Ma and RF Tether

[JerseyGirl'sMama]

Do you have to use the tether when installing a 33lb Ma RF? The seat is very securely installed using LATCH (less than 1/2" movement at the belt path.)

TIA

[crunchierthanthou]

No, you don't have to. Britax recommends using the tether at all times, but it passes testing without it. Can you not find a good rf tether point?

Even if you do use the tether, you should have an acceptable install (with less than 1" of movement at the beltpath) before you tighten the tether. The same goes for forward facing. The tether is an additional attachment point and adds stability in a crash, but shouldn't be used to tighten an otherwise unacceptable install.

[JerseyGirl'sMama]

Thanks Crunchy. My friend just got her Ma lastnight. They are taking a sudden trip (about 8 hours away) to visit a dying family member in her MIL's car. She just came by to do the install and we didn't really want to take the time to do the tether if we did not have to.

I do remember that you have to have a solid install before doing the tether install. Thanks for reminding me though.

[crunchierthanthou]

I do remember that you have to have a solid install before doing the tether install. Thanks for reminding me though.

I thought you would. :) I just threw that out for anyone else who may be reading and might read your question as "do I have to use the tether even if the seat is tight?"