Add Seat Belts to VTDP

[Bushy]

Greetings. Last fall we purchased a 2016 VTDP 3709. The driver-side couch has two seat belts - off set slightly toward the front of the coach. There is plenty of space remaining aft of the second seat belt to install a third, especially for kids. Under the slide, I see the following situation…

http://www.irv2.com/forums/attachmen...1&d=1456180448

I assume that the base of the carriage bolts shown here correspond to the 1/2 inch bolts that show behind the coach that secure the end of the seat belts (two bolts for each seat belt - one for each end).

http://www.irv2.com/forums/attachmen...1&d=1456180448

There are open “squares” available on the steel plate. I’m hoping to drill a hole into one of the squares, insert a carriage bolt and add a third seat belt. One end of the new belt would be anchored to the bolt shown here (sharing this anchor bolt with one of the existing seat belts). The other end of the belt would be secured to the new carriage bolt to be inserted into the square near the left edge of the photo.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/attachmen...1&d=1456180448

Questions…
1. This is a brand new coach that cost about $225,000. I’m a little cautious about drilling holes into it. Would I be drilling into the bottom lining, 3/4 inch plywood, and carpet? Anything else?
2. Are there any pipes or electrical wires imbedded in the area where I'd be drilling the pilot hole that I might hit?
3. Do you have any advice for me?

Your advice would be most appreciated.

(I am aware that few options exist to get this done professionally due to liability concerns. I am also aware that the real passenger safety in a large motor home comes with its massive size/weight. I am also aware that RV seatbelts beyond the driver and copilot do not provide the measure of safety that those in a passenger vehicle would.) As important as the additional safety is to me, I would also welcome simply having my grandkids and other passengers secured into a seat and not wondering around the coach while under way.

I have found a source to purchase reasonably priced belts at ...
Motorhome / RV Seat Belts

Rick

[GaryKD]

Hi Bushy,
I did the same thing with my coach. For my coach there was no problem.

[tom chelbana]

You should be able to add another belt in the middle without drilling new hole by putting the middle new belt over the already bolted belts. 4 holes and 3 belts.

[Mac99]

We only require seat belt use in the driver
and passenger front seats. We ask passengers
to be seated in busy traffic, otherwise move
about cautiously while underway.

[Mr_D]

We only require seat belt use in the driver
and passenger front seats. We ask passengers
to be seated in busy traffic, otherwise move
about cautiously while underway.

Not a good idea! Ever try to keep a child seated when there's so much going on outside?

[Bushy]

The existing belts are unevenly positioned toward the front of the coach. I don't think it will work to just insert another belt between the existing belts. I can make use of one of the anchor bolts but I think I'll have to drill a new hole to anchor the other end.

Does anyone know the length of the carriage bolts used to anchor the belts?

I unbolted one but I'm reluctant to pound it out to see for sure how long it is. Could be that the bolts are siliconed into place to seal up the hole/connection. I don't know how thick the floor is.

RB