RF Como install problem

[ZephyrBlue]

Okay, DS's new Como in Sand just arrived and I tried several times to install it RF on the 2nd row captain's chair/bucket seat- it's WAY too upright, so I used a pool noodle as suggested in the manual, but now I can't get it so that there is less than 1" of movement at the belt path.

The manual says in more than one place to make sure NOT to use the restraint outside of the weight/height parameters- so I'm waiting to hear back from Gayle, who did not call as promised this afternoon, about whether the engineer said it's okay for my almost 34" 2.5yo to continue riding RF past 34", even though he has TONS of room, height-wise. My DH does not want to tether it RF w/the Britax D-Ring because of warranty issues (even though he's an engineer and told me that it's technically the same as just attaching the tether directly to an anchor :rolleyes:) So if I can't get a good, tight install w/no RF tether, I think we're going to have to send it back :( I really really like this seat and want it to work for us!!

Any tips, etc. on how to get it solid using LATCH RF w/pool noodle would be very appreciated!

[lovinwaves]

How many pool noodles are you using? Do you have them directly near the seatbite?

Maybe have someone else help you tighten it up? Have you tried putting your weight in the seat while you tighten up the tether? Maybe there is a technician near you that could help you install it.

Sometimes also when you are tightening the LATCH strap you may find yourself pulling it at angle. Make sure that when you are pulling on it, it is nice and straight.

A seatbelt install would be another thing you could try. The rear-facing lock-offs are a cinch to use :)

[arly1983]

I also second trying a seatbelt install and also when I put the Como RFIng for Camille I used 3 tightly rolled up towels. For some reason I can get a better install with towels than pool noodles.
Also make sure to use the reclining seat trick: Recline the seat, install as tight as possible and then bring the seat back up. Should be pretty solid.

[ZephyrBlue]

Okay, it's solid- BUT the LATCH straps are bunched- it's dark and I can't take a pic now but will tomorrow- they are laying over the closed RF lockoffs like they are supposed to, but I pulled the straps so tight that they've bunched up. There is no movement at the belt path, though- I'll check it in the morning in case the pool noodle compresses. I've got to say, it's really weird not having it tethered RF.

[CDNTech]

I would not tether this seat RFing. It does not say anywhere in the manual that you can tether it RFing. (I don't care what Gayle says ;)... if it's not in the manual, you can't do it.) If you do keep it and ever have a vehicle that has a RFing tether anchor point, make sure you get *in writing* that you can tether this seat RFing before you do this.

[LuvBug03]

I would not tether this seat RFing. It does not say anywhere in the manual that you can tether it RFing. (I don't care what Gayle says ;)... if it's not in the manual, you can't do it.) If you do keep it and ever have a vehicle that has a RFing tether anchor point, make sure you get *in writing* that you can tether this seat RFing before you do this.

:yeahthat:

I dont trust the people who answer the phones over there... too much inconsistancy.

[ZephyrBlue]

DH suggested that we just turn him FF :mad::thumbsdown: to which I replied, "Uh, NO!" His comment was in response to me worrying and fretting about no RF tether. We've always had a RF tether on our RF convertibles and it's really weird to have a seat not tethered. I keep feeling like I took some of DS's protection away when I got rid of the BLVD, but the sides of the Como are SO deep- it really feels like he's safely cocoon-ed in the seat. The things that keep me up at night, worrying :rolleyes::o

[arly1983]

DH suggested that we just turn him FF :mad::thumbsdown: to which I replied, "Uh, NO!" His comment was in response to me worrying and fretting about no RF tether. We've always had a RF tether on our RF convertibles and it's really weird to have a seat not tethered. I keep feeling like I took some of DS's protection away when I got rid of the BLVD, but the sides of the Como are SO deep- it really feels like he's safely cocoon-ed in the seat. The things that keep me up at night, worrying :rolleyes::o

LOL, you are thinking JUST like I am...Though every experienced tech on here has assured me that RFing is so much more safer with or without the tether

Recently there was a study where there were several common brands of carseats and a RA were ALL RFing tethered and crash tested. Then they were tested without the RFing tether. Only the RA improved with the RFing tether....

Maybe somebody else has a link to this study.

So anyway, I keep trying to convince myself that it is only my perception, it is not actually safer. (Except in those situations where there is a glass window behind the seat that the child could rebound into, like an extended cab truck)

[southpawboston]

Recently there was a study where there were several common brands of carseats and a RA where ALL RFing tethered and crash tested. Then they were tested without the RFing tether. Only the RA improved with the RFing tether....

i may be wrong, but the way i remember that study was that the RA did *worse* with the RF tether, despite it being the only seat of the bunch that was specifically *designed* to be RF tethered. that was the shocking conclusion i came away with. i think the whole RF tethering business is really just still too unknown.

[arly1983]

i may be wrong, but the way i remember that study was that the RA did *worse* with the RF tether, despite it being the only seat of the bunch that was specifically *designed* to be RF tethered. that was the shocking conclusion i came away with. i think the whole RF tethering business is really just still too unknown.

Thanks, I couldn't really remember except for the RA somehow was different from the rest of the seats. :o

Do you happen to know where that study is? I would like to reread it as we are considering some none Rfing tethered seats.

[safeinthecar]

Sometimes rolled towels work better than noodles. Plus, I get the local pools to donate all the towels in the lost and found at the end of the summer for free.

Kimberly

[ZephyrBlue]

I got it in rock solid w/ a noodle, but now there are much bigger issues re: the headrest/pillows, RF above 34", etc. If any techs want to take a look at SPB's post in Coffee Break and give any input re: what the engineer and program manager have to say, that would be great.