is this "anchor" ok?

[Unregistered]

Hi
I've learned so much reading here so thank you to all you experts from a newbie lurker :)

I have a question about top tether anchorage. I never really thought about the top tethers - either than we use them because it intuitively seemed like a good idea. I started reading here a few days ago trying to figure out what our next seats should be (we need seats for my sister's very large passenger van). Our main car is a 99 durango. DD just turned FF (she's 2.3) in her Roundabout, DS is 4.5 ff in a Boulevard. (We also have 2 wizards in our second vehicle). Very soon, the most likely scenario will be DD in the Blvd and DS in a Regent (or Radian 65, still somewhat undecided.)

That's the background - here's the question: I read the Safe Ride News bulletin which stated that Dodge dealers supposedly would install tether anchors for free. I called, they had no idea what I was talking about. I called Diamler Chrysler, they had no idea what I was calling about. I have a call in to Safe Ride News to see if they can point me in the right direction, but haven't heard anything yet. For our local provider to install the anchors, I was quoted $275. That, on top of the cost of a REgent, is not really something we can swing right now.

What we've been doing, is tethering both FF seats by running the tethers down the back of the seat, then under towards the front, and clipping it to the front bar (it's the bar that's the pivot point where the seat attaches to the chassis?) so the tether strap is in an L shape.

Is that acceptable or are we doing something we really shouldn't be doing?

thanks for any input!

[UlrikeDG]

Have the dealer refere to Technical Service Bulletin 23-04-00 Rev. A for details on their TA installation program.

You cannot tether a front facing seat to another part of the vehicle in the meantime. Unhook the tether, and stow it while you wait.

[alaska]

so far he's looked at 23-08-00 (the one listed in the Safe Ride News publication) and 23-35-99 (one I found online relating to "tether installation") He is finding info on the parts needed for installs, but not that it's a free install.

Does the 23-04-00 say that it's a free install? I'd love to call him back with that info!

And can I ask one more question about the tethering - my DH is definitely going to want to know the "why" since we can tether RF to the bottom of the seat. Can you give me some more detail so I have something to tell him?

thanks :)

[alaska]

Just wanted to give an "update" on the off chance that someone, one day, will also be searching for information on retro-fitting a dodge durango w/ tether anchors ...

after a call to diamler/chrysler, two calls to local service providers, a call to Safe Ride News, two calls to seatcheck.org (which is a diamler/chrysler program), and one final call to Chrysler, I have an answer.

Technical Safety Bulletin 23.35.99A is the right TSB and while it does not say outright that retrofitting is "free," it does say that the dealer performing the service will be reimbursed by Diamler/Chrysler, and contains instructions to the dealer on how to go about getting reimbursed.

I hope someone benefits from that info - it only took 2 hours of my life and saved me $275! :D

[joolsplus3]

so far he's looked at 23-08-00 (the one listed in the Safe Ride News publication) and 23-35-99 (one I found online relating to "tether installation") He is finding info on the parts needed for installs, but not that it's a free install.

Does the 23-04-00 say that it's a free install? I'd love to call him back with that info!

And can I ask one more question about the tethering - my DH is definitely going to want to know the "why" since we can tether RF to the bottom of the seat. Can you give me some more detail so I have something to tell him?

thanks :)

RF tethering involves really tiny forces compared to FF tethering... I can't really go into it right now, but truly, the difference is thousands of pounds of force at a different time during the impact.
Glad you get your anchors :)

[alaska]

Thank you Julie - he didn't give me grief about it after all.
And I had a call from Safe Ride News today - very nice and very helpful!

Your name is so familiar - I think I've been reading your car seat advice for years! (windsorpeak, I think?) :)

[joolsplus3]

Maybe...or IVillage? I've been 'around' awhile :cool:

[Emily'sMom]

Just wanted to give an "update" on the off chance that someone, one day, will also be searching for information on retro-fitting a dodge durango w/ tether anchors ...

after a call to diamler/chrysler, two calls to local service providers, a call to Safe Ride News, two calls to seatcheck.org (which is a diamler/chrysler program), and one final call to Chrysler, I have an answer.

Technical Safety Bulletin 23.35.99A is the right TSB and while it does not say outright that retrofitting is "free," it does say that the dealer performing the service will be reimbursed by Diamler/Chrysler, and contains instructions to the dealer on how to go about getting reimbursed.

I hope someone benefits from that info - it only took 2 hours of my life and saved me $275! :D

Can anyone tell me where to look to find this TSB ?
I am trying to get an anchor installed in my 2000 caravan..
Thanks,
Annie

[crunchierthanthou]

The dealer should have a copy of the bulletin, but you may need to reference the number when contacting them.

edit: I see you're asking about a different vehicle than the pp referenced. :o It's found in the LATCH manual. I don't have my copy yet, but searched for an older post where the numbers were provided.

Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan Minivan 96-00

2nd row:
center & outboard - part number 04864118AB

3rd row:
center & outboard - part number 05018506AA


DaimlerChrysler dealers will install tether anchors in certain older model year Chrysler Group vehicles free of charge. Please refer to Technical Service Bulletin 23-008-00 Rev. B for details on this policy.

[CDNTech]

The LATCH manual states that the dealer should refer to TSB 23-08-00 Rev A.

The 2000 Dodge Caravan requires the following part numbers depending on the location of the tether anchor...

2nd Row: 04864118AB
3rd Row Center & Outobard: 05018506AA

That info is straight from the 2007 LATCH manual and should be up to date.

Edit: Typing too slow again. ;)

[Emily'sMom]

Thank you both for the speedy replies!
Annie