Help with Ford Explorer (merged threads)

[rosesmattie]

We are purchasing a 2012 Ford Explorer Limited this weekend with the airbag seat belts and I am unsure of the seat configuration and how to install our car seats safely with this feature. My 4 year old will be unable to use LATCH much longer and I would like her to stay in 5 point harness as long as possible. I plan to take the vehicle into a car seat technician, but trying to prepare as best as possible.

Our 2 kids:
--4 years old (36-37 lbs)
--19 months old (23-24 lbs) rear facing

The seats we have currently between our 2008 highlander and 2012 ford f-150.
--Recaro ProSport--harness mode, LATCH installation
--Graco Nautilus--harness mode, LATCH installation
--Britax Marathon 70--harness mode, rear facing, LATCH installation
--Chicco NextFit--harness mode, rear facing, LATCH installation

Any guidance on what seats would work best in the 2012 explorer would be great, or if we are looking at new carseats to get the best fit.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[bubbaray]

Can you change your seatbelt selection?

See review here. http://carseatblog.com/20654/ford-e...technology-the-kids-carseats-boosters-review/

 

[jordansmom]

Re: Ford 2012 with Airbag Seatbelts

I'm sorry I don't have any personal experience but I did find this older thread discussing the inflatable seatbelts and carseat installations that may be helpful.

http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=198579

You will need to check your carseat manuals to see if any of your current seats prohibit installation with such belts. Based on the thread I linked above, and if it hasn't changed since then, it looks like the Ford latch limit is 48 lbs, so you should still have some time with a Latch installation based on your children's stats you provided.

 

[LISmama810]

The inflatable seatbelts will only be in the outboard positions, so could you install the younger child's seat with LATCH in one of those positions and have the older child in the center with the non-inflatable seatbelt?

I think there have been some recent-ish updates regarding car seats and the inflatable belts, but I don't remember what they are. Hopefully someone else does.

 

[tiggercat]

The inflatable seatbelts will only be in the outboard positions, so could you install the younger child's seat with LATCH in one of those positions and have the older child in the center with the non-inflatable seatbelt?

I think there have been some recent-ish updates regarding car seats and the inflatable belts, but I don't remember what they are. Hopefully someone else does.

Here is Britax's inflatable belt policy

http://www.britaxusa.com/support/inflatable-seat-belt-policy

 

[rosesmattie]

Re: Help with Ford Explorer

Can you change your seatbelt selection?

See review here. http://carseatblog.com/20654/ford-e...technology-the-kids-carseats-boosters-review/

As in get the seatbelts replaced? That is a good question and would alleviate most issues! We are buying it used from someone we know, not a dealership. I am not excited to give up my highlander, as it is so roomy, but is having more maintenance problems than any car should at its "age" :/

 

[bubbaray]

No I meant don't buy a car with airbag seat belts. At least, I wouldn't.

 

[cso1997]

Re: Help with Ford Explorer

We were sad that the inflatable belts weren't out when we purchased our Explorer. I'd get them in a heartbeat. Anything that can make a car ride safer is awesome to me. Ford has a high LATCH limit and a couple seat manufacturers are fine with the belts. You can find a workable combo for sure!!

 

[monica-m]

The LATCH limit in a 2012 Explorer is 48lbs. You have time as it's unusual for preschoolers to put weight on quickly. Another option would be to put your forward facer in the 3rd row passenger side with the seatbelt and tether and leave the seat in front tumbled for access.