Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Child Safety Seats
| Child Safety Seats [message #210120] |
Thu, 06 June 2013 18:52  |
GS2
Messages: 18
Registered: May 2013
Location: Naples, FL / Detroit, MI
Karma: 1
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I want to preface this post by saying that I drove for 12 years on a public school bus with 30 other odd kids, unbuckled, with nary an issue.
With that being said my wife's crazy (concerned). Has anyone done anything out of the ordinary with regards to seat belting, anchoring, harnessing, caging!  Or have any input with regards to the proper restraint of two young children while traveling? For reference they're both under 60 lbs.
I want to also thank those that make this forum and the amazing black list possible. It's certainly the reason I'm going with a gmc over an airstream (or anything else for that matter).
Looking forward to the adventure!
guy
77' Kingsley (TZE167V100476)
[Updated on: Sun, 09 June 2013 18:22] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Child Safety Seats [message #210122 is a reply to message #210120] |
Thu, 06 June 2013 19:03  |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
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We travel with 3 little kids. My daughter is 3.5 years old and about 39lbs, my twin boys are 1.5 and 26 and 23lbs respectively. Until our last trip, we buckled 2 car seats into the couch and one into the dinette.
On this last trip, we did away with Annie's car seat. We did bring a booster, but didn't require she sit in it. Similarly, our boys (and Annie) do not spend all the time buckled into their seats during travel. We tend to use the bed in the back as a play area. I built a PVC baby gate to go across the entrance and the kids get time back there with Mom while we're under way.
Is it perfectly safe? Of course not. Ideally they would be buckled in, but since I do 5 hour stretches of driving when necessary that just isn't realistic. So for the boys, they are either buckled into the car seats or they are supervised in the back. My daughter can be buckled into her booster or supervised in the back. Sometimes she even sits up front, in the booster, with me.
You can look up the motor home seat belt laws for each state you are travelling through, however most do not have any carseat provisions. They may or may not have seat belt restrictions for non cab area passengers. Alabama, for example, has none except for the cab driver and passenger must be wearing a seat belt. In back of the cab, you can do what you want.
This is the most comprehensive listing I have found and I tend to reference it before we leave:
http://www.rvhelpdesk.com/seatbelt-laws.html
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
[Updated on: Thu, 06 June 2013 19:10] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Child Safety Seats [message #210176 is a reply to message #210120] |
Fri, 07 June 2013 08:06 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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I have a 5 and 6 year old. been traveling with them for almost 3 years in it.
I have always seatbelted them in their car seats. Right now I just use a booster.
either in the dinette or on the front couch. I do not put them up in the passenger seat, just because there is just one seat there, and they would fight over that spot. so I just make it not an option for that reason.
Depending on the situation, I think a person could argue seatbelts, or no seatbelts in that RV. if the thing goes up in smoke, you might not want to be seatbelted in.
I seat belt them in, so they are stuck in one place, and they are not getting into things. Also I do not have to worry about them falling over, if i turn, or stop. DVD player on their lap, and we are set to drive anywhere.
I do allow them to get up, and go to the bathroom in route, or quickly pick up a toy, or get a drink. But really only after I say it is OK depending on traffic and driving conditions. I would not want to do a panic stop, if they were not ready for it. they would take a tumble.
I also bring the boosters for them to sit in, in case we ever need to ride in another vehicle during our trips. it is easier to store those under their butts, then in the closet.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
[Updated on: Fri, 07 June 2013 08:07] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats [message #210214 is a reply to message #210176] |
Fri, 07 June 2013 14:00 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Well, I watched a pair of guys take an E-ticket ride at about 70 per in a Saturn sedan Wednesday afternoon. Traffic is going maybe 70 per on the 285, guy in froint of them swerved to miss a huge tire in the road, left them looking at it from ten feet away. Driver swerved, and at that point, he's a passenger. They were in the second lane from the median, car went up on two, dropped back and tagged the median head-on, backed across five lanes of traffic and got the verge wall, and spun to a stop fifty feet in front of me. Both wearing belts, got out and walked away. Car is junk. Anybod in it unbelted would be a (dead) missle.
Smack something solid in your coach, the 70 pound kid tags you in the back - at 70 per. You may well be unconscious when the ensuing fire breaks out. If the kid is tied down, you and he will likely be groggy but aware enough to unbelt and get the hell out of it before the flames make it to you.
Your coach, your child, your choice.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
________________________________
From: Jon Roche <lqqkatjon@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, June 7, 2013 9:06 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats
I have a 5 and 6 year old. been traveling with them for almost 3 years in it.
I have always seatbelted them in their car seats. Right now I just use a booster.
either in the dinette or on the front couch.
Depending on the situation, I think a person could argue seatbelts, or no seatbelts in that RV. if the thing goes up in smoke, you might not want to be seatbelted in.
I seat belt them in, so they are stuck in one place, and they are not getting into things. Also I do not have to worry about them falling over, if i turn, or stop. DVD player on their lap, and we are set to drive anywhere.
I do allow them to get up, and go to the bathroom in route, or quickly pick up a toy, or get a drink. But really only after I say it is OK depending on traffic and driving conditions. I would not want to do a panic stop, if they were not ready for it. they would take a tumble.
I also bring the boosters for them to sit in, in case we ever need to ride in another vehicle during our trips. it is easier to store those under their butts, then in the closet.
--
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Child Safety Seats [message #210218 is a reply to message #210120] |
Fri, 07 June 2013 14:27 |
1275gtsport
Messages: 272
Registered: September 2009
Location: Rothesay NB
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I must be getting old (only 47) but in the above accident Johnny just described... the Saturn was following too close for the speed he was driving. this is not NASCAR you don't need to draft on the highway. (tailgating is a pet peeve of mine) Or the driver was not at least looking far enough down the highway to be able to react to the road hazard.
Now I do not disagree that the seat belts are a good thing and should be worn. However If the kids are "penned" in at the rear they are not going to be flying around that far (much like a bus) I also believe that when your driving the gmc, or at with me I tend to drive a bit slower (most times) and try and stay away from the road jockey's while they are in a hurry to get to the grave.
But again ymmv
Adam Raeburn
Rothesay, NB
1976 Austin Mini
1977 GMC Palm Beach
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Once you replace everything that is attached to something else. It will all be fixed.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats [message #210240 is a reply to message #210218] |
Fri, 07 June 2013 18:44 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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I don't disagree with any of that. It is a fact of life in Atlanta rush hour. The reason they spun in front of me instead of into me is/was, I leave room. I leave even more in the GMC, I was travelling in a Ford Ranger with good tires and a working antiskid system. Every time I light up the antiskids, I figure I was too dam' close. Didn't on this one. Like I said, your kids, coach, and choice. I'll have the belt on. It's a numbers game, and the numbers are better that way.
--johnny
From: "1275gtsport@gmail.com" <1275gtsport@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, June 7, 2013 3:27 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats
I must be getting old (only 47) but in the above accident Johnny just described... the Saturn was following too close for the speed he was driving. this is not NASCAR you don't need to draft on the highway. (tailgating is a pet peeve of mine) Or the driver was not at least looking far enough down the highway to be able to react to the road hazard.
Now I do not disagree that the seat belts are a good thing and should be worn. However If the kids are "penned" in at the rear they are not going to be flying around that far (much like a bus) I also believe that when your driving the gmc, or at with me I tend to drive a bit slower (most times) and try and stay away from the road jockey's while they are in a hurry to get to the grave.
But again ymmv
--
Adam Raeburn
Rothesay, NB
1976 Austin Mini
1977 GMC Palm Beach
---------------------------------------------------
Once you replace everything that is attached to something else. It will all be fixed.
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats [message #210243 is a reply to message #210240] |
Fri, 07 June 2013 19:25 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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I can't understand how any reasonable person could argue against seat belt use for our most precious and vulnerable. Sure, you might site some obscure instance where being belted in could be less safe than being secured but the numbers show the opposite to be true.
Not trying to slam anyone here but my grand kids will never ride without being as secure as I can make them
Hal.
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
[Updated on: Fri, 07 June 2013 20:12] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats [message #210259 is a reply to message #210244] |
Fri, 07 June 2013 22:05 |
GS2
Messages: 18
Registered: May 2013
Location: Naples, FL / Detroit, MI
Karma: 1
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would love to hear more from you guys that have young kids on your adventures traveling in this thing!!
I'm of the mindset to let them bounce around the rv while dad drives 55 and takes it easy. however knowing my wife (and the way ppl drive today) these kids are going to wind up in 5 point harnesses.
on a few of the coaches I saw there were no seat belts at all in the dinette seating (which is where I'd think the best place for them to be is, facing forward). The coach we're buying has the benches removed and has two swiveling lounge chairs. I'm thinking of removing the rear one and puting a bench back in that has seat belts? Or maybe I can add belts or anchors after the fact? They're both still riding in car seats.. we're probably a year out from our oldest riding in a booster.
thanks for the warm welcome guys. happy to have found this place!!
guy
77 Kingsley
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| Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats [message #210306 is a reply to message #210259] |
Sat, 08 June 2013 07:49 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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| GS2 wrote on Fri, 07 June 2013 20:05 |
...
on a few of the coaches I saw there were no seat belts at all in the dinette seating (which is where I'd think the best place for them to be is, facing forward). The coach we're buying has the benches removed and has two swiveling lounge chairs. I'm thinking of removing the rear one and puting a bench back in that has seat belts? Or maybe I can add belts or anchors after the fact? They're both still riding in car seats.. we're probably a year out from our oldest riding in a booster. ...
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From what I have seen, I THINK that when these coaches were built they only required seatbelts on forward facing seats. Sideways and rear facing seating did not require it. (Something about the G force directions in the most common accidents.)
Many PO's have installed and removed so what you have could vary.
I would think the safest spot would be the rear facing dinette, if there was a seatbelt to fasten down the kid's car seats. (The only issue might be car sickness from facing backwards.)
Some RV's came with little notices about what seats were NOT designed to be occupied when moving... but I do not know about GMC's. I do not remember seeing any of the little plaques.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats [message #210315 is a reply to message #210259] |
Sat, 08 June 2013 08:53 |
Galen
Messages: 146
Registered: November 2011
Location: New Virginia, IA
Karma: 0
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I have 7 and 9 year old girls. This was, and I guess is, an item of concern with my wife and I when we first got the GMC. I have a friend with 3 kids and a class C, and his kids are all over it while he is driving. I lean more toward the airline model; the seat belt light is always on, but the kids get up to use the head, or change movies, but with permission. My wife usually rides shotgun, and I always drive.
If traffic starts to get heavy or erratic, the captain (that's me) or the general (my wife)tells the kids to stay in their seats. We have two flex steel swivel captain chairs where the original dinette would have been. We have them swivel the chairs so one faces forward and one faces back, and they usually read during these times. The table stays folded down. I am more concerned with a swerve, big bump, slam on the brakes type thing and I think the forward or rear facing is the safest position. We have 3 sets of seat belts on the couch behind the drivers seat. We don't use these, or haven't yet.
What we do.
Galen Briggs
New Virginia, Iowa
1978 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats [message #210321 is a reply to message #210315] |
Sat, 08 June 2013 09:29 |
Mike Teets
Messages: 299
Registered: January 2004
Location: Dublin, OH
Karma: 0
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My kids are now 10, 17 and 20. Bought the coach 12 years ago so we have
been through all of the stages. We always buckled them in and took extra
care to get the safety seats installed right including installing belts in
the rear facing seat for the infant. Drilled through the aluminum frame
for those. I always removed the dinette table and stowed it so there would
not be head injuries in a crash. Never had an accident, did have some
complaining about being belted in, and have no regrets.
Now when we travel, the only complaint is there is not enough electrical
outlets to power the necessary devices while going down the road.
Mike, Dublin OH
On Sat, Jun 8, 2013 at 9:53 AM, Galen Briggs <gpbriggs@iowatelecom.net>wrote:
>
>
> I have 7 and 9 year old girls. This was, and I guess is, an item of
> concern with my wife and I when we first got the GMC. I have a friend with
> 3 kids and a class C, and his kids are all over it while he is driving. I
> lean more toward the airline model; the seat belt light is always on, but
> the kids get up to use the head, or change movies, but with permission. My
> wife usually rides shotgun, and I always drive.
>
> If traffic starts to get heavy or erratic, the captain (that's me) or the
> general (my wife)tells the kids to stay in their seats. We have two flex
> steel swivel captain chairs where the original dinette would have been. We
> have them swivel the chairs so one faces forward and one faces back, and
> they usually read during these times. The table stays folded down. I am
> more concerned with a swerve, big bump, slam on the brakes type thing and I
> think the forward or rear facing is the safest position. We have 3 sets of
> seat belts on the couch behind the drivers seat. We don't use these, or
> haven't yet.
>
> What we do.
> --
> Galen Briggs
> New Virginia, Iowa
> 1978 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
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Mike, GMCing since 2002
77 Palm Beach, 260, 403
Dublin, OH
http://teamteets.com/gmc/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats [message #210377 is a reply to message #210306] |
Sat, 08 June 2013 18:11 |
gbarrow2
Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Mike,
My 76 Palm Beach and 76 Eleganza both have two seat belts on the sofa aft of the driver.
In the dinette both coaches have holes drilled through the floor and firewall with anchor nuts and bolts for the installation of seatbelts in forward and rear facing seats.
I think they came that way from GMC. I discovered this after removing the furniture and carpet.
Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats [message #210379 is a reply to message #210377] |
Sat, 08 June 2013 18:19 |
GS2
Messages: 18
Registered: May 2013
Location: Naples, FL / Detroit, MI
Karma: 1
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Junior Member |
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Mike, I had read that somewhere too. I'm thinking my best bet is to find a used rear dinette that I can install in place of the rear swiveling lounge chair.
anyone know a good spot to find a used rear dinette? probably a new post on here?
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| Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats [message #210461 is a reply to message #210244] |
Sun, 09 June 2013 11:47 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Uh, Dan... yours is as thick as m9ne :)
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
From: Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, June 7, 2013 8:26 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats
Guy, I have nothing to add in regard to the child seats. But, I want to welcome you to this group. Always good to see a guy from Detroit show up. That is the city of my birth. Took me a long time to shake that accent.
Hope to see you around.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
Dexter, Mo.
http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Child Safety Seats [message #210504 is a reply to message #210120] |
Sun, 09 June 2013 18:22 |
GS2
Messages: 18
Registered: May 2013
Location: Naples, FL / Detroit, MI
Karma: 1
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Junior Member |
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Mickey, appreciate the offer, but California's more of a hike than I can do. I'm guessing though there's more than a few people who would be interested in your area?
I've seen about a 102 gmc links, but don't recall one that sells used parts/fixtures from existing coaches? If there is one, could someone point me in the right direction please.
In the interim I'm thinking I should post the request as a new post and let people know that there's a dinette and twin bed set available in cali!
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| Re: [GMCnet] Child Safety Seats [message #211060 is a reply to message #210306] |
Fri, 14 June 2013 10:23 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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[quote title=Mike Miller wrote on Sat, 08 June 2013 05:49]| GS2 wrote on Fri, 07 June 2013 20:05 |
...
Some RV's came with little notices about what seats were NOT designed to be occupied when moving... but I do not know about GMC's. I do not remember seeing any of the little plaques.
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My coach has those little placards on the rear-facing dinette seat and couch, and neither had seat belts installed. Since we transport seven high school kids back and forth to Mexico a couple times a year (church high school project), I wasn't willing to let them turn into unguided missiles in the event of a crash. I installed new belts - bolting to the aluminum frame for the rear-facing dinette seats, and for the couch, I used a 1/2" braided steel cable looped around the frame rail on one end, and a guy wire anchor eyebolt at the other end. I ran it along the hinge of the seat cushion, using PVC pipe to keep the belts in place.
But everyone has their own level of comfort when it comes to seat belts. My daughter won't let her kids ride in the coach because it doesn't have shoulder belts (which, IMHO are a little pointless in an RV using child seats, but I'm not going to try to talk her into doing something she's not comfortable with). The real protection is having 12,000 pounds of mass around the young'uns, IMHO.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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