Incompatible FF Radian65 and Equinox/VUE?

[n&mmommy]

Hi all,
Our Radian65 just arrived and I have spent the last few hours trying my best to get it installed into the right side outboard part of our bench, forward facing with belt install. My son is 39 pounds, so I want to be sure that in 1 pound it will be installed securely. No go. That thing swings from side to side by about 5 inches, with the clip installed and the top tethered. Also, if pulled, the car seat will move forward a few inches...so top tether is not working appropriately on our car.

I'm thinking this may have to do with the height of our bench seat? Has anyone had success with the Radian65 in the Equinox? Is there a list of incompatible cars for the Radian? I searched carseat.org and it shows 1 entry of a compatable rating for a rear facing. I can get it secure with the latch (side-to-side), but I bought this car seat for the simple fact I can use it to 65 pounds harnessed.

[An Aurora]

It looks like someone had a successful install with a FF Radian in a 2006 Equinox here (http://www.car-seat.org/showpost.php?p=357935&postcount=228).

Do you have any pictures? When installing our Radian FF, I have found that it helps if I position the seat, route and secure the belt, and then kneel in the seat. I pull all the slack from the side of the seat belt that is buckled, then pull the slack out of the shoulder portion, and lock the belt (you should have switchable retractors--pull the shoulder belt out all the way slowly until it hits the end, and then feed the belt back in. it's now locked so it will hold the car seat in place). If you do that and still have problems, there are a couple other things to try.

[n&mmommy]

YAY! Went outside, twisted belt stalk twice and it now moves less than an inch side to side, and pulls away a lot less from front, though more than any of the Britax carseats I've had in the past.

[An Aurora]

Glad to hear!

[Defrost]

There's a FF recline feature on the Radian - I've found that it's usually a much better install if the recline-thingy is down ("down" meaning sticking out.) That may get you a Britax-comparible install next time. :thumbsup:

[jka1217]

That was my post referred to earlier. I've installed the Radian FF in my 2006 Chevy Equinox with leather seats. I did use the recline foot on the Radian, pulled the vehicle seat's headrest all the way up, twisted the belt stalk 2 full turns, and knelt in the seat to tighten it. It did take a little bit of work, but I got a good install.

[snowbird25ca]

Glad to hear you got it installed. :)

One other thing, is that Chevy and Saturn both allow use of lower anchors to 48lbs, so you have another 9lbs before you have to switch to seatbelt. :thumbsup: