So, tell me all about it ...

[BeachMama86]

We just got our first van. I wanted to wait until it was official until I asked :)

It's a 1999 Ford Windstar LX (2nd row bench seat, not captain's chairs.)

So, here are some questions I have, since I've never driven a van

1. Are there any kind of rules for a van that don't apply to a car?

2. Seating positions - I'm assuming 2nd row passanger (which is sort of center but not really) is the safest? Then which is the 2nd best? We will have a 2.5 year old and a NB RFing. It will prolly be the NB in an EFTA and the 2.5 year old in a TFP. (not set in stone yet). If they're both RFing, what seating positions should I use? Do I put 1 in the 3rd row center and one in 2nd row passanger/center?

3. When the 2.5 year old flips to FF, then what seating positions are recommended?

4. Is there any safety benefit to having the bench seat all the way back, farther away from the 1st row seats?

5. I had more, lol, but I forgot now ...

Any input that you may think would be useful for vans, please pass it along! Thanks :)

[mommycat]

Bumping you.

The only thing I can think of is:
1. rules for van: I would personally make it a rule to try to secure anything in the cargo area as well as possible, because it can go flying through the van in a crash, like a rollover. Don't know if there is anything else.
3. when your kids turn forward, make sure you are using a position with a top tether anchor available as tethering improves performance. Not all positiomns have a TA.
4. I seem to think that I read about some vans requiring the bench to be in a specific position when installing seats, so read the vehicle manual. Also, being further back increases the distance from the front seats, and this is good for FF because there is less chance of being thrown forward and whacking your head on the seat in front.

[Maggie]

This is more about your van specifically, but be sure to read over the section in the owners manual about the top tethers.

We had a '99 Windstar LX with top tethers in all 5 rear seats and one on the front passenger seat! Great! However, it tells you specifically how to attach the tether, it's sort of upside down. Much different than any other vehicle I've ever used.

[BeachMama86]

I need to buy a manual, mine doesn't have one, BUT, I am flat broke for at least a few weeks. We spent every penny we had on the car and registration/insurance.

I'll see if I can google a manual - some let you do that.

[4boysmom]

a bit unconventional but you could try freecycle/craigslist ISO a manual. I have seen those posted from time to time.

[April]

3. when your kids turn forward, make sure you are using a position with a top tether anchor available as tethering improves performance. Not all positions have a TA.

ALL seating positions in the Windstar have a dedicated TA :love:. As someone else mentioned though, you attach the tether "upside down" from how you would do it in any other vehicle. Like this: http://www.car-seat.org/showpost.php?p=535589&postcount=2

I agree with the suggestion of securing everything in the cargo area. A cargo net is a wonderful thing.

I have an 02, with 2nd row captain's chairs, and so far I have found it to be the most car seat friendly vehicle I'ver ever worked with. I :love::love::love: my Windstar!

What else....Windstars are sort of notorious for transmission problems, so make sure you do your maintenance.

As for seating positions, in my opinion, they are going to be so incredibly safe rear facing, that I'd probably keep them both in the middle row. Newborn in the "center" (passenger side) and 2.5 year old driver's side. When the 2.5 year old turns forward facing, I'd put the new born driver's side and the 2.5 year old center/passenger (least safe child in safest seating position).

[safeinthecar]

Put everybody where it works to have them. From a crash standpoint, the middlish seat is the safest and the most vulnerable kid should get the most protected spot. That being said, your NB is very safe rfing and there is also the safety of having the kid that will be exiting the car on her own two feet not getting out on the street side, so putting the 2.5 year old in the center may have an everyday safety benefit beyond what happens in a crash.

[mommycat]

TAs in all seating positions? That has to be my favourite van now. :D

[April]

TAs in all seating positions? That has to be my favourite van now. :D

Well except for the driver's seat! The front passenger seat has one though! I *think* its from 95-03 that have 6 anchors. Not sure on the start year of that though. My 02 has 6 TAs and four sets of latch, and in the third row, latch can be borrowed for the centre position. :love: Why they got rid of a bunch of TAs when the switched to the Freestar in 04 just totally baffles me. :confused:

[mommycat]

Um, yeah. That's dumb. That's one of the main reasons I have a personal dislike for vans. Why make a FAMILY vehicle that can't accomodate the family? Guess they are cutting corners on the few bucks it costs them to include all 6 TAs? :(

[BeachMama86]

Thank you so much for all the info. I'm definitely liking this van so far. I have some additional questions that I took lots of pics of, so I think I'm just gonna make a new post :)