Best Trucks For Car Seats
Can a truck be the ultimate hauler, not just for transportation purposes, but for families too? Absolutely.
Although trucks aren't typically seen as family cars, many families find them essential for their daily routines. Whether it's for work, hobbies, or hauling items, trucks are often a common second vehicle - just like in our family! But they can also double as an excellent option for families.
After The Truck Dad (my husband Tyler) proved with his tours that trucks CAN be car seat friendly, I wanted to make a post completely dedicated to helping families decide if a truck could be a solid choice for their needs. So without any further introduction, let’s break down exactly what makes a good truck in terms of a family car, plus which car seats work the best in the second row of the cab.
Kelly, Can Trucks Actually Be Good Family Cars?
Yes, trucks can be excellent family cars. While they might not be the first vehicle that comes to mind for families, many trucks offer features that make them highly practical for family use.
One major advantage is their spacious second row, which typically has a really wide and deep bench. This design can easily fit almost every car seat on the market (especially three across), which is an important factor for so many families. To learn all about how I fit three car seats across in family vehicles, check out my post here.
Speaking of great family features, trucks provide A TON of storage space both inside the cab and in the truck bed itself. Double stroller? No problem. Gear on top of that? You will never have to worry about running out of room.
Lastly, trucks tend to do incredibly well in a lot of safety ratings, including IIHS testing. I have a whole blog post dedicated to IIHS testing, so click here if you want to learn more. Even if they aren’t an IIHS top safety pick, the basis of trucks is heavy-duty construction and a powerful engine, making them reliable and safe for transporting loved ones.
So, while unconventional, trucks can be a great choice for family life, especially if they match your lifestyle and needs. After all, a family car is supposed to work for all members of the family, not just your kids.
Are There Any Disadvantages To A Truck Over SUV?
The main disadvantage of a truck compared to an SUV is the lack of a third row of seating. This can limit passenger capacity, making SUVs a better choice for larger families needing more seating options. However, if you only use your third row from time to time, and want that guaranteed trunk space, trucks have that cargo space you’re looking for.
Trucks can be family-friendly, too!
When choosing a family car, several key factors should help make your decision. While a truck may not seem like the typical family car, it has almost all of the essentials families look for when choosing a vehicle that can grow with them:
Trunk space
Ample car seat hardware (LATCH and tether anchors)
Family-friendly features such as ceiling vents
Great safety ratings (depending on the make & model)
Can serve as a hauler for both your truck bed cargo AND your family
If you’re having trouble narrowing down your choice of family car, check out my Best Cars for Families post. This is an excellent guide to really hone in on what you need (and what you don’t) to help make a decision that will work for years to come.
Kelly, Are There Different Sized Cabs?
In the context of trucks, the "cab" refers to the cabin or interior area where the driver and passengers sit. It's essentially the truck's main passenger compartment.
Yes, trucks come in various cab sizes, which can significantly impact how well they work as family vehicles. The most common types are regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab. So, what’s the difference between each one?
Standard Cabs:
Only have a single row of seats.
Not suitable as a family vehicle.
Extended / Quad Cabs:
Have a small back seat.
Suitable for occasional passengers or older children.
Not ideal for fitting three car seats across.
Double Cabs:
Offers a larger back seat than extended cabs, but typically smaller than crew cabs.
Better for families than extended cabs, but might still be tight for three car seats.
Crew Cabs:
Features a full-size second row bench.
Has the necessary width and depth for fitting three car seats across.
Typically comes with four full-size doors, making access easy.
Mega Cabs / Crewmax / Supercrew Cabs:
Has extra interior space, especially in the back seat area.
Excellent for families needing ample room for three car seats and additional cargo space.
Which Cab Size Is The Best For Families?
Crew cabs are by far the best cab size for families, but specifically the Mega Cabs, CrewMax, and SuperCrew Cabs are what I would recommend when car shopping.
These cab types offer a full-size second row bench with a really great width and depth to easily fit three car seats across. While I always tend to use slimmer car seats when fitting three car seats across, these bench seats are so large, you may not even need a slim seat. Yes, they’re that great for families.
To add on, these cabs always come with four full-size doors, making entry and exit hassle-free in the pickup line. The extra space in the back row also allows for more legroom, making a much more comfortable ride for passengers.
If you’re wanting a truck as a secondary (or even primary) family vehicle, the only way to make it work is with a crew cab option. It may be larger, but you’ll never regret its second row.
Car Seat Recommendations For Trucks
When fitting three car seats across in a truck, the wide bench makes it much easier to install each seat correctly. That being said, I still recommend using slim car seats so you have a few extra inches of room to utilize either tether anchors or LATCH installation. If you’re curious on which slim car seats are my favorite, check out my post here on the slimmest car seats.
If you’re not sure on where to start with finding a solid slim car seat, the Graco SlimFit 3LX is what I almost always choose. This is one of my go-to options when testing out bench seats in my car tours (to see a complete review click here). If a truck's second row can accommodate the Graco SlimFit 3LX, three car seats across will be no problem.
The key is ensuring that each car seat can be installed without compromising the safety of the others. Regardless of which car seat you choose, I HIGHLY advise bringing them to your test drive and installing them exactly how you would if it’s your own truck. This is the only way to ensure it will work for your family without fail.
Trucks Can Be Family Haulers Too
While trucks may seem unconventional as family vehicles, they can serve as excellent family haulers. The key is how well the vehicle fits into your overall lifestyle. A truck offers utility and flexibility unlike any SUV or minivan, making it much more appealing for families that need hauling possibilities.
While the primary focus is often on the kids' needs, your daily vehicle should accommodate the whole family's lifestyle. Trucks can be the perfect solution to what the whole family needs, making them a really solid option as a secondary (or even primary) family vehicle.
To see a complete walkthrough of crew vs. quad cabs - check out my video here.
Do you use a truck as a family vehicle? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest tips on family vehicles, check out my recent posts:
