Is it ok to wedge in that 3rd seat?

AprilCofVT · Mar 27, 2015

Third row Sienna.

So, when I install the two outboard seats nice and tight, the middle seat has to be pushed hard and wiggled to get it in place. I can get the belt nice and tight but an area of the plastic shells around the shoulders put resistance on each other; is that okay? Does that matter if the seats are installed tightly at the belt path?

wendytthomas · Mar 27, 2015

Each seat needs to be installed as if it's the only one in the backseat. If you did that, and then removed the side seats, would the middle seat still be properly installed? Give it a try. If yes, it's ok. If no, you need to reconfigure or make changes.

Wendy

Keeyamah · Mar 28, 2015

Just out of curiosity, are you using LATCH or the seatbelts to install? Using the seat belts can give you more room because you can place the seats farther to one side or the other to allow yourself more room in the center.

What I would try in your position is to install the outboard seats with the seat belt and locking clips so that they are both as close to the doors as you can get them and they have less than an inch of movement, proper recline for a rearfacing seat, etc. Then, without undoing the locking clip, remove (just unbuckle the seat belt and pull through the belt path) one or both outboard seats and install the center seat with a seat belt. Then replace your outboard seats. If no seat gets pushed out of place, you should be good.