Children and Motorhomes

When we traveled to Canada with the Grandkids a long time ago we used the seat belts in our couch. We also took permission slips with us from the parents in case of a emergency in Canada! Of course no firearms, complete shot records for pets, and title or registration of coach along with proof of insurance!

I'd put them on the couch with seat belts. I've heard from folks who say to NEVER seat them at a dinette with the table in place while in motion. A sudden move, swerve or stop can force their little faces into the table edge causing severe facial damage or worse. If the table is removed while rolling it would be much safer.

psa0298 wrote:
I have 4 kids and did alot of searching on this. The fact is NO ONE (that I could find) has done any crash testing on class A MHs. There is also no data regarding injuries from sitting sideways, like on a sofa. Sitting forward at a table presents it's own concerns...ie. the table. MHs only have lapbelts(except for driver and copilot)...not great for kids. All I know is (from the pictures I've seen) that unless you are in a highend MH (like a bus) there is not much left after a major crash....these things just fall apart. I hate to say it but at the end of the day, you have to decide what you feel would be the safest in your MH. Also, most kids don't wear seatbelts on the bus to school everyday....not saying it's right or wrong...just saying.

I have asked those that would give me a ticket..police. I will see what I get back for an answer. I was concerned that the dinette table does come off, again I am back to duct tape.

I have 4 kids and did alot of searching on this. The fact is NO ONE (that I could find) has done any crash testing on class A MHs. There is also no data regarding injuries from sitting sideways, like on a sofa. Sitting forward at a table presents it's own concerns...ie. the table. MHs only have lapbelts(except for driver and copilot)...not great for kids. All I know is (from the pictures I've seen) that unless you are in a highend MH (like a bus) there is not much left after a major crash....these things just fall apart. I hate to say it but at the end of the day, you have to decide what you feel would be the safest in your MH. Also, most kids don't wear seatbelts on the bus to school everyday....not saying it's right or wrong...just saying.

Effy wrote:
You don't want to use a booster in a MH unless in the co pilot seat. Boosters are made simply because children are too short for the shoulder belt to cross the chest properly, thus raising them up for it to fit. Since no other seat in a MH has a shoulder belt they aren't needed. Matter of fact in a dinette or couch it would become a liability. In cases where there is only a lap belt you want a lower center of gravity. A booster on a lap belt only would create instability.

x2 Booster seats are actually VERY dangerous during a crash or sudden stop if used without a shoulder harness.

You don't want to use a booster in a MH unless in the co pilot seat. Boosters are made simply because children are too short for the shoulder belt to cross the chest properly, thus raising them up for it to fit. Since no other seat in a MH has a shoulder belt they aren't needed. Matter of fact in a dinette or couch it would become a liability. In cases where there is only a lap belt you want a lower center of gravity. A booster on a lap belt only would create instability.

mthockeydad wrote:
Are booster seats a good idea in a dinette?

Generally, auto seats (and window sills) are higher than in RV's.
If they're sitting up higher in a booster seat, is there still a seat back behind their shoulders? I would worry about the increased chance of whiplash or spine injuries.


If the children can see out the window and the seat back supports their back, I'd argue that the booster seat may not be necessary and without could actually be safer than with.


Another good idea would be to check with your local law enforcement office and many fire departments are trained to teach people safe booster seat installation. :)

Do they sell duct tape in Canada?

:p

Duh, have you never watched Red Green?!

The booster seat I use have a full back attached to them. I run a daycare and have both police officers and fire fighters children in care, I will pick their brains. Thanks

Are booster seats a good idea in a dinette?

Generally, auto seats (and window sills) are higher than in RV's.
If they're sitting up higher in a booster seat, is there still a seat back behind their shoulders? I would worry about the increased chance of whiplash or spine injuries.


If the children can see out the window and the seat back supports their back, I'd argue that the booster seat may not be necessary and without could actually be safer than with.


Another good idea would be to check with your local law enforcement office and many fire departments are trained to teach people safe booster seat installation. :)

Do they sell duct tape in Canada?

:p

Duh, have you never watched Red Green?!

Burwoods wrote:

sch911 wrote:
There are usually four or more seated positions that have lap belts in the MH. You'd need to fasten them to those positions. In our MH there are two at the dinette, two on the couch, and one on the recliner.

Yes we are thinking of the dinette, but I was thinking the boosters are suppose to be used with over the shoulder belts and well an RV does not come with those for the couch, dinette or the recliner. I guess we will figure it out..Grandkids think the Motorhome is theirs already..lol.

If they are in boosters, then I would use the forward-facing dinette positions.

sch911 wrote:
There are usually four or more seated positions that have lap belts in the MH. You'd need to fasten them to those positions. In our MH there are two at the dinette, two on the couch, and one on the recliner.

Yes we are thinking of the dinette, but I was thinking the boosters are suppose to be used with over the shoulder belts and well an RV does not come with those for the couch, dinette or the recliner. I guess we will figure it out..Grandkids think the Motorhome is theirs already..lol.