LC reply/ re: TF in ext cab pickups

Dorothy

New member

• Jul 28, 2011

• #1

Per CS (who consulted the engineers), a TF can be used in an ext cab pickup if it is "full-size" (per EPA classification), the vehicle doesn't prohibit the use of a cr in that position, and 80% of the cr base is on the seat. Of course, a top tether is recommended.

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Last edited: Jul 28, 2011

Pixels

New member

• Jul 28, 2011

• #2

That makes no sense whatsoever. The EPA's classification is based on a truck's GVWR. Anything under 4500 lbs is a small pickup; anything 4500-8500 is a standard pickup.

What does the vehicle's weight rating have to do with my child's restraint? The fact that a vehicle has the ability to carry a lot of cargo means what, exactly, in terms of passenger protection?

And then I wonder what LC's response would be to a Canadian asking the same question (assuming the Canadian manual has the same restriction), since they have a very different method of classification.

 

Judi

CPST/Firefighter

• Jul 28, 2011

• #3

Weird. I have a ram 2500, so full size. I do use the tfp in the truck.

 

Dorothy

New member

• Jul 28, 2011

• #4

Just passing along the response. Do with it what you will/I'll leave it for all you techs to debate. ;-)

I will say that I repeatedly asked about head excursion room and the presence of the passenger airbag shutoff switch. They insisted the presence of the switch alone did not disqualify the vehicle and reiterated that it was ok so long as you complied with the vehicle manual.

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canadiangie

New member

• Jul 28, 2011

• #5

Is there a back story that I missed? What, exactly, are you talking about?

 

Pixels

New member

• Jul 28, 2011

• #6

My reply was not directed at you, OP. It was directed at LC.

 

Pixels

New member

• Jul 28, 2011

• #7

canadiangie said:

Is there a back story that I missed? What, exactly, are you talking about?

Click to expand...

The TrueFit manual prohibits use in a compact pickup truck. There was some discussion about the definition of "compact," including the presence of an airbag shutoff switch.

 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician

• Jul 28, 2011

• #8

Pixels said:

The TrueFit manual prohibits use in a compact pickup truck. There was some discussion about the definition of "compact," including the presence of an airbag shutoff switch.

Click to expand...

I would likely interpret that as similar to manuals that "prohibit" use with forward-of-the-bight seatbelts. Not that it CAN'T work, just that it's unlikely to, so they ward people off.

As long as the seat fits, I'm not sure what the difference would be. Yes, there are airbag and head excursion issues, but you'd have those with any seat.

I, too, am baffled by the GVWR.

 

Dorothy

New member

• Jul 28, 2011

• #9

Ok, maybe this extra info will help: When I first called, CS said the vehicle in question was "full-size". I mentioned the passenger airbag shutoff switch, and asked about the implications of that. I asked if they could compare the back seat space in an ext cab and a small car, but they said cars and pickups are classified by different criteria. Thats where there was mention of classifications. So, maybe they didn't intend for me to really take away that piece of info as it was kind of a side note.

Regardless, they clearly stated they did not consider the vehicle we were discussing "compact" or "small" despite its having a passenger airbag shutoff switch. They said as long as the vehicle manual stated a cr could be placed there, a TF could be used. That part was clear as day.

Gosh, I was just trying to be helpful, but I feel like I've kind of mucked it up... Sorry!

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Last edited: Jul 28, 2011

Pixels

New member

• Jul 28, 2011

• #10

So, in other words, LC should never have said anything about it at all, since it is up to the vehicle manufacturer to determine if a seat is too small to safely hold a CR.

 

carseatcoach

Carseat Crankypants

• Jul 28, 2011

• #11

I'm pulling out a Scientific Wild-Axx Guess that they originally *meant* it could not be installed in trucks with the tiny half-seats in back.

 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician

• Jul 28, 2011

• #12

Pixels said:

So, in other words, LC should never have said anything about it at all, since it is up to the vehicle manufacturer to determine if a seat is too small to safely hold a CR.

Click to expand...

That's what I'm thinking.