TF install question

[mamoomorgan]

We've had our new seat for about two weeks and I'm wondering if the install is perfect. I feel sure I got it in there "rock the car" solid but it seems to be tipping over slightly to one side.
We have a Sequoia and it's driver side outboard in the second row, rf with a ff MA right next to it. The passenger side outboard is flipped up for access to the third row. The only thing I can think of is that when I flipped down that other seat one day and it was a snug fit, I pushed on the MA a bit to get the seat down. Could that have transferred to the TF? If the install is tight does the seat need to be perfectly straight?
Also, when I tighten the shoulder straps one seems to tighten more than the other, could this be because it's tipped a bit?

Sorry for so many questions and TIA,

[snowbird25ca]

A slight tilt in an otherwise solid seat isn't a safety concern. I would want to double check that the MA isn't hiding any looseness in the install though.

As for the one shoulder tighter than the other, the harness is on a continuous loop. That is, it attaches like normal on the back splitter plate, but instead of being 2 separate straps that anchor at each hip, it's one long strap that loops under the bum. What this means is that it's possible for one side of the harness to become longer than the other. The best way to prevent/fix this is to check that both sides are the same length before tightening the harness - do up the chest clip and then buckle, then pull the slack out of the hips, and pull out on the harness straps. If one is obviously shorter than the other, than pull up by the bum on the shorter side, even it out, then check again & tighten it up from there. :)

You can check for the straps are even before buckling too, but I've found that I sometimes make it uneven in the process of buckling, so I'm just in the habit of checking after I've buckled but before I've tightened. :thumbsup:

[mamoomorgan]

Thank you so much Trudy! Dh was about to have a coniption buckling her up the other day. I will recheck the tightness of both seats but I think they're OK.

And just so I don't seem so lame, we walk most places and only use the car a few times a week so she's only ridden in the seat twice, we're still figuring it out.

thanks,

[SafeRide]

it seems to be tipping over slightly to one side.

I have the same problem. I have it installed on the rear passenger side and it seems to tip slightly towards the buckle side. I'm using seat belt instead due to questionable 40lbs weight limit of LATCH.

[Misty-Bug]

Trudi......

Could it be the shoulder portion of the belt pulling it to the side? Should a locking clip be used instead?



sorry I posted here but I am curious myself. Do you have a picture? My Radian is in the center lap only belt and it has a TINY tip. Just so you know it is not perfectly horizontal. But that sucker is tight! Good luck

[mamoomorgan]

We're using the latch

[Misty-Bug]

sorry I missed that :o

[snowbird25ca]

Could it be the shoulder portion of the belt pulling it to the side? Should a locking clip be used instead?


We're using the latch

And the TF has built in lock-offs that are used with seatbelt installs - locking clip isn't allowed or needed. :thumbsup:

As for tilting with the radian, yes, a locking clip would be one option provided it's a lap/shoulder belt. I'd suggest starting a thread in the installation forum if you'd like more input on that. :)

[SafeRide]

I have the same problem. I have it installed on the rear passenger side and it seems to tip slightly towards the buckle side. I'm using seat belt instead due to questionable 40lbs weight limit of LATCH.

I ended up adding a bit more high density foam under the TF near the seatbelt buckle side to get it to sit perfectly straight. It's NOT tilting / leaning towards the center now. I guess there's more cushion compressing at that side.

[snowbird25ca]

I ended up adding a bit more high density foam under the TF near the seatbelt buckle side to get it to sit perfectly straight. It's NOT tilting / leaning towards the center now. I guess there's more cushion compressing at that side.

Yes, manufacturers often have a different type of seating cushion in the center position of a vehicle. Sometimes it's a hump, sometimes, it's a bit flatter & firmer.

A slight tilt isn't a problem from a safety perspective though as long as you have less than 1" movement at the belt path. :thumbsup:

[mamoomorgan]

I double checked the movement for both the TF and MA yesterday and they were still rock solid. Now that I know the trick to even out the straps I'm not as worried, I was thinking the uneveness of the shoulder straps might somehow be related to the tipping.

Thanks everyone!