Installation ? for the CPST crew

[SuperstarNanna]

We have a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer LT. I was going to spend some time this weekend trying out configurations to get three seats across the bench in preparation for when baby #3 arrives in April. We currently have 2 seats installed in our outboard positions (a Nautilus and a RF Roundabout) using the LATCH in those spots.

I checked our vehicle's owner's manual and on the last page it says that a car seat can not be installed in the middle seat position of the bench. That's it. No explanation as to why. I know there isn't LATCH in that seat, but there is a seat belt (but not one that has the locking feature). Is it truly unsafe to install a seat in this position using the seat belt (and a locking clip)? Are we seriously going to have to get another vehicle?

[TaChapm]

That doesn't make much sense. I am wondering if they mean that you can't install a carseat in the middle position using the latch connectors from each of the side positions. I know that sometimes people will use the latch connectors from each side when there isn't a middle one so perhaps that is what they are talking about.

[o_mom]

I'll quote from the LATCH manual here:

"Center: TA is a tirangular cargo tie down on the floor of cargo area at base of seatback. Some CRs will not fit well as the distance between the seat belt anchors is somewhat narrow. For MY-01 to early 03 a CR can be installed if it can be installed correctly, even though the owner's manual says not to. These positions have been tested, per FMVSS 213, with CRs. For late MY-03 and on, Owner's Manual has been updated."

Based on that, if you can get a seat to install correctly there, you can use the position. Getting something that will install correctly may be an issue. I'm not sure if a Radian would work, but it is the narrowest option and probably worth a try. Your other two seats are not particularly narrow, so keep in mind that to fit three across, you may need to replace one or both of them.

When you do the three across, if the seats are touching at all, you need to install the center seat, then the outboard, then go back and remove the center one to check that the outboard seats stay tight. Then reinstall the center seat exactly the same (either use a locking clip or mark the seatbelt to make sure it is just as tight). The center seatbelt should lock somehow - either by pulling all the way out to switch the retractor or at the latchplate. You may need to use the seatbelt on the outboard install as well as many times that will give you more room than LATCH (moves them out farther).

[Joolsplus2]

I even asked an engineer at Chevy what was the deal with that, and she assured me it IS just fine as long as the seat is narrow enough

[SuperstarNanna]

Thanks so much! I feel better knowing it's ok to install a seat there so long as everything fits and a locking clip is used on the seat belt. I know we will likely need to swap out at least one of the seats to get three across, possibly both to Radians since the infant seat we have is a Snugride and I'd like to be able to install the base if at all possible. I appreciate the tips on installation, too!!!