Traveling with 6 in pick up

[RJSjr]

My family which consists of four kids my wife and myself just had to trade in our Yukon 2500 due to major rust compromising the integrity of the frame. We now have a 2019 Silverado 2500 crew cab. I wanted to know if anyone else travels with a pickup and uses the bench seat in the front . Is there any way possible to make the middle seat in the front more comfortable for my daughter, or do we need to have the wife follow in a second vehicle.

[RAurand]

Originally Posted by RJSjr

I am new to the forum and to camping. My family which consists of my wife, two daughters, twelve and eight, two sons three and 14 months and myself. We purchased a 2018 Jay flight 294 QBS last season.
We had a 2004 Yukon 2500 that just had to be traded in due to major rust compromising the integrity of the frame . We now have a 2019 Silverado 2500 crew cab. I wanted to know if anyone else travels with a pickup and uses the bench seat in the front . Is there any way possible to make the middle seat in the front more comfortable for my daughter, or do we need to have the wife follow in a second vehicle.

I Understand Ford is re-introducing the Excersion.

[RJSjr]

I have heard rumors about Ford bringing back the excursion. Any truth to this?

[Flyrotor]

I have travelled with 6 in my Ram 2500 equipped with a seat in the front center. It’s snug, my youngest son always was the short straw winner, but he actually liked sitting there, my truck has the manual transmission and he didn’t complain. I think he liked being able to sit in the front and have a better view.

[TxLoser]

We’ve tried it in my Chevy 2500 when camping with friends who didn’t bring a toad. It’s was tight, but ok. Don’t know that I’d want to travel long distance that way, but i would do it, if that’s what it took.

[Marine71-76]

We have done it in our F350 and now the F450. The "smallest" of the kids would sit up there. We also had 6 adults in the F450 while traveling around Gatlinburg and sight seeing. Again, the smallest sat in the center. No problems.

[curls]

To those of you saying the smallest kids are in the front... how old are you talking?
No kids under 13 years of age should be in front of or adjacent to an active air bag. The in-seat sensors are NOT considered adequate to shut off an airbag. In Canada at least, unless the airbag can be turned off with a key, it's illegal to have young passengers ride up front. While possibly not illegal elsewhere, it's definitely not safe nor recommended.
And even if they can ride up front, are they in a proper child restraint? Booster seat?

[Dave.H]

Sounds like it's time for an upgrade....

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by RAurand

I Understand Ford is re-introducing the Excersion.

Wouldn't that be nice. I'd be in line for one.

[Jagiven]

I have a Dodge Dakota Quad Cab, that has the bench front seat, and the cab is way smaller than a Silverado. I have seated 6, it is a little tight but totally doable. The farthest we have traveled this way is 125 miles, I doubt I would want to go cross country.

Personally, you have the truck, give it a try and see what you all think, you can always have the DW drive in the future if you feel totally uncomfortable. The biggest issue might be purses, activity bags and keeping your drink from tipping.

[SouthCo]

My sister in law and her family of 6 (4 kids) pull their camper with a 2017 Silverado 2500 with a bench. They put their oldest, who is 10, up front. They routinely travel from VA to FL and haven’t done anything to necessarily make it more comfortable. With younger kids they do make pit stops so that prolly helps...

[RJSjr]

Thank you for the responses. So far it sounds like it will work out just fine. Good thing i have a decent size cup holder in the door. I didnt even think of not having a place for a drink.

[Riverman]

Sure glad I held out for a Mega Cab 2500 truck. There's plenty of room for six.

[Springhook]

Originally Posted by RJSjr

Thank you for the responses. So far it sounds like it will work out just fine. Good thing i have a decent size cup holder in the door. I didnt even think of not having a place for a drink.

AH now I see your priorities! Could the smallest kid fit it the cupholder in the door?

[Dave.H]

Originally Posted by RJSjr

Thank you for the responses. So far it sounds like it will work out just fine. Good thing i have a decent size cup holder in the door. I didnt even think of not having a place for a drink.

Do NOT spill your beer!

[RJSjr]

Originally Posted by Springhook

AH now I see your priorities! Could the smallest kid fit it the cupholder in the door?

I am still laughing about the cup holder comment

[bstannard]

Towed Whitehawk 29REKS with an '01 Excursion with 7.3. Loved that truck and it just played with the trailer. Held 8 adults in comfort. Only down side of going to the fiver was having to sell the Excursion! Guess can't have it all.

[Magnolia Tom]

Originally Posted by bstannard

Towed Whitehawk 29REKS with an '01 Excursion with 7.3. Loved that truck and it just played with the trailer. Held 8 adults in comfort. Only down side of going to the fiver was having to sell the Excursion! Guess can't have it all.

Love the Excursion! Had a 2000 with 7.3 and a 2004 with the 6.0. Best tow vehicles for TT. Really miss the 04. That was the best vehicle we’ve ever had.

[hingedthinker]

We have four and pondering the same problem. Currently using two vehicles, a 2016 Chevy Suburban POS on it’s fourth transmission and a mighty F150 w/6.2l to tow a 28BHBE. Our plan is to upgrade to a class A. There are safety trade offs either way but the convenience of a class A towing a toy wins for us.

[DJMark]

Break the cycle? Invest in a color TV 😛 😛 😛