Britax Boulevard and Explorer

[pandagil]

I'm trying to install a Boulevard RF in a 2002 Sport Trac Explorer. I can not get a good install in the center seat. I have been successful with installing outboard using the seat belt locking system (can't seem to get those locking clips to stay closed). My question is, after the center seat what is the safest position to install the seat - behind the driver, or behind the passenger?

[Patriot201]

I have gotten a FANTASTIC installation in the center of my dad's 2002 Explorer.

What exactly is the problem you are running into?

Here are some photos of the installation:
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/patriot20171/Carseat%20stuff/DSC_1987_edited.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/patriot20171/Carseat%20stuff/DSC_1989_edited.jpg


If you are not able to get the seat in the center, there is minimal, if any, difference in safety between the driver's side and passenger side. Some people will say one side is safer, others will say the other is safer.

The best position is going to be where you can get the best installation.

[UlrikeDG]

FIL has had two Explorers, and installing seats is a bit tricky. I suspect it's possible to get the Boulevard in the center, but it may take some help from a tech. In the meantime, a good installation outboard is better than a poor installation in the center.

As far as which side is safer, they're statistically about the same, and it even changes from year to year, so you don't need to worry about that. When deciding which outboard position to use, I look at safety and convenience during loading and unloading. For a while, we lived in a building that had on-street parking on a one-way street. Since the driver's side was the curb side, I put the outboard seat behind the driver so I wouldn't have to stand in traffic to buckle my child.

[pandagil]

I think there is a difference between the Explorer and the Sport Trac. I have a 2003 Explorer (the Sport Trac is my husbands), and the back seat in the Sport Trac appears to be at more of angle and narrower. We could not get the seat snug at all. It is wider than the center seat and the seat belt, so would wobble. We actually had a CPS tech come out and look at it for us. She tried all kinds of things including 3 pool noodles. She determined that it would not be a safe install and recommended that we install it outboard. We currently have it behind the drivers side.

[Patriot201]

I think there is a difference between the Explorer and the Sport Trac.

Ah! I didn't realize that. Sorry! :)

We currently have it behind the drivers side.

If the seat installs securely there, that is great! :) :thumbsup: