We have a 2001 T&C Limited ...and got a 2002 T&C
Touring 3rd row "center-split" bench from a junkyard
and successfully put it in 2nd row. There's a buckle
with strap in the center, and buckles on the ends to
accept the shoulder straps that pull down from the
sides. Our 3rd row is not split, so it was nice to have
the split on the second row so we could fold down
each side independently if necessary. There's also
about 8 inches gap on ends so kids can actually
scoot into 3rd row without folding down seat. 2005
T&C came out with stow and go, so you can only
swap these seats out up to 2004. I think this is
common for all these different makes of minivand,
to be able to swap seats. There are many
commenters out there that say this is impossible, or
its unsafe. I can confirm that it IS possible because
we did it. As far as safety, this arrangementioned of
2 bench seats I'd no different than many SUV's out
there, you just need to fold down one end of second
row to access 3rd row. All seat positions have seat
belts. The only negative to safety in my scenario
would be that there's only one tethering hook for
child seat on each side of bench. My understanding
is that the bench is meant for Rd row and the
tethering straps would typically be hooked to
tetherING hooks on the back floor of the minivan.
You can still use the seat belt instead if tether
though. Another note...I don't thing there'd be much
room for a child in the center of bench if you had 2
car seats. I've done this in the back row and there
was very little room at center position. 3 booster
seats is also tricky because the boosters end up
covering the buckles. Anyway, hope this info helps
some people out there.
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