Locking clip with lap-only belt when RF?

[happyfam]

I was reading the website on locking clips that techs here frequently point people to. http://www.carseatsite.com/lockingclips.htm
It says you are never supposed to use a locking clip with lap-belt because the belt will either lock or you will need a belt-shortening clip. Does that include RF or are the rules on that site only for FF, or did I read it wrong? The blvd manual for RF install with lap-belt says to use the built-in lock-off unless you have ALR. I see with FF it doesn't say to, which is what I expected. So are the rules for RF different that the ones on the site?

[BookMama]

The rules for RF with a lap-only belt are the same as for FF. You never use a locking clip with a lap-only belt, regardless of whether the car seat is RF or FF.

[An Aurora]

The rules for RF with a lap-only belt are the same as for FF. You never use a locking clip with a lap-only belt, regardless of whether the car seat is RF or FF.

Yes, this. :thumbsup:

[happyfam]

The manual for the blv is confusing me then. I can try to post a picture of manual but Step 7 of the instructions for RF with lap-only belt says: Position vehicle belt through lock-off arm, tighten belt, close lock-off arm and replace cover.
It then goes on to say: If your vehicle is equipped with automatic locking retractor (ALR), use of lock-offs is not required as long as ALR is activated.
To me it seems like it says to use lock-off, but if you have ALR you don't have to. If you're NEVER supposed to use lock-offs with lap-belt than what does the manual mean?

[crunchierthanthou]

That's correct. You never use a locking clip on a lap belt. Locking clips are pre-crash positioners. They create a fixed length of webbing and lock the belt until the ELR of the shoulder belt is engaged. Locking clips can and will pop off in a crash. If they are used on a lap belt, there will be nothing holding the carseat in place.

You need to either make sure it is locking at the latchplate, has and ALR or use a BSC.

[snowbird25ca]

It then goes on to say: If your vehicle is equipped with automatic locking retractor (ALR), use of lock-offs is not required as long as ALR is activated.
To me it seems like it says to use lock-off, but if you have ALR you don't have to. If you're NEVER supposed to use lock-offs with lap-belt than what does the manual mean?

It's locking clips that you're never supposed to use with a lap belt - primarily because a locking clip doesn't do any good on a lap belt. Lock-offs on the other hand are just closing around the seatbelt. If your lap only belt was an ELR only, then the built in lock-off wouldn't allow an acceptable install.

Seats with built in lock-offs seem to always say to close the lock-offs on lap only belts. I think it's primarily to keep them from not getting damaged by the pressure of the belt over them, but I'm really not sure. What's important is that you're following the carseat manual, and differentiating between a built in lock-off and a locking clip.

[joolsplus3]

Right...locking clips are really very different in form and function than a Britax lockoff... you CAN use a lockoff on a lapbelt, you can NOT use a locking clip on a lapbelt :)

[joolsplus3]

Oh, as usual, carseat.org explains it all (a little confusing, but enquiring minds want to know, right?) http://www.carseat.org/Technical/tech_update.htm#Lock-off (hint: locking the lapbelt would be function number 3, and may be beneficial in a side impact)

[happyfam]

ok, I thought I had read that the built-in lock-offs were there so you didn't have to use a separate locking clip so I was thinking they did the same thing. Thanks for clearing that up.