My RA hates me

[Noel]

I have been hesitant to touch my Roundabout (see my posts on the main car seat forum). Why did I uninstall it? Because the recline was for a newborn, not a one year old. I spent 50 minutes alternating 2 different size noodles to put the RA back into my 97 Honda Civic. My husband says it's the same stability as before, but I wondering how much *wobble* other people feel they have.

[crunchierthanthou]

You shouldn't be using pool noodles with the RA. You adjust the recline with the rf tether. Get it in solid without the noodles and then tighten the tether to where you need it. I could get ours rock solid this way.

[Noel]

I can't find any tether points in my 97 Civic. Perhaps I could put the passenger seat farther back to help wedge the RA in.

[UlrikeDG]

First, take a deep breath and pull out the instruction manual! Step two: read the manual. ;)

Ok, it sounds a little glib, but it's true. The manual really does help!

The rear facing tether has different rules from a "regular" front facing tether. You don't need a factory installed (or retrofitted) anchor point to tether your Roundabout as long as it's rear facing. Check out the pictures and instructions on this page (http://www.angelfire.com/wa3/isakswings/ratetherrf.html) for an idea of what you should be looking for in your Civic.

The first time or two you install the seat, you may find it easier to do it with another person. Move the front seat(s) of your vehicle all the way forward! Then, recline the Roundabout base. Put it in the car, and buckle the seatbelt through the correct belt path. Make sure the lock-off is open and that the lap portion of the belt lies flat in the lock-off.

Now, have one person press hard in the seat of the child restraint (CR). Don't push too close to the front of the CR, or you can actually snap the recline mechanism, and you'll have to start all over. Make sure they're pushing straight down (or as close to straight as they can get in that awkward position) with their hand as close to the CR seat back as possible.

Now, have the other person pull all the slack out of the seatbelt. Pull first on the side closest to the buckle, then toward the middle of the seat, then on the side closest to the retractor. If the person pushing down on the seat rocks the seat a little back and forth or bounces, you may find that you get some "hidden" slack out of the lap portion of the seatbelt.

When you've gotten all the slack out of the seatbelt, very carefully pull the shoulder portion down into the lock-off and close the lock-off. This can be tricky sometimes, especially if you've pulled the belt *really* tight. Sometimes, it's easier to close the lock-off on one side or the other, so there may be some trial and error involved. As far as I know, Britax's latest recommendation is that you can use either or both lock-offs, so go with what works. Most of the time, it's easiest for me to use the lock-off farthest from the buckle, so I'd try that side first.

Now, you can stop putting pressure in the seat. Check for a good installation. Firmly pull the seat side-to-side at the belt path. Don't jerk it, twist it or try to pry it loose or tear it out of the vehicle. You just want to be sure that there's less than 1" of movement at the belt path when you pull straight to the side. If it moves less than 1", you're good to go. Attach the tether, pull it until the seat is reclined as much or as little as you want. Push the front seat(s) back as far as they will go (don't run over the tether strap!), and away you go.

When you're installing the seat by yourself, you may find it easier to put a knee in the seat so you have two free hands to mess with the seatbelt while you're pushing down with your knee. Rear facing installations are definitely more awkward than front facing ones, but the Roundabout is one of the easier seats to do, so it shouldn't be too bad once you get the hang of it.

[Defrost]

Oh, I know this is frustrating now, but you're going to be so excited once you get this figured out! It's a lot easier than you realize once you've learned all the "tricks." And trust me, I saw your other post and your seat needed to be re-installed!

The best thing about tethering RF is that you get to make your own tether point! Do you still have the D-ring that came with the seat? It might be in the little "bag" at the top-back of the seat between the tether. It's a short strap with a D-shaped ring at the end. You just wrap that around a part of the front seat that's bolted to the car, thread the D-ring through the loop on the end of the strap, and then clip your tether to the D-ring.

First, though, you've got to get the seat installed good & tight. Don't worry about the recline at this point, just push it tight against the seat and pull the seat belt as tight as you can, then close the built-in lock-off. (Follow the instructions in your manual step-by-step and it'll walk you through it.) Then hook the tether and tighten it to get the seat reclined.

It's too bad you don't live close to me - I'd love to teach you how to install this seat, because you're going to love it. :)

[Noel]

I had the manual at all times with me during my shenanigans. And my husband did work with me on my last attempt out there before nightfall. But I will look into the tethering issue.

[Defrost]

I had the manual at all times with me during my shenanigans. And my husband did work with me on my last attempt out there before nightfall. But I will look into the tethering issue.

It should be a lot easier without the noodles, though, and without having to worry about the recline angle when you're trying to get it tight. :)

[Starlight]

I had the manual at all times with me during my shenanigans. And my husband did work with me on my last attempt out there before nightfall. But I will look into the tethering issue.
I'm fairly certain that the manual doesn't allow the use of pool noodles.

[Patriot201]

Noel,

It is okay. We will help walk you through this. :)

Preinstallation step- move the harness into the set of slots that is right at or just below your baby's shoulders.


Installation

First step- recline the seat (Roundabout) using the handle on the base.

Second step- place the rear-facing RA on your vehicle seat.

Third step- seatbelt installation. You can install the seatbelt over the cover, under the cover but over the gray foam, or under the gray foam. I usually install with the seatbelt going UNDER the gray foam, but I have occasionally installed with teh seatbelt over the gray foam.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/patriot20171/Carseat%20stuff/DSC_2284.jpg

This third step is where you are definitely going to need your vehicle and carseat manuals. Follow them both VERY closely as you install.

You do not need pool noodles to install the Roundabout.


Fourth step- tethering.
There is a good place to RF in a 97 Civic, but you will have to use the D-ring that came with your seat. The photo below is in a 2006 Civic, but there are similar spots in a 97 Civic. I tethered my friend's Decathlon in her 97 Civic. You will need to wrap the D-ring around the passenger or driver seat leg and pull it back toward the rear seat as hard as you can. It will then give you a great place to tether the Roundabout.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/patriot20171/Carseat%20stuff/DSC_2396.jpg


Good luck!

[Patriot201]

One more point (sorry!)

The link Ulrike gave you is FABULOUS, but I just wanted to point out that Britax no longer allows Australian tethering or tethering to the seat upon which the child restraint is installed.
Britax now only allows Swedish tethering.

[Synchro246]

I had my RA in a 1998 honda civic for a long time (w/ no recline aparatus of any kind). The tether point is shown above, but I'll put it in different words just incase that may help you.

Put the seat as far foward as you can and make the seat backs go to their full forward position so you can really get your head down there to look under the seats.
They are bolted to the floor at each corner. Pick a rear center corner and put the D-ring around it.
Install the seat & tighten tether until the recline is about right then move the vehicle seats so that you can use them again. I liked it best when the bracing between the two seats was more or less even.

[keri1292]

I also find it easier to install seats when I know what kind of locking belt that I'm working with. Check your manual or look here... http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/lockincss.aspx
When I know which way it locks, I have a much quicker install. Post pics of your installation and we can help you get it perfect.
Your seat will look really upright without the noodle, but you will fix that with the tether.

[Noel]

Noodles are removed (though my RA manual does say I can use a rolled up towel in the gap). The seat itself is secured and I am fairly confident on that part. The base doesn't wiggle, but the back seems tippy. I have tried and tried to thread the tether through the front seat anchors, and it there is no place for it.

Meanwhile, I have emailed a certified installer in my city that I found through a link from a prior forum post. And I'm going to call my city's police dept right now to see if A) that person exists or if B) they have another installer.

Thanks for everyone's help. But I think I need to give up. I don't have these kinds of skills.

[Patriot201]

Meanwhile, I have emailed a certified installer in my city that I found through a link from a prior forum post. And I'm going to call my city's police dept right now to see if A) that person exists or if B) they have another installer.


Wonderful!

I am so glad you found a link to a possible CPST. Did you go through Safe Kids to find the person?

Best of luck to you! You have done a great job so far! :)

[crunchierthanthou]

the back can be tippy if it's not tethered. You just need to make sure it's got less than 1" of movement at the belt path. As long as it's not moving side to side or back to front where it's actually buckled to the car, it's okay. The tether just helps with the recline and makes it more stable in certain crashes.

[Noel]

Yes, it has less than 1" of movement. I have an appt next Wed with an installer in the next-door city (the guy in my police dept is on vacation), and I've left a message for a neighbor with a RA to come take a look.

My MIL has a car seat too that she will have installed in her minivan at the same time. So the kid will be tested in both for safety :thumbsup:

Once again, I really appreciate all of the kind people out there! I'll let you know how it goes.

[keri1292]

Don't be so discouraged! It sounds like you got it in pretty good. You check for movement by tugging at the sides. The seat belt should hold it firm. The top will wiggle even in a rock solid seat. The tether will help with that. I'm so glad that you found a tech. You're going to feel a lot better after it's inspected. And your little one will stop fussing and enjoy his new view for sure. :thumbsup:

[Synchro246]

Update when you can :thumbsup:
I'll try to get some clear pics of where a good tether spot is in the mean time:)