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Topic: Seatbelts for a Unihome (Read 873 times) previous topic - next topic

Seatbelts for a Unihome

I have been searching the forum archives for information on seatbelts in the older unihomes. We have a 95 U280 and I would like to add seatbelts to the sofa and two chairs behind the co-pilot seat.
I would like to know if anyone has added belts and how they anchored them. I'm thinking they should be anchored through the floor to be strong enough to hold in the event of a serious collision or rollover.
The main reason for adding them would be for our two teenage boys (less than 120lbs)  Most likely no adults would be using them. I'm sure FT would not recommend any method of doing this for liability reasons. We would just feel better knowing they had at least some form of restraint.

Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #1 –
I think there are belts under the sofa already
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #2 –
I am surprised that you do not already have seat belts on the sofa.  Are you sure they are not there?

If added, yes, through bolt them with backing plate below.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #3 –
It took over an hour to find the sofa seatbelts in Toby. they had never been pulled out I had to take out the drawer under the couch and hold the couch half way through jackknife to see them and then pull them through they were wrapped all around the heat ducts. So far I found two and a half belts the other half will never make it out from behind or under the furnace.

As for seatbelts in the chairs easiest way is to anchor seatbelt to the same brackets bolting the chair to the floor just like the front seats. If the seat moves in an opposite direction of the belt during an accident that belt can become a razor.
Toby a 94 u280
Cummins 8.3
6 speed Allison
Exhaust brake


Adopted by Derek and Annabelle

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #4 –
I have never seen seat belts on that chair, nor believe it would be prudent to have anyone occupy a swivel chair while driving. 
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #5 –
It would be a lot of work to build a swivel lock and a mount for the seat and belt.  Might be easier to just find a used front seat with a base and install it.
Toby a 94 u280
Cummins 8.3
6 speed Allison
Exhaust brake


Adopted by Derek and Annabelle

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #6 –
Quote from: its toby –
It took over an hour to find the sofa seatbelts in Toby. they had never been pulled out I had to take out the drawer under the couch and hold the couch half way through jackknife to see them and then pull them through they were wrapped all around the heat ducts. So far I found two and a half belts the other half will never make it out from behind or under the furnace.

As for seatbelts in the chairs easiest way is to anchor seatbelt to the same brackets bolting the chair to the floor just like the front seats. If the seat moves in an opposite direction of the belt during an accident that belt can become a razor.

Geezzz...... how embarrassing...... :-[

We just went out and searched under the sofa again, yep..... the DW found them UNDER the duct vent hoses behind the wood panel separating the ducts and the underneath storage drawer of the sofa. No Way you could see them, you had to trust and feel around in the dark. (brave DW... I just held up the jackknife sofa while she did the dirty work)  :)

We almost ordered the seat belts online this past weekend, assuming there were none as the PO had said.
We just didn't get "a round tuit"

Thanks to all for the replies, this saved us a lot of $$ and time, I should have known to ask here first.

Justin
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #7 –
Quote from: its toby –
It would be a lot of work to build a swivel lock and a mount for the seat and belt.  Might be easier to just find a used front seat with a base and install it.

Good idea....... if we can find one small enough, we like the small swivel chair but it would need a bolt down base and a lock or pin for use while traveling.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #8 –
Quote from: its toby –
. So far I found two and a half belts the other half will never make it out from behind or under the furnace.

We found our "other half" lying between the furnace and the end of the sofa behind the captain chair inside the furnace box.
You could barely see part of it with the flashlight.  Maybe you could hook it with a stiff wire? OR a kid with small hands. :)

Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #9 –
Other than for the obvious safety and the restraining of movement of teenagers I was under the impression that a house car as ca calls them are exempt from seat belt laws?

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #10 –
Restraint Laws for Drivers and Adult Passengers (Vehicle Code Section 27315):
Drivers of passenger vehicles (including housecars), motor trucks, or truck tractors are required to wear safety belts
properly and to have passengers 16 or older properly restrained by safety belts.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Twig –
Restraint Laws for Drivers and Adult Passengers (Vehicle Code Section 27315):
Drivers of passenger vehicles (including housecars), motor trucks, or truck tractors are required to wear safety belts
properly and to have passengers 16 or older properly restrained by safety belts.

I assumed the driver but not under 16 passengers is interesting
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #12 –
You are correct, Bob. I missed that. The driver can be cited but NOT a person under 16. You and all passengers must wear a seat belt or, you and/or your passenger(s) may be cited. If the passenger is under 16 years of age, you may be cited if he or she is not wearing his or her seat belt.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #13 –
In some states, including Fla, law enforcement can pull you over and ticket the driver or front seat passenger for not wearing a seat belt. Does anyone know if the same is true for other passengers in the back seats? If a cop sees the DW at the kitchen sink while driving down the interstate can you be pulled and cited?
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #14 –
Just to clarify my last post, is it a primary offense that they can pull you for or a secondary offense and they must stop you for some other violation before ticketing  you for a passenger not wearing a seat belt
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Seatbelts for a Unihome

Reply #15 –
All you ever wanted to know about seat belt laws (and more);

State Seat Belt Laws

Neal
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Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
'02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
'04 Gold Wing
'07 Featherlite 24'
'14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
MC #14494
Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
Quality makes the Heart Soar long after Price is Forgotten