lockoff question

[leighi123]

Today in my tech class I installed a graco safeseat and used the lockoff - but the instructor said I should have routed the belt over the lockoff (not using it) because the seatbelt had a locking latchplate (and was an ELR) - they said I only needed one thing to lock.
Would it be bad to use both? It was a huge PITA to get it tight and I wanted with the belt over the lockoff thingy!

[Judi]

The manual (http://www.gracobaby.com/assets/pdfs/instructions/ISPC065BA.pdf) states to use it.

Page 29 and 34.

[leighi123]

The manual (http://www.gracobaby.com/assets/pdfs/instructions/ISPC065BA.pdf) states to use it.

Page 29 and 34.

I didnt have the manual to look at, but thats sorta what I thought - it seemed weird to put the belt over the lockoff (closed) and was a lot harder to get it in tight.

Someone else installed it with a locking clip (because we had to do at least one install using one) and the lockoff, and I knew that didnt make sence, but I thought the locking latchplate shouldnt have made a difference, so I thought that was strange.

Not a fan of the way it installed in that car (a jeep I think) - that thing gave me my worse bruise of the day!

[Judi]

It is hard on the knees. It is the one seat I would suggest a knee pad for, but I love the install.

[snowbird25ca]

I have honestly never come across an install of the SS1 base where I've needed to use my knees in the base - I always just use my hand to press down and the other hand to tighten/close the lock-off.

For the record, the SS1 base CANNOT be installed using a locking clip. The lock-off must be used at all times and the manual specifically says the locking clip is only for use if installing the seat without the base. (This includes lapbelts, the lock-off is also used with them and the tail portion is routed through the lock-off. :thumbsup:

[joolsplus3]

Maybe the instructor needs to take a little look-see at the manual? :rolleyes:

[Judi]

I have honestly never come across an install of the SS1 base where I've needed to use my knees in the base - I always just use my hand to press down and the other hand to tighten/close the lock-off.

You are right, but I tend to do it anyway.

[MissAllyLou]

The manual does say to use it, but also, in my class, both instructors said that when a seat comes with a lock off, you should always use it, because it is there and it is easy. The only real reason not to use a locking clip is that it is confusing and hard, which makes the install of the seat hard, which frustrates the parents and promotes poor usage. Does that make sense?

[mimieliza]

There is actually a picture on my base showing that routing the seatbelt over the lockoff is not allowed, so I think your instructor was wrong.

That seat is ridiculously easy to install with the lockoff. I really wish someone would make a convertible seat that installed as easily.

[leighi123]

I have honestly never come across an install of the SS1 base where I've needed to use my knees in the base - I always just use my hand to press down and the other hand to tighten/close the lock-off :

Super stiff weird fake leather stuff seats in that car, it was hard to install any seat in that one! - You're right though, with any other car I tried it on, I didnt have to use a knee. - I actually usually just sit in seats to push them down, I have a really bad knee so it works better for me (and Im tiny anyway, so I fit!)

[leighi123]

when a seat comes with a lock off, you should always use it, because it is there and it is easy.

Thats exactly what I was thinking when I used it - It was there, so I put it on.

[snowbird25ca]

The manual does say to use it, but also, in my class, both instructors said that when a seat comes with a lock off, you should always use it, because it is there and it is easy. The only real reason not to use a locking clip is that it is confusing and hard, which makes the install of the seat hard, which frustrates the parents and promotes poor usage. Does that make sense?

Well, the real reason to not use a locking clip is because a) it's not needed and b) the seat isn't tested with a locking clip & the manufacturer tells you not to. I don't really think it's a matter of trying to keep it simple for the parents, it's more a case of the 2 not working together and the one being completely unnecessary.

There has to be a reason why the manual clearly states not to use a locking clip with the base, and really, I don't know why somebody would want to with the SS1 unless that someone was coming from somewhere around here and had been told to always lock the belt with a locking clip. :rolleyes: I have no clue where it's coming from, but a lot of parents have had that idea lately.