Vakeel

So. California

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Joined: 04/27/2008

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Hello everyone. I have seen all the posts here and in all the other sub-categories regarding whether shoulder belts are required or not, worth the money from the manufacturer's point of view, owner's point of view, buses, vans, etc. etc.
Putting aside all of that, has anyone successfully installed a shoulder belt in any of the rear seating positions in a class C, such as the dinnette or sofa, that come equipped with a lap belt?
I have a 5-year old who seats back there, so from my point of view it's a must if I can do it and worth every penny. Thanks.
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joanne0012

Boston, MA

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Joined: 02/01/2005

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A shoulder belt is dangerous for a 5-year-old; she should be in a booster seat.
Joanne
1994 Lazy Daze 23.5' TK
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skipnchar

Topeka Kansas USA

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Joined: 12/17/2003

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belt configuration is not counted in years but in size. Make sure you have a belt system that is appropriate for your child's size. I'd recommend checking with your states DMV for the laws pertaining to your state.
2004 F-150 HD 3,050 lb. payload
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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Vakeel

So. California

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Thank you both. In the car he is in a booster seat secured by a shoulder belt as that is the appropriate configuration for his weight/age/height, etc.
I just feel more comfortable with shoulder belts over lap belts so if there is a way of adding it to the MH, I'd like to do it.
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Mac and Us

New Hampshire

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Joined: 10/10/2003

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First of all I commend you for thinking of your childs safety. We see kids jumping around in motorhomes while the motorhome is moving all the time. It makes me cringe to see this.
We travel in a motorhome and have never let our daughter (6 yr old) ride without being properly buckled.
As you know forward facing is the safest way to travel so the dinette is the best place.
When she was in her 5 pt carseat it was easy.....just use the lapbelt. When she moved to a booster seat we were in the same situation as you are in now.
First of all go to this website: www.ezonpro.com They sell harnesses for buses etc. They work with the lapbelt. The harness has 2 loops that slide over the lapbelt and go over the shoulders to attach to an anchor.
As for the anchor.....the harness comes with an anchor that you can mount on the floor. However, in our class A, my husband found that the bolts for the lapbelts were really long so he bought a heavy duty chain (like you would use for a cow). He cut the chain so it would fit from one lapbelt bolt to the other. He then put another nut on the bolt (he never removed the lapbelts). He then hooked the harness to the middle of the chain.
Our new motorhome (Winnebago View 24J) has an anchor that we can attach the harness to.
From this website we also bought another harness that we use for sleeping. It goes around her body, over her shoulders and between her legs. The harness is then attached to the lapbelts. It's made for children who cannot sit in a car seat/booster seat.
It works well when she is tired and we want to continue driving.
Mac and Us
2008 Winnebago View 24J
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Vakeel

So. California

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Joined: 04/27/2008

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Thank you so much. 
I just looked around their site a little and liked their products. I am going to study them more carefully and order something very soon.
If you don't mind me asking, which specific products, seating and sleeping, did you buy?
Thanks again.
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Mac and Us

New Hampshire

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We use the E-Z-On 86Y harness with her booster seat and the Adjustable 103Z vest for sleeping.
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Vakeel

So. California

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Thank you, I appreciate the info. I am in the process of finding a local dealer to order a couple of them.
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