Three kids in a 3rd Gen?

[eolson]

Hey all, haven't posted much since it seems anything I ever need to know has been covered, and unfortunately I think I know the answer the this one already but maybe there's a solution:

We're talking about having a third kid and as luck would have it I only just found my '98 last fall. Looking in the backseat as it is, with a full car seat and a booster, I don't see any comfortable way to fit another full car seat to go three-wide. I suppose I could squeeze the booster in the middle but that sounds like a bit of a pain. Other ideas? Has it been done? I searched but didn't find much.

In the event we have another I'm likely looking at something with a 3rd row, probably Landcruiser or Sequoia, and back to a slush box. It's a good problem to have, but makes me pretty sad to think of passing on my beloved Runner, it's all I've ever wanted in a daily driver, and then some!

 

[Doc2012]

Put the new baby in the middle. The booster and the other seat on either side.

They look small, but I've done it, and the kids had plenty of room.

 

[nevada]

Hey all, haven't posted much since it seems anything I ever need to know has been covered, and unfortunately I think I know the answer the this one already but maybe there's a solution:

We're talking about having a third kid and as luck would have it I only just found my '98 last fall. Looking in the backseat as it is, with a full car seat and a booster, I don't see any comfortable way to fit another full car seat to go three-wide. I suppose I could squeeze the booster in the middle but that sounds like a bit of a pain. Other ideas? Has it been done? I searched but didn't find much.

In the event we have another I'm likely looking at something with a 3rd row, probably Landcruiser or Sequoia, and back to a slush box. It's a good problem to have, but makes me pretty sad to think of passing on my beloved Runner, it's all I've ever wanted in a daily driver, and then some!

while its not a 3rd gen, we fit our 3 kids(all in car seats) in the back seat on my 85. I would think the 3rd gen was even wider, but maybe not?

 

[Mgyver1]

There are thin profile seats like the Dino that will help you squeeze some extra space. Baby in the middle is the safest, as long as you think the two other munchins won't give him anything small enough to choke on. What ages/weight are your kids now?

And just for a shameless plug, I did a write up to install child seat Tether Anchors into a pre-'01 3rd gen
3rd Gen child car seat tether install

 

[JayRolla]

Like they are all saying it can be done.

BUT, if your anything like me you like to travel. I have two kids and I would say that is max for comfortable trips. With the dog its pretty much 3. We usually end up taking her Ford Expedition with 3rd row seating because of the space with the dog.

Also if lots of times we end up needing to take a friend of theres, or a cousin or something like that and the 3rd row seating comes in very handy.

But after me saying all that we are about to get rid of the Ford and get a Double Cab newer Tacoma. So no more 3rd row and I know we will miss it.

 

[Chuckles89]

while its not a 3rd gen, we fit our 3 kids(all in car seats) in the back seat on my 85. I would think the 3rd gen was even wider, but maybe not?

1st, 2nd, and 3rd gens are the same width (66.5"). 4th gens are 7.3" wider.


If I can get three full size teenagers in there, I don't think you will have a problem.

 

[habanero]

If I can get three full size teenagers in there, I don't think you will have a problem.

You can't use crowbars with little kids...

Sunshine Kids Radian would easily fit 3 across, 2 overweight adults with one in the center is possible- but not overly comfortable according to said adults- they're now from the Diono company that Mgyver1 mentioned.

 

[SCRunner12]

I've fit 3 car seats in the back of mine, but I literally had to shove the door closed. I hate to say it, but you're going to want something bigger. We are thinking about our 2nd and I'm debating getting something bigger and a 3rd row for the wife.

 

[repo]

The middle seat belt in the back is not safe for anything except a baby seat, Toyota got sued over it. I think there is a retrofit to make it a shoulder type. Also you can't turn off the passenger air bag so the front seat cant ever be used for a baby seat.

 

[eolson]

Interesting stuff to consider guys, thanks so much for the feedback! I'll have to look into the Diono options to see what would fit. We currently have a 4 year old and a 5 month old, so I'd be looking at two rear-facing seats for a while.

I don't want to replace the seats I already have, but if a Diono can fit in-between than I'd go that route, I'll have to check it out and do some measuring. I have over a year to do so, we wouldn't be pregnant until this summer at the earliest, but what's a car guy to do?! Sadly it's one of the first things I considered.

I know I can't drive it forever, but if we were to decide not to have any more kids, I honestly would keep it as long as it could go!

 

[CenCalifoothill15]

Put the new baby in the middle. The booster and the other seat on either side.

They look small, but I've done it, and the kids had plenty of room.

-I second this.....

I have 3 kiddos back there too, this is exactly what I have done no problem.

 

[eolson]

If anyone is willing, I'd love to see a picture of what's worked.

 

[CenCalifoothill15]

Here's a couple of shots of my backseat- it's a tight fit, but it works!

 

[habanero]

I looked but all I could find was this of the Sunshine Kids Radian 65. The girls were both out of seats by then, they just sat on either side, weren't squeezed and could easily get to the seat belt latch.

 

[GSPRunner]

3 dogs is tough enough for me. Good luck.

 

[eolson]

We have a dog too, but he has more room than anyone!

 

[MandAtaco]

We used Dino Car seats in the back of our 4th gen, but you could easily make them work in the back of the 3rd gen too. They are pricy, but a top notch car seat!

Mike