Climbing into a rfing seat on a captain's chair...

[soph's mom]

FWIW the main reasons we ruled out the caravan are because we wanted an 8 seater and more trunk space. I have rented a few over the years. The 3rd row has that crazy incline in some years but otherwise all around I can't imagine speaking ill of someone who was going to buy one. Every van out there has one quirk or another.

Thanks! I know I came off as defensive but I had just read and reread all of the threads telling people to avoid them and go for the Hondas and toyotas instead.

And thanks to everyone else for the answers!

Stairs pics would be neat too for everyone who loads from the rear!

 

[daniele_ut]

Thanks! I know I came off as defensive but I had just read and reread all of the threads telling people to avoid them and go for the Hondas and toyotas instead.

And thanks to everyone else for the answers!

Stairs pics would be neat too for everyone who loads from the rear!

I read all of those too and we still bought a 2010 Grand Caravan. We just couldn't afford a newer Honda and dh didn't want a Toyota. It has been perfect for our family of 5, honestly. It would be really hard for me to give up the Stow 'n Go seats if we ever sold it for a different van. Our transmission did go out while it was still under warranty but it was fixed promptly and we haven't had any issues with it since.

 

[mairep]

My DS learned how to climb into his RF radian in a captain's chair about 6 months ago at the age of 2 1/2. I was pregnant with his sister and it was getting difficult for me to lift him (plus, he loved doing it all by himself). At first, he needed to use my foot as a step (ouch!), but he soon figured out how to pull himself up. I think it helps that the Radian has such a low profile. Now that I am loading two kids into the car, it is super helpful that he can get into his seat without my help!

 

[bnsnyde]

The inflatable stairs SAVED MY LIFE for 3rd row. They are for pets. Totally soft so I feel safe. Plus they wedge in so are unlikely to fly about anyway.
I just need to add air every now and then.
Amazon was where I found them.

Upload of file failed. Why? I can't load my pic!

 

[soph's mom]

Thanks everyone for the replies! She wants to ride in the third row now... Ugh... That's where I wanted to keep the daycare seats... I had her rfing in one captains chair, the other one stowed and the two sceneras for daycare kids in the back.

The seat belts back there do take some getting used to to keep the seats from being tippy. I will have to take one scenera out soon anyway bc one kid is close to 40 lbs. I haven't tried the funky latch back there bc I want the space in between the seats so each child can climb into their seat.

I'm tempted to try three radians back there just to see if I can get them in. I would've already done it but I hate moving those heavy things around...