Marathon FF in 03 Passat?

[Unregistered]

I think I have a very difficult car for carseat installation. After I FINALLY got the hang of the RF installation, I have been having a terrible time getting my Britax Marathon installed FF in my '03 VW Passat.

Here's the problem.

Due to the middle headrest, I can't angle the seat at all. It's straight up & down pinned to the middle seat with no incline at all. The back of the seat actually goes up & over the headreast. I can teather it to the hook & it doesn't move an inch. It looks like a good install, but my son HATES being so up & down & if he falls asleep, his face is completely forward & he is uncomfortable.

If I angle the seat at all, it pushes the front of the marathon base right off the seat. Even though it doesn't move from side to side, should the front of the base really be off the seat?

i've searched for compatability at carseatdata & everyone else is getting a good fit???

Thank you,

Tracy

[crunchierthanthou]

Can you remove the headrest?

How old is your son and how much does he weigh?

[Defrost]

I agree, check your vehicle manual about how to remove the headrest. I know I can do it easily in our '01 Golf (they just pull out - I do have to flip the seat forward because otherwise they hit the roof), but the Passats are probably different.

If they don't remove, another thing you can try (I have to do this in our old Astro van) is to raise the headrest as high as it goes and install the carseat "under" it.

[drey]

Just curious, why are you trying to angle a FF seat? How old is your DS?

FWIW, I've had no problems whatsoever with a RF or FF MA in my '04 Passat sedan, in any seating position. I removed the headrest completely in the center position, it's in my trunk. You can also do as Defrost says, and raise the headrest & install the seat under it. That's what I do when I have to reposition my MA in an outboard seat.

[lovinwaves]

If your son is under 33lbs you may put the Marathon in the recline position while forward-facing.

Try removing the middle head rest.

Before even considering the recline of the seat we need to make sure it is properly installed. You MUST use seatbelt when installing in the middle position. Use the lockoffs on the Marathon or your vehicles switchable retractor to properly lock your carseat in place. Once this is done place a hand near the belt path and try to move the seat side to side. If it moves less than an inch you have a good install. THEN, and only then can you proceed to installing your top tether.

If you can not get a satisfactory install in the middle position, then you may install him outboard. Either side is fine, and we have no data saying one side is safer than the other. Parent convenience, one-way streets may contribute to the decision of a particular outboard seat.

As long as 80% of a carseat's base is on the vehicle seat, you are fine. Slight overhang is not an issue or concern.

You will not want your son at a recline angle while forward-facing. The Marathon does offer somewhat of a natural recline when installed. This is perfectly safe. Some carseats like the Sunshine Kids Radian though will give you a more upright install. If he is needing a recline and is under the 33lb rear-facing weight limit I would consider turning him around.

Again, we need your son's age and weight. :)