Tether rings and luggage rings

[supercalifragilous]

In my mind, I had thought that even when DD outgrows the tether "limit", I will continue to use it - I'd rather have the car break and at least provide some tension for a split second more than none at all...

However, whatwe were previously using as the "tether ring" in the trunk of our SUV is actually a luggage ring. It is basically a D-ring in the floor of the trunk, not attached to the framework of the car or anything. I really didn't know what it was for b/c there's only one, but my husband tugged and tugged on it with all his might and it's pretty secure so we put the top tether on it (DD is FF). I thought it was better than nothing, but the CPS tech told us that it'd be better to not use it at all than to use something wrong.

So our car ends up not having a top tether attachment at all (it's a 1999). What to do now?

[DebbieJ]

What year, make, and model do you have?

I was able to get tether rings retrofitted in my 2000 Honda CR-V.

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03
Breastfeeding After Reduction is possible! www.bfar.org

http://www.bfar.org/members/fora/sty...onths-bfar.jpg

[Joolsplus2]

No, it's not better than nothing (unless your husband is the incredible hulk and able to simulate about 2000 pounds of force in high speed...? just kidding, but that's what tether anchors need to withstand, basically). Did the tech have the LATCH manual and help you find the part numbers so you can call the dealer and have a top tether added? We do... tell us what you have and we'll tell you how to get anchors added :)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[schums]

In some SUVs the "luggage ring" is actually the tether point too. My 2000 Dodge Durango is like this. Had to go to the dealer to find this out, tho. If in doubt, have a dealership parts person tell you the final ruling -- they seem to be the ones in the know around here.

Sarah
Mom to Alex (3/2002) and Catherine (8/2003)

[DebbieJ]

>If in doubt, have a dealership
>parts person tell you the final ruling -- they seem to be the
>ones in the know around here.

Around here, the dealership parts person was a complete and utter idiot, so you're best to check with the car seat folks here.

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03
Breastfeeding After Reduction is possible! www.bfar.org

http://www.bfar.org/members/fora/sty...onths-bfar.jpg

[o_mom]

I second this. They had no clue what I was talking about "Tether what?" Someone with a LATCH manual can give the exact part number and any programs to offer free installs.

[Joolsplus2]

It really depends... the Honda dealer I talked to when I bought my car insisted the solid bar on the floor was the tether anchor... of course it wasn't, it was the captain's chair anchor... but he knew all about the stereo system! (eye roll).

Some dealerships are happy to get ahold of the LATCH manual, it comes straight from the engineers at the top of their companies :)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[schums]

What I meant to say was "If no one here knows for sure, then check with a dealership near you where they hire compentent people." Didn't mean to downplay the info from this board (heavens knows I use it enough) but that if Julie or another tech doesn't know the answer, check with the people who make the car!

Sarah
Mom to Alex (3/2002) and Catherine (8/2003)

[Joolsplus2]

You're right of course, that's actually the best first course of action :)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx