Community Forums

mamcgoron · 03-25-2021, 01:50 PM

I'm on the hunt for a new TV, and I'm trying to future proof by getting a 3/4 to 1 ton pickup. At some point we'd like to be able to get a 5er or large toy hauler TT. We have 4 kids. So, we are limited to a crew cab pickup with a front bench. The problem I have found is that most models only have a lap belt in the front center seat. I don't want to get into a safety debate, but in my eyes, this is necessary.

I have found that Ford has been the best with this. I know that they started adding them in at least 2016, but possibly as early as 2014.

It looks like Chevy comes in second place. I have seen newer trucks around 2020 have a shoulder belt.

Ram, I believe comes in last, as I have not found a model that has a shoulder belt in the front center seat.

I searched pretty extensively online and could not find an definitive answer on when each make/model started adding the shoulder belt. So, if you have a crew cab truck with a bench up front, let me know what year, make/model, and if you have a shoulder in the front center seat. Thanks!

jimcumminsw · 03-27-2021, 08:12 AM

None that I am aware of!!
Stop and think how are you going to anchor the third strap, IE shoulder seat belt for the center seat. Are you going to anchor the belt into the driver's seat and interfere with the driver safe operation of the vehicle. Or are you going to anchor the belt in the passenger seat and have safety issue as the passenger seat is position in different position forward or reverse of the center seat.

ajsfla · 03-27-2021, 08:40 AM

Are you talking 3rd headrest in front seat YES some have that but none have 3 point safety belt. The should part is always connected to a door post (or equal) in the truck. Nothing even SUV have a 3rd shoulder strap as far as i know

Your photos are pointing to a headrest i think which doesn't mean there is a should belt associates with it just a lap belt. Now I am pretty sure the air bags cover the entire front.

bross · 03-27-2021, 09:00 AM

The other issue with that front middle seat is the hump. Could be OK for a toddler but not for an adult. We had kids (adult children) visiting and my wife sat in the middle seat of our 2016 F-150 XLT for a few hours on a day trip and paid dearly for it with flared up sciatica issues for months afterword and only thing she can atrribute it to, is sitting with her knees to her chin for that long.

Our truck does have a 3pt harness in that middle position, anchored in the seat back of the fold down console / middle seat. I can snap a photo if you'd like to see it.

mamcgoron · 03-27-2021, 08:19 PM

Hey guys. Thanks fir the replays. As bross pointed out. Some models have the 3 pt harness factory built into the seat. Also bross I really appreciate the comment about the hump I've noticed that and is a concern. Right now in trying to narrow down my search to trucks that even offer the 3 pt belt. Then we'll check them out to see if they will work.

So, I'd love to hear from anyone else if they have a bench seat in front and if it has a 3 pt belt, or not.