2003 Dodge Ram 1500 2 car seats

[Patricia]

Hi was wondering if I could put one seat in the front middle and one in the back middle as we have 2 teens and 2 adults to fit as well there is a cinching latch in the middle

 

[MelodyoftheForest]

I assume it is the quad/crew cab? Also, it sounds like there are lap-only belts with locking latch plates in the two center positions, so those are locations where harnessed child seats would be ideal if everything else works out. Everything else is whether your vehicle manual allows the installation of seats in those positions and whether they are installed rear-facing or forward-facing. Top tethers are also a consideration.

If your vehicle has front airbags, you most likely cannot install a rear-facing seat in the center front because of overlap with the driver's airbag. A forward-facing seat would be safer in front, but wouldn't have the benefit of a top tether to keep the child away from the airbags to the greatest extent possible. There is likely a top tether in the center rear position, so if they are both FF seats, I would think the older child would be the better one to put up front (again, if allowed) as they would be less likely to be injured by impact with the airbag.

It sounds like this may not be your daily driving family vehicle, so also be aware that the lack of head restraints in the back seat would also pose a risk of whiplash to the teens or adults riding there. Hopefully someone with a LATCH manual will come along and give you more insight, too!

 

[ketchupqueen]

I believe Dodge is one of the brands that had the option to turn off both front airbags and doesn't prohibit a car seat on the center front seat. I'm going to call in someone with more expertise, though.

 

[Judi]

2003 is the next body style up from mine. There is a key, but it is iffy if that would work for the middle seat. What seats? Age/weight of children?