The LATCH system is only on the left and right rear seat. The center position is not LATCH capable. You will have to use the seat belt, which should work fine. You may just need to re-evaluate the install if the base moves around more than a couple of inches. When I installed the base in my truck, I really had to bear down on the base with almost all of my weight, and pull the seatbelt hard to get the base secure. And actually, the seatbelt is a better method to anchor a child seat, if done right. The LATCH system is only rated for 40lbs or something like that whereas seatbelts, obviously, are designed for much greater weights.

Also, don't be afraid (or ashamed) of going to your local fire department to get assistance with the install. They will help you free of charge. Better to swallow your pride and get help to do it right than for you to assume it was done right and have your kid hurt in an accident.

 

Thanks for your input. When it comes to my family, there is no shame in swallowing my pride. Heck, I am one of the rare males that will stop and ask for directions if I'm lost too! LOL

 

I personally always found it easier to have the seat in the pass side... Close to curb or sidewalk, and a I didn't have to climb over ppl and seats with baby in hand trying to get to the center.

 

For this exact reason, is why I have it mounted on the passenger side already (and also because I am a gentleman and still open my wife's door for her, so I'm already on that side of the truck). But what got me to thinking about relocation for long road trips is the 6-8 inches between the car seat and the door that is an empty void and could be used for more 'stretch-out' room by one of the older two.

 

Well as we all know the center seat is the safest and props to the OP for seeking the best way to protect the most precious cargo. Hospitals and most Police Departments have someone that is trained in car seat and will come out to your vehicle and show you the best way to go about securing the seat.

 

All 3 answers are correct. My wife is a nurse. Local hospitals fire departments and police agencies get together locally where I'm at all the time to put on child restraint demonstrations and help people do it right. So visit anyone of the 3 or go to a local event.

Scott and Darknight, thank you for your input. I have a fire station within walking distance from my house so I will go pay them a visit. I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and comments...it's why I posted my question on here in the first place.

 

All 3 answers are correct. My wife is a nurse. Local hospitals fire departments and police agencies get together locally where I'm at all the time to put on child restraint demonstrations and help people do it right. So visit anyone of the 3 or go to a local event.

 

Elmore, I don't know what type of car seat you have or if this will work with that particular car seat, but have you considered removing the center 3 point harness and replacing it with an aftermarket lap belt? That way you can use the factory attachment points which are reinforced and with the lap belt you can really cinch it down.

Good luck, I hope you find something that works to keep your little one safe and secure.

 

I haven't thought of that. It's a little more permanent of a modification than I was thinking of doing but it's not a bad idea. I'll look into that, Thank you for the suggestion.

 

I just installed a car seat in my truck and if you read the f150 owners manual, I believe it says you can use the center seat if the car seat manual says it's ok to use attachment points wider than the standard 11". My Chico seat specifically said no, but maybe others do.

Double check but I swear that's what the f150 manual said.


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I just installed a car seat in my truck and if you read the f150 owners manual, I believe it says you can use the center seat if the car seat manual says it's ok to use attachment points wider than the standard 11". My Chico seat specifically said no, but maybe others do.

Double check but I swear that's what the f150 manual said.



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As in: Attach one of the car seat base clips to the inner LATCH of the driver side seat and the other to the inner LATCH of the passenger side? I hadn't thought of that either. I'll definitely check into that when I get home and can play around with it. And if that seems to work, then I'll run up the street to the fire station and see if that would pass their inspection.

 

Pretty sure when my two girls were in those stupid bases that as long as the base couldn't move side to side more than an inch it was A okay. Its been about 5 years though lol. As soon as they were 2 they went straight into a High back booster.