Ford Escape and a Britax Roundabout

[Moonprysm]

There happened to be a car seat tech at a playgroup I was at and I had her look at my install. I had it outboard because I thought I had read somewhere that you couldn't put Britax in the middle of an Escape. She said the install was fine, but also said that it was okay for me to put him in the middle. So I moved him today, but I'm still nervous about whether or not it's really okay. Anybody know for sure?

[UlrikeDG]

Check the vehicle manual. Unless it prohibits installing a seat in the center position, it is allowed. In fact, the LATCH manual says that there is a tether anchor in the center seating position, so that indicates that it is appropriate to install a child restraint in the center.

It could be that you're not allowed to install the Roundabout in the center using LATCH. There are specific requirements for that installation, because you're "borrowing" the LATCH anchors from the outboard positions. You'll have to check the manuals for both the seat and the vehicle for guidance on that issue.

[joolsplus3]

You're ok :). Ford allows LATCH usage between 11 and 20 inches, and Britax allows LATCH usage between 11 and 20 inches (11 is the standard, so anything wider than that really needs to be approved by both manuals, which it is in this case). I wouldn't put any other brand of carseat in the middle of an Escape with the LATCH, but Britax is ok. (I hope your friend isn't advising everyone of this, since it's really not ok in most cars with both seats...good for you for double checking! Check your manuals and call Britax as a thorough triple check, of course :) )

(Ps, I have my Roundabout installed behind the Driver in my Escape...it's easier to get my kiddo in and out, and the LATCH bars are more towards the center of the car, giving extra space between the door and the seat. It also is very easy to Swedish Top Tether Rearfacing to the Driver's rear seat leg, too)

:)

[Moonprysm]

You're ok :). Ford allows LATCH usage between 11 and 20 inches, and Britax allows LATCH usage between 11 and 20 inches (11 is the standard, so anything wider than that really needs to be approved by both manuals, which it is in this case).

Thanks! Yeah, I think that's why I was second guessing. She pulled out a book (I think it's made by Britax?) and looked up my year and model - the book said it was okay as long as the car was okay with it (which I thought was strange because she was looking at the info for my car...why would they put that?) so I was just confused as to whether or not it actually was OK. I just feel so much safer with him in the middle since the Roundabout doesn't have the side impact protection. We're either getting him a marathon or the new ricaro when the next baby comes so that he'll have it when he goes outboard. :)

[papooses]

I had my Britax convertibles in the center of my Escape with LATCH as per the Ford manual + Britax approval ;)

[Dragonflymama]

I have installed a Britax Galaxy (RF and FF) and MA (FF only) in the center of my '02 Escape- allowed installation per both Ford Escape manual and Britax.

Should be ok.

[cpsaddict]

I have my Roundabout in the center of my 01. It works fine with LATCH, but better with the seatbelt. However, my RA has the old style base and the LATCH straps are awfully short. I have installed a MA in the center with no issues at all. RF tethering is a dream in my Escape! So easy! Britax+Escape center=GREAT!!!! :p I have a pic somewhere....

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t312/Jackyl_photos/DSCI0157-1.jpg Hope this works!

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t312/Jackyl_photos/DSCI0155-1.jpg Please excuse the dog hair!

[joolsplus3]

Thanks! Yeah, I think that's why I was second guessing. She pulled out a book (I think it's made by Britax?) and looked up my year and model - the book said it was okay as long as the car was okay with it (which I thought was strange because she was looking at the info for my car...why would they put that?) so I was just confused as to whether or not it actually was OK. I just feel so much safer with him in the middle since the Roundabout doesn't have the side impact protection. We're either getting him a marathon or the new ricaro when the next baby comes so that he'll have it when he goes outboard. :)

That's the LATCH manual :) Was it bright yellow, bright green, or dark purple? Either way, it's THE book to own and look up that stuff...your friend is totally the coolest!!! :)