can you install car seats in an rv

[LeOmar]

Yes, you can absolutely install car seats in an RV, but it requires careful attention to the vehicle's specific seating and safety systems. The process is different from a standard car and hinges on whether your RV has dedicated, forward-facing vehicle seats with integrated seat belts designed for child restraints.

The safest and most common method is using the RV's built-in lap and shoulder seat belts. You'll thread the seat belt through the car seat's designated belt path, just as you would in a car, and tighten it securely. The LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), common in passenger vehicles since 2002, is rarely found in RVs. You should never use LATCH unless the RV manufacturer explicitly states the seats are equipped and certified for it. Many RV dinette benches or sideways-facing seats are not approved for car seat installation because they cannot properly restrain the seat in a crash.

RV Type	Typical Seat Orientation	Car Seat Installation Feasibility	Primary Method	Key Consideration
Class A Motorhome	Mixed (forward, side, rear-facing)	Varies by specific seat	Seat Belt	Only use forward-facing seats with integrated lap/shoulder belts.
Class C Motorhome	Primarily forward-facing	High	Seat Belt	Often the most car-like seating; check owner's manual.
Travel Trailer	N/A (towed vehicle)	Not Applicable	N/A	Car seats must be installed in the tow vehicle, not the trailer.
Camper Van (Class B)	Forward-facing	High	Seat Belt	Similar to a passenger van; typically the easiest for installation.
Fifth Wheel	N/A (towed vehicle)	Not Applicable	N/A	Same as travel trailer; use the truck's seats for car seats.

Before you hit the road, perform the crucial "inch test." Grab the car seat at the belt path and try to move it side-to-side and front-to-back. It should not move more than one inch in any direction. Also, ensure the RV seat itself is sturdy and doesn't flex significantly. Always consult both your car seat’s manual and your RV’s owner manual for any specific restrictions or guidance. The safest spot is typically behind the front passenger seat, but this depends on the RV's layout. For ultimate peace of mind, have your installation checked by a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).

[BrandonFitz]

We did it in our Class C with our toddler. The big captain's chairs behind the driver worked perfectly. We just used the truck's own seat belts—super straightforward, like installing it in our SUV. I’d avoid any of those sideways dinette seats; they just don't feel safe for a car seat. The main thing is to really wrench that belt tight. You want zero wiggle room. It made our cross-country trip so much less stressful knowing the little one was secure.