01+ LATCH to 98-00?

[macneill]

Thanks for the info on this thread. Had I just looked at the back seats, I would have seen two tabs that say "LATCH." Regardless, it was a snap to put the base in.

Oh, and the '02 has LATCH on the DS and Middle.

-Mac

 

[phsycle]

Get some stainless steel 1/4" thick "triangular-shaped" threaded chain quick-links. Typically rated for over 5000-lbs. The triangular one labeled "S7360" is rated for 39kN or about 8767 lb-F when closed. I used the oval ones, but they bunched up the seatbelts. Not an issue, but not 100% desirable either.

Open link, slip through the seat belt webbing loop where it attaches to the truck at both the latch (side with the red button) and the point of attachment to the truck for the lower belt.

Use the lateral LATCH belt to attach to the existing seat belt anchors. Puts no more load on the system than it was designed for since it was designed for an adult and the kiddos weight WAY less and therefore have WAY less inertia to restrian in an impact.

Use the over-seat restraint to connect to the D-rind in the rear cargo floor and you're good.

http://www.allproducts.com/metal/kingsnaps/Product-2008411151130-l.jpg

Where do you get these quick links from? I've tried searching online, but only come up with companies out of Taiwan. Are they available at hardware stores (Lowe's, HD)? Or Marine supply?

And could you clarify the part that is in bold? Is there a loop on the seat belt side that the quick link can slide through?

 

[AimCOtaco]

Lots of hardware stores have them but I would make sure they are working load rated. A lot of that stuff is junk, it's easier to find rated steel than rated stainless but both exist. Be careful.

 

[Tremek]

Reviving this from the dead. Has anyone actually ever swapped over the LATCH section of the 2nd row bench (driver's and middle of the 60% of the 60/40) or even the entire bench into a '98 to '00 100 series? I'm considering a '00 but the lack of LATCH is giving me pause. Would love to confirm that there's identical mounting points for a newer bench into an older truck, if possible.

 

[OregonLC]

The latch in my 04 is part of the seat. Its on the 60% side only, center and left. The hooks in the cargo area is for the third attachment (over the top). So if you could find a 2nd row from later year and drilled the cargo floor to mount the hooks you should be good.

Me? I just lace the seat belts though the child seats. Latch is nice, but you can get a very solid fit with the seat belts.

For the price of a 2nd row (if you could find one) you could buy an extra seat of child seats and just leave them in the 2000.

 

[SALTY METHODS]

I too only use the seat belt to secure two child seats in my '98.

 

[Pork Soda]

What Is the LATCH weight rating on the 100? The kids will keep on growing, and in a couple years (maybe less) the latch will be unusable. I spent the first 3 years that I owned the truck contemplating a conversion of some sort. I'd say I'm 6 months from my youngest outgrowing the limitations of the LATCH connection on his Britax. I think you definitely get more value from another set of car seats and a set of seat mats. They really help to get a tight fit with the shoulder and/or lap belts.

 

[hoser]

NHTSA is saying 65 lb total (car seat and child) for all lower anchors.

 

[Tremek]

The latch in my 04 is part of the seat. Its on the 60% side only, center and left. The hooks in the cargo area is for the third attachment (over the top). So if you could find a 2nd row from later year and drilled the cargo floor to mount the hooks you should be good.

Me? I just lace the seat belts though the child seats. Latch is nice, but you can get a very solid fit with the seat belts.

For the price of a 2nd row (if you could find one) you could buy an extra seat of child seats and just leave them in the 2000.

Yeah, LATCH in all the 01+ trucks is the same. I already have two sets of car seats, so the issue isn't moving them between cars - it's the safety of the seat. Even when we had a fireman mount the car seats in the car they would still slide around and get tugged on by the seat belts. I believe anchoring on the LATCH connectors, particularly for rear facing car seats, is significantly more secure than just using the seat belts which have an inherently slick surface for the car seat to move around on.

I too only use the seat belt to secure two child seats in my '98.

Well, you don't have any other options either...

 

[patrickfinley]

Be sure to check out the new child seats from Britax. Probably one of the best child seat manufacturers out there and they have been making big strides in making the seatbelt install much safer and easier!! I'm going to be picking up a Britax Frontier soon and will no longer be using the LATCH in my 04, I'll switch to seatbelts.

Smaller child seats Lock off
http://www.britaxusa.com/learning-center/superior-ease-of-use/built-in-lock-offs
Larger seat Clicktight
http://www.britaxusa.com/learning-center/superior-ease-of-use/clicktight-installation-system

 

[Elijah]

Even when we had a fireman mount the car seats in the car they would still slide around and get tugged on by the seat belts

Hahaha, Sorry but that is just too funny! Man, if a fireman couldn't get the seats to work that way then that definitely proves this isn't the way to use the car seats! Lol

 

[OregonLC]

it's the safety of the seat. Even when we had a fireman mount the car seats in the car they would still slide around and get tugged on by the seat belts.

It's been debated before here. My opinion is that I'd rather trust a belt that can restrain a 300lbs man than a couple of straps with a 60 lbs system rating. Latch is an alternate system designed to be easy. As long as the seat doesn't move more than 1" with the belt it meets the safe installation criteria.

The problem I seem to have with the belt is that it tends to lean the seat toward the center of the vehicle because of the angle of the belt as it exits the slot toward the shoulder bracket. You can help offset this with a rolled towel at the inboard side.

I do prefer the latch for easy in/out, but safety is not a concern.

 

[TexLexican]

Anyone come up with an alternative latch system other than buying a new seat? Can two extra buckles without the belt be purchased and rigged with some carabiners to attach anchors to?

 

[hoser]

I know this is an old thread. But if your child fits well into a Britax click tight seat, I would look into that option. IMO, it works better using the standard seatbelt (non-Latch) than most using the LATCH system.