confused about Radian install

[Mtdew@ngel]

We're just now getting around to trying to install our DS new Radian but I have a couple questions. I've read the manual over a couple times and I am still confused. :o DS is 27lbs and I'm unsure if we HAVE to use the safestop feature? We currently do NOT have the option to use tether but will sometime in the future when I can get ahold of the dealer. I don't want to have my son use this seat if we have to be using Safestop since he's under 40lbs. Oh and he will be FF.

Also, when we do install it, how do I know if it's secure enough? Nowhere in the manual does it say anything about moving so much at the beltpath or anything but I've read on here something about 1"? Yet again I'm feeling overwhelmed (and kinda stupid) when it comes to correctly installing his seat. :(

[Defrost]

Is it the Radian 65 or 80? What kind of vehicle are you installing it in? Are you using LATCH or the vehicle seat belt?

[Mtdew@ngel]

Is it the Radian 65 or 80? What kind of vehicle are you installing it in? Are you using LATCH or the vehicle seat belt?

Radian 65. 98 Mercury Sable. And we're using vehicle seat belt lap/shoulder.

[joolsplus3]

You have to have the top tether to use the safestop, from what I understand.

[Mtdew@ngel]

You have to have the top tether to use the safestop, from what I understand.

Yeah I knew that much. I just don't know if we have to use safe stop since he's under 40lbs. I don't want to not use it right now and find out we should have been y aknow?

[joolsplus3]

No. Don't use it. It ADDS head excursion, which you already get too much of because you don't have a top tether yet. When you get the top tether (Ford/Mercury dealer, program R7C will do it free), THEN you put on the safestop till 40 pounds.

:)

[CDNTech]

The Safestop is only for kids under 40lbs AND only when using a top tether.

In your case, you are not using a top tether. Do NOT use the Safestop.

Even though it does not say anything in the manual the correct way to install a seat includes the following...

One hand AT the belt path (where the seatbelt goes through the FFing path of the Radian) and gentle tugging back and forth and front to back. IF the seat moves LESS than 1" you have a good installation.

[Mtdew@ngel]

Maybe I wasn't being too clear. I know I should not use Safestop without ALSO using tether. That much is clear to me. It's also clear it's for use with children under 40lbs. However, is says to ALWAYS use safestop and tether with children under 40...so my question is, since my son is only 27lbs, do I need to NOT use this seat until I get the tether spot installed OR can I use it with just the seat belt? From my understanding of reading the manual, since I don't have the ability to use the tether w/safestop and the manual states to always use it with children under 40lbs, then I should NOT be using this seat for my son until I'm able to use tether with the safestop. Am I correct?

[daycaremom2002]

I am not a tech, but, when I called and asked this, they told me that if the seat CAN'T be tethered, then just install it without the safe-stop. Just do a normal seatbelt installation. If the seat IS tethered and the child is under 40 pounds, then you HAVE to use the safe-stop. You CAN use the seat without being able to tether it. Just do not use the safe-stop without a tether. When you get the tether anchor installed, just make sure you install the safe-stop if your child is still under 40 pounds.

[Defrost]

Maybe I wasn't being too clear. I know I should not use Safestop without ALSO using tether. That much is clear to me. It's also clear it's for use with children under 40lbs. However, is says to ALWAYS use safestop and tether with children under 40...so my question is, since my son is only 27lbs, do I need to NOT use this seat until I get the tether spot installed OR can I use it with just the seat belt? From my understanding of reading the manual, since I don't have the ability to use the tether w/safestop and the manual states to always use it with children under 40lbs, then I should NOT be using this seat for my son until I'm able to use tether with the safestop. Am I correct?

I would call Sunshine Kids, but its entirely possible that this is correct, as they would consider the seat still useable since your child is light enough to RF (even if that may not be preferable for you for other reasons.)

[CDNTech]

Yes, the manual can be a little confusing.

You are allowed to use the seat with your son right now. Due to his weight and lack of top tether in the vehicle, you do not use the Safestop and you install the carseat with the seatbelt.

[Mtdew@ngel]

Thanks everyone for ur help! We will try installing it tomorrow and see how it goes. I will also be calling the dealer about getting the tethers installed.

[joolsplus3]

I would call Sunshine Kids, but its entirely possible that this is correct, as they would consider the seat still useable since your child is light enough to RF (even if that may not be preferable for you for other reasons.)
Nah, the manual just sucks ;)

[Defrost]

Nah, the manual just sucks ;)

Are there carseat manuals that don't suck?? ;)