Saturn Outlook and car seat picture thread

[snowbird25ca]

Everyone else who has an Outlook and pictures with seats installed please add on. :) If you drive a GMC Acadia, or a Buick Enclave, please feel free to share those pictures as well since they are all built on the same platform. :thumbsup:

There was a request for some pictures of different seats installed in the Outlook, and since there are a number of board members buying this vehicle, I thought I'd post some of my pictures. :thumbsup:

Safeseat1 center with belt. Marathon Outboard passenger with belt. Both are rock solid Bench can be moved all the way forward and front seats can be moved all the way back and reclined slightly without touching the SS1.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/snowbird25ca/car%20seats/carseat2ndfolderstartjuly07008.jpg

Marathon tethered rf'ing passenger outboard. Bench was slid forward all the way in order to brace it. Front passenger seat could be moved almost all the way back and slightly reclined. Good tether spot around seat track and doesn't interfere with adjusting the seat.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/snowbird25ca/Saturn%20Outlook/outlookdeliverypictures007.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/snowbird25ca/Saturn%20Outlook/outlookdeliverypictures008.jpg

Rf'ing radian and rf'ing marathon, both installed with LATCH, both tethered and outboard.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/snowbird25ca/car%20seats/rdadianmarch07015.jpg

[jen_nah]

I don't currently own one but hope to sometime next year. I will most likely be getting the Acadia b/c it has a few features that the Outlook doesn't. We did have an Acadia back in Jan for a 4 days and I took a couple pictures. I'll get dh to load them on our website tonight.

[snowbird25ca]

I should edit my original post for those with Acadia's or Enclave's to post pic's too. Thanks Jen. :thumbsup:

[npr74]

:love: Update! I just got my two Radian's (one princess & one super cool), and I can get 3 across in the second row!!! We are using the 2 FF Radians and 1 RF Marathon. I will post photos soon...

Nicole :thumbsup:

[snowbird25ca]

I've now had 3 across in our 2nd row with a SS1, a rf'ing MA and a ff'ing Radian. It was tight, but acceptable for all 3. (Radian was in the center, SS driver side and MA passenger outboard)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/snowbird25ca/car%20seats/radianoutlookinstalls016.jpg
(crummy lighting because pic was taken with our DVD cam while our camera was in for repair and it was dark out, but it gives you the idea anyways.)

[Kleine hexe]

Trudy, are all these pics you posted using the 2nd row? Do you have a 3rd row? If it is the 2nd row I didn't know it came in a bench option...I'm looking at captain chairs for sure.

[snowbird25ca]

Trudy, are all these pics you posted using the 2nd row? Do you have a 3rd row? If it is the 2nd row I didn't know it came in a bench option...I'm looking at captain chairs for sure.

Yes, those are all 2nd row. I do have a 3rd row, but we pretty much never use it. I know that my SS1 and MA both install very easily in the center 3rd row position - I never tried either outboard. I'm also not positive about the space between the 2 rows being enough for the installed SS1 - I didn't think to check that, I was just checking if the seatbelt would install a seatbelt easily in that position. :o

[Kleine hexe]

Does the extra seat in the 2nd row come out/fold down?

[snowbird25ca]

Does the extra seat in the 2nd row come out/fold down?

No, if you have the 2nd row bench, it's a 60/40 split. Both sides tumble forward for access to the 3rd row, but they have to be in the upright/locked position for travel. They can be slid forward and back though, so that's why I'm not positive on space for a rf'ing seat back there. The center seating position of the 2nd row is 100% on the 60 portion of the vehicle seat, so there isn't any overhang. You can't tumble the seats forward with a seat installed though.

The 3rd row is also a 60/40 split, and from what I remember, there's nothing in the manual prohibiting having the 3rd row half up/half down. The 3rd row can be removed, although I'm not sure how easy it is to do.

My guess is captain's chairs would be much easier if you're having kids in and out of the 3rd row regularly, but it depends... my SS1 base installs so easily I'd have no problems with taking it in and out constantly if I had to. I'd probably put kids in through the tail gate though if I was using the 3rd row...

[jen_nah]

That is what I am trying to figure out for our new Acadia. Do, I want the bench since it would be nice to be able to transport 1 more person. But, The caption chairs make it easy to access the 3rd row esp with CSR installed in the 2nd row.

[gloried]

Thanks for the pictures!! I testdrove the Outlook the other day and had a lot of trouble installing my Marathon. The headrest seemed to interfere with pushing the carseat flush with the back of the second row bench seat. I feel relieved that you seem to have overcome that problem as I love this car platform and am very much considering geting the Enclave.

Did you run into the headrest problem? Any tips? That headrest didn't seem adjustable and the dealer wasn't much help in figuring it out.

I'll be putting my 4yr old in a Regent, my 2yr old in the Marathon and my expected baby in a Baby Trend bucket seat.

P.S. I'm thinking of geting the 8 seater. I think I could put all the kids across the 2nd row, but was also thinking of folding over 60% of the second row and putting one of the kids in the other 40% of the second row. Then I'd have my other two kids outboard in the 3rd row. My idea is I can just throw all the kids in the car and then climb in, sitting on the flat bench that is created by the folded over 2nd row seat, to get everyone buckled. This keeps me from leaning into the car during rain and snow or having to open the doors too much when I'm in a tight parking space.

GGL

[snowbird25ca]

Thanks for the pictures!! I testdrove the Outlook the other day and had a lot of trouble installing my Marathon. The headrest seemed to interfere with pushing the carseat flush with the back of the second row bench seat. I feel relieved that you seem to have overcome that problem as I love this car platform and am very much considering geting the Enclave.

Did you run into the headrest problem? Any tips? That headrest didn't seem adjustable and the dealer wasn't much help in figuring it out.

I'll be putting my 4yr old in a Regent, my 2yr old in the Marathon and my expected baby in a Baby Trend bucket seat.

P.S. I'm thinking of geting the 8 seater. I think I could put all the kids across the 2nd row, but was also thinking of folding over 60% of the second row and putting one of the kids in the other 40% of the second row. Then I'd have my other two kids outboard in the 3rd row. My idea is I can just throw all the kids in the car and then climb in, sitting on the flat bench that is created by the folded over 2nd row seat, to get everyone buckled. This keeps me from leaning into the car during rain and snow or having to open the doors too much when I'm in a tight parking space.

GGL

I had troubles when I did our test drive too. Then I read the car manual before installing the car seats to take them home, and it turns out the 2nd row needs to be in the reclined position when installing car seats (and while they're installed as well.) This 100% eliminated the problem. (And taught me to read vehicle manuals even if I'm only test driving a vehicle.)

I'd think you'd be able to fit 3 across the 2nd row with a narrow infant bucket without too much trouble. The 2nd row does need to be up when you're travelling, but they're easy enough to tumble forward that you could definitely move it to put kids in and out of the 3rd row every time.

Personally, I'd be more inclined to put 2 kids on the 60 part of the bench, and then 1 center 3rd row since the tether anchor is in the center back there. I know for sure that a ff'ing Marathon is compatible in the 3rd row center position. We don't have regents in Canada so I'm not sure about that one. But if you go with the 8 seater, I think that would be my preference - then you'd have a tether anchor for the 3rd row child.

[snowbird25ca]

Here's a few new pictures to update this thread.

Evenflo Triumph Advance, rf'ing passenger outboard & installed with LATCH:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/snowbird25ca/Carseats%202/DSC00435.jpg
(radian is ff'ing and installed with LATCH driver's outboard in the background)

Radian installed w/seatbelt in center, rf'ing MA installed with LATCH passenger outboard.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/snowbird25ca/Carseats%202/kidsstartedoct29011.jpg

Rf'ing radian passenger outboard w/LATCH, center MA w/seatbelt.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/snowbird25ca/car%20seats/carseat2ndfolderstartjuly07118.jpg


(All pictures with ff'ing seats are top tethered. I don't bother saying it in my posts because I'm in Canada & it's mandatory here, but just in case anyone is wondering, they are top tethered.)

[jen_nah]

I still want to find someone with one of the verisons of the Outlook/Acadia to see if the Regent will install SBP. I know it will work LBP but I know 1 of our Regent will be the new instructions since we will be replacing the MA at the end of the year.

We are looking at the new Chevy Traverse (Chevy's verison of the Outlook).

[jen_nah]

Here is the pictures I took last year. This is in a GMC Acadia with 2nd row caption chairs. This is not our vehicle it was a demo that GM allowed us to test drive for 3 days as part of a program they were running for current GM owners last year.

Regent is installed driver outboard using LBP, no recline bar & top tethered. These were taken before the enhancement and my Regents are the old instructions so I can follow the old manual.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/jen_nah/carseats/IMG_5584.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/jen_nah/carseats/IMG_5585.jpg


Marathon installed pass outboard via LATCH.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/jen_nah/carseats/IMG_5614.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/jen_nah/carseats/IMG_5589.jpg

[Melizerd]

Outlook owners, can you get 2 adults and a Marathon (in any position) (either rfing or ffing) in the back?

My mom is looking at one for her and we often move our seat to her car. She wants to be able to get 5 people in the car with Gabe in his carseat :D

[snowbird25ca]

Outlook owners, can you get 2 adults and a Marathon (in any position) (either rfing or ffing) in the back?

My mom is looking at one for her and we often move our seat to her car. She wants to be able to get 5 people in the car with Gabe in his carseat :D

That'd be super duper easy in either the 7 or 8 passenger model.

There's lot of room for adults in the 2nd row - I could sit behind the passenger seat & with the 2nd row all the way back and the front passenger seat all the way back my knees just barely touched the passenger seat. I'm 5'7" with about a 31" inseam if that gives you an idea...

If you had the 2nd row slid forward, then there's adequate room in the 3rd row for an adult too provided they're not too big.

There are only headrests in the outboard positions, so the adults would have to use the outboard positions, but there are TA's in the 3rd row center and all middle row seating positions.

So yeah, I can say it'd work fine I'm sure. I've sat beside the MA on the 60 portion when it was installed ff'ing center 2nd row.

I also know the MA installs ff'ing no prob center of 3rd row, so you could always have adults and kids split between the 2 rows if need be.

When we took our test drive we had the kids in the 2nd row and the sales man in the 3rd row.

I've sat on the driver side with a MA installed in the center & ds's radian was rf'ing passenger outboard - but that 40 section is wider so his SS1 also worked well there and if there's room on the 60 section for me there'd be room on the 40 section as well. It wasn't super comfy for me, but I had my cousin back there one day and she was comfy. (12yrs old) Dh managed to fit back there as well, but he wasn't comfy - he's a great big guy though...

I haven't tried the MA rf'ing center 2nd row, next time I have it out of the truck I'll try that. It'll be interesting to see how it puzzles next to the EFTA too.. although I suspect with the EFTA being such a wide seat that might be a no-go. :thumbsup:

[Melizerd]

Thanks!

[jen_nah]

I agree there should be no issues getting the MA in the center with 2 adults outboard in either row.

[snowbird25ca]

Another update, unfortunately no pic to go along with it, but I had another 3 across in my 2nd row tonight.

Ff'ing MA installed w/seatbelt driver outboard, SS1 center, rf'ing EFTA installed w/LATCH passenger outboard.

It was an incredibly tight fit, and the edge of the MA base was literally 1/4" from the edge of the seat and it's likely that the SS1 would've had to be left in the vehicle all the time, but it did fit. (Installing the EFTA with the seatbelt likely would've given a small amount of room, but since it was on the 40 split, it wouldn't have been much.)

Considering all 3 of those seats are fairly wide and the SS1 and MA generally don't puzzle well together, I'm starting to think that there are a lot of 3 across combos that could work.

[bugs_mama]

It wasn't easy... but after playing with my seats for awhile I got a great install 3 across the 2nd row.

No photos yet... I will try and take some but this what we ended up liking...

Graco Nautilus Set up for Harness Latch Outboard Passenger (for my 5yr, 38lb, 16in torso DS)
MA FFing Center Belt (for my 3yr, 33lb, 15in torso DD)
MA RFing Belt... haven't figure out top tether yet since DH and I are constantly moving the seat back and forth (17mo, 22lb DD)


It is a really tight fit and the two outboard seats just clear the cup holder jug outs on the door by about 1/4-1/2 inch. But all and all I am quite happy to have all 3 in the second row and not have to climb into the back to buckle anyone (so sick of that in our old minivan).

I had wanted the GN in the center but since there are cup holders built into the seat back (that can flip down if you aren't using it as a seat) it was hard to get the GN to squish into the back far enough so it was making the front of the base over hang the seat by about 1/4-1/2 inch.

Michelle

[snowbird25ca]

The seat rail works great for a tether point for the rf'ing seat - there's the location shown in one of the above posts - that one is on the passenger side, but there is a similar one on the driver side. Depending on how much you move the seat forward and back it shouldn't affect the recline of the seat very much.

*Tip - if you extend or shorten the steering wheel it can reduce how much you need to change the seat position. ;)

[bugs_mama]

Lets see if this works... haven't posted a photo before.
Here is my 3 across set up.
GN Harness with Latch, MA FFing with Belt, MA RFing with Belt

I still haven't had a chance to figure out the RFing tether, maybe this afternoon I will have a chance to play with it.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh192/babybugs_mama/100_0348.jpg

[snowbird25ca]

Looks great! I'm anxiously awaiting for the nautilus to show up in Canada and plan to get one when it does, looks like it installs really nicely in there. :thumbsup:

Here's the pic of where my d-ring is on the passenger side. The inside seat rail for the driver side will work the same way. :thumbsup:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/snowbird25ca/Saturn%20Outlook/outlookdeliverypictures008.jpg

I took some more pictures last night to show the EFTA knobs and the center seating position how the plastic is that interferes with using the radian rf'ing. I'm not sure how soon I'll get a chance to upload and post them though. ;)

[snowbird25ca]

I'm going to add this picture onto the thread here to show why the radian is incompatible rf'ing in the middle position, as well as what I'm referring to when I say that the center position has a narrow spacing between the belt and the buckle:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2296265227_701dd22ed0.jpg

Between the narrow spacing & metal buckle stalk, and then the plastic that protrudes on the right hand side beside the anchorage point for the buckle, there's no way for the boot to sit straight against the vehicle seat back.

Here's also a picture of the belt buckled. The MA & SS1 install easily there & the Radian ff'ing is fine as well with a little effort. I haven't had the EFTA in the middle yet though, but expect it's belt path is high enough that it should be fine. I'll post back with more info when I get around to trying it. :thumbsup:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2296265451_db1e64e7d4.jpg

eta: Just for fun, this is the space between the 2 seats as they are in my truck right now - rf'ing EFTA on the left of the picture, ff'ing MA on the right of the picture. I think radian would be no problem. I would be able to install the MA a bit closer to the door and did briefly have the SS1 in that position with a ton of difficulty, but given the width of the MA and EFTA, this gives a pretty good idea of what back seat space you're working with. :thumbsup:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2297061052_b56bb5149e.jpg

[jen_nah]

Trudy,

Do you think a booster like the Parkway would fit in the middle?

I so can't wait for the end of the year to get here so I can get mine. I am really thinking I am going to go with a 2nd row bench this time over caption chairs like I currently have in my Tahoe.

[snowbird25ca]

Trudy,

Do you think a booster like the Parkway would fit in the middle?

I so can't wait for the end of the year to get here so I can get mine. I am really thinking I am going to go with a 2nd row bench this time over caption chairs like I currently have in my Tahoe.

Dh has the truck at work right now but I can measure the distance if you'd like when he gets home. The MA does fit in the middle because the belt comes over to the side easy enough, and the narrow spacing of the seatbelt & stalk might actually make the seatbelt fit better on a smaller child...

Considering that both the MA and EFTA are wide seats and have space to reach in and access the buckle, it very well might be possible provided there's enough physical space to get the parkway in.

[snowbird25ca]

Jen, I don't know exactly what the parkway is like, but I forgot my tape measure in the house this evening and in the absence of that used a frozen pizza box to get the width. :o

The box is 12" wide, and is 12 or 13" high. It sat flat between the buckle and outer lip of the MA but it was snug in there. So the distance between the middle buckle stalk and the outer lip of a MA at it's outermost point within the first 12 or 13" up, is 12".

Does that help? I imagine if the parkway came forward a little, then provided that your dd was adept at buckling herself, she'd be able to reach slightly behind it if need be, because there is plenty of space to access that buckle. I do have room to move the MA over by probably 1.5" as well if I tried.. it would result in probably a slight tilt though due to the seat contouring, but definitely would still have a tight and acceptable install.

(And boy did dh laugh at me when I told him I had to measure the pizza box because of what I'd used it for. :ROTFLMAO: )

[Shanora]

Hmmm.....This sounds like a very interesting Truck....I may have to look into it....since we have a minivan and I *hate* it....lol

And Trudy, I've decided that when we move to Edmonton this summer...I SOO want to come and play "car seats" with you.....lol

[snowbird25ca]

Hmmm.....This sounds like a very interesting Truck....I may have to look into it....since we have a minivan and I *hate* it....lol

And Trudy, I've decided that when we move to Edmonton this summer...I SOO want to come and play "car seats" with you.....lol

LOL, sounds like fun. I'm always game for playing with carseats - unless it's -30 out. ;)

[snowbird25ca]

Here's some new pic's from tonight - I took a picture of the EFTA installed ff'ing outboard w/seatbelt, and installed rf'ing in center w/seatbelt.

The EFTA actually installs better rf'ing in the middle of the 2nd row than the MA does. I'm sure I can get the MA in using a pool noodle to help with the recline, but it wasn't just a straight forward buckle and tighten install and I didn't have time to mess with seeing if I could make it work.

I also installed the radian ff'ing center w/seatbelt and took a pic of it.

3 across with the MA and Triumph and radian would be very very tricky if near impossible. Infant seat in between the MA and Triumph would work fine though, because the infant seat base wouldn't block tightening the seatbelt on the outboard MA - and that was the problem I ran into when I tried to install the MA.

Anyways, without further ado, here are the pic's from tonight. If you have any questions, or want more, I may have some depending on what you're looking for, so just ask. :thumbsup:

Radian
http://static.flickr.com/2335/2311491685_b7a5ddc63e_d.jpg

Close-up of buckle & beltpath:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2311492171_8989d82766.jpg

EFTA ff'ing, full upright mode, seatbelt, drivers outboard - top tether *just* reaches with room to tighten about 2" of slack.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2312304640_096e23c02e.jpg

EFTA rf'ing in center - locking clip would be needed if this was going to be a long term install. I had some slight tipping just from the initial install. It was rock solid with little effort though - I used one section of pool noodle for recline:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2111/2312305774_f6fe7fce2c.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2379/2311495565_7ed98151a5.jpg

As you can see, it takes up a lot of room in the center position. You could fit pretty much any seat on the 40 split, but fitting anything next to the EFTA on the 60 portion would be difficult to do.

Plenty of space to place the locking clip with both rf'ing and ff'ing installs, view of belt/buckle when rf'ing:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2311495253_75ef3f40cb.jpg

Disclaimers: The EFTA installs were rock solid in all the scenerios I tried and I'd say it's compatible in all 3 locations of the 2nd row both with seatbelt and LATCH, although I didn't try ff'ing LATCH because I didn't feel like re-routing the anchors. :o Typically LATCH is easier though, so I'd expect if I can get an easy seatbelt install, the ff'ing LATCH would be relatively easy.

The radian was rock solid side to side and had maybe 1/8" front to back movement. I didn't top tether it for the purpose of my quick install to take pictures.

I don't normally have loose carseats in my truck. I just placed the ones I wasn't using out of the way, but they show in some of the pictures. ;)

If I was leaving the EFTA in the middle rf'ing, I would trim the pool noodle a little shorter. I prefer to have the noodle closer to the seat bite, although it might not be possible in this particular seating location.

[capeKO71]

Great picks! How did you get such a rock solid intall with that dang radian in the center???? I have SUCH a hard time with my radian and this car... I can get any other seat rock solid... but NOT the radian... even with latch I have trouble... weird.

Anyhow - just so folks get an idea of width... I've had my Regent, Marathon & Boulevard all in the second row... three in a row...

Oh - the only other spot I can't get a carseat is REgent long belt path third row... the seatbelt is too short! :)

[snowbird25ca]

Great picks! How did you get such a rock solid intall with that dang radian in the center???? I have SUCH a hard time with my radian and this car... I can get any other seat rock solid... but NOT the radian... even with latch I have trouble... weird.

Anyhow - just so folks get an idea of width... I've had my Regent, Marathon & Boulevard all in the second row... three in a row...

Oh - the only other spot I can't get a carseat is REgent long belt path third row... the seatbelt is too short! :)

Thanks. :) The Radian is difficult, and the first few times I fought with it a long time. One of the other techs on the board, (we took our course together,) got it in really good the first time using the standard radian tricks, but I've kind of customized them for the outlook. LOL. It really does get easier over time though. It takes me less than 5mins now assuming nothing funky happens.

I do find that putting the front foot down doesn't help with the outlook when installing the radian though. And the trick seems to be pulling on the lap part of the belt so that the slack is over by the latchplate before you tighten it. (Center seatbelt, make sure the seatbelt is coming from behind the seat and not right on the edge of the shell, otherwise it slips behind as soon as you check for front to back movement.)

The 2nd row is nice and wide, pretty much if you can puzzle 2 seats on the 60 portion, you can put whatever other seat your heart desires on the 40 portion. :)

[abharrington]

Anyhow - just so folks get an idea of width... I've had my Regent, Marathon & Boulevard all in the second row... three in a row...

is this with all 3 FF? or what combo of positions and RF/FF?

thanks!

[Ice Princess]

I am really wanting this now over the ford expedition. with gas prices going up i know this would be the better choice. I should have no problem with a radian rf, ma rf and a chicco keyfit 30 should I?

[snowbird25ca]

I am really wanting this now over the ford expedition. with gas prices going up i know this would be the better choice. I should have no problem with a radian rf, ma rf and a chicco keyfit 30 should I?

That should be easy, from what I know the keyfit is pretty narrow.

I'd do radian driver outboard - oldest rf'ing child, MA passenger outboard and keyfit center. (MA passenger side because it's the widest seat so would give you the most options to have it on the 40 split. The Radian for the oldest because it installs really quite upright in the outlook when rf'ing, so should still give a driver plenty of room - and the radian doesn't work rf'ing in the middle.)

I'd think that would be a pretty easy combo to fit actually. :thumbsup:

[soflol99]

Thanks everyone - there is so much great information here. I'm looking for help on choosing a convertible car seat...

I have an Outlook and currently have two kids - age 2 (FF Britax Decathlon) and age 9 months (RF Graco Snugride with base). I need to purchase a convertible car seat for my youngest and would like to get another Britax (I have no preference for model but was considering the new Diplomat). But before I purchase I want to make sure I can fit three children in my 2nd row. (Hopefully, next year I will have my third child who would be in the RF Snugride w/ base.) Also, what's the recommendation on the positions for each seat?

My current setup is FF Decathlon driver outboard and RF Snugride passenger outboard. I tried to put RF Snugride in center but it always seemed to lean towards passenger side.

Thanks for your help.

[snowbird25ca]

Thanks everyone - there is so much great information here. I'm looking for help on choosing a convertible car seat...

I have an Outlook and currently have two kids - age 2 (FF Britax Decathlon) and age 9 months (RF Graco Snugride with base). I need to purchase a convertible car seat for my youngest and would like to get another Britax (I have no preference for model but was considering the new Diplomat). But before I purchase I want to make sure I can fit three children in my 2nd row. (Hopefully, next year I will have my third child who would be in the RF Snugride w/ base.) Also, what's the recommendation on the positions for each seat?

My current setup is FF Decathlon driver outboard and RF Snugride passenger outboard. I tried to put RF Snugride in center but it always seemed to lean towards passenger side.

Thanks for your help.

Keeping in mind that you're wanting to fit 3 across at some point, I'd consider looking at a different seat for your oldest and moving baby into the seat your oldest is using. I'd say either a graco nautilus, britax frontier (when it shows up depending on if it's all it's supposed to be or not,) or radian. My reason for suggesting considering a seat that's not a convertible is because your oldest is ff'ing already, so that opens up some possibilities that you could buy a seat for him that ff and then converted to a booster. You can have 1 seat of pretty much any size on the 40 portion, so it's mostly a matter of puzzling on the 60 portion of the seat. I've had a radian and SS1 next to each other, the SR is a bit narrower than the SS1, so I know that would work as well. I'm not sure about width of some of the other seats or how they'd puzzle though since the nautilus isn't available in Canada yet and the frontier hasn't been released yet. ;)

But basically, if you can puzzle it on the 60 portion, you can put whatever other seat you want on the 40 portion since it's pretty much self contained - even my EFTA doesn't go over the edge of the 40 portion. :thumbsup:

[capeKO71]

Sort of OT... but Here are some pics from the back... just in case some of you carseat crazy people also have lots of strollers... and this is NOT how I drive around.. it's purely to show you bulk of what can fit back there! I know that's always a concern for people buying an SUV over a minivan.

I'll take photos later... but I do 3 across all the time. Today it was Recaro Como, Britax Boulevard then Compass True Fit.... :) all very LARGE seats... solid installs... installed outboard two first, then squeezed the britax in between and did seatbelt install.

;)

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n254/capeKO71/DSC_0004-1-1.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n254/capeKO71/DSC_0002-5.jpg

[snowbird25ca]

Thanks for sharing. :)

There is plenty of cargo room. We went tenting last summer for 5 days with both kids and fit everything in. Granted it was tight getting it in, but the cargo space in the back is really generous.

(I know you said you don't travel like that, but jic you sometimes have that 60 portion of the 3rd row down and didn't happen to be aware of it, the seatbelt is supposed to be disconnected from the mini buckle stalk and stored in the ceiling when the 3rd row is down. :thumbsup: )

[Ice Princess]

Eeeek. we got our outlook tonight. I am so excited to be able to fit 3 across with no problems.

[snowbird25ca]

Eeeek. we got our outlook tonight. I am so excited to be able to fit 3 across with no problems.

Congrats. :D How exciting. Is this your first Saturn? Were you shocked by the send off and everything? ;)

[Ice Princess]

they didnt do a send off for us, lol. i think they just wanted us out with our two crying kids. I love it though. Once we got home i played with car seats for 2 hrs. my dh finally asked me to come in.

I think i have it figured out how i am doing it for now.

on the 60 portion i have the GN center w/belt and the triumph rf driver out board w/seat belt. It is a tight fit but works. My ds crawls inbetween the carseat and the driver seat to get to his and then once i am in my seat i turn around to finish buckling him. :)

[Mama2J]

I took a trip to the GMC dealer yesterday. I hope it's ok to add the pics to this thread - I have 7 pics of the Regent installed SBP in a 2007 Acadia. This was the only Acadia they had with a bench seat in the second row.

I could not get an acceptable install in the center. The seatbelt buckles are too close together and the recline bar sat on top of the buckle making the install too loose. Maybe without the recline bar it might be ok, but we are using it.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b100/dls72/Carseat/IMG_5982.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b100/dls72/Carseat/IMG_5983.jpg

The outboard position was a much better install. It was tight and did not move at all.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b100/dls72/Carseat/IMG_5984.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b100/dls72/Carseat/IMG_5985.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b100/dls72/Carseat/IMG_5987.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b100/dls72/Carseat/IMG_5988.jpg

I normally do not keep my tether strap so twisted, but I was trying to do this quickly, and had to adjust it much longer for this than it is in my car.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b100/dls72/Carseat/IMG_5986.jpg

[snowbird25ca]

Thanks for sharing those. I'm not surprised the Regent is incompatible in that middle seating position. The buckle spacing is very narrow and the plastic pieces make it even harder.

I'm not sure if I've ever posted a pic of the center position in the Outlook/Acadia/Enclave 2nd row bench position?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2296265451_db1e64e7d4.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2297061052_b56bb5149e.jpg

You can see why this position would have issues with some seats. Ff'ing EFTA, radian and MA are no prob though, and SS1 and rf'ing EFTA have been fine in the center, so it's not an impossible position to work with. Just one that definitely needs to be tested.

[Mama2J]

No problem! Yes I think you did post the center pics before, but I still held hope that I could install the Regent there. :o

So now I have to decide how comfortable I am with having him outboard on a daily basis. The salesman assured me there are side curtain airbags so he would be safe.

Another consideration is, who can actually sit in that center seat? I sat there and it was not very comfortable and I'm not that big. It is very narrow. I'm wondering if I should get captain's chairs after all, if that seat will not really be usable for a person to sit.

[snowbird25ca]

No problem! Yes I think you did post the center pics before, but I still held hope that I could install the Regent there. :o

So now I have to decide how comfortable I am with having him outboard on a daily basis. The salesman assured me there are side curtain airbags so he would be safe.

Another consideration is, who can actually sit in that center seat? I sat there and it was not very comfortable and I'm not that big. It is very narrow. I'm wondering if I should get captain's chairs after all, if that seat will not really be usable for a person to sit.

Passenger wise, I think only smaller people could sit there. It also doesn't have a headrest. I think a booster that was narrow like the Parkway would work fine, or possibly any booster if the booster sat slightly out on the bottom.

The Acadia & clones does have a 5* side impact test rating, and side curtain airbags, so I really have no qualms about having both my kids outboard even though I could have one of them in the center.

I guess it depends mostly on if you'll want that extra seating location sometimes, and if you'll ever want an extra tether anchor. The ones with 2nd row bench have 3 anchors 2nd row and than center 3rd row has a TA. The Captain's chairs have an anchor for each chair, and then center 3rd row.

If you don't *need* that middle seating position in the 2nd row, then I'd just get the captain's chairs. I think in the acadia you can get them in the base model. In the Outlook you have to go up to the XR in order to have captain chairs as options for the 2nd row.

(I have sat and ridden as a passenger for a short distance in that middle seating location.. I'm not super petite either. ;) But it wasn't the most comfortable. Putting a carseat in the center though and adult sitting outboard is comfy enough though, and even my very large dh was able to fit beside a ff'ing MA installed in the center - although he was squished.. but he's really a big guy. :thumbsup: )

[Heather98012]

Ok, so this is kinda OT, but I am considering either the Acadia or Enclave, but haven't driven them yet. I dunno...I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around an American car again (so I'm REALLY having trouble with the idea of a Saturn). I had a Chevy years ago & was really unimpressed with the quality.

How do you guys like the fit & finish? I've been researching these cars for almost a year & they seem to get rave reviews. What about squeaks, the interior plastics, etc? For the price, it seems like they have better improved their interiors over previous GM models. Gimme details!

I'm leaning more towards the Mercedes R class, but these GMs are worth a look.

[snowbird25ca]

Ok, so this is kinda OT, but I am considering either the Acadia or Enclave, but haven't driven them yet. I dunno...I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around an American car again (so I'm REALLY having trouble with the idea of a Saturn). I had a Chevy years ago & was really unimpressed with the quality.

How do you guys like the fit & finish? I've been researching these cars for almost a year & they seem to get rave reviews. What about squeaks, the interior plastics, etc? For the price, it seems like they have better improved their interiors over previous GM models. Gimme details!

I'm leaning more towards the Mercedes R class, but these GMs are worth a look.

LOL, Saturn has been GM for years now. ;)

We're really happy with ours still and we've had it since Feb 07. I'd suggest taking them for a test drive and then deciding. You'll get the best feel for the vehicle by actually driving it and riding in it. :thumbsup: (Maybe post this question in it's own thread, it'll probably get more responses that way. ;))

[Mama2J]

Passenger wise, I think only smaller people could sit there. It also doesn't have a headrest. I think a booster that was narrow like the Parkway would work fine, or possibly any booster if the booster sat slightly out on the bottom.

The Acadia & clones does have a 5* side impact test rating, and side curtain airbags, so I really have no qualms about having both my kids outboard even though I could have one of them in the center.

I guess it depends mostly on if you'll want that extra seating location sometimes, and if you'll ever want an extra tether anchor. The ones with 2nd row bench have 3 anchors 2nd row and than center 3rd row has a TA. The Captain's chairs have an anchor for each chair, and then center 3rd row.

If you don't *need* that middle seating position in the 2nd row, then I'd just get the captain's chairs. I think in the acadia you can get them in the base model. In the Outlook you have to go up to the XR in order to have captain chairs as options for the 2nd row.

(I have sat and ridden as a passenger for a short distance in that middle seating location.. I'm not super petite either. ;) But it wasn't the most comfortable. Putting a carseat in the center though and adult sitting outboard is comfy enough though, and even my very large dh was able to fit beside a ff'ing MA installed in the center - although he was squished.. but he's really a big guy. :thumbsup: )

Hmmm, I don't know what to do now. I don't really need the center if I'm not going to use it for J's seat. Eventually, I plan to get a Monterey booster, and I will most likely still have this vehicle, but there is no LATCH in the center either. Most of the kids we know are in boosters now, so I guess I don't really need the extra tether and they could sit in any spot.

On the other hand, I like that the Outlook is cheaper and I don't know if I want to spend extra money to get the captain's chairs. I'm also going to look at the Traverse when it comes out, so I'll have to see what the pricing and options are for that. I guess when I drive the Traverse, I'll have to test the Regent in a captain's chair. I really did like driving the Acadia though, but the price was a bit higher than we wanted.

[keri1292]

Mama2J ~ In your pics I see coming from the bottom that the harness that comes toward the hips (from underneath the seat, KWIM?)is loose. My dd's twisted the whole way around and caused me so much stress. When we got our new Regent I saw that the elastic cover holders are supposed to go through the metal buckle to hold the buckle in place. I must've forgot the first time I removed the cover. So after fighting with it for so long, life is MUCH easier now.
You may not have the same problems, but just wanted to offer a fix if you did. :D You can see what I mean in this post. (http://car-seat.org/showpost.php?p=404802&postcount=5)

[Mama2J]

Mama2J ~ In your pics I see coming from the bottom that the harness that comes toward the hips (from underneath the seat, KWIM?)is loose. My dd's twisted the whole way around and caused me so much stress. When we got our new Regent I saw that the elastic cover holders are supposed to go through the metal buckle to hold the buckle in place. I must've forgot the first time I removed the cover. So after fighting with it for so long, life is MUCH easier now.
You may not have the same problems, but just wanted to offer a fix if you did. :D You can see what I mean in this post. (http://car-seat.org/showpost.php?p=404802&postcount=5)

Thanks Keri! Yes I see what you mean, but haven't had any trouble with the harness twisting as of yet. I figured it looked like that because of moving it around to install it and because there was no kid in it. It's possible I don't have the elastics over it the right way though, because this is not the original cover for the seat. I'll check it! :)

[keri1292]

The elastic goes through the outside of the black metal clasp to hold it in place. You should have seen me freaking out when I realized I had to uninstall the beast to twist that strap back to the right spot. :hitselfonhead: