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Hitting the Road with Kids: Why Car Seats Don't Work in RVs

by Lee Grace Gunter
     May 26, 2024

The open road, the wind in your hair, and family adventures – that's the dream of many who consider RV travel. But for families with young children, there's a crucial safety factor to consider: car seats.

Unlike traditional cars, RVs pose a unique challenge for child passenger safety. Here's why car seats aren't recommended in RVs, and some alternative solutions to keep your little ones safe on your RV trip.

The Problem with Car Seats in RVs

Car seats are designed for the specific structure of a car. They rely on anchor points and specific belt configurations to ensure optimal protection in a crash. Unfortunately, most RV seating areas just aren't built the same way.

                                                                      

Here's what makes car seats risky in RVs:

  • Unstable Seating: RV bench seats often lack the reinforced structure needed to hold a car seat securely in a crash.
  • Missing Anchor Points: The tether straps found on many car seats require a specific anchor point in the vehicle. Most RVs lack these designated anchor points.
  • Seat Belt Mismatches: RV bench seats might have lap belts only, which aren't suitable for car seats. Car seats require both a lap belt and a shoulder belt for proper installation.

These factors all contribute to a higher risk of injury for children in car seats during an RV accident.

Safe RV Travel with Kids

So, how can you keep your kids safe while traveling by RV? Here are a few options:

  • Use a Towable Trailer: Consider a towable trailer instead of a motorized RV. This allows children to be secured in car seats in the tow vehicle, offering the best possible protection.
  • Forward-Facing Seats with Lap and Shoulder Belts: If your RV has forward-facing seats custom built with
    both lap and shoulder belts, a certified child passenger safety technician can advise on the safest way to secure your child. However, this is not always a guaranteed safe option due to the potential for weak seating structures.
  • Always Double Check: No matter your chosen method, always ensure all children are properly buckled up using the available seat belts.

Prioritizing Safety for Unforgettable Adventures

RV travel can be an amazing way to explore and create lasting family memories. But when it comes to your children's safety, there's no compromise. By understanding the limitations of car seats in RVs and choosing alternative safety measures, you can ensure your RV trip is filled with adventure, not worry.

The National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationOpens In A New Window (NHTSA) does not currently crash test RVs with adults or child occupants. For these reasons, it is not recommended to rely on car seats to protect children while travelling in recreational vehicles.

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