TB backless install with the attachable shoulder router

[MommyG]

We have a TurboBooster (backless only) that I bought to use only in rare carpooling situations. I have only used it once, but want to use it for a week soon on vacation with a rental vehicle.

He's my oldest....6.5 now....and a pretty tall one. He weighs an average amount but is just so darn skinny and very skinny shouldered like I am....sloping shoulders almost.

So, the manual says to anchor the end of the shoulder router strap piece to the seat anchor closest to the belt you'll be using.

Problem is, it slides off his shoulder easier there.

Whereas the middle anchor works better for a good fit.

Is there any *problem* using the middle one? And why have it there if not to use it anyway?

Thanks.

ETA: The state we are traveling in only requires car seat use until 4!!!!! Argghhh!

[TerisBoys]

How does the seatbelt fit without the clip? If it fits fine, I'd do without it.

[MommyG]

How does the seatbelt fit without the clip? If it fits fine, I'd do without it.

It is really better with the router.

[joolsplus3]

Probably want to call Graco and ask, but I don't really think it's a problem (I have at least one other backless booster where the strap is permanently mounted in the center to be used on either side...so it's not a crazy notion in general...)

:)

[Defrost]

I agree with jools. I have a vehicle with "adjustable" seat belt routers, though, so I'm more comfortable with the concept of just having "some little piece of plastic" holding the belt in the correct position. I'd call Graco, too, but as far as I can imagine, it shouldn't be a problem.

[MommyG]

Thanks, awesome techies....I just called.

I should have figured on the answer. That middle "anchor" is not an anchor at all....just the part where you attach the back, if you have one. (I bought mine as a spare -- backless only -- but they aren't going to change the TB design just for backless only booster mode. And you could use a back you got off of another seat if you needed to. Technically compatible.)

So anyway, their line, of course, is "it has not been tested" for that purpose. But it does look like the exact same plastic piece as the other two anchors...and it fits him better. (And I like Jules reason, too....I can use the middle for when the belt is on either side.)

Arghh....why do I get all these weird things weighing on my conscience? I really want to use this seat for a spare and for vacations. I have 4 kids six and under.....my and hubby at the airport and all those full size carseats?

Uggghhh!

[Defrost]

So anyway, their line, of course, is "it has not been tested" for that purpose. But it does look like the exact same plastic piece as the other two anchors...and it fits him better. (And I like Jules reason, too....I can use the middle for when the belt is on either side.)


In that case it falls into "parental discrection." The seat belt positioner isn't load-bearing - my niece has broken several just getting in and out of the car. It's not going to hold anything in a crash, it's just there to hold the seat belt in the proper position so that the seat belt can do it's job properly in a crash.