Question Seat questions in a T & C

First of all I know this van is horrible for car seats, I didn’t know that before I bought it... and can’t trade it in just yet so I’m stuck with this.

My 8 year old twins car seats expire next month. They have boosters in my 2 other cars that they sit in PERFECTLY, however in my van (which is my primary vehicle) they cannot get it together to sit properly. So, after a lot of thinking I have decided that even though they are old enough (and big enough size-wise) to be in boosters across the board... they are not mature enough to sit properly. Combined with the fact that those pesky 3rd row seat belts are not ideal for anyone, much less a child in a booster. I am looking to buy 1 more seat for them, and have decided on the Harmony Defender since it goes to 65lbs, has high torso heights, and most of all... is not $200. However, I’m wondering if that’s my best option for our situation. I have them as well as a 9yo and a 16yo.

Stats (since I know your going to ask):

Both are 8yo girls. Both are 48 3/4 inches tall and their torso heights are both 16 1/4 inches. One is 55.4lbs and the other is 53.0lbs.


Thank you.

What seat is the nine year old using?

If they're going to be harnessed they need to be third row center and second row. Your 16 year old then needs to be second row. That means your nine year old needs a high back booster for the third row side. The Evenflo Amp works there. Does your nine year old also have a short torso?

Wendy

He is in a backless Turbobooster in 1 of the second row seats. I already have 1 of the twins in the second and 1 in the one seat in the 3rd row with the top anchor. He needs to be in the second row for school drop off (among other things), him moving isn’t an option. My 16 year old typically sits in the front seat unless my husband is with us, which then she sits in the 3rd row.

But back to my original question... would the Defender work for my girls with their sizes and ages? Is there another option around that price that would fit better?

They would.

Having your 16 year old in the third row isn't safe. Nor is your nine year old safe in the third row in a backless Turbo (do you have the screws in the armrests of the Turbo? It's a super common error to miss them, which is why I ask).

Wendy