Installing a FFing tether spot

[Misty-Bug]

in a 1990- something Dodge Caravan. Can my husband (who is a mechanic) put in the FFing latch on the floor for them? They can't afford the dealership and everyone I called have no clue.

[seatchecker]

in a 1990- something Dodge Caravan. Can my husband (who is a mechanic) put in the FFing latch on the floor for them? They can't afford the dealership and everyone I called have no clue.

Dodge will install one anchor free of charge (sometimes more than one but I think techinically they can charge for additional ones after the first) - I am neck deep in charting and can't look up the technical bulletin right now, but if you search for it on the board you might find it. Or someone else might have it handy ... It is possible to install them yourself, but not as easy as in, say, a Honda or Toyota that has the weld nuts already there.

[TerisBoys]

She's in Canada - does Dodge run the same program there?

I thought Canadian vehicles came with anchors installed?

[Jeanum]

Here's the link for the Dodge section of the LATCH manual with the Technical service bulletin number about free tether anchor retrofitting and all of the retrofit tether anchor part numbers for various Dodge vehicle models:

http://www.saferidenews.com/LATCH_manaul_updates/DODGE_6_07_web.pdf I don't see why this wouldn't apply to Canadian models, too, but I don't know for certain.

[snowbird25ca]

She's in Canada - does Dodge run the same program there?

I thought Canadian vehicles came with anchors installed?

Canadian vehicles started coming with tether anchors either installed or locations predrilled starting in the late 90's, but they haven't always had them. I recall when my 10yr old was turned ff'ing we took our plymouth horizon in to the mechanic and he installed the tether anchor by attaching it to the nut where the seatbelt was anchored. I think that car was an 88? (Long time ago, I don't remember the exact year and model anymore, just that we took the car in to our mechanic to have the anchor put in.)

[snowbird25ca]

in a 1990- something Dodge Caravan. Can my husband (who is a mechanic) put in the FFing latch on the floor for them? They can't afford the dealership and everyone I called have no clue.

Caravan's should have a light weight locking latchplate, so she shouldn't be having to use a locking clip. Light weight locking latchplates look like a sliding latch plate except they are thicker on top and when you buckle, if you pull up on the lap section the lap portion won't lengthen.

I gave instructions on creating a temporary anchor point in your other thread. Since it's a dodge van and should have lightweight locking latchplates, all you'll need to do is attach the tether hook to the latchplate of the seatbelt, and then tighten the tether strap until the seatbelt no longer extends easily.

I would absolutely have her do this until she can get a tether anchor installed at the dealership. I believe the rule with dodge is that the retrofits have to be done at the same time, and since one has already been done, they may charge her for another. Maybe your dh can talk to a dodge mechanic though and get the specifics for location and parts etc. and put another one in for her.

And before installing her carseats, sit down, buckle yourself up and pull the seatbelt tight so the lap portion is snug, then grab the middle of the lap section and pull up. You can also test by installing the carseat and then checking for movement. As long as the lap and shoulder are parallel to each other, that's all it should take - you're going to have movement in the shoulder portion, but it's the lap section that holds the seat in tightly anyways. If she does have lightweight locking latchplates then she shouldn't be using a locking clip on them. Have her check her vehicle manual, it may talk about them in there.

[QuassEE]

If the Dodge dealership is asking them to *pay* for a tether anchor install, I'd call another dealership. I know people have managed to get 2 anchors installed for free by Dodge, and as long as the Caravan is '89+ this shouldn't be a problem. In fact, most domestic companies (plus VW/Audi) are pretty good about installing at least one for free.

Also--many techs have discussed the issue of tethering to the seat posts on the ground (where bench and captains seats install in minivans, and those metal pegs are attached to the ground) with the conclusion that if those pegs are supporting the weight of a seat and crash forces with occupants (many of which have seatbelts installed on the bench/chair--such as with lapbelts) then it can withstand the forces in a crash when top-tethering. There's no major difference that I can think of between tethering to a seatbelt on that row and tethering to the peg that's actually securing the whole seat, as far as forces go. So this offers them another option, if they can get a tether that reaches. Again--already said, but the D-ring is designed for the forces in a rebound and not full crash forces and is not safe to use forward-facing.

IMO--you should call around to the local dealerships and ask about having the anchors installed, and whether or not they charge. If they'll only give you the parts, they should come with a drill location sheet.

-Nicole.