Regent install- any tips?

[Lulu]

I am going to attempt to install my new Regent into a 2002 Windstar captain's chair. I've skimmed the booklet. I'll read it again in depth, but I'm wondering about all the short/long paths for both the latch and the belt install. Has anyone installed one in a Windstar? I guess I'm looking for a starting point and tips to get a good install. It seems a little overwhelming. DS is 38 pounds, so I think I can use LATCH right? When I do need to switch to the belt, is that even ok for my vehicle? I'm assumed the seat would be compatible because it's a minivan, but I'm seeing now that it doesn't fit in some. I'm a little panicked that I didn't think of that before hand, but I suppose I could send it back if I need to.

[azgirl71]

I think others have inatlled Regents/Husky's in Windstars ;). You will use hte LBP until your child is 40 lbs then swithch to the SBP. This applies to LATCH and belt installs. You can use a full LATCH intall to 48 lbs in your vehicle. Once DC hits 48 lbs then you will have to use the seatbelt and SBP to install. You will still use the Top tether as the Regent has to be top tethered ove 50 lbs. You cannot use the lower anchors past 48 lbs though.

[Lulu]

Thanks. Can I not install it with the belt path of 40-80 pounds now? With his clothes and shoes on, I've seen him fluctuate to as much as 39 and a half pounds. How spot on does his weight need to be? If I set it up for 22-40lbs he's very likely to go over the limit soon without me realizing it. He's only three and still growing like a weed.

I'm totally stressing too much over this, aren't I?

[azgirl71]

Thanks. Can I not install it with the belt path of 40-80 pounds now? With his clothes and shoes on, I've seen him fluctuate to as much as 39 and a half pounds. How spot on does his weight need to be? If I set it up for 22-40lbs he's very likely to go over the limit soon without me realizing it. He's only three and still growing like a weed.

I'm totally stressing too much over this, aren't I?

You are a parent and parents worry ;). If he is as much as 39.4 pounds I think it will be fine to use the short belt path now. He is very close. Still weigh him periodically and if you notice he is not going over 40 lbs you may want to change to the LBP. :twocents:

[tumblebug]

Oh wow, I didn't know you had to use LBP for kids under 40lbs. I guess I can use LATCH though.

[azgirl71]

Oh wow, I didn't know you had to use LBP for kids under 40lbs. I guess I can use LATCH though.

Yea, you can use LATCH, but have to do a LBP install with it. The new manual requires you to use the LBP under 40 lbs. http://www.britaxusa.com/support/documents/Regent_P263000_R2.pdf
You have to use the SBP over 40 lbs.

[valleyfam]

If you just purchased it definitely try SBP with both latch and belt. SBP with the belt has been a no go for me so far in the captain's chair of my 01 Windstar. I have a solid install SBP with the seat belt in the 3rd row driver outboard by twisting the belt stalk. I just say try it now because I bought mine during the last sale and waited around to install it until I had to when my son needed to give up his boulevard to sister and was disappointed I could not get it in the middle seat. I have adjusted to having him in the back seat. Good luck. Try searching Windstar+Regent there has been a good bit of discussion on this combo.:)

[Lulu]

Bummer about the SBP. I hope it takes at least a couple of years for him to reach 48lbs! I'd prefer him the captian's chair, I think. I'm not sure what options I have to keep him harnessed until age five otherwise. He's quickly outgrowing the last slot on his MA and he just turned three.

So tell me, if I you had known you couldn't get a belt install in the captain's chair, would you have preferred a different seat? I thought he'd ride in the Regent for three years and then give it to his sister, but he could also move to a booster at five years instead (assuming he stays under 48lbs). I just didn't want to run into him needing a booster right a four years old, but maybe one of those new seats could get him to five years. Look at me rambling and talking in circles over this!

[Lulu]

Alright, I've got it installed using the SBP and latch. I think I want to drop-kick this seat! If it only weren't so heavy.......

:confused: Just to make sure, on a SBP latch install, the buckle portion of the latch system is inside the recline bar and comes right up almost into the belt path holes?! Theoretically, he could reach back through there and release them if he felt like it? Also, if I've at all installed it incorrectly or there is some malfunction, the buckles could twist and the seat itself could pop down on the release button? It's right up against the seat right now, just facing in the other direction.

I really want a different seat now, but at this point I think it will cost me way more to mail this back for a refund and get a 18" top slot seat, plus he'll likely outgrow that at the same time he'll weigh too much for LATCH. He'll be in a booster at age five no matter what unless I want him in the back row (assuming I can install w/ belt there). sigh.

[azgirl71]

Alright, I've got it installed using the SBP and latch. I think I want to drop-kick this seat! If it only weren't so heavy.......

:confused: Just to make sure, on a SBP latch install, the buckle portion of the latch system is inside the recline bar and comes right up almost into the belt path holes?! Theoretically, he could reach back through there and release them if he felt like it? Also, if I've at all installed it incorrectly or there is some malfunction, the buckles could twist and the seat itself could pop down on the release button? It's right up against the seat right now, just facing in the other direction.

I really want a different seat now, but at this point I think it will cost me way more to mail this back for a refund and get a 18" top slot seat, plus he'll likely outgrow that at the same time he'll weigh too much for LATCH. He'll be in a booster at age five no matter what unless I want him in the back row (assuming I can install w/ belt there). sigh.

Could you post pics for us of youe install. It will help us to be able to tell you if it looks right.