Car seat ponderings..

Baylor

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #1

I have a Grand Caravan 2001. Middle bench is short and back bench is 3 seater.. But not really. Middle is a lap belt.

Now that both boys can ride in boosters, I am thinking of removing middle bench and then putting back bench in middle position. We don't really drive anyone else around anymore so I don't really need the extra space.

I only have that lap belt position in the middle so I would have to put harness seat there if I did need to put someone else in.

I was thinking of getting the vest option for that case, And isn't there an option for the lap belt? is that the 86Y? I do have a tether at all points on that bench.

I have FR 85, GNs, Sante Fe, Literider,and Monterey. I am willing to purchase different seats, But I know that lap belt only position is my downfall.
I don't want ds2 who is 5 in the literider except for emergencies and very short trips.. He is a sleeper.

But I would love to be able to move the bench forward to make more space for them on daily rides and yet still be able to use the bench fully.

 

mominabigtruck

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #2

I would do it. That's what my dad did with his caravan so he would still have lots of room for all his tools in the back but could still fit all the kids with him.

 

Baylor

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #3

mominabigtruck said:

I would do it. That's what my dad did with his caravan so he would still have lots of room for all his tools in the back but could still fit all the kids with him.

Click to expand...

My only concern is that lap belt position. If I get a vest or whatever it is that works with lap belts only, His head is below the seat back so that is good. Because it has no head rest either.

Whoever figured that everyone should not have a headrest, needs a noogie.

 

cookie123

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #4

I agree. My children rode around in a Caravan for many years with no headrests. And not because I didn't know any better. It was because we couldn't afford another van. There were no head rests in any position in the rear in that thing

Anyway, I would totally do it. If you never give anyone a ride, you probably still won't. Someone could ride in the front if necessary perhaps?

 

Baylor

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #5

So Now I need to know about those vests and is that all I need for the lap belt position, Or is that a completely different apparatus?

Been trying to find a place to buy the 86Y and Can not. Where do I get one?

 

mominabigtruck

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #6

Just out of curiosity, why are you doing a vest instead of a harnessed seat?

 

Baylor

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #7

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Large-RideSafer-Travel-Vest-Deluxe/dp/B009RTHBDO/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1362757809&sr=1-4&keywords=ride+safer+vest+large"]Amazon.com: Large RideSafer Travel Vest Deluxe - wearable car seat / booster (50 to 80 lbs. approx 5 to 8 years, Blue): Baby[/ame]

This seems to have head support? Will this interfere with head rest?

 

aeormsby

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #8

Does the middle position have a tether? I believe both the vest and 86y harness require a tether (and with the 86y it needs to be their reinforced tether after a certain weight).

The 86y can be used with (some?) HBB's which would help with the headrest issue also, if they fit across..

ETA - I think the headrest for the vest is more of a comfort thing.

 

Baylor

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #9

aeormsby said:

Does the middle position have a tether? I believe both the vest and 86y harness require a tether (and with the 86y it needs to be their reinforced tether after a certain weight).

The 86y can be used with (some?) HBB's which would help with the headrest issue also, if they fit across..

ETA - I think the headrest for the vest is more of a comfort thing.

Click to expand...

Yes I have anchors at all positions. I did see that after 80 pounds it would need their anchor installed but I would not need it that long. My guess is we will have a new car by then
I just want a just in case option for middle seat position. Right now it is just useless.

auto correct hates me

 

bubbaray

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #10

I'm a bit confused. Does either bench have headrests? If not, you cannot use the Monterey or a LBB. Your best bet would be PWs or possibly a FR in booster mode

 

Baylor

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #11

bubbaray said:

I'm a bit confused. Does either bench have headrests? If not, you cannot use the Monterey or a LBB. Your best bet would be PWs or possibly a FR in booster mode

Click to expand...

Sorry. Yes. My back bench The 3 seater has 2 headrests. One on either end. The middle position is just a lapbelt. No headrest but my little guy would not be over the back of it. I just want an option for if I need to drive someone else. I figured the only one that could go in the middle is him in a 86y.

AS a rule, Ds2 will be in Monterey behind driver and DS1 will be in Sante fe behind passenger.

the only person we sometimes drive around is my grandmother home from church. At that point I have to have room for 5.

I hope that makes sense.

 

Last edited: Mar 8, 2013

Baylor

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #12

That is the set up. Behind two seats in third row are two headrests.

Maybe I should just take middle row out and leave it empty and leave them back there on third row? That way I can move the middle bench in if I need it??

 

Kac

Ambassador - CPS Technician

• Mar 8, 2013

• #13

Your poor FR85 is going to be sad and lonely!

 

Baylor

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #14

Kac said:

Your poor FR85 is going to be sad and lonely!

Click to expand...

Right?! I now have too many car seats..
Did I just say that???

I will probably sell the Fr85. I just don't really need it. Now that they both are in boosters, It is easy to just put them in dh's car and out. I will still have a HBB that lives in his car for emergencies, but the fr 85 is not getting used much at all lately..

 

Phineasmama

New member

• Mar 8, 2013

• #15

Will the 2nd row bench fit in the 3rd row position? For backup seating in case you have extra passengers?

 

Baylor

New member

• Mar 9, 2013

• #16

Phineasmama said:

Will the 2nd row bench fit in the 3rd row position? For backup seating in case you have extra passengers?

Click to expand...

No. IT stinks but no! Because of the wheel wells and the fact that the middle 2 seater is kind of off center, It hits the wheel well covers and it won't lock. I tried it a couple of times.

I may try and get some captains chairs. I know I have to be careful so I am going to call dealer first and see what they say. I may be able to find some out of an engine wrecked one. Not a crashed one.

Next van will definitely have captains chairs!

I did move it up today and stored the 2 seater in my side closet. IT works best for me and the boys.

 

Baylor

New member

• Mar 10, 2013

• #17

Of course now that I took out the bench my mom wants me to bring my grandmother home from church. I'm just making dh drive too.

It just makes more sense for daily life.

auto correct hates me