Can dealer install LATCH System for Car Seats?

Question

We just got a 1999 Dodge Caravan. We want to put the carseat in the middle row, but the seatbelt spans over that walkway to the third row, so I don't know how safe it is to put a carseat in that seat with the seatbelt reaching over almost 2 feet from it's origination point... I thought it would be safest if the seatbelt attached to the car near the bottom of the baby seat like normal vehicles. SO I was wondering if a dealer could install the LATCH System for me, or if it was something that I was just out of luck on.

I can't put the baby's car seat on the third row, because the back of the carseat would be facing me and I can't climb in the back of the van and lift her over the back of her carseat to put her in... that makes no sense at all and I don't know if it's even possible for me to do it.

And I can't put her carseat on the other seat in the middle, because this stupid van only has the sliding door on the passenger side. So any help/ideas would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

LATCH consists of both lower anchors (found in the crease of the seat) and top tethers (located behind or above the seat). The top tethers became required in 2000 and lower anchors in 2002. Some heavy trucks and SUVs and convertible cars are exempt from this requirement. Unfortunately, lower anchors cannot be retrofitted but top tethers can. Basically, that means you would still need to use seat belts.



Is there more than one seating position with a seat belt in the middle row? The 3rd row might be your only choice. Could you put the baby in the van going through the back of the van instead of the front (if that makes sense).



Find a car seat tech in your area to help you install her car seat. You can find one here: http://www.seatcheck.org/ or http://www.usa.safekids.org/tier2_rl.cfm...

Answer 2

I don't see why it wouldn't be safe - they made that seatbelt and crash tested it the way that it is. So it is MADE to be used, whether by car seat or person. Use it by all means, if that is the position the seat needs to be in.



You can not have LATCH lower anchors put in - they have to be factory installed, cars after 2002 have them standard in some seating positions. But you can get a tether anchor (the top tether part of LATCH) installed rather easily, some dealerships will even install one for free.



I also don't see why the middle seat in the middle row won't work. Go around to the passenger side (like you'd have to do anyways to put the seat in the outboard position) and climb in and put her in the middle, if that's where you really want her. Some maneuvering really isn't a big deal. Soon enough she'll be able to climb into her own seat and all youll have to do is buckle!

Answer 3

No, the best thing you can do is make sure you install it properly, pull the seat belt all the way out before you strap in the seat and it will automatically lock and won't go out unless you put the entire seatbelt back in.

Answer 4

take vehicle to local fire or police station for help on how to secure car seat in vehicle, most local station are really happy to assist you with this. the LATCH system would require you to purchase new seats for the vehicle.

Answer 5

No, it cant be done, buy a new car.