Positioning 2 seats in the back of 2003 4Runner

[c2lane]

We are expecting DD #2 and currently our 18 month rides in the center, in Britax RA. I have a friend who has a 2003 4Runner and she mentioned there are only latches on the outside seats, which I don't understand because we currently have the seat latched in the middle.

Anyone else have a 2003 4Runner with more than 1 carseat?

Also, what would be the best positioning for the RA and an infant seat?

Thanks in advance!

~Carrie
mom to Dillan Rose 01/02/04
& our 2nd blessing due 10/6/05

http://lilypie.com/baby2/040102/3/4/1/-8/.png[/img][/url]
http://lilypie.com/days/051006/2/5/1/-8/.png[/img][/url]

[DebbieJ]

I'd double check your car's owners manual about using LATCH in the center. Unless it expressly says YES you can do it, then you CAN'T! The width of the anchors would not be able to withstand crash forces.

If you can fit the two seats side by side, I'd leave the RA center (although installed with the seat belt if need be) and the infant seat outboard. If they both have to go outboard, then it really doesn't matter.

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

[SarahK]

I don't think you can use LATCH in the center in a 4Runner. It looks like you can because the outboard LATCH anchors are convienently positioned, but in reality you are actually using one LATCH from each of the two outboard positions...which is NOT good in the event of a crash.

We made this mistake in our Jeep Liberty before our daughter was born and luckily a very observant technician caught it for us when we had the seat inspected.

[Fireman_Dad]

Carrie,

WE have the same year and model 4Runner. Two seats, one on each side. The center position is not for latch. You can use the belt but the latches are for the outside positions.

We have Marathon behind driver, Snugride behind pass.

J

[pritchettzoo]

We have a 2003 4Runner. DD's Marathon is behind the driver's seat FF (she's at lb limit--feel like I need to justify ;)) and DS's Marathon is right now RF in the center position. We were hoping that we'd be able to fit Grandma in the backseat if necessary so we were trying them next to each other that way. After reading this thread, we will be moving him outboard immediately. DH wasn't able to fasten it with the seat belt (something about it retracting like it was possessed?) and did it with the anchors not knowing differently. Thank God we never had a crash before! I never thought I would say this, but I really want a minivan.

Anna
Mama to Gracie (Sept '03) and Eli (July '05)