problem with Britax Marathon

[bidpitch]

We have 2 Britax Marathon car seats and love them as much as the RA, however, we seem to have a problem tightening the harness once our son in stapped in and buckled. When the strap by the base is pulled it just doesn't tighten the way we think it should. On the RA it was so easy to tighten so it ensured a perfect fit---this is not the case with the Marathon. It seems to tighten easily when the seat is empty. Has anyone else encountered this? Any sugguestions? Do you think it's a manufacturing flaw? Thanks for any suggestions.

[tobymc]

I have heard that the harness on the Marathon is harder to use than the RA. I didn't find it much harder, but I agree that it wasn't that smooth-as-butter feel as the RA.

One trick - the extra tension is caused by friction. So if you pull the straps up with one hand, up near the child's shoulders, and pull the strap to tighten with the other, you can reduce the friction.