Britax Marathon Recall/HUGS Question

[fattytuna]

DD currently sits in a BLVD. We received an older MA from a friend of a friend that we can put in our other car. The MA's DOM is Oct 2002. Although we will only get less than a year and a half use out of it, it still helps for now that we don't have to move the BLVD back and forth.

Excuse my ignorance since I have never had to deal with Britax before since we bought the BLVD. I do know that the MA we received is accident-free. But there was a recall on the MA before and I don't know if the replacement adjuster strap has been replaced or not. If it hasn't, will Britax still send me a replacement kit if I'm not the original owner? And if I'm not the original owner, is the warranty still valid?

TIA.

[Joolsplus2]

Oh yeah, recalls transcend warrantees, they'll send you a new strap if you need it. If the one on the seat now has a black plastic tab at the end of the adjuster, then it's been replaced. If it's just webbing all the way to the end, it needs to be replaced.

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

[fattytuna]

Thanks, Julie! Just called and got a replacement strap.

Sorry but now I have another question - My 2006 BV comes with the HUGS system and the belly pad and the comfort pads. I don't see them on this 2002 MA that I just got. I know I've seen them on current MA's when I purchased my BV in the stores. Do they not come standard on older MA's?

[Joolsplus2]

Yeah, they always came on all Marathons...the only part you NEED is the rubber HUGS pads, the extra pads are not necessary, just nice, but the HUGS are mandatory for forward facing. (good thing nothing happened to that other kiddo without them on the seat!)

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

[fattytuna]

Thanks, Julie - I thought the MA looked kind of "bare". I'll order the HUGS pads from Britax.

I hope they just forgot to put them back on when the washed the cover or something, and not that they never had it for their kid.

[newtnewt]

I bought my Roundabout new, manufactured in July 2005. It did not come with the HUGS pads. hmm... Is my child in danger?

[Joolsplus2]

Nope, Roundabouts don't come with HUGS (they are not necessary for seats that only go to 40 pounds, just the higher weight ones).

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

[o_mom]

Only the higher weight Britax seats require them, the Roundabout does not since it only goes to 40 lbs.

[newtnewt]

thanks!