Seat belts for rear bench seats

[AlexR]

I found an old thread on this but it was left at a bit of a loose end. Is it legal to fit seat belts to the rear bench seats in my 110?? Or should I look at getting some forward facing load area seats from the UK?

[juddy]

Its going to be a big job to get the forward facing seats put in, you will need the full floor support kit.

If your Perentie came with rear side bench seats, does this mean you can use without seat belts? I would think if its rated as a 2 seater then thats all you can use.

[Diana Alan]

I know people get sick of me harping on about this, but it is not safe to ride sideways in the rear of any vehicle.  The risk of spinal injuries is signficantly more than forward or rearward facing seats, even in minor accidents.

Yes Juddy, it is illegal to travel on public roads in the rear of a vehicle certified only for the two front seats.

If you have a hard top. you can get the rear dicky seats from a Defender 90 or 110 wagon and fit them without too much problem.  You still need the upper body work to mount the shoulder anchorage.

[juddy]

And for this reason Diana it makes all of these Perenties pretty useless as a family car, and even not as a family car, limited to carrying 2 people is very restrictive, and it makes me wonder who would buy these Perenties with this limitation.

I think maybe alot are being bought by people who just want a play thing....

[Ellard]

Hi there all

Just need to clarify its not a legal requirement to have forward facing seat - although it is encouraged where possible, even the mining industry has change back to using troop carriers with rear sidewards seating.

For example mine 48 005 does not have a seating capacity on the data plate........does this mean I am unable to drive it!

Sorry but MMMMMM......

Wayne

[Diana Alan]

For example mine 48 005 does not have a seating capacity on the data plate........does this mean I am unable to drive it!

Sorry but MMMMMM......

Wayne

Hi Wayne the seating capacity should be on the ADR compliance plate, under the bonnet.

Everyone else, yes Wayne is correct about sideways facing seating not being illegal.  I mention this because from my perspective as a trauma and emergency expert having dealt with children suffering spinal injuries from sidways facing seats.  It's my safety perspective of caring for our friends and families.  I also harp on about our AAVA club members wearing helmets when driving or crewing armoured vehicles, some of the members here will have the same reaction to that and the black berrets Vs helmets debate as our members.  It seems I'm intransigent on this subject.

Diana

[Phoenix]

Juddy, I think you under estimate how many farmers and commercial users want these vehicles.  a lot have already been sold to farmers who do not care abotu seating capacity, and probably don't even use them on public roads.

[AlexR]

Quite right Phoenix, I bought mine solely for work purposes, 90% of the time it will be just me in it, I have no intentions of turning it into a people mover, I was just seeing if I could fit extra seat belts in the back so mum could come on this big trip were planning, but it looks like she'll have to stay at home

[aussiegregmac]

Or Mother on Roof rack as per American Vacation.....  sorry just joking.

[Diana Alan]

Question for perentie owners?

Are the seat belt anchorages for the shoulder position fitted to the ROPS?   

If yes, is it at the front edge or at the inside of the bar?

Just asking because, it could be possible to fit a 3 point harness using the front shoulder position for the shoulder anchorage position for a sideways mounted seat at the front of the rear cargo area.

Of course this would have to be certified by a seatbelt fitting station and the vehicle engineered for the additional seating positions.

Diana

(Not that I'd still be happy )

[AlexR]

Or Mother on Roof rack as per American Vacation.....  sorry just joking.

Now that's not a bad idea.....

And yes Diana the seat belt shoulder mounts are on the ROPS, on the front edge.