It is a common misconception that car seats are not able to fit in a single cab truck, but this is not actually the case, and you can get them to fit legally.

Of course, the law states that if you have a back seating area, this is where the baby car seat should be located.

However, of course if you are in a single cab truck, this is just not an option.

When we only had our single cab truck available, we thought that we would not be able to travel with our child, but after some research, we found out this was more than possible for us!

However, to make it, so your car seat can fit into the car, you will need to make some adjustments and this can sometimes be awkward, just like putting your car seat in the shopping cart at the store. .  To make your car seat more comfortable for your kid, check out our tips here. .

However, if you are willing to make all the correct safety precautions, it should not be too difficult. Our top pick is the BRITAX ClickTight (Boulevard version) Convertible Car Seat!

We will provide some good advice in the buyer’s guide and FAQ section, so you know exactly what you need to be doing when it comes to buying a car seat for a single cab truck.

The Best Car Seats For Single Cab Trucks

If you want to know what you need to be looking for when it comes to a car seat for a single cab truck, refer to our buyer’s guide.

Also, keep in mind that just because a car seat is suitable for some single cab trucks, it may not suit yours.

So before choosing, ensure that you can compare the dimensions of the truck seat and the car seat, and if you are unsure, ensure that you are getting a good returns policy to work with!

Of course, you will need to keep in mind that not just any car seat for a child will be able to fit in a single cab truck. You will likely need to buy a car seat which is designed to be able to do this.

There are quite a few options that will be able to fit in this space, however you will need to ensure you know what you are looking out for.

BRITAX ClickTight (Boulevard Version) Convertible Car Seat

BRITAX ClickTight (Boulevard version) Convertible Car Seat Overview

If you are looking to find a good quality convertible car seat, then this is one of the best options available.

They are a bit larger than might fit in your single cab truck, but it will fit some, and during testing this was a perfect fit for us! While this is one of the pricier options, being convertible makes it one of the most versatile options included.

In spite of its size, compared to other rear-facing car seats, it does have quite a small profile, which makes it perfect for using in trucks.

This seat is perfect for children between 5 to 40 pounds when rear facing, but of course it can also be set to be forwards facing and for this it will suit children between 20 and 65 pounds.

What We Love About The BRITAX ClickTight (Boulevard version) Convertible Car Seat

• Fits in plenty of trucks
• One of the smaller rear facing car seats
• Suitable for rear and front facing making it very versatile

What We Do Not Love About The BRITAX ClickTight (Boulevard version) Convertible Car Seat

• A bit more expensive than average
• Not suitable for quite a few front facing trucks

The Chicco KeyFit 30

The Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat Overview

This is a great choice for single cab trucks because it is quite a narrow design meaning it is more likely to be supported by more of the truck seat making it a good choice for single cab trucks!

The design is 17 inches across, and the rest of the seat is not even that deep.

The seat does not have the size range for infants like the previous choice, unfortunately, with it only supporting babies between 4 and 30 pounds, but this was not an issue with our testing.

This seat also has a compatible stroller you can buy with it as well, so you will not even have to move the baby that much when moving it between the truck and the outside world.

This makes it quite a simple seat to work with, and you will not have to worry about your baby when working with this sleek design!

What We Love About The Chicco KeyFit 30

• Great smaller design
• Compatible stroller makes this a good versatile option
• Will fit even more single cab trucks

What We Do Not Love About The Chicco KeyFit 30

• One of the pricier options available
• Compatible stroller needs to be purchased separately

Safety 1st Guide 65

Safety 1st Guide 65 Car Seat Overview

If the previous options have been a bit too pricey for your budget, then this more affordable option is a great choice, and you can still ensure that your child will be safe when using it.

Of course, all seats need to pass safety tests before being available, so this will still be a safe option.

You will be sacrificing some cushioning which may make the seat a lot less comfortable for your child, but it is still a safe option to have in a single cab truck which fits it.

It is worth noting that if you install this seat rear facing, when testing we found you have to get it at quite a specific angle to ensure that it fits properly and allows for proper breathing for your child.

It does not have many features to make this easy, unfortunately.

What We Love About The Safety 1st Guide 65

• Budget option
• Still keeps your child safe

What We Do Not Love About The Safety 1st Guide 65

• Not as comfortable or as easy to work with than the previous options.

Graco Nautilus 65 LX 3 In 1

Graco Nautilus 65 LX 3 in 1 Car Seat Overview

This is one of our favorite choices for using in a cab truck, the only drawback is that it might not fit in some single cab options. However, if you can get this one to fit in your single cab truck, it is a great option for you to stick with.

One of our favorite things about the Graco Nautilus is how easy and quick it is to set up so you do not have to worry about it being finicky to work with.

This car seat is designed specifically to meet international safety standards for car seats which was part of what we loved about traveling with this seat, so you do not have to have any worries about travelling abroad with this one either.

This is also going to be a comfy choice for your child, with the energy absorbing foam being comfortable and the frame is made from steel so you can be sure it will keep them safe in case of a crash.

There is even more impact protection with the side impact soft foam which makes this a super safe option. There is also the latch installation which is designed to work with a single click, so do not worry about any hassle with this car seat.

The seat cover is removable so it is easy to wash, as are the harness straps as well. The only issue is that it can not work in a rear facing position, but this is fine for most single cab trucks anyway.

What We Love About The Graco Nautilus 65 LX 3 in 1

• Very comfortable design
• Confident in build quality
• Easy to keep clean with removable fabrics
• Designed for a wider age range

What We Do Not Love About The Graco Nautilus 65 LX 3 in 1

• Quite expensive
• Does not have a rear-facing configuration option

Diono 2019 Radian 3RXT

Diono 2019 Radian 3RXT Car Seat Overview

This is an all in one car seat meaning it is convertible and you can make it last for years and grow with your child all the way into their toddler years.

Because of it being convertible, it will also fit into smaller spaces, for example, the front seat of a single cab truck. This seat is so versatile that some users have even used it for air travel.

Similar to plenty of other convertible car seats, this one can be used as either a rear facing or a front facing car seat, both of which we tested, and it is made using a steel frame, which is perfect for ensuring the safety of your child.

And as mentioned before, this car seat is good for different age groups, so if you are put off by the initial investment, remember that you do not need to worry about changing it as they grow up.

The design also includes a harness that will ensure that movement is limited in case of accidents on the road.

We love this as a choice for a single seat cab since it is designed to fit into a more compact space, yet it is still convertible and has plenty of different configurations which make it a great choice for a single cab truck.

The extra comfort your child gets from the memory foam will also make it a favorite of your child as well.

What We Love About The Diono 2019 Radian 3RXT

• Smaller design makes it perfect for single cab trucks
• Sturdy convertible design
• Memory foam padding makes it a comfy option

What We Do Not Love About The Diono 2019 Radian 3RXT

• Quite expensive
• Might not fit all single cab trucks

Britax ClickTight (Marathon Version)

Britax ClickTight (Marathon Version) Car Seat Overview

After testing, we see this as one of the best overall choices, and similarly to our previous choice, can be used forward facing, or rear facing depending on your preference.

This will grow with your child, but still has safety features to ensure that they will be safe in case of accidents at any age.

This is a great option for all the shoulder support your child will get, and the harness is padded to make it as comfy as possible for children.

What We Love About The Britax ClickTight (Marathon Version)

• Shoulder support is often excluded and this makes this a very safe option
• Perfect size for most single cab trucks

What We Love About The Britax ClickTight (Marathon Version)

• Could have a slightly more sturdy build quality

Buyer’s Guide

So, if you have gotten through the product list and you are still unsure about what choice to make, then we have put this buyer’s guide together for you!

All the information needed on picking a car seat for a single cab truck. So, if you are having trouble making a choice, keep reading!

Types Of Rear Facing Car Seat

There are multiple types of rear facing car seats, and a rear facing car seat is ideally what you will be looking for when getting a car seat for a single cab truck!

The options are; a convertible car seat which will tend to have a five point harness system, this is designed to make it easy to adjust between getting a rear facing or forward facing seat, you then have rear facing car seats which can not be adjusted, and then all in one style car seats which are a bit more versatile. If you need cleaning tips read how to clean car seat straps here. 

How To Pick The Best Car Seat For A Single Cab Truck?

When it comes to the legal side of this issue, it is perfectly legal to have a car seat in a single cab truck, but there are some safety procedures that you will need to ensure that you are following when doing this.

You will need to ensure that the width of the seat of your single cab truck is able to support over 85% of the car seat. This means you will generally want to avoid larger car seats unless you have a single cab truck which has seats big enough to support the base.

You will want to look for car seats which are pushing this 85% limit. Generally speaking, you will want to go for seats which look fully supported.

Even if you have the 85% limit fulfilled, if you get pulled over and do not have proof for this, you could be in trouble.

This limit is also in place for safety reasons for the sake of your child, so you should want to be fulfilling this anyway.

When it comes to the best type of car seat to choose, you will want to avoid any seats which are rear facing. The reason for this is that if the airbags get deployed, this could be a massive safety hazard.

If you have the option to disable specific airbags in your car, this is what some people do to accommodate car seats.

So, when you are installing a car seat which is forwards facing, you will want to ensure that you are using the top tether of your car seat to keep it secure.

The top tether is the main difference between using a car seat in a truck compared to a standard car. This will mean that you will need to find a car seat which is designed with this top tether in mind.

If your car seat does not allow a top tether to work with it, this is not a viable option for using in a single cab truck.

If you have any more questions about using a car seat in a single cab truck, the forthcoming FAQ section should answer any questions you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Have A Car Seat In A Single Cab Truck?

Yes, but legally your car seat will need to have at least 80% of its base supported by the car seat it is on. It is also safer to disable the airbags of the seat it is on.

Is It Legal To Have A Car Seat In A Single Cab Truck?

Yes it is legal, but some states might have different laws.

Summary

As you have seen, finding a car seat for your single cab truck can be a significant struggle, and there are plenty of limitations you will have to keep in mind.

Also, it can be frustrating that not all single cab trucks, and not all car seats are built the same.

So, while some of our options have been viable for some single cab trucks, they may unfortunately not work with yours.

So, before buying you will want to check the dimensions, or maybe even drive to a retailer so you can see how it fits.

If you have struggled to make a choice from all of our options, we recommend going through the buyer’s guide so you can work out what you should be prioritizing for your needs.

If you know this, making a decision will be significantly more simple!

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