Question Trying to fit 3 carseats in 2012 Ford Explorer

[rosesmattie]

Does anyone have experience fitting 3 seats into the 2012 Ford explorer with inflatable seat belts?

We are expecting our 3rd baby and I am trying to figure out how to fit 3 seats in our 2012 Ford Explorer limited. I would love to put 3 across the 2nd row, just don't love the idea of having one enter/exit through the rear lift gate. The 2nd row seems too small for 3 seats. Willing purchase new seats before buying a new vehicle to make this work.

5 year old currently using Recaro Prosport in harness mode, close to weight limit for LATCH so close to booster mode (also have a Graco Nautilus in husband's truck we will likely have to use vs. Recaro due to inflatable seat belts)

2.5 year old in 1st gen Chicco Nextfit with LATCH installation (can also use our Britax Marathon 70 here) recently forward facing.

ISO new infant seat, as our infant seat is expired.

 

[jess71903]

I don't know about 3-across, but to avoid loading through the lift gate, you could put the FF harnessed kid in the 3rd row, on the same side as booster rider, then push the booster forward or over to flip the seat to access the 3rd row.

 

[Kegracin]

I messaged Monica as I know she has this vehicle and has done rear facing seats in it. So hopefully she'll come along with help

 

[aporthole]

3 across in these newer Explorers is EXTREMELY difficult. The center seat is incompatible with many seats and there is some belt overlap between the driver side and center seats. Using lower anchors for the driver side seat and seat belt for center is the only way to avoid the overlap.

 

[aporthole]

I also know a forward facing Radian is incompatible in that center seat. Your best bet with this vehicle is 2 kids outboard 2nd row and 1 kid passenger side 3rd row who loads through the hatch with the 60 split of 3rd row stored.

 

[DogznKatz]

Most car seat manufacturers do not allow installing theri seats with inflatable seat belts. We are told to use LATCH, which can only be used in Ford to child weight + carseat weight= 65 pounds.

Britax allows specific seats: http://www.britaxusa.com/support/inflatable-seat-belt-policy

Chicco says not to use their lock offs.

 

[monica-m]

You cannot put three across in the Explorer when it has inflatable seat belts. There are no seats on the market that will work in the center seating position. The bench is slightly different and the hinges make it impossible to install a seat there according to Kecia's review on Carseatblog.

Your lower anchor limit is 48 lbs. (depending on the car seat). After that weight, you have to switch to the seat belt. Since the Britax statement has been posted, I won't go back over that.

You can't load over the back of the third row, but you can fold down the seat on the driver's side and load from there. I do this sometimes as my 4 year old rides in the 3rd row most of the time. I'll fold the seat, help him in so he doesn't step on the bumper (it's plastic and can break off if they climb on it), and then I'll climb in and help him buckle.

Good luck. The inflatable seat belts really make working with this vehicle and car seats difficult since they make the center seat useless.

 

[DogznKatz]

Thanks Monica - - didn't have my LATCH Manual!

For readers: Ford says 48# child weight for Model Year 2013 and earlier. For Model 2014 and newer child+ seat weights to 65 pounds.

 

[rosesmattie]

Thank you all so much for the helpful information! I am disappointed with this vehicle for a variety of reasons, but will have to deal with the inconveniences...first world problems for sure.