Extra seat belts

[Alan Nelson]

Hi, looking at downsizing to a smaller van (2 berth) with bench stylle seating.
Our son may want to use it occasionally with a new born baby, has anybody had fitted of fitted an extra seatbelt in the rear to this style of seating?
How does this effect insurance does anybody have experience of this.

 

[Emmit]

The only seats that can be occupied by a passenger in a motorhome are forward facing seats
that are fitted with a seat belt.
This has been the case since October 2007.

Therefore no sideways facing seat in a vehicle first Reg since then can be occupied
legally when the vehicle is in motion.

Come back on here if the vehicle you are considering buying is pre 10/07

 

[Bobby-gg]

There's been plenty of discussions about this in the past, and my own personal opinion is that I'd buy a van with the required amount of belted travel seats in the first place.

A few year's ago we went to see a c class van that was advertised as a 4 berth, 4 travel seats, the travel seats were the rear lounge with seats belts by the way of some badly welded box section and some plywood - I wouldn't of trusted my shopping with the install never mind another human.

 

[Reallyretired]

Ours is two berth but four belted travel seats, ideal for the dogs but humans would have to bring a tent.

 

[Alan Nelson]

Loking at the possibility of child safety seat anchors to a bulkhead within the vehicle, expertly firred with the correct type of security to meet current legislation. This would allow an infant to traveller for the first early years without the need for a 3 point belt. Is this doable .

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[pappajohn]

Very unlikely you would find anyone to fit more belts.
They wouldn't get type approval for starters and the installer would be liable for their safety.
You would need to inform your insurer and they would probably refuse cover.

 

[Spriddler]

.......expertly fitted with the correct type of security to meet current legislation. Is this doable?

I suggest that you ask the expert and then your insurer before going ahead.

 

[Emmit]

Loking at the possibility of child safety seat anchors to a bulkhead within the vehicle, expertly firred with the correct type of security to meet current legislation. This would allow an infant to traveller for the first early years without the need for a 3 point belt. Is this doable .

The comment I made in Post 2 is the Law on the matter.
Anyone posting an answer to your question (above) would only be expressing an opinion from the information you have provided.
As you have seen, from the post by Bobby-gg, it would be a minefield to buy a adapted van.
There are very strict rules and conventions concerning the fitting of extra seat belts for good reason.

 

[Just smiffy]

The amount of inquiries about fitting non standard belts that come up on here and the advice they get I do wonder sometimes if they just go and do what they’re asking in the first place… why people want to risk the lives of their loved ones is beyond me…

 

[tonyidle]

The amount of inquiries about fitting non standard belts that come up on here and the advice they get I do wonder sometimes if they just go and do what they’re asking in the first place… why people want to risk the lives of their loved ones is beyond me…

Maybe they think it's no more risky than using a classic car or, God forbid, a motorbike. Maybe, like me, they drove around in cars with no seat belts when their kids were young (like me).

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[Just smiffy]

Maybe they think it's no more risky than using a classic car or, God forbid, a motorbike. Maybe, like me, they drove around in cars with no seat belts when their kids were young (like me).

As did I when I was younger (I’m old enough to remember ) but times have changed now with the amount of vehicles and driving behaviour on the road, the amount of times when I’ve heard that “I’m a good driver” doesn’t account for the time just sitting stationary at a junction when some idiot crashes into you at 80mph, no matter how good your driving is you can’t account for all the idiots on the road and I’m sure you’re aware there are an awful lot…

 

[tonyidle]

As did I when I was younger (I’m old enough to remember ) but times have changed now with the amount of vehicles and driving behaviour on the road, the amount of times when I’ve heard that “I’m a good driver” doesn’t account for the time just sitting stationary at a junction when some idiot crashes into you at 80mph, no matter how good your driving is you can’t account for all the idiots on the road and I’m sure you’re aware there are an awful lot…

Agreed. Though I feel sometimes ultimate safety is over-emphasised.

 

[Just smiffy]

Agreed. Though I feel sometimes ultimate safety is over-emphasised.

Also agree, life is a risk walking out the front door is risky but can’t stay indoors as most accidents happen at home..

In my own situation I take risks all the time but not with others lives, I’ve been dead 3 times so one more won’t hurt..

 

[Norman H]

The only seats that can be occupied by a passenger in a motorhome are forward facing seats
that are fitted with a seat belt.
This has been the case since October 2007.

Therefore no sideways facing seat in a vehicle first Reg since then can be occupied
legally when the vehicle is in motion.

Come back on here if the vehicle you are considering buying is pre 10/07

So if the vehicle 1995, can people travel in sideways facing seat?

 

[Jev88]

So if the vehicle 1995, can people travel in sideways facing seat?

I think travel yes. But why would you risk it? Rag doll sideways in a crash will tear you apart.
There are a couple of companies that'll add seatbelts professionally but they are very costly.

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[Barclaybasher]

I have a 1959 MG Magnette - no seat belts - feels strange driving it.
I have bought a set of belts for it - they are available for most classic cars.
It seems they are able to be fitted even by owners without any qualifications.
I remember fitting a set to an A35 back in the 60's.

 

[meanders]

I fitted them in several old cars. Back in the day they came as kits with reinforcers but you still had to have a reasonable engineering understanding. Never in a sideways seat though.

 

[herald_400rl]

Seatbelt in sideways seats, the consensus is you are worse of wearing one than not.
We have a 2000 plate and it has some plate work underneath the sideways seats, from rallies and talking to other Herald owners these are factory fitted for the addition of lap belts in the back but the seats themselves are matchsticks and the metal framework you can move with your hand so it seems like it's just a token gesture.

To play devil's advocate, in a crash at 60mph (certainly in an older motorhome) your probably a gonner anyway once the oven comes through the back of your head. We have no airbags and I'm not sure on a mk5 Transits crumple zones?

 

[Barclaybasher]

So if the vehicle 1995, can people travel in sideways facing seat?

My 2001 Mobilvetta has 3 belts in the hab area, 2 of them side facing directly behind the cab seats.
My sons 1991 Eribacar has 2 side facing - both next to 'walls' preventing any forward movement in a crash.
All appear to have been factory fitted.
Maybe not ideal but better than nothing.