Twisted Buckle Stalk

[patti_b]

Hi,

I just discovered that my husband installed DS1's Marathon improperly in the center position (forward facing) of his Chevy Silverado truck with the LATCH hooks intended for the outboard positions. DS2 is rearfacing outboard, so he had both seats sharing a LATCH hook. ARRGGGHH!!! Read the freaking instructions for a change! (Sorry, had to vent). So, I reinstalled it with the lap belt, but I could only get a tight install if I twisted the buckle stalk 2 or 3 times. I've looked here to see that's okay, but would it be preferable to have him forward facing outboard w/ LATCH or center w/ twisted stalk? Of course, if I put him outboard w/ LATCH, I'll be back to the same problem once he hits 48 pounds. He is past the RF limit by the way.

Thanks!

Patti

[Joolsplus2]

Oh, I'd leave it twisted if necessary and in the center. It's got a top tether there, right?

Anyway, a little buckle twisting (up to 6 half twists, three full twists) to get the buckle out of the belt path is completely ok.

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[patti_b]

Hmmm, I don't have it top tethered, but there's a hook that looks like it may be one, but I'll need to check the truck manual. I probably can find a seat brace or something underneath too. I didn't top tether because it was pretty secure w/o it, but should I anyway?

Thanks Julie!

Patti

[Joolsplus2]

Check the manual, since you must use a proper tether anchor spot for FF (and sometimes trucks have straps which ARE proper, but you need to make super-sure).
Soooo...it feels secure when you tug on it? Do you think you are exerting 1000+ pounds of force on it? <wink>. Seats should *always* be top tethered forward facing, if at all possible, because they add that third point of connection to the car and help keep the head from flying forward up to 8 inches in a crash (to prevent the haed from striking the front seatbacks, which aren't as soft as they seem)

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx