Question Need to know best posititons

[TyAndCheyMommy]

I need your opinions.
I have a 2003 Chevy venture. Has rear bench seat, middle 3 captains chairs, and 2 front seats.
I have to remove 2 of the middle captains chairs in order to put my daughters power wheelchair in the van. I have tie downs for the wheelchair but do not have a seat belt for her to sit in the wheelchair.
So that leaves the rear bench seat and one middle seat. Rear bench seat has 2 lap shoulder belts with headrests and 1 lap belt without headrest. There are 3 top tethers for rear bench seat. One middle seat has lap shoulder belt, headrest, and latch, as well as top tether.
People that need to fit.
Almost 2 year old. He is rear facing. 24 lbs.
5 year old. Forward facing. 32lbs.
6 year old. Special needs seat (Special Tomato MPS).
14 year old.
15 year old.
1 adult.

I have numerous car seats available and can get a different one if needed...

I am having issues figuring out where to put people without having to move seats all the time. I need to be able to take daughters power wheelchair, but also need to be able to have kids actually fit.
Ideas?

 

[murphydog77]

Does the wheelchair have to ride inside the cabin or can it ride on a hitch on the back of the van? The problem with that is that the chair is exposed to the elements, but it saves the vehicle seats for passengers. I'm going to assume that idea won't work and it has to ride inside.

I'd put the Special Tomato in the 2nd row. It'll be much easier for you to get your dd in and out with her in the 2nd row.

3rd row: Harnessed kids in outboard and center positions. And I'd stick the 14 yr old back there as well.

The others sit up front. I assume you're the adult?

 

[TyAndCheyMommy]

Unfortunately at this time putting the chair on a hitch won't work- not only because of the weather, but because our van does not have a hitch and I have been unable to get one so I can put it on...
The special tomato is for my 6 year old with autism. He can climb in the seat on his own. I do agree however with putting DD (5) that uses the wheelchair in the middle, as that would be easier.
The rear bench only has an lap belt in middle position, so it will have to be used for a car seat.
I am not sure what 2 seats will fit back there and still allow an teen to sit on that seat. I have been able to get 2 radians and the special tomato back there, but even just removing one radian means that the teen is squished.
I tried for quite a while to put DD (5- wheelchair) in the rear bench seat in her radian, but it is just really hard to lift her back there.

I really think I just need to go buy a bigger van. Unfortunately I am really uncomfortable with the lack of headrests in passenger vans.

Does the wheelchair have to ride inside the cabin or can it ride on a hitch on the back of the van? The problem with that is that the chair is exposed to the elements, but it saves the vehicle seats for passengers. I'm going to assume that idea won't work and it has to ride inside.

I'd put the Special Tomato in the 2nd row. It'll be much easier for you to get your dd in and out with her in the 2nd row.

3rd row: Harnessed kids in outboard and center positions. And I'd stick the 14 yr old back there as well.

The others sit up front. I assume you're the adult?

 

[TyAndCheyMommy]

Any more ideas?