Need Help w/ RF Britax

[Carter's Mommy]

I just moved the Britax DC into DH's 2004 Toyota Corolla. It's a center install (RF) with rear tether. I got a super tight install and used the rear tether (attached w/ the D ring to the front passenger piece that the seat adjusts front to back on) to get a proper recline. I used the LATCH to install, THEN looked at the owner's manual. It shows 4 latch anchors and appears that they're only intended for the outboard positions. It pictures 2 car seats both installed outboard, but doesn't actually say not to use them for a center install. I used to have a `98 Saturn and I believe it specifically said not to use the LATCH for center install. So, question #1 is, do I have to re-install the seat. #2, I assume it's safer to have a snug install with the seatbelt in center position than LATCH in an outboard position, but would like to double check.

Question #3, I just put a Britax BV in my 2007 Honda CRV center install, rear facing, with LATCH (as correctly shown in owner's manual). My problem here is that in order to get a super snug installation, the car seat is much to upright. I intended to tether RFing, but can't find anywhere to anchor it. I'll attach a picture. Any sugestions??? The back seat of the CRV moves front and back like standard front seats and I'm wondering if I might attach the tether to the underneath of the seat the car seat is on. :confused:

Thanks so much for your help!

[Patriot201]

but doesn't actually say not to use them for a center install. I used to have a `98 Saturn and I believe it specifically said not to use the LATCH for center install. So, question #1 is, do I have to re-install the seat. #2, I assume it's safer to have a snug install with the seatbelt in center position than LATCH in an outboard position, but would like to double check.

Unless it says you CAN use the center anchors, we have to assume that you CANNOT. So, you are right, you need to re-install the seat.

LATCH is not safer than seatbelt installations, it is just supposed to be easier.

The safest place for your seat is going to be where you can get the best installation. If you can get a solid, safe installation in the center with the seatbelt, that is the best place for the seat. However, if you cannot get a solid installation in the center, it is fine to install the seat in an outboard position.


Question #3, I just put a Britax BV in my 2007 Honda CRV center install, rear facing, with LATCH (as correctly shown in owner's manual).

Are you sure that the 2007 CRV allows LATCH in the center? I haven't seen the owner's manual for the 2007s, so I am not sure. I know Honda doesn't allow it in any other one of their vehicles, but it is possible that they allow it in the 2007 CRV.


My problem here is that in order to get a super snug installation, the car seat is much to upright.

How upright is it? If your child is older (sitting up age or older), you can have the seat at anywhere from a 30* angle to a 45* angle (from vertical).

I intended to tether RFing, but can't find anywhere to anchor it. I'll attach a picture.

Let me go look at your pictures and at the Honda website.

I will come back. :)

I'm wondering if I might attach the tether to the underneath of the seat the car seat is on.

Britax no longer allows tethering to the seat upon which the seat is installed.

[Patriot201]

Okay, it appears that you have the exact same seat tracks as my 2006 Civic. This is how I get my D-ring attached in my Civic:

1) move the passenger seat ALL THE WAY forward.

2) slide the D-ring under the track.

3) pull the D-ring HARD toward you (toward the backseat).

4) the D-ring should slide under that plastic cover and be totally out of the way of the vehicle seat.

5) loop the metal part of the D-ring through the loop of webbing to get your tether spot.

6) move the passenger seat back to its location.

7) if you pulled the webbing back all the way, the seat shouldn't interfere, but just make sure it doesn't cut into the webbing when you put the seat back.

Here is a photo (albeit, not a very good one) of the D-ring around my Civic's seat track:
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/patriot20171/Carseat%20stuff/DSC_2396.jpg

[Jeanum]

I can help a bit to clarify the issue of center LATCH installations. :)

A '98 Saturn would not have been equipped with LATCH as it pre-dated the federal requirement by several model years. GM began factory equipping Saturns with top tether anchors in the 2000 model year, and lower LATCH anchors first were included in Saturn models in the 2002 model year. (long time owner of various Saturn models here ;))

Toyota does not allow borrowing the outboard lower anchors to do a center LATCH installation in the Corolla, or in any Toyota model without a set of dedicated lower LATCH anchors for the center seating position.

The redesigned for '07 Honda CRV has a dedicated set of lower LATCH anchors for the rear center seating position, so center LATCH installs are perfectly fine in it. :) Pre-'07 CRVs, and other Honda models without a dedicated set of lower anchors in the center, do not allow borrowing the outboard anchors for center installs.

[Patriot201]

The redesigned for '07 Honda CRV has a dedicated set of lower LATCH anchors for the rear center seating position, so center LATCH installs are perfectly fine in it. :) Pre-'07 CRVs, and other Honda models without a dedicated set of lower anchors in the center, do not allow borrowing the outboard anchors for center installs.

I just looked the CRV up to see if I could find anything about the lower anchors in teh center. You and the OP are right! They are there.

I had no idea the new CRV had center LATCH anchors. But you all are right. There they are!

[Carter's Mommy]

Thanks for the quick reply. I will reinstall in DH's car in the center with a seatbelt as I assumed I would have to. I didn't realize the plastic pieces around the seat track of the CRV pop off. I'll have to try to tether it again tomorrow, as it's nearly vertical right now. I suppose I could reinstall w/o putting so much weight on the seat when I tighten it too. I'll attach a picture from the CRV manual in case anyone is interested in the center LATCH info. Thanks for all the help!

Oops, guess I don't have space left to add another picture.

[Patriot201]

Oops, guess I don't have space left to add another picture.

LOL! That's okay!

Good luck! Let us know if you need any more help.