room for someone in a wheelchair to maneuver inside while being substantially more affordable. Winnebago worked with accessibility advocates like BraunAbility to design the interior and used universal design as the guiding force when deciding what to include.
How ToughSonic Works in the Roam
An ultrasonic detection device in the ceiling area allows for complete use of the vehicle floor space. If an object is detected within the desired area of the RV, the Senix ultrasonic will trigger audible and visual warnings to people who may be unaware that the vehicle door is open, or that the wheelchair lift is not at vehicle level. It is meaningfully designed to prevent unintended vehicle exit that could cause injury.
“We plan to use the sensor over the sliding door to detect obstructions in the threshold area as part of FMVSS 403 compliance,” says Mike Anderson, Senior Product Manager.
The wider beam angle and profile of the Senix sensor allowed the engineers to cover a larger area inside the RV than other sensors on the market. Using SensorView™ software, wide-beam ToughSonic ultrasonic level and distance sensors can be custom configured to set user-configurable parameters. 
The Winnebago Roam was built using a 2021 Ram ProMaster as the base, and with a BraunAbility wheelchair lift under the sliding side door. The RV is less than 20 feet long, but Winnebago said it was designed with enough floor space to support a wheelchair and critical accessible features. The Roam includes an under-vehicle wheelchair lift, standard wheelchair tie-downs, a shower and toilet with grab handles, a powered sofa bed, accessible lights, and system controls. It can seat up to five people and sleep up to four with an optional pop top that sleeps two more. Steering hand controls, if needed, can be installed by a third party.
Ultrasonic's Proximity and Object Detection Applications
Senix ultrasonic technology offered greater design flexibility for BraunAbility and the Roam. Senix’s high standard of quality and rugged, long-life sensors also fit well with BraunAbility’s reputation for high quality and customer satisfaction.
"We are proud to partner with BraunAbility and Winnebago in helping them be successful to make the Winnebago and the new Ram ProMaster Winnebago Roam a success," said the Senix team.
For more information on how Senix can help with your application, contact us at info@senix.com or click here.