Tether Anchor limits?

[daycaremom2002]

I would like to know how to find out the top tether limits for my 2002 Chevy Express van. It has a different tether system than a lot of vehicles so I was wondering if maybe they went higher than some others. The tether points on these vans are basically attached like a seatbelt to the bench. It is a strap of webbing(like a seatbelt) and has metal plates that you attach the tether to.

I can't figure out how to grab the picture, but here is a link to the online manual. It is on page 59.

This is just for my curiosity right now. I don't have any seats that I am tethering right now that are over 40 pounds. My Futuras don't tether, and I will be using them for another year.

Thanks,

[Jeanum]

Here is a link to a list of LATCH and top tether anchor child weight limits by vehicle manufacturer from the LATCH manual for you: http://www.saferidenews.com/pdfs/pg_126_max_wt_07.pdf

The '07 LATCH manual doesn't make any distinction for the LATCH/tether anchors limits for the '02 Chevy Express van models as far as I can see, and doesn't have any specific notes about the type of tether system you're describing. As listed in the link above, the LATCH manual states the LATCH system limit in Chevrolets is 48 lbs. (I don't think the '02 Express has lower LATCH anchors, actually), and 40 lbs. is the stated limit for the top tether anchor when it's used with the vehicle seatbelt for all Chevy models.

Safe Ride News does recommend to continue to use the top tether anchor beyond the vehicle manufacturer's stated limit because the overall benefits of top tethering are considered worth it. :) You can read these articles for a detailed explanation of the recommendation: http://www.saferidenews.com/html/LATCH_P49.htm and http://www.saferidenews.com/html/LATCH_P8.htm

[daycaremom2002]

Thanks. I don't have Latch. I might just call Chevy and see what they say. I plan on always using the top tethers, no matter what. I just wondered since they aren't the usual metal pieces attached to the frame, they are much different. I would describe it as similar to attaching to a rear seatbelt. It is a piece of seatbelt webbing attached to the frame of the seat just like a seatbelt.

Thanks again.



edited to add link to manual....I thought I already added this

https://www.mygmlink.com/pdf/go2content/manual/US/en/chevrolet/2002express.pdf

[Jeanum]

Ah, I see what you mean about your van's top tether anchors resembling a seatbelt, they sure do look a lot like a seatbelt buckle tongue. Thanks for posting the manual link. :)