RF tether question

[melbb]

I just installed a Decathlon in the middle seat position of a 2005 Honda Accord. I am pretty pleased with the installation. I used a rolled towel to get the proper recline and it doesn't move more than an inch at the belt path. I tethered using the Australian method because it seemed the easiest. But I was wondering what the advatanges/disadvantages of tethering using the Australian or Swedish methods were. Should I leave it as is, or would the Swedish method be better?

[Joolsplus2]

The Swedish really is preferred for US seats (Australian seats actually have anti-rebound bars, and their top tethers are more useful in conjunction with those).

Here's a useful explanation of why: http://www.carseat.org/Technical/tech_update.htm#toptetherRF

I *think* the seat track is useable...push your seats forward and dig around a bit, usually the D-ring can be shoved between the track and the carpet on the side, at the very back, and not interfere with the front seat being pushed all or almost all the way back... but electrical front seats are much more of a bugaboo to find a place to tether to, and there's a very small chance there might not be anything...dig around quite a bit before giving up, though, because it's almost always possible to find an appropriate place to do it.

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[melbb]

Ok, I switched it to the Swedish style. I was able to connect the tether to the seat track just like you said after removing a plastic part that covered the back portion.

Now I have another, unrelated question. When I tugged on the seat (not a yank, but more than a gentle tug) it only moved about 0.5 inches along the belt path. Of course, DH comes along and yanks on it and moves it more than an inch. Now I am worried it may not be in tight enough. I practically sat in the seat myself to get it in as tight as I though possible. Should it not move more than an inch if you yank with all your strength? I want to be sure it is a pretty decent install before I go get it checked out. If I have to redo it, I will.

[Joolsplus2]

I'm sure it's fine :). They tell you to even use your non-dominant hand to do the tugging, so you won't be 'too strong' to try to get it to move that inch. But since I've been known to reinstall my own seats 'just for fun' I won't discourage you from all the excitement of re-doing it, if you want to :D
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx