Top tether in Jeep Compass

[RJB78]

We might be looking for a new vehicle (hadn't decided whether or not we want to give up the space of a van! :p), so just for fun, we took a look at the Jeep Compass today.

The Regent installed rock solid in 2 mintues with SBP, recline bar, and top tethered. With the Radian, though, was hard to get anchors tightened (had to have hubby strength). This seat took quite a while to get in.

My question is about Radian's top tether. The Compass's back headrests cannot be removed. The Radian's tether had to go over the headrest. Is this safe? Also, the headrest is squishy cloth, so when tightened, the tether strap compresses the top part of the headrest - like a couple of inches. Is this safe?

The Regent's tether strap is V shaped, so it went around the headrest and there was no problem. We like the vehicle, but I'm not crazy about how the Radian was top tethered.

[groovymom2000]

I would look at the car owner's manual on that. I know that Volvo(also non-removable headrests) put out an addendum to their manual a few years ago warning parents NOT to route a tether strap over the headrests. Mine do fold forward, and I have to shove the Radian tether under it and then snap the headrest upright(I have a volvo, not a jeep). There are several jeep owners around, and they will chime in. I know that some jeep models have very unforgiving car seat installs, so try all configurations before you buy! Good luck!

[shauburg]

We have a 2008 Jeep Patriot - same interior as the Compass. I have attached the page of the manual that talks about tethering child restraints and includes a picture.

It does show the tether straps going right over the tops of the headrests. But I also noticed that the text says "The tether strap should be routed under the center of the head restraint and attached to the tether anchor on the rear of the seat back." I think they just must have pasted that text from their standard manual text, because there is clearly no way the tether strap can go under the headrest.

It does not show or mention anything about squishing.

I have not tried our Radian FF yet, so am no help there, but hopefully the pic from the manual helps you out a bit!

[RJB78]

Thank you both for your input! We had the kids with us (including a rowdy 2 year old ;)), so I didn't a chance to thumb through the manual.

[southpawboston]

as a cost-cutting measure, diamler chrysler ommitted adjustable/removable headrests in the jeep compass and patriot and dodge caliper. the european markets get them :rolleyes:. as a result, they just give the US models those spongy soft permanent headrests that squish down when you tighten the tether over them.