Radian install in 2003 Suburban

[boysrus]

I also posted about installing my new Regent in the Suburban. I got my new Radian 80 today. I have tried to install it several places in the suburban FF and have not been able to get a good install. Does anyone have experience with a successful install?

Jennifer

[CDNTech]

Are you trying forward facing or rear facing?

[boysrus]

I haven't tried rear facing yet, but place to mess with it this morning. Even if it works rear facing which would be fine for right now, I will be frustrated if we cannot FF down the road. I also need to try it FF in the 2nd row outboard. I have tried in the 3rd row all spots and also in the 2nd row middle. I really don't want to put anything in my 2nd row passenger outboard because that is how the kids get into the back seat.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[CDNTech]

I totally spaced and missed the FFing in your first post. Sorry. :o

Read through this post...
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=28939
there are really good tricks in here that should help you get a good install.

After you've read the post and tried some of the tricks, let us know what is and what is not working. That will help narrow down the 'help' field. ;)

[boysrus]

Thanks, the link you sent was helpful. I have been able to get an acceptable install FF in all three positions in the 2nd row by putting the recline foot down and using the seat belt to install and tether anchors behind each seat. I also need to use the seat belt locking clip to keep the belt tight even though all of my lap/shoulder belts lock as things seem to start sliding more than 1 inch without it.

I haven't crawled back into the 3rd row to reattempt an install there with the recline foot down.

Right now I am using it RF in the 2nd row middle with my 2 year old. He fits fine, but kept straining to sit more upright in it. The angle is at 45 degrees and I couldn't get it more upright than that in that position.

Jennifer

[CDNTech]

Unfortunately it's difficult, if not impossible, to get a more upright install because of the RFing foot.

The only thing you can do to encourage a more upright install is to start with the seat about 1" away from the seat bight and push down on where babies feet go (not bum) when tightening up the seatbelt to get it more upright.

That may help a little, but it most likely still won't get it much more upright.

[jen_nah]

I was never able to get a good install with the Radian in my Tahoe any positions I tried other then LATCH. I will say I didn't have a lot of time as I was using a floor model. It's due to the long belt stalks even after twisting them 3 full twists.

I hope you have better luck then I did.