Rear-facing car seat in Double Cab?

Debra in Cali · May 28, 2015

I am going to be testing the rear facing car seat with my grandson in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the heads up to put it in the center seat. I was figuring that was where it was going to go anyway. Since I am so short that I have to have the seat up pretty close, I think that it could sit behind the driver's seat as well. I purchased my dc for the purpose of transporting grandkids for trips and when I babysit. Between the safety seat and the 5 star accident rating for these trucks I don't see how they could be injured beyond repair during an accident. That is unless you have an 18 wheeler fall on top of the cab.

c0ld29 · May 28, 2015

I must respectfully disagree. Features typically add bulk, not safety. All car seats in the US must meet the same performance requirements with regard to safety regardless of size. Whether or not said car seat can change the child's diaper or double as a college writing desk is another matter entirely. The car seat's purpose is to restrain or otherwise keep the kid in the seat and let the vehicle take the impact. Cup holders don't help with this. Besides, the smaller and (possibly) stiffer DC cabin may even perform better in situations such as a roll over.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx

And if the OP can afford the ~$4k bump for the CC, he/she can probably afford a SAFE car seat that easily fits a DC.

NOW, let me be PERFECTLY crystal clear here. I am in NO WAY shape or form recommending anyone compromise the safety of their child simply over the looks of a vehicle. That would get u the douchebag parent of the century award right there.

As with any safety product there is always a minimum standard. Meeting that standard and exceeding it can make a difference.

Don't get me wrong, I agree with you 100% on the extra accessories not needed and that a car seat that is larger (or more expensive) specifically because of add ons are not any safer. I think we also agree that depending on your size and preference of seat position that you can fit most car seats into any vehicle. I was just making the point that the larger ones are usually the safer ones.

On a side note, send me a link to the one that changes diapers. I would really enjoy not having to do that anymore.

88junior · May 29, 2015

I am a state certified car seat installer/inspector. I can tell you from experience, both professionally and from installing seats for my own children, there is absolutely no difference between the cheapest seat and the most expensive. All seats are required to pass strict testing from NHTSA and if installed correctly, perform the same. However, most problems arise when people dont follow installation instructions from both the car seat as well as vehicle manufacturer. However, I do recomment taking the seat as well as the child to a dealership and putting them in the vehicle for a test fit. Remember, if you do this, make sure to install the seat as you would once you buy the truck and dont just sit it in there. Having said all that, I too spared no expense when buying seats for my children. But I had all the room I needed going in so that wasnt an issue.

Imcrazy · May 29, 2015

My buddy and I had to do some running around with my truck, he didn't have one at the time, to pick up some things for his house, we took his son in the rear facing seat in my DC, it would work fine in the middle but his particular seat was too big for an adult to sit up front with the kid in passenger back seat. I'm planning on having a kid of my own in a few years and my truck won't be the main family vehicle at that time I'll get the Mrs. a mid size suv or crossover, If not for that I'd want a crew. I didn't get a crew because the extra $$ they charge, err rip you off for, on the crew wasn't worth it to me.

Rawyzf · May 29, 2015

Crew isn't a rip off at all, lol, it's all about what you need. Wether it's kids or hauling 4 adults, crew is worth every penny in my opinion.

Mikeysentra · May 29, 2015

I traded my 14 DC SLE for a 15 CC Denali because it was too tight for my twins Rear facing child Seats. If I were you I would definetly go Crew. My Wife drives a 15 Traverse for main kid duty but for family trip where a truck is needed it was worth it to trade for the crew for the extra room. the front seats were moved up pretty far and uncomfortable with the DC

nards444 · May 29, 2015

Crew isn't a rip off at all, lol, it's all about what you need. Wether it's kids or hauling 4 adults, crew is worth every penny in my opinion.

Agreed if you need it you need it. But I would agree with the other guy, the price is rip off regardless if you need it or not. Theres not 4 grand worth of extra steel in there.

bdbake01 · May 29, 2015

Agreed if you need it you need it. But I would agree with the other guy, the price is rip off regardless if you need it or not. Theres not 4 grand worth of extra steel in there.

Amen.

Rawyzf · May 29, 2015

Agreed if you need it you need it. But I would agree with the other guy, the price is rip off regardless if you need it or not. Theres not 4 grand worth of extra steel in there.

It's not extra steel, it's the ability to haul 4 adults comfortably and not needing 2 trucks to get 4 guys to a job. Like I said though, to each their own. Buy what fits your needs.

chevy2tuff2006 · May 29, 2015

Boy what did we do in the 90's

nards444 · May 29, 2015

Boy what did we do in the 90's

lol. this comes to mind every time.

It's not extra steel, it's the ability to haul 4 adults comfortably and not needing 2 trucks to get 4 guys to a job. Like I said though, to each their own. Buy what fits your needs.

I agree to each his own and if you need it you need, not discounting it. Still doesnt mean there is $4k worth of product there as in thats what it cost to make.

Rawyzf · May 29, 2015

Boy what did we do in the 90's

Yeah, I think about that too.

RKeeper1 · May 29, 2015

I traded my 14 double cab for a 15 crew for this exact reason. Yeah the standard bed would be nicer but I'll get by.

heavyclay · May 29, 2015

My 2014 Double Cab. My daughter rides rear facing in a Cosco Scenera Next, she is 1yr old and weighs 20lbs, don't remember height. The Scenera seat is the most shallow seat currently made and is typically only bought for those with limited rear space. After much research at www.Car-seat.org that's what I went with. When she was in a infant seat with base, she most defiantly had to have her seat in the middle position. Was a big pain in the ass getting seat in and out due to grab handles Yes the passenger front seat has to be moved forward some, but my wife at 5'5" has no problem being comfortable. We typically drive her 2012 Grand cherokee anyway.

My son is 2.5 and rides in his Cosco Harnessed High back booster. He has no problem with leg room. I have made no sacrifice with my seat adjustment. I am still in my normal everyday position.

My truck is a lease and yes the price of a crew cab was an extra $100/mo at the time. So it wasn't in the budget and felt like a rip off. But I will be going with a full crew cab next time around