Four car seats in 2014 Ford F150 Supercrew?

[CHougan520]

Hi all - thanks for having me!

I drive a 2014 Ford F-150 Supercrew. My three kids sit in the second row. They are age 8 (45 lbs), 6 (43 lbs), and 4 (32 lbs). We are expecting our fourth child in July of next year. Due to my job, I really need to keep this truck if it's lawful to transport all four kids in it.

The truck has six full size seats. The front middle seat is equipped with a shoulder belt. According to my owner's manual, the driver's air bag should not cover that center seat. There are sensors for the front outboard seat which automatically disable the airbags by weight.

- Where should my fourth child sit, since I must use the front row? Front middle, or front outboard?

- Which child should sit there? My 8 and 6 year-olds are in backless boosters. My 4 year old is in a forward facing 5-point. (The newborn will almost certainly need to be in the second row, I assume.)

Appreciate any insight - I want to make the safest possible choice here. Thank you!

 

[Mom of 4 in RI]

I’m in the same situation except my kids are 6, 3, 1, and expecting. Did you ever get an answer on this? I drive 2014 f150 crew (not supercrew) I had read somewhere I could use a backless booster in the front passenger with the seat as far back as it goes if there were no options for rear seating due to other car seats in use, but not sure if it’s legal for my state. (RI)

 

[SafeDad]

In general, it is possible to seat a child in the front passenger seat as long as it is not prohibited by the car seat or vehicle owner's manual. You do need to check both, as there are sometimes restrictions due to seatbelt designs or airbag proximity. Front middle seats are more likely to prohibit child passengers, so again you would have to check the manuals.

Also generally speaking, putting the oldest child in a booster seat up front is usually the first choice, since this type of seat does not need a top tether for safety. As long as your 6-year old is above the minimum weight and height limits for the booster and you double check the manuals, this is a safe option. Most state laws would not prohibit this, but I do not know Rhode Island specific laws.