Need Rear Facing install tips with seat belt

[codex57]

LATCH is awesome. Love it. However, on one of the cars, the LATCH connectors on our seat kinda get in the way of the seat belt connectors, making it difficult for rear seat passengers to buckle up.

So, I installed our Blvd using the seat belt method. While this fixed the seat belt connector issue, the shoulder strap of the seat belt is causing the seat to be kind of lopsided. It tugs up on one corner so that one side of the seat is a bit higher than the other.

I've sat on one end and did my best to even it out, but in the end, I had to stick rolled up towels under the other side to raise it in order to get it (somewhat) even in the end.

Is there some better way? I imagine there must be cuz none of the instruction manuals mention anything about putting towels or a pool noodle under one side of the seat in order to get it level. TIA.

[Jewels]

Are you using the lock-offs?

[crunchierthanthou]

It's likely the locking shoulder retractor that's causing it to tip. It's a common issue with rf seats. You can fix that by using the rf lock-offs instead. Britax generally recommends using the one farther from the buckle because the latchplate can interfere with closing the near one. However, you can use either or both- whichever gives you the best installation. Just make sure both the lap and shoulder portions are routed through the lock-off.

[sunnymw]

Yep, I also voluntarily use the lock-offs instead of the belt's locking mechanism. I pull as tight as possible and then feed both through the lock-off (pulling DOWN with the shoulder portion of the belt) and then lock it. Once it's locked just let the shoulder portion go--you'll be able to pull it out and what have ya.

You can kiiiiiinda see it in this pic
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm16/sunnywallace/Car%20seats/seatcheck1037.jpg

[Patriot201]

You can kiiiiiinda see it in this pic
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm16/sunnywallace/Car%20seats/seatcheck1037.jpg

Sorry, this is off-topic, but I just want to make sure that you know to stow unused LATCH connectors and tethers. :) It could be that the LATCH connectors just were not stowed in the photo...

[sunnymw]

Sorry, this is off-topic, but I just want to make sure that you know to stow unused LATCH connectors and tethers. :) It could be that the LATCH connectors just were not stowed in the photo...

Yes, that's an old picture. But thanks for pointing it out for unsuspecting viewers (I had just moved the seat from GMIL's car, where we actually had the option of LATCH :thumbsup:)

[codex57]

It's likely the locking shoulder retractor that's causing it to tip. It's a common issue with rf seats. You can fix that by using the rf lock-offs instead. Britax generally recommends using the one farther from the buckle because the latchplate can interfere with closing the near one. However, you can use either or both- whichever gives you the best installation. Just make sure both the lap and shoulder portions are routed through the lock-off.

That's it. The locking shoulder retractor is the problem. I didn't use the lockoffs b/c 1) I'm having a hard time trusting them, and 2) using the retractor seemed the best way to get the fit down tight enough so it wouldn't move more than 1 inch.

I'll have to go experiment with just using the lockoffs. Thanks.

[crunchierthanthou]

That's it. The locking shoulder retractor is the problem. I didn't use the lockoffs b/c 1) I'm having a hard time trusting them, and 2) using the retractor seemed the best way to get the fit down tight enough so it wouldn't move more than 1 inch.

Really, there's no reason not to trust them. I'm not aware of any issues, but even if they do happen to pop open in a crash they are simply pre-crash positioners. They hold the seat in proper position and the emergency locking mechanism of the seatbelt takes over on impact.