RSTV in front seat

[Unregistered]

We are a family of 4, expecting surprise twins I'm August. I drive a jeep Cherokee, Dh drives a Dodge Ram quad cab. Obviously neither vehicle fits all kids in the rear seats. We are getting a large RSTF for our 55lb 7yo (8 in Oct) and planning to put him in the front middle seat in the truck with the RSTV (ride safer travel vest) and EATAL (energy absorbing tether anchor loop) since there is no tether anchor for that seat and it has a lap belt only. Is this safe?

Could I use the RSTV to put him in the front seat of my Cherokee when it's just me and the kids? We aren't able to purchase a larger vehicle for a year or so and hoping we don't have to drive 2 cars everywhere.

We are in TX if that info is relevant.
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[LISmama810]

Hi, there! I'm not super-familiar with the RSTV, so hopefully someone else with more knowledge will be along to answer soon.

Does that front center seating position have a headrest? Your child will need head support up to the top of his ears. If there's no headrest, you might be better off with a regular harnessed seat. You wouldn't be able to tether it, though, since I'm not aware of other manufacturers allowing that tether anchor loop.

As far as I know, it would be legal to have him in the front seat of the other vehicle as long as you're able to use the vest according to manufacturer instructions. Hopefully someone better versed in Texas law can answer that one, but usually the front seat is okay, especially if the back seat is already in use.

 

[ketchupqueen]

Yes, in TX that is legal. And I think it's a good choice for the situation you describe- keeps him farther back in the vehicle.

Make sure he has support to the tips of his ears from the vehicle seat behind him.

 

[Unregistered]

OP here. Yes front seat of Dodge Ram has no headrest but it's high enough to give him plenty of growing room til his ears are higher than the back. He will likely outgrow the RSTV before he grows too tall.

The front seat in the Dodge Ram isn't a locking seat. It's a fold down console type. Is this an issue?

And how about front seat in Cherokee which has an airbag (but he should be sitting far enough back)?
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[ketchupqueen]

If someone has to sit in the airbag spot that's not a bad choice IMO.

As far as the locking seat issue I think you would need to contact SafeTrafficSystem for an answer.