Why can't my dealer tell me what the LATCH limit is for my van?

[Mizzum2]

Argh,

I have spent the afternoon trying to find out what the LATCH limit is for an 02 Grand Caravan. I was put through to sales at the dealer who had no idea. They went off to check and called me back to let me know that LATCH can take any weight of child, it is the weight of the seat that matters:ROTFLMAO: I tried to explain it to him that that is NOT the case and each manufacturer has a different weight limit, eg Honda 40lbs (I guessed that). So he helpfully suggested I just go along with what Honda say.....

After a prolonged silence from me, he offered me the Chrylser customer service number.But the agent didn't know either so now I am waiting for a call.

Shouldn't dealers be required to know about something so important? He barely had any idea watch LATCH was.

Mizzum

[Joolsplus2]

They can't tell you diddly...well, maybe the horsepower of your van and watts of your stereo. Sigh, ok, that's a mean generalization... :p

Canada's not allowed to give top limits, or don't have them, or defer to the carseat maker... or something. Anyway, they technically don't have them. But I can tell you the limits are 48 pounds (same as Britax proclaims as the top LATCH limit on most of their seats). At 48 pounds you stop using the lower anchors, use the seatbelt, and always always use the top anchor (they have a weight limit too, but they simply don't fail in real life at any weight, so just don't worry about it).

:)

[Mizzum2]

Thanks Jules!

I still haven't heard back. I am glad it is 48lbs.One of my twins is going to be 40lbs in clothes soon.

I am just waiting for the Frontier to come to Canada.So far I haven't found anyone doing the red colour. I am also concerned that the new longer belt path will mean a delay to its launch.A store told me yesterday that any changes mean re-testing in Canada:32: I hope that is not the case.

Mizzum

[Joolsplus2]

I think it's just a matter of having manuals updated, the seat was assumed to allow the long belt path here initially, so I bet they've already done the CDN testing for it, too.....fingers crossed. I think you have a long time to go before 48 pounds :)

[DrSally]

I've never met a car dealer who knows either. We did a lot of comparison shopping for minivans and everyone seemed perplexed. We also only found one person who could guess where the top tether was.

[ThreeofUs]

Frankly, most of the car dealers we've dealt with couldn't even tell us if there were latch attachments under the seat. Not the brightest bulbs....

[codex57]

Most dealers I talk to can't even tell me the horsepower on the car. Some might look to see if it's written on the sticker, but other than the color of the car, that's about all they know. They just read off the window sticker, which is useless if you're trying to get a comparison btw trim levels.

LATCH and child safety stuff usually isn't on the sticker, which means most sales people wouldn't even know it existed (as I frightenly discovered when we bought our last car a few months ago).

[lorinick]

They can't tell you diddly...well, maybe the horsepower of your van and watts of your stereo. Sigh, ok, that's a mean generalization... :p

Canada's not allowed to give top limits, or don't have them, or defer to the carseat maker... or something. Anyway, they technically don't have them. But I can tell you the limits are 48 pounds (same as Britax proclaims as the top LATCH limit on most of their seats). At 48 pounds you stop using the lower anchors, use the seatbelt, and always always use the top anchor (they have a weight limit too, but they simply don't fail in real life at any weight, so just don't worry about it).

:)
I was told it was 45lb for the Britax seats is it 48 or 45?

[Joolsplus2]

48. Frontiers are 40 (can be used higher if the car allows higher). Who told you 45? Certainly someone who's never bothered to look at the manual or the side of the seat ;)

[Mizzum2]

Well Chrysler have never called back.Surprise.

So if they don't give limits in Canada, does than mean I have to go with 40 lbs when I get the Frontier and do a seatbelt installation??

Mizzum

[Joolsplus2]

The Canada label might be different. Transport Canada doesn't let automakers make piddly low limits on things in general, so it might go to a full 65. But if it's only 40, the seatbelt install is actually fantastic with the 'reverse belt path' and it'll be fine that way :)

[bubbaray]

Well Chrysler have never called back.Surprise.

So if they don't give limits in Canada, does than mean I have to go with 40 lbs when I get the Frontier and do a seatbelt installation??

Mizzum


Are you getting a Cdn spec'd Frontier? If so, from where??

[Mizzum2]

Are you getting a Cdn spec'd Frontier? If so, from where??

Hi,

Yes I am getting a Canadian one. A few places (in Ontario) have them for pre-order now and are expecting them in mid-late June. Unfortunately, Britax are only releasing it here in the 2 most boring colours.

http://www.dearbornbaby.com/product.php?productid=1957&cat=54&page=1

http://baby.securechannel.ca/Results.asp?strQuery=frontier&Search=Search

http://www.snugglebugz.ca/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=1

http://www.toysrus.ca/search/index.jsp?f=Taxonomy%2FTRUSCA%2F2510384&kw=frontier&f=PAD%2FBrand+Name+Secondary%2FBritax

Mizzum

[bubbaray]

Hi,

Yes I am getting a Canadian one. A few places (in Ontario) have them for pre-order now and are expecting them in mid-late June. Unfortunately, Britax are only releasing it here in the 2 most boring colours.

http://www.dearbornbaby.com/product.php?productid=1957&cat=54&page=1

http://baby.securechannel.ca/Results.asp?strQuery=frontier&Search=Search

http://www.snugglebugz.ca/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=1

http://www.toysrus.ca/search/index.jsp?f=Taxonomy%2FTRUSCA%2F2510384&kw=frontier&f=PAD%2FBrand+Name+Secondary%2FBritax

Mizzum


OMG, you just made my day!

Thanks for posting!!! :)

[Mizzum2]

No probs Melissa! There are a few more if you search. 3 of those sites have free shipping (not TRU).

I just got a call back from Chrysler. She left a message quoting a page of my manual, that children up to 40lbs should be in a child restraint or booster..... and those 40 lbs and over using a seatbelt or booster should use it properly...

Words fail me.Not even customer service understands. I am beginning to wonder if LATCH is a figment of my imagination :p

Mizzum