3 Car Seats in an Access Cab/ Utility Package: DONE

Good for you OP. Cracks me up how people here insist if you have 1 kid you NEED a double cab, and any more than that you NEED a full size crew cab.

I grew up doing family road trips in a dodge Colt, a bigger vehicle is nice but it's not a necessity.

 

That looks rad, makes me dream of before I had gotten rid of my access cab. However plywood doesn’t exactly seem like something that I would figure into a safety restraint/structural setup. If it works for you it works, looks clean.

 

That first picture reminds me of an early space capsule.

 

While we are reviving this thread,

I told them they are Baja racing seats and they’re stoked.

Genius! Father of the Year right here folks.

 

was wondering if this is legal? I’m about to order a Tacoma and really want to save the 1700 with the utility package but need two car seats in the back. Love your idea. Any insight to the legality? If you got in a wreck would insurance cover medical bills? Could you get a ticket? Thanks!

 

While I doubt a police officer will know nearly enough about car seat safety to check, car seats are tested against manufacturer built cars - not after market, in your garage DIY (as clean as this looks)

I know people want the trucks and cars they want, but putting children’s safety at risk isn’t worth it.

All forward facing seats need a top tether anchor, which I’m not sure the access cab has even for the two outboard seats it has. The only exception is on an airplane.

Have I read every single car seat manual? No, but please don’t do this. And don’t give me the “when I had kids we didn’t even use car seats” excuse. Seat belts didn’t exist for the longest time either. Also cures for diseases!

 

Wow, looks not only uncomfortable, but unsafe.

 

Im shocked three of them fit side by side. Of course, I have the same car seats for my kids and they are pretty slim

 

I stand corrected. But that middle seat he’s got doesn’t have one from the factory which is the culprit and why I went on my soapbox.

 

Indeed. Post is 2 yo, It's only a guess how he attached all 3 seats "properly".

 

get off your high horse. Some body that knows what they are doing can make them just as safe as the manufacturer. I didn’t ask your opinion on safety. I asked about legality.

 

In my eyes it is a perfect example of "just because you can does not mean that you should!"

But, it isn't my kids, so their wellbeing isn't my problem.

I am curious as to what the sticker on your door jam says about legal occupancy in the truck though...

 

Why can’t you just give an answer instead of trying to sound high and mighty? Nobody gives two sh*ts about what your personal opinions. Answer the question or mind your own business.

 

cool story bro.

 

So two seats, legal, maybe. As I mentioned, the door sticker states the maximum occupancy of the vehicle. If the door sticker only says 2 because of the utility package option, you COULD get a ticket, insurance COULD deny your claim if your kid is maimed, and family COULD sue you for wrongful death or any other thing that sue happy folks like to come up with.

Three seats, probably not legal, fully not safe since seats are supposed to use the OEM LATCH systems.

But, I encourage you to father your kids however you choose. I am sure that nothing bad could happen when ensuring to save 1,700.00. I mean, it is indeed only two children. What could go wrong?!?

 

It’s a web forum, where we all get to share ideas and opinions. No need to be angry and disrespectful. If you need legal advice in confidence, you can reach out to a local attorney.

 

Oh, yet another legal aspect of it, all car seats are tested with factory vehicle seats. Vehicle seats have to meet certain standards as well. So, installing a car seat without a factory seat would probably be incorrect use of the car seat. I would imagine that you could read the instructions on the car seat to verify that. I have never installed a car seat though, so what do I know.

 

You could just get the regular access cab that retains the rear seating and wall anchors to attach to, and just remove the lower seat platform if you aren’t running the kids seats and need the space. 3 bolts and each seat is out. Sure it’s a little more expensive but you have all the seat provisions in place and not need to worry about if a diy setup is going to hold in a collision, nor worry about the legalities.

 

No, no!

Saving money is FAR more important than the safety of the next generation!!