Please check MA install in 02 Explorer (pics)

[md_mommy]

I just installed my new Marathon in my 02 Explorer:D. It was installed with it in recline for DS, who will be 6 months tomorrow. He has great head control, but seems more comfortable with a little recline.

Please look at the pictures to see if there's any any major concerns that jump out at you. I'm taking it to get checked but I can't get an appointment with a local tech for 2 weeks.

Install was done with seatbelt because the vehicle does not have the lower anchors (but does have tether points behind 2nd and 3rd row seats - strange.)

It was a breeze to install (and I'm brand new at installing a convertible) and has only very slight movement at the beltpath.

I have lots more pictures if you need. If the angles look funny, it's because the the car is parked on my driveway, which is on an incline. I'll check the angles when I have it parked on a flat surface.

Thanks in advance!

Close up of the belt - is it squishing the padding too much? Located correctly?
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc290/mcj301/beltpath.jpg

Side views - belt lockoff is only supposed to be used on the opposite side of buckle, right?
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc290/mcj301/sideview1.jpg
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc290/mcj301/sideview2.jpg

Close up of the seat - is it too squished?
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc290/mcj301/seatcloseup.jpg

Tether
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc290/mcj301/tether.jpg

[djma]

I believe the seatbelt can go over or under that gray comfort foam, but with my Marathon, I always got a more solid install with it under the foam.

I'll let a tech chime in on your other install questions.

You'll love the Marathon, it's a great seat!

[crunchierthanthou]

- like the PP said, the seatbelt can go over or under the gray comfort foam. Behind the crotch buckle is correct.

-Britax generally recommends using the lockoff farther from the buckle because the buckle can sometimes interfere with closing the near one. Technically, you can use either or both, whichever gives you the best install. You can even skip them if your seatbelt locks on its own, but a locking shoulder belt can sometimes cause rf seats to tip. It looks like you have a switchable ALR on your seatbelt- you can leave that unlocked if you're using the lock-off.

-the vehicle seat isn't too squished. Even if the seat has a dent in it, they usually pop back out within a day or two. Although, it might be pushing into the seat a bit from the rear facing tether. It doesn't have to be so tight that it pulls the top of the shell backward and affects the recline- just taut so all the slack is out.

-that looks like a good rf tether point, as long as you aren't going to need to move the back.

Really, it looks good. The angle is fine, the seatbelt is properly routed and you've got the base in recline mode. As long as it moves less than 1" in any direction at the beltpath before you tighten the tether, it's fine. :)

[Laurette]

I have a 01 Mountianeer. We have our MA in the center location with the lap belt only and I can get a good install.

Definatly go under the grey comfort foam. Also The seat belt if laying on the lock off on one side in an odd way. It looks like it is putting pressure on the clasp and that can break it. I learned this the hard way.

I think if you can get pics of the vehicle on level ground we could see the recline better. You deffinatly dont want it more than 45 degrees.

[Patriot201]

IT looks good. :) :thumbsup:

My dad used to have an 02 Explorer and I always had good luck installing a BV (twin of Marathon) and a Scenera in his truck. :)

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/patriot20171/Carseat%20stuff/DSC_2675-1.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/patriot20171/Carseat%20stuff/DSC_1987_edited.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/patriot20171/Carseat%20stuff/DSC_1989_edited.jpg

[LCMOM]

I agree with pp; looks great, but go under the foam for a tighter install; rule of thumb is always go under anything that can compress. Otherwise very well done install!! :-)

[Stretchy Glue]

For a first install, you did amazing! I'd go under the gray foam, but I'm impressed with how well you've done. Nice job:thumbsup: