Installing more seat belts in the back

[SirGilbert]

I bought my first ever RV two days ago, a Thor Outlaw 29H and joined this board to benefit from the years of experience of the seasoned RVers on here.

My first quandary is that there are not enough seat belts in the coach as I would like to carry more than 3 kids in the back on occasion. Would it be legal to retrofit lap belts for the two couches in the garage of the coach and, if so, should I get a competent friend to put them in, or is there a shop I could go to? All advice will be gratefully received.

[ga traveler]

This is not an unusual request. WE installed dozens of extra belts in Class a, class b, class c and diesel motorhomes. The number one requirement is to be able to get to the bottom of the motorhome. (to install the nuts and washers. Also make sure you use self locking nuts, so they don't work loose.) Make sure you are not drilling into an area with fuel lines or electrical wires, etc. Use a backup piece of metal. We used a 3 inch wide metal plate from Lowe's. This keeps the bolt and nut from ripping through the floor in case of a wreck. It s an easy job for anyone with a little mech. ability.

[SirGilbert]

Thank you Ga traveller. I will get my experienced b-i-l to install four extra lap belts. such a prompt, excellent reply makes me really pleased that I joined this board.

[Scarab0088]

If/When installing new seat belts, ensure to NOT mount then to the wall.

TMC motorhomes with a garage mount the bench/bunks to a light piece of sheet steel inside the vacuum bonded wall. The rest of the wall, except for the aluminum frame, is foam/fiberglass/finished interior board.

Only the floor would have the strength to act as a seatbelt mount.

Interestingly, Thor is sometimes putting only 2 seat belts in their dinettes...ours came with 4 there (2 front facing/2 rear). I think there is room for 4 in the average dinette, and the ride there would be better than the garage.

Congrats on the 29H...I think those are very nice and versatile RV's.


And...just because the 29H is not a Class A, there is no reason not to visit and say "Hey!" here:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f120/i-lo...aw-102560.html

Safe travels

[brabono]

I wanted more seat belts but could not find anyone to install. Said too much liability.

[SirGilbert]

Once again, thank you for the valuable advice. We have installed an L-track system in the garage floor, two tracks along the sides, anchored through a thick chassis member and will clip the seat belts to it as soon as the backordpered fasteners become available.