Entering Tacoma cab after total hip replacement

Hi,

New member here. I would like to get a compact pickup truck and have decided to buy a 2013 or 2014 Tacoma soon.

The complicating issue is that I just had a total hip replacement. I was wondering how hard it is to climb up into the cab after this procedure. Should I wait a few months first buying the truck?

Thanks in advance.

 

Its not really hard to climb in considering it is lower than most full size trucks to the ground

 

It is a rougher ride than larger trucks.......how sensitive will you be after your procedure, I imagine very

 

i have a bad hip (despite my age) and getting in and out is fine just use your upper body muscles. i use that pillar handle alot and since lifting my truck i added nerf bars just throw one leg up and again use pillar handle to pull and its in easy peezy lemon squeazy. i would change out the shocks do to bouncy ride but other than that great truck

 

Which hip did you have replaced? How is your overall conditioning and upper extremity strength? What is your height? These are some of the factors involved which could come into play. Your entry/exit could also be easier with use of running boards. Keep in mind down the road your functional abilities should hopefully improve. This is a major purchase and I would recommend waiting for awhile and then trying getting in and out of a Tacoma. There are many around and also drive/ride in one for an extended time to evaluate personal comfort.

 

The answer will also depend on whether you are getting a 5-lug 2wd or a 6-lug Prerunner or 4x4.

 

My dad had his hip replaced recently and I recall no issues with getting into my truck when it was at stock hight. He had no problem with it. But you might want to go to a dealer try it out!

 

Thanks for all the replies. I'm 5'9 1/2", 150 #, 58 years old. Just had the right hip replaced, but I had the left one replaced in January of this year. (I did a lot of stupid stuff when I was younger that ruined my hips)

I don't have any doubt that in a couple of months I will easily be able to get into the cab. I just wondered if I would be able to get into the cab safely when the doc clears me for driving, in about 4 weeks. Am planning on a 4x4 since I live in the midwest and need to be able to get to work in the winter.

 

Here's something else too keep in mind. I find the side bolsters a bit hard and they press on my hips aggrevating the psyatic nerve at times. I'm 6'0" 190lb - not too "wide" either. My old truck was a 96 Cummins with running boards and it was about the same to get in as my Tacoma with 245 tires, stock height.

 

The best thing is to go to the dealer and try different models out. That way you will know for sure.

 

You should be fine, I have a left hip replacement and it has way more range of motion than before. Just do the proper rehab, get the muscles back and up to strength you will be cool.

 

A bit spendy, but should be very helpful. These extend further than regular running board:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liuWBgQfccM

 

^^^ This. Also, like mentioned, climbing UP into a cab isn't likely. You'll either slide right in, or drop down into slightly.

 

If you do have any issues with any models you try, running boards can make the world of difference. The extendable ones are nice, but some plain old bolt on models would probably help.

 

Definitely go to the dealer and try it, but some perspective. I've had some pretty bad lower back stuff. I find most trucks FAR easier to get in and out of than any car, and the Tacoma is the perfect height for me, I'm 6' 2" with short legs, long torso. YMMV of course, but it helps me because I don't have to flex very much to get in or out.

Also, FWIW, I find the Tacoma a pretty cushy ride for a truck, that's a consequence of the shitty rear springs (my only real gripe about the vehicle) but that might be a bonus for you for a while.

 

If you're a short fucker like me, you climb up into it.

 

Proper way to enter vehicle with a hip replacement would be:
1.slide seat all the way back
2.hike your butt up the seat, Slide back towards center console.
3.put tootsies in but being careful not to break 90 degrees at the hip.( impossible but try anyway) Unless you have an anterior approach done which does not have any ROM restrictions.
4. You will break the 80-90 degree rule once you will be fiddling with the accelerator.

remember, You can only start driving when you are not taking narcotic pain relievers anymore.

PS: be nice to your therapist!!

 

My father is 72 and within the last few years he's had both hips replaced as well as both knees. Unfortunately it's hereditary and when I was having knee trouble 7-8 years ago and got MRI's done they told me I had the knees of a 70 year old. And I'm 40 now. But anyway he drives a first gen 4x4 and with nerf bars/steps he can get in and out no problem. Still driving a stick too! He drove my mother's rav4 auto for about a week after they told him he could drive again. Then he was right back into his Tacoma. For a while he used a trash bag on the seat cushion to help him slide in.