Three Seats Across in a car/van/SUV
Please share your experiences here in putting three seats across - include make/model of vehicle and brand/model of seats, as well as the method of install (LATCH, RF, FF, etc.). Thanks!
This thread is also a good resource:
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=33226
04 Pilot/08 Accord 4 dr/10 Compass
Well, after TONS of help from the fantastic folks at carseat.org, I have successfully managed not one but three 3-across installs. They are:
1) 04 Honda Pilot: Graco Sungride on driver's side (LATCH), FF RN 80 center and passenger side (seatbelt install). The seatbelt install on the RN is very tricky - it took me about an hour to get the hang of it at first, but now I can get it in and out pretty easily. One thing to note: the RN in the center position is noticeably higher and farther forward vs. the one to the side - I'm guessing due to the shape of the rear seat.
2) 08 Honda Accord 4 dr: FF MA on driver's side (seatbelt), FF RN 65 in center (belt), Graco Snugride on passenger side (seatbelt). Didn't actually think this would work, but it did.
3) 10 Jeep Compass: FF RN 80 outboard (belt), Graco Snugride center (belt)
Now my next challenge will come when DC#3 outgrows the Snugride, but I'm thinking that 3 RN's, one of which will be RF, will be a piece of cake in comparison to these other configurations!
Dec 2010 update:
Well, DC#3 has now graduated to a RF RN XTSL and I'm pleased to announce that it's now LATCH-installed on the passenger side of the 04 Pilot with the two additional RN 80's in the center (seatbelt) and driver's side (LATCH) FF. This was a breeze (I knew from prior experience with this vehicle where to find & secure an appropriate tether anchor); I'm hoping it will go as smoothly in the 08 Accord and the 10 Compass!