RFing tether and lock-offs ? on a MA

[jewels2b]

I just installed my Marathon into my 2002 Envoy (rear passenger seat) the middle seat isn't an option. I think I got a solid installation and I'll get it checked to make sure.. but I have two questions. The lock-off doesn't seam that solid. It was really hard to close it and then while I was messing around with the seat it popped open a couple of times. It doesn't seam to be doing that anymore but I'm just concerned about it. I did hear a click when I closed it so is there a trick to these? Should a still use a locking clip like I used with the snugride base?

My second question is, the rear-facing tether. My car doesn't have anchor points so I used the D-ring and wrapped it around the front passenger seat bolt on the side of the passenger seat closest to the center of the vehicle. Is this the correct spot to create a rear tether point? or should it be around the seat bolt nearest the the passenger door?

[murphydog77]

Do the lockoffs on your Marathon open toward your child's feet or toward your child's head? The ones that open toward the child's head are notorious for popping open and they can be replaced with new lockoffs from Britax that open the opposite way (if you need new ones, ask if they will replace them for free). You can try repositioning the car seat by pulling it out a bit from the vehicle seat bight (crack). That may allow the seat belt to lay more flatly through the lockoffs. Try also spreading the seat belts out in the lockoff so the shoulder portion isn't exactly right on top of the lap portion--it makes it too thick and hard to close. It's like putting too much hair in a barrette/hair clip--it won't clamp down over the hair if there's a bunch in there.

You can also use both lockoffs if necessary. Sometimes the one that's closest to the buckle is too close to the buckle and that's not feasible, but it is an option.

You should not use a metal locking clip with Britax seats that have built-in lockoffs. It's not allowed by the manufacturer.

Sounds like you found a good tether point. I like tethering on the inside of the vehicle as opposed to towards the outside.

[KristiD761]

Till you get your lockoff situation recolved (if you need the newer ones) you can always close them, ignore them and lock the belt at the retractor.
I like tethering toward the center of the vehicle just to keep it from being messed with as well...

[jewels2b]

The lock-offs open towards her feet, I think. I'll take a photo and post it, once I figure out how to post photos.