Our True Fits

[Debn31]

So we've gone back and forth on what to do, not knowing when the Frontiers were coming (til 5 minutes ago, thanks Tam!)

So we decided to install both True Fits, just to make both boys safe.

I just feel so-so about the HB turbobooster....MOSTLY my four year old is pretty good, but he occasionally forgets to sit still, so I just feel better with him in a 5pt harness, you know?

Anyways, we tried the rf installation of the True Fit, and we're out of luck. Because our Corolla is a 1998 model, no latch, and the way it installs, the buckle gets in the way. So it's a super loose, totally unacceptable RF installation (will show a pic of the problem later, just don't have time right now).

BUT - FF, what a great installation!!! Those babies aren't going anywhere, they're ROCK solid.

So, of course, since my guy CAN be FF (25 lb, and 34.5 inches) we're going with the rock solid installation.

We also are going to keep the True Fit for kid #3 coming in the near future ;)
We were both quite impressed at the thought that went into these seats.
If only my big guy weren't quite so big....:)
But, we'll be looking into the Frontier next week (WOOOOHOOO!! Can't hardly wait!) and we'll let you know about that too.

Was thinking we might wait on the Nautilus, but since the Frontier will be here so soon, we're just going to go for it (unless we really don't like it, or the installation etc).

I can't wait til the end of next year, when we'll be looking at getting a Mazda 5, and actually have the option of latch. THat'll be nice.

Okay, so pics to follow either tonight, tomorrow, or tomorrow night (two BBQ's in two days, plus some Radian business to take care of tomorrow at C.Tire.
WIsh me luck on that!!

And, just wanted to say again what a GREAT group this is, so so happy to have found it. Really helped me learn some things, not to mention loving all the opinions and advice...
You guys/gals are awesome!

-Deb

[canadiangie]

Hi,

I totally understand your wanting to keep your 4y/o in a 5 point harness. :thumbsup:

Good for you for working so hard on all of this btw, I haven't read all your posts, but have sort of been following your story and can tell you're truly dedicated to the cause lol.

Now, just to be sure about the loose rf seatbelt install, I wanted to ask if you tried twisting the female end of the seatbelt? (the buckle where the seatbelt clicks into). Sometimes this will help keep the latchplate out of the belt path and help with installation. Just thought I'd throw it out there in case you hadn't heard of that trick before? Be sure to post some pics so that we can offer any help.


Friends of ours have a Mazda 5 and really like it. Keep in mind though that the 3rd row seatbelts aren't great for booster seats (and even some car seats). It has to do with the seatbelt assembly being too far forward of the vehicle seat. A good person to talk to this about would be "Defrost". She's over on the other boards, and has written some really good review threads on the Mz5. Anyway, just thought I'd mention that... FWIW.

Good luck with CanTire tomorrow. Remember, you catch more flies with honey. ;) Let us know what happens...

[Debn31]

Thanks, I did get "defrost" telling me that on another thread... nice to hear from actual mazda 5 owners!
As she mentioned, my kids are young enough though, that at least one of them will be a car seat for a while (hopefully the Mazda 5 does well with True Fits FF in the third row, otherwise, we may have to nix the idea.

Yeah, I THINK hubby tried the twist on the belt, I'll doublecheck. I was half watching my oldest at the time out on the lawn...and a million garage sales today so lots of traffic. He's in bed now though.

And yes, LOL...for sure about the flies with honey. Really, I usually am that way (maybe not so much after the first email with SKJP, but I was really feeling a tad, um upset at the situation...:whistle:

I HOPE C.Tire gives me a refund, it sure would help, but if they won't we'll sell the Radians, I guess. Will definitely use more of the honey... ;) Actually I feel a touch bad, I think I was a little hard on Russ, when really I think it's more of a company policy that ticked me off (Now that I've had time to really think about it)

And - I think some of the initial anger has faded. It was just a shock and upset to discover all that stuff.... when we *really* weren't expecting to buy new car seats in less than a year :thumbsdown:

You know what's great is for sure I've done some good...my cousin was going to use her at least 8 year old AOE for her baby due this October, til I told her about the expiration dates. I also gave her some ideas (the Scenera etc) as they're on a tight budget....I even asked if her mom (my aunt of course) was going to buy something for the baby (I figured it would be a yes for sure)...she said yeah, she's sure she is. SO I suggested maybe she could either ask her mom then to get a car seat she picks out with my help (was going to ask on here, specific to her vehicle) - or even just contribute to the cost. She thought that was a good idea. And I told her about the RF thing, though she did seem to know that.

So that's kinda cool. :)
I love learning new things and passing on the info.
Also - maybe all of this was a blessing in disguise. I've learned so much, and become much more aware of safety issues in car seats. I always knew it was important but now I've actually learned some ACTUAL facts and helpful info. So, I guess you could say I'm turning lemons into lemon aid. ;)

We'll try the RF with the twist if hubby is willing to try again soon (he's a tad grumpy this week, we've all been tired and really busy - I might wait a couple days! LOL) as we make a good pair at installing ....I have more of the knowledge, but he's good at figuring out manuals quickly and he's a LOT stronger than me and good at getting good, solid installations. Pretty handy to have around....:thumbsup: (He calls me the brains and himself the braun :) )

Anyways, just going to find the second manual for the Radians (kept one in the glove box for access), want to give back as much as we can (can't find the boxes, though, I think....), or if we sell them I want to be sure it's included, if not, I might have to resort to a photocopy? or something.

will be sure to let you all know about C.Tire, though :)

[mommycat]

Since I missed your other threads, obviously, what was the issue with your Radians? (just curious)

[snowbird25ca]

Since I missed your other threads, obviously, what was the issue with your Radians? (just curious)

Short strapped Radian's that SK told her she had to pay shipping to them and then shipping from them back to her in order to get fixed. She's bought 2 seats for $199 each and didn't discover the short straps until her 41 (42?)lb ds ran out of harness length and the seat became unusable. Nobody was willing to do anything to help, so she's stuck replacing the seats and trying to deal with the Radian situation. :(

(hope you don't mind me passing on the short version Deb.)

[Debn31]

Nope, don't mind at all.

Yep, that's what happened and I will never purchase a SKJP ever again.

Interesting to find out some different stories too, about other people's experiences with Russ.

Here I thought I was just shooting the messenger (ie. He was just a PR/CS rep), and said so in the post I started on the car seat chat section.... and then, someone says she's been told by like three CS people at SKJP that's he's the owner??? I am reading her experiences with SKJP and Russ...How very interesting.....

Still glad I took the high road, though,in the end, and glad that this has led me here and to learn and become more proactive about car seat safety.

And still glad I am done with that company.

[mommycat]

I had a pretty good experience with Russ myself, but of course one-off experiences never tell the whole tale.