Occupant Safety Resources​

Recreational Vehicles

Before your family hits the road for an adventure in a recreational vehicle (RV), it’s important to understand how to keep younger passengers safe along the way.

Understanding RVs and Passenger Safety

  • RVs Defined: Recreational vehicles come in various types, including:
    • Class A: The largest type, resembling buses.
    • Class B: Similar to built-out conventional vans.
    • Class C: Comparable to moving trucks with a box-style compartment attached to a chassis.
  • Restraint Laws: State law regarding the use of passenger restraints apply to RVs in the same manner as they do for cars and trucks. Adults and children who pass the 5-Step Test must wear seat belts. Children, who do not pass the 5-Step Test, must be properly secured in a child restraint appropriate for their size (weight and height) and age.
  • Challenges in Restraint: Properly restraining passengers, especially children, can be challenging in RVs. While most RVs meet three-point seat belt requirements, in which they have a lap belt and shoulder belt, for the driver and front passenger, significant variations exist in center and rear seating positions, which may not provide adequate protection in a crash, particularly for children in car seats.
  • Legal Restrictions: It is illegal for passengers to ride in trailer-style RVs or “fifth wheels” towed behind a car or truck.

Safety Concerns with Car Seats in RVs

  • Federal Safety Standards: Car seats are designed to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) applicable to passenger cars and multipurpose passenger vehicles. However, RVs are not classified as such. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), RVs are only required to comply with seat belt standards for front passengers. Rear designated seats in motorhomes are excluded from the lap belt and shoulder belt requirements, posing significant risks during a crash.
  • Potential Risks: While rear occupant seat belts may be bolted to the floor, the wooden structure of RV seating can fail in a crash, potentially causing injury. Since NHTSA does not crash test RVs with occupants, it is not recommended to rely on car seats for child safety in these vehicles.

Recommendations for Safe Travel with Children

  • Choose Non-Motorized Options: If possible, opt for a non-motorized towable RV so that children can be properly restrained in the passenger vehicle towing the RV.
  • Use a Secondary Vehicle: When traveling by coach, consider having an adult drive a separate vehicle where children can ride and be secured properly in their car seats.
  • Consult with Experts: Always contact a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) for guidance on the best practices for securing children in RVs. Additionally, reach out to your child’s car seat manufacturer and your RV manufacturer for specific recommendations and safety information.

Additional Resources

  • Safe Ride News: Provides comprehensive information about child passenger safety, including guidance on car seats and RVs.

Disclaimer:
The information and materials found on this website are intended for reference and education. To ensure all passengers are using vehicle restraint systems correctly, please consult with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, as well as your vehicle’s owner’s manual and your child restraint owner’s manual.