03 Pilot, MA, Radian 2 yr old and newborn

[rodentranger]

I have a 2003 Honda Pilot. Currently my 20 mo old is riding rf in a Marathon belted in the center of the 2nd row. I am expecting a baby at the end of the year and need to find the most economical and safest seating arrangement.
I already have three MA's and a R65, so I would rather not purchase a new seat. The MA and R65 only fit rf in the center of the middle row.
The only arrangement I can think of is to put Newbie rf in the MA center middle row, and DS ff outboard in the R65 (since it has SIP).

[featherhead]

I think it would probably work better to put the newborn in the Radian. Radians tend to fit newborns a lot better.

[rodentranger]

Even though the Radian has the SIP, therefore would be able to offer the ff child more protection?
I'm hoping that Newbie will fit the MA as well as DS did at birth!

[featherhead]

Yup, I would still put the newborn in the radian. Do you have to turn your 2 year old forward facing? You should be able to put the seat more upright, so it should not take up as much room. Also, if a harnessed seat is used properly it will be very safe, whether or not it has SIP.

[rodentranger]

To keep the front seat usable with either of the seats I have, it will have to be ff. I installed the Radian rf behind the passenger seat today just to see, and it's nearly upright.
I don't want to buy a Diplomat for the outboard kiddo, then have to buy boosters later when I already have more seats than kids! LOL

[LISmama810]

We had a Wizard (same shell as a Marathon, basically) RF in an 04 Pilot. Since it doesn't need to be at a 45-degree angle for an older child (it can be as upright as 30 degrees), and since it can touch the seat in front of it, I would think you should be able to get it in.

I, too, would put the baby in the Radian. They tend to fit newborns better than the Marathons, and they're hard to install more upright than 45 degrees.

[Rosey]

I am another one who has put my MA RFing in a Pilot behind the passenger. We didn't have to move the seat up much at all. It was more upright. I also think that the newborn in the Radian in the center with the MA outboard RF will work since i think the Radian is longer.

You can always move the seat forward install, then move back and recline til it is touching the MA.

[rodentranger]

I messed with the seats again today and I was able to get the MA installed rf outboard. So Newbie will be in the center in the R65, DS will be rf outboard in the MA.

[featherhead]

Great job! I'm glad you decided to give it a try:)

[sunnymw]

Awesome! I had the same setup for awhile only with a BV :)