RF recline adjustment on Britax

[brightredmtn]

I just got off the phone with Heather at Britax regarding my slipping RF lock offs.

So before this phone call I was under the impression that with Britax seats one could adjust the degree of reclining by tightening the RF tether, no pool noodle necessary. This is NOT TRUE according to Heather with Britax. The tether is not designed to do this and putting too much pressure on it can damage the base and make a proper FF install impossible.

I know this site too well and I'm sure someone has different information from a different Britax representative. This new information to me makes perfect sense though. Actually thinking about it, I know my manual states to use a pool noodle.

[crunchierthanthou]

The pool noodle recommendation to adjust the rf recline was new last summer. Before that, the manuals said to use the tether. Getting the the tether too tight is linked to breaking both recline mechanisms and energy absorbing tethers. I think you can still use it to adjust the angle slightly, but you should use a pool noodle or rolled towel if you need more than a few degrees difference.

[Chris920]

Can it still be installed RF in the upright position? Is the recline mechanism only stressed by the too-tight tether or is it too weak for the stress of impact?

[crunchierthanthou]

The base has to be mechanically reclined when rf. You cannot have it in upright mode. To get a more upright install, pull the base back from the seat bight an inch or two and push down toward the front of the seat (over where the child's legs go), rather than toward the back (where the child's bottom goes). It can be as upright as 30 degrees.

[singingpond]

Can it still be installed RF in the upright position? Is the recline mechanism only stressed by the too-tight tether or is it too weak for the stress of impact?

I don't think this has ever been allowed in the Britax manuals (i.e. installing RF with the recline in the upright position)? From personal experience, I can only go as far back as our 2004 DOM Wizard -- it's manual requires the mechanism to be in recline for RF installs. Perhaps that is because it would otherwise pop into the recline position under the stress of impact (as you suggest in your second sentence), but I don't know that for a fact -- sounds reasonable.

Katrin

[Chris920]

I was sure I had read on here that it could be done that way (way too long ago to not have double checked!), using tether to achieve desired recline, but this is the first time I have actually done it. I must admit it felt wrong to do it that way, and I don't like a tensioned RF tether. Just no slack. Anyway, will fix it asap...it is my nephew's seat. Thanks Crunchier for specific instructions. :)
And I'm sorry this is a bit OT, but can I tether RF to the tether anchor from the bench in front of it? (This is a different install than the above). Just for clarity, both are RF MAs. Thanks!

[crunchierthanthou]

can I tether RF to the tether anchor from the bench in front of it?

yes (http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=39842), you can tether a rf third row seat to an unused second row TA. :)