FFing tether weight limit....

[Misty-Bug]

so if you have been following my last few posts you will know where I am coming from.....
My friend's 1994 Caravan has only one tether spot. I suggested moving the Eddie Bauer to that spot and having the radian untethered for right now cause someone mentioned that the Radian has good crash test ratings without the tether. Although by law in canada we have to have it....
but here is yet another hurdle....the 48lbs limit. If she uses the seatbelt as a temporary anchor (the one behind the car seat) what would the weight limit be? Also can she only use the top tether anyway up until 48lbs? Is her almost 4 year old who weighs 47.5lbs safe without the Radian top tethered? She will still be harnessed but will she be ok not top tethered?
I know this is all so confussing!!!

[hipmaman]

I just replied on your other post, but...

The one tether anchor location you mentioned, where is it located? Is that what the van user's manual say or you could only locate one pre-installed anchor?

[QuassEE]

Before we continue with this discussion, are you able to find out why the Dodge dealer is refusing to install tether anchors?

As far as the lack of tether anchor goes--because it's law to tether in Canada, she cannot continue to use the seat without an anchor. She needs to tether that seat. For the weight limit dilemma, read:
http://www.saferidenews.com/html/LATCH_P49.htm

where "Many vehicle makers, however, limit use of their tether anchors to children weighing 40 pounds or less" begins.

-Nicole.

[Misty-Bug]

in all honesty this is confussing. Why can't they get their act together and just all agree on ONE thing. Sounds like a judgement call to me. I read things like this....
"- There is no research published so far that shows that using a tether for a child above the weight limit given for the vehicle anchor is a danger to the CR occupant."

and

"- Even if a tether or its anchor were to fail in a very high impact crash (a rare occurrence), it would have already prevented considerable motion of the child’s head and would have reduced the risk of serious injury."

so personally if it was me making the judgment call I would keep the tether. What would you techs do? (I have a chance to get certified. How do I convince my hubby to spend the almost $300??)

[snowbird25ca]

so personally if it was me making the judgment call I would keep the tether. What would you techs do? (I have a chance to get certified. How do I convince my hubby to spend the almost $300??)

Not tethering is not an option in Canada, so it's not a judgement call IMO.

The reason that that info is provided is really to communicate that top tethering remains beneficial regardless of what vehicle top tether weight limits are. The only exception would be with a travel vest such as the ez-on harness, but the manufacturer provides special instructions for that... :thumbsup:

[Misty-Bug]

exactly trudy....that is why she is leaving it tethered....

[hipmaman]

The one tether anchor location you mentioned, where is it located? Is that what the van user's manual say or you could only locate one pre-installed anchor?

Hello? The one tether anchor location you mentioned, where is it located? Is that what the van user's manual say or you could only locate one pre-installed anchor?

[Misty-Bug]

Hello? The one tether anchor location you mentioned, where is it located? Is that what the van user's manual say or you could only locate one pre-installed anchor?

it is located on the passenger side behind the middle captains chair. It is the only one seen in the vehicle. I have asked to look at the vehicle manual. It is the only one pre-installed.