Seat for Grandparent's new Toyota Tacoma

[justKate]

Looking for a recommendation for a seat for my parents to buy for my niece (6 months old, wearing size 6-9 mos) that one (or both) of my girls could also use very occasionally. My girls are 18 mos (25 lbs., 32", RFing) and 4.5 yrs (36 lbs., 42", FFing).

They drive a new Toyota Tacoma, the kind with the little fold-down seats in the back. I've successfully installed a Britax Blvd, but I don't think they're looking to spend over $150 or so. I like the idea of a True Fit, but the instructions say it shouldn't be used on fold-down seats.

I know the Cosco Scenera is the usual grandparent seat recommendation, but I'm hoping for something a little more substantial. Also wondering what, if any, seats can be properly installed RFing in a Tacoma?

Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!!

 

[Keeyamah]

Throwing this out there, perhaps an Evenflo Sureride? It can be found for $70-$100, depending on if it's on sale. I have no clue if it will install properly. Hopefully someone else can come along and answer that part of it.

 

[Keeanh]

That vehicle is such an unusual seat set-up. I think your best bet is to phone Evenflo, Graco, and Dorel and see if their seats are allowed on fold-down forward-facing seats. Also ask what percentage of the seat must be on the vehicle seat. I think Graco is 80% for all their seats. So you'd have to measure and try the seats out in person, most likely.

I'm thinking Sureride, My Ride, My Size, and Complete Air could be possibilities. Your niece may not be tall enough for the Complete Air yet, though, and it's likely too big front-to-back. Still throwing it out there .

 

[1mommy]

Look into the Safety First Guide 65, its compact and good for ERF, but can require noodles to install rf at the right angle.

 

[justKate]

Calling manufacturers today. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[1mommy]

Just as an FYI, my husband had an extended cab Toyota Tacoma, and while we installed my sons infant seat on that back fold down seat I really don't think we should have as unless it was braced against the front seat the angle was way to reclined as the base didn't mostly fit on the seat (thank god he was never in an accident). When we moved him to a convertible seat we moved him to the front seat as he had an airbag off key switch. In order for him to be able to look out his side view mirrors we needed a low profile and compact car seat, and found the Guide 65 worked well for us. Your parents may have a different model so your experience may be different, but just wanted to let you know about our situation.

 

[justKate]

Thanks for the info. I called Safety 1st and the gal I talked to said that their seats shouldn't be used on fold-down seats, even though the user manuals don't address them at all. Then she said to defer to the truck's manual. Did you ever try the Guide RFing?

I'm afraid they may just have to go to BRU and try some. This would be less of a problem if they lived nearby or had more experience with car seats!

 

[1mommy]

Yep, my son still uses the Guide 65 rf but now it's in the backseat of a Toyota 4runner as DH sold his Tacoma. On the whole its a pretty good budget seat, it is lightweight, has high top slots, and doesn't have any frills but it does the job and my worst complaint is that I need a noddle to install it RF and the straps are a little twisty, but it still installs quicker then my First Years True Fit.

 

[justKate]

Situation is becoming more urgent. My parents went to BRU and tried several seats, none of which worked. I know they tried a Marathon, My Ride, Complete Air, and at least one other.

There has to be SOMEONE who has successfully installed a seat RFing in a Tacoma double cab. I don't even care if my kids can use it at this point--ANY successful install suitable for a 6 month old will work. HELP!

 

[1mommy]

Do they have an airbag off switch?

 

[xursusmaritimusx]

Have you considered an evenflo Sureride for your older daughter ?
And what about a evenflo symphony for the babies.
It has a no rethread harness which can be easily adjusted between the two younger children.

I only have experience with a 2007 tacoma and it has different seats in the back.

You might have to install the rear facing seat in the passenger seat with the airbag turned off.

Where do you live? There's probably a tech nearby who can assist you

 

[bubbaray]

I thought that the vehicle manual said no restraint on those folding seats. I could be confusing it with a different truck.

We had a 2009 Tacoma crew cab with four full doors and a regular backseat. OMG I hated installing restraints in that back seat. It sucked.

 

[xursusmaritimusx]

I thought that the vehicle manual said no restraint on those folding seats. I could be confusing it with a different truck.

We had a 2009 Tacoma crew cab with four full doors and a regular backseat. OMG I hated installing restraints in that back seat. It sucked.

Probably a different truck. The tacoma access cabs have LATCH in the back.