Help! Regent/Triumph Install in '99 Explorer

[Dliela]

I spent about 3 hours installing my kids carseats in my 99 Explorer now that its been retrofitted with tethers and the Regent still isn't in :(. The Evenflo Triumph was relatively easy and I was able to get it in rock solid, but the Regent is still not in properly. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions.

Here are the triumph pics..... (DD 1y - 27lbs, 33.5 in >> I know RF is encouraged, however, FF is what we've chosen to do)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Dliela/DSC01490.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Dliela/DSC01485.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Dliela/DSC01486.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Dliela/DSC02.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Dliela/DSC01.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Dliela/DSC01487.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Dliela/DSC01481.jpg

Here are the Regent pics.....(DS 2y7mo - 41lbs, 42in)
The issue that I'm having is with the seat belt itself. I'm using the lap-shoulder belt installation-short route and the seatbelt is bunching up so much on the clip side that it won't budge even when I put all my weight on the carseat to give it some slack. DH helped me and it still wouldn't budge. Unfortunately, the thing that the clip locks into (sorry don't know what it's called - the red thing) doesn't move. I feel like it needs to be at an angle in order for the belt to sit properly. As a result the seat moves from side to side at least 1-2in, which I know is not acceptable. I don't know what to do! I should mention that I was previously using the long route since DS was under 40lbs. I had a rock solid install, but decided to change as per the instructions. Is it possible to keep using the long-route since I had a much better install and use the tether now that I had my truck retrofitted?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Dliela/DSC01493.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Dliela/DSC01496.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Dliela/DSC01501.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Dliela/DSC01500.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Dliela/DSC01506.jpg

I thought about moving the Regent to the center seat, but it just doesn't fit next to the Triumph :(

[Defrost]

If the vehicle seat back can be reclined, that can really help with installation - it doesn't look like it reclines from the pictures, but if it does, try that. Recline the vehicle seat, install the Regent, un-recline the vehicle seat back, and it should be tighter.

Here's another way to get the Regent tighter; you'll need two people. Warning - it's really not fun.

Put the Regent on the seat, thread the seat belt through the belt path, but don't buckle it yet. Then have your helper shove the Regent toward the back of the vehicle seat, cramming that recline bar back as far as possible. Then have them kneel in the seat.

With the seat belt still unbuckled, pull the seat belt through the buckle as if you were tightening it. Get it so that that the latchplate (that's the black thing that the seat belt threads through, the "male" end of the buckle) is about two inches from the "female" end of the buckle. Hold it tight in that position and then have your helper bounce on the Regent while you tug with all your might to get it buckled.

This is how you can tighten the seat belt without causing it to bunch up in the latchplate the way it has in your picture. You can usually get it tighter this way.

However, your seatbelt and buckle are forward of the seat bight (that's the crack where the back of the seat and the bottom of the seat meet), which in my very limited experience means you're not likely to get an acceptable installation with this seat. :(

Also, the tether on the Regent needs to go under or around the headrest, not over it. Can the headrest be removed?

[Dliela]

Thanks Debbie. Unfortunately, after another 3 hours working on the Regent with DH, we still couldn't get it in tight. It still moves from side to side at least 2 inches.

I continued to search this site in hopes that someone had a similar problem and solution and came across this post......
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=22214&highlight=regent

So does this mean can I install my Regent (DOM 4/13/07) using lap-shoulder belt installation-long route even though DS over 40lbs?? If so, I would also be using the recline bar and tether.

I'm just so confused! The post refers to "old " instructions and I'm not sure what I received when I bought the seat in July 07, because the guide that I have indicates that the short route should be used for over 40lbs.

Do the old instructions say that the long route can be used? What page can I refer to?

[Defrost]

Thanks Debbie. Unfortunately, after another 3 hours working on the Regent with DH, we still couldn't get it in tight. It still moves from side to side at least 2 inches.

:( I'm sorry to hear that even after all that time & effort it didn't work.

I continued to search this site in hopes that someone had a similar problem and solution and came across this post......
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=22214&highlight=regent

So does this mean can I install my Regent (DOM 4/13/07) using lap-shoulder belt installation-long route even though DS over 40lbs?? If so, I would also be using the recline bar and tether.

I'm just so confused! The post refers to "old " instructions and I'm not sure what I received when I bought the seat in July 07, because the guide that I have indicates that the short route should be used for over 40lbs.

Do the old instructions say that the long route can be used? What page can I refer to?

In the old instructions, the recline bar was only required if the seat wasn't tethered, and SBP/LBP were interchangeable regardless of weight. If your instructions state that SBP must be used for children over 40 lbs, you have the new instructions. As a tech, I cannot recommend that you use the seat agasint the manufacturer's instructions. Unfortunately, there's also no information about why Britax changed the installation requirements - Britax didn't say. No one really knows what the risks are. You could call Britax and see what they say.

Also keep in mind that if you do choose to use the "old" installation guidelines, it could be illegal in your state if you have proper-use laws.

[joolsplus3]

Didn't read the whole post, but did you try a locking clip instead of locking the belt?

Edit...probably wouldn't help, looks like the seatbelt anchors are just too far apart for this install.

Call Britax, they might tell you it's fine to use the LBP....(they've told other people that...)

[Dliela]

Thanks for the quick response. I'm really surprised to hear that my 'old' regent included 'new' instructions. Is this typical? When did these new instructions go into effect? Can I assume Britax replaced the instructions before sealing the box because technically, shouldn't I have received old instructions?

Regardless, I'm going to call Britax and see what they say. If I can ever get through!

I appreciate your feedback and totally understand your stance, however, I may be forced to use the LBP anyways. I had a solid install and am more comfortable with this vs. not using the Regent and relying on a booster. Unfortunately, selling the Regent is not an option, plus I feel it is the only seat that is acceptable for DS. He's already 41lbs, 42in and not even 3yo yet! Plus I want him harnessed as long as possible. He is not mature enough whatsoever for a booster.

[Dliela]

Just got off the phone with Britax and the operator clearly stated that YES! I can use the LBP since I have an old Regent. I am beyond thrilled.

:D:D:D:D:D:D

I still wonder what difference is?

[NatenMaddiesMommy]

Sorry no comments about the Regent. Glad you were able to finally get a good install.

I do have to ask what you have underneath your Triumph? As technicians were supposed to tell you that car seat protectors are a "no-no" since they may give the illusion of a tight install. But it is your parental choice to use one if you choose.