Date:         Sun, 9 Oct 2011 15:46:05 -0500
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Baby seat installed in backseat of Vanagon.
Comments: To: Tyler Dann <tylerdann@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <A15350E9-637A-4E47-99BD-DABF52972386@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

I have a rear facing jump seat, also.  Mine is not factory for the camper.  Though it is installed per factory specs, with the proper floor sockets, properly welded in, and the bracket on the front seat pedestal properly installed, I have not (and will not) used it for the grandson.  Are any child seats made for a rear facing seat?  What is the situation with an infant seat that is built to be rear facing on a normal front facing back seat?  The reason for that is that most collisions throw the passenger forward.  The infant's back against the infant seat distributes the force better than any other way for the baby to be seated.  In the jump seat, the infant's back against the infant seat back would be to the rear of the van.  In a frontal collision (most common), the baby would not gain the benefit of the usual arrangement.

I'd check with baby seat experts before using the jump seat for the baby.

David McNeely

---- Tyler Dann <tylerdann@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> The rear facing jump seat behind the driver in my 86 Weekender seems to have been made for a child seat. Much better access than our Forester, and our boy loves flicking the cup holder and curtain wire.
>
> Congratulations! The van, and life in general, will be way more fun. Go take a nap while you can.
>
> Cheers,
> Tyler
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Oct 8, 2011, at 10:37 PM, Scott Greiner <greines@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
>
> > I have a 1982 westy. My wife & I are expecting our first child dec12th. Has anyone installed a baby car seat in a Vanagon back seat?
> >
> > SOG
> >  Mesa, AZ

--
David McNeely