If you’re traveling in an RV with your children, the best option is to put the car seat in the passenger seat. This is because the passenger seat is typically the safest spot of a car seat in RVs.
If there is no passenger airbag, the rear-facing car seat might also be a good option. However, if you are traveling with more than one child, you may have to make some tough decisions.
The best option in this case would be to travel in another vehicle.
In this guide, we will discuss how to travel safely in RVs with your children.
We will also provide information on RV car seat laws plus some detailed information on how to install a car seat in an RV.
So, if you’re ready to learn more about traveling safely in RVs with your children, let’s get started!
How Do You Travel Safely?
You can travel safely with children in RVs by following some basic safety tips. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure your children are properly restrained in a car seat at all times while you are driving.
- If your children have car seats, tow a vehicle instead of using an RV. That way, they can ride safely in their own car seats rather than being unrestrained in the RV.
- If you do use an RV, be sure to check that it has appropriate seating for car seats and that the seat belts meet safety standards.
- Remember that even with proper safety precautions, passengers in an RV are still at risk of being injured by flying objects in the event of an accident.
- Smaller RVs, such as class B or C, that are based on a regular van or truck frame must meet the same safety standards as passenger cars. RVs that are later models are more likely to have the necessary features for car seat installation.
- We do not recommend the front seat for children, but in the case of an RV, it may be the only safe seat to use for a child restraint.
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Can You Put Car Seats In An RV?
Yes, car seats can be installed in RVs. Many RVs have LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) systems, which make it easy to install car seats.
If your RV does not have a LATCH system, you can still install car seats using the seat belts.
Always follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions when installing a car seat. If you have infants then they need to be in a rear-facing car seat.
If you have toddlers, they can be in a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Booster seats are for children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats.
Remember to always buckle up yourself and your passengers, even when riding in an RV.
The seating in an RV can be different than in a car, so you would need to make sure that the car seat is installed correctly according to seating arrangement in an RV.
You can always contact the car seat manufacturer or a certified child passenger safety technician for help.
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Where Do You Put Car Seats In An RV?
Generally, you can put car seats in the RV wherever you would find compatible seating arrangements and seat belts.
In most RVs, you would find compatible places in dinette or booth-style seating.
If you find any difficulty, you can contact the car seat manufacturer or a certified child passenger safety technician for help.
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Car Seat in RV with Kids: How to Install Car Seat in Motorhome
Depending on the model of your RV, you might be able to find LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) systems.
These make it easier to install car seats. If your RV does not have a LATCH system, you can still install car seats using the seat belts.
Always follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions when installing a car seat in an RV.
You need to use rear-facing car seats, If you have infants. You need to use a forward-facing car seat with a harness, If you have toddlers.
Children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats can use Booster seats. Remember to always buckle up yourself and your passengers, even when riding in an RV.
The seating in an RV can be different than in a car, so you would need to make sure that the car seat is installed correctly according to the seating arrangement in your RV as well as according to the age and size of your child.
Here are some general tips for installing RV car seat according to different age groups of children:
9 Year Old RV Car Seat
For installing a 9 year old RV car seat, you can use a Ride Safer travel vest. This should be placed in a forward-facing dinette seat with a built-in anchor point.
You will need to thread the seat belt through the shoulder vest loops and buckle it. The lap portion of the seat belt should fit snugly across the child’s thighs, and the shoulder belt should fit snugly across the chest.
You can then adjust the straps to get a snug fit. Sometimes, you need to remove cushioning from the seat to get a snug fit.
You can also use a pool noodle or rolled-up towel to raise the child up so that the shoulder belt fits properly.
7 Year Old RV Car Seat
For installing a 7 year old RV car seat, you will use a forward-facing 5-point harness. The car seat should be in a forward-facing dinette seat with a built-in anchor point.
You will need to remove the cushions from the seat to get a snug fit. You can also use a pool noodle or rolled-up towel to raise the child up so that the shoulder belt fits properly.
5 Year Old RV Car Seat
A convertible 5-point harness, which is used in the forward facing position but facing backwards, must be utilized when installing a 5-year-old RV car seat.
Attach the car seat to a backward-facing dinette seat using the EATAL safety strap, which should be anchored to a metal bar located under the driver’s seat.
2 Year Old Car Seat in RV
For installing a 2 year old car seat in an RV, you will use a convertible 5-point harness that is installed in the rear-facing position.
The car seat should be in a side-facing bench. You will need to use the lap belt to secure the car seat.
5 Month Old Car Seat in RV
For installing a 5 month old car seat in an RV, you will use a rear-facing infant bucket car seat. The car seat should be on a side-facing bench. You will need to use the lap belt to secure the car seat.
You should always make sure that the car seat is installed correctly according to the instructions. You should also make sure that your child is buckled in properly.
Read Also: Car Seat Expiration: How Long Are Car Seats Good For?
What Are The Types of Recreational Vehicles
Recreational vehicles are divided into three main categories: motorhomes, towable RVs, and camping trailers.
Motorhomes are self-propelled RVs that come in a variety of sizes and styles. The two most popular types of motorhomes are Class A, Class B and Class C.
Class A motorhomes are the largest and most luxurious, while Class B and Class C are smaller and more affordable.
Towable RVs include fifth wheels, travel trailers, pop-up campers, and toy haulers.
Fifth wheels are towed by a pickup truck with a special hitch in the bed of the truck, while travel trailers and pop-up campers can be towed by any vehicle with a trailer hitch.
Toy haulers are a type of travel trailer that has a garage in the back for storing recreational vehicles such as motorcycles or ATVs.
Camping trailers are small, lightweight trailers that can be towed by a car or SUV. They are typically much less expensive than other types of RVs and are perfect for weekend getaways or short trips.
In this entire guide, we discuss RVs as Motorhomes. Let’s discuss the traveling in each class of Motorhomes RVs:
Traveling in a Class A RV
Class A is an experience like no other. These massive bus-like motorhomes are luxurious and spacious, with all the comforts of home.
Class A RVs can range in length from 25 to 45 feet, and sleep up to 10 people comfortably.
Class A RVs typically have a diesel engine and can weigh up to 40,000 pounds. They also have a large basement area underneath for storage.
Class A RVs have many large windows, making for great views while on the road.
These RVs come up with plenty of safety features like lap restraints and booster seats for the little ones.
And since they’re over 10000 pounds, Class A RVs do not have to be crash-tested like smaller vehicles. And hence, they do not meet federal seat belt requirements.
Since a child can roam around freely in a Class A RV, and seating arrangement may provide false safety so it is essential that you keep a watch on your kids at all times.
According to most state laws, you have to install the child safety seats and booster seats in the RV as per the instructions of the manufacturer.
Traveling in a Class B RV
Class B RVs are the most popular type of motorhome, and for good reason. They are compact, easy to drive, and affordable.
Class Bs typically sleep up to 4 people, and have a van-like design with two or three front seats and a back seat or bench.
Class B RVs weigh between 6,000 and 8,000 pounds and unlike Class A RVs they must pass federal seat belt standards.
They also come with car seats that can be safely attached to the back passenger seats. Most Class B RVs have dinettes and rear sofas that offer lap belts for additional safety.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable motorhome, a Class B RV is a great option.
Traveling in a Class C RV
If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable motorhome, a Class C RV is a great option. These RVs are built on a truck chassis, which makes them tough and easy to drive.
They are recognized as truck bed campers, which is perfect for sleeping or storage. Class C RVs weigh over 10,000 pounds and are not required to pass federal seat belt standards.
This means that the belts are attached to the chassis frame instead of just the boards in the bench seats.
Class C RVs come with many features, such as large windows, air conditioning, and a kitchenette.
They also typically have a back seat that is the safest place for a child to sit. The back seat offers lap belts for additional safety.
However, Class C RVs are hard to find with a crew cab. This means that only the front seats can be used for seating, and the back seat is best used for storage.
Car Seat In RV: FAQs
Can you put car seats in an RV?
Yes, you can use a car seat in your RV. Most RVs have seat belts that can support booster seats,, and top tether anchor car seats. However, you should always check to see if your RV is compatible with the car seat that you have.
Where do you put an infant car seat in an RV?
You can put an infant car seat on a passenger seat in an RV if there is no airbag. The best option for a forward-facing child is the passenger seat.
If you have twins or more children, it might be best to travel in another vehicle so you don’t have to make tough decisions.
How do you travel with a toddler in an RV?
You can travel with a toddler in an RV by making sure they are safely buckled into their car seat. You should also follow safety guidelines to ensure overall safety while traveling in a motorhome.
Can you travel in the back of a motorhome without seatbelts?
No, you cannot travel in the back of a motorhome without seatbelts. All seats in a motorhome are required to have seatbelts, and it is illegal to travel without them.
If you are caught not wearing a seatbelt while traveling in a motorhome, you could face a hefty fine.
The Bottom Line:
If you’re traveling with children, it’s important to use a car seat while in your RV. Not only will this keep them safe while on the road, but it can also make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
In this guide, we have discussed the best way to install a car seat in an RV and provide some tips for keeping your little ones safe while on vacation.
We have also explained the different types of recreational vehicles so that you can choose the right one for your family.
Ultimately, the decision to use a car seat in your RV is up to you. However, if you’re looking for a safe and comfortable way to travel with your children, we recommend giving it a try.
With a little planning and preparation, you can make sure that everyone has a great time on your next RV trip.
