Got my new True Fits...

[S1C EM]

...sort of. They were manufactured in Jan. 2008, so I don't have the new manual or stickers that state position 3 is OK for RF. Good thing I check these forums!

Overall, great seat! MUCH more room in it than in the BLVD I just bought two weeks ago. I like that the crotch strap is adjustable since it is not on the BLVD and that is still of some concern for me because of how tight it is on our son. I'm almost considering returning it and getting a third True Fit.

Some people have commented on the lockoffs being difficult, but I have to say....I really feel that system is better constructed than the Britax lockoffs. They can be tricky (especially because my wife's Ford Escape seatbelts have a plastic rivet that happens to line up with the lockoff in a manner that will prevent it from closing without a LOT of adjustment), but they function great once you engage them.

The harness adjustment strap is difficult to get to once you've installed the seat. Easy to use, hard to get to once you've tightened the installation.

I was disappointed in the color a little bit: We ordered the Misty Morning and all the pictures I saw of it led me to believe it was charcoal gray and Carolina blue....but it's actually a dark blue with gray and Carolina blue. Probably would have ordered the Casino color had I known that. *Anybody know if covers are available by themselves?

Interesting thing to note also...the manual says that in RF position, the top anchor tether should NEVER be used. INTERESTING! My BLVD says use is optional and I know there is some debate out there as to the benefits that do or do not exist in this practice. Just found it really peculiar that one seat says it can be used and is perhaps even advisable, while the other says not to ever use it under any circumstances in a RF installation.

Two questions I have:

My installation has a slight tilt toward the buckle. I know this is because I have it drawn up tight and am also using the lockoffs, but is there any reason why this would be a bad thing? The install is SOLID. I tried just using the lockoffs and not tightening it so much, but it just seemed too loose to me.

As for where the harness should be in relation to our son's shoulders, I know it has to be at or below his shoulders to rear-face, but how far below his shoulders is too far? He's pretty well above the first slot, so I have him on the second slot right now, but once I installed the seat and put him in it, the harness goes over his shoulder and pretty much follows a line parallel to the ground to the back of the seat (since he is in a reclined position). Is this okay?


Thanks folks! ;)

[crunchierthanthou]

but 01/08 means three crotch buckle positions, right? :)

You can remove that plastic button. They're usually right where the SS1 lock-off needs to close too. Just slip a credit card under it and pop it off.

rf tether is manufacturer dependent. At this time, only Britax and SSK allow it.

A slight tilt is okay as long as your ds is comfortable. Are you locking the shoulder belt? That might be what's causing the tilt and locking the retractor is optional because you are using lock-offs.

are you saying his shoulders are right at the second slot? That's fine. If he's still below it, he should be on the first slot. Is he under 22 lbs? Are you still using the infant insert?

[featherhead]

Glad you are happy with your purchase:) I've played with a True Fit a little more this last week, and it is much easier to use once you've used it a bit.

The top tether cannot be used when rear-facing. Only Britax and Sunshine Kids allow a top tether when rear-facing. There is a new True Fit coming out with an anti-rebound foot... which does the same thing as the rf tether. Apparently with this new seat it's also easier to reach the harness adjuster when rear-facing. So, if you decide you want to get rid of your Boulevard and get another True Fit, I'd wait for the new one:twocents:

As for the tilt, can you take a pic? I would probably say if it's just a little bit, it's ok, but I'm not a tech, so don't take my word for it.

And I'd say take a pic of the harness height too. If it were me I would probably leave it, since it sounds like he is just about even with the slots. I know with some seats if the harness comes from too far below it starts to slide off the shoulders. I think that mostly happens with seats where there is a wide space (horizontal) between the shoulder slots (which is the case with the True Fit).

[lukensophie]

When is the new version of the True Fit expected to be out?

[MOM25BOYS]

I don't think the new version is supposed to hit online stores until early next year.:) I want to think I read where someone posted Feb. or March '09??

[MOM25BOYS]

...sort of. They were manufactured in Jan. 2008, so I don't have the new manual or stickers that state position 3 is OK for RF. Good thing I check these forums!

Overall, great seat! MUCH more room in it than in the BLVD I just bought two weeks ago. I like that the crotch strap is adjustable since it is not on the BLVD and that is still of some concern for me because of how tight it is on our son. I'm almost considering returning it and getting a third True Fit.

Some people have commented on the lockoffs being difficult, but I have to say....I really feel that system is better constructed than the Britax lockoffs. They can be tricky (especially because my wife's Ford Escape seatbelts have a plastic rivet that happens to line up with the lockoff in a manner that will prevent it from closing without a LOT of adjustment), but they function great once you engage them.

The harness adjustment strap is difficult to get to once you've installed the seat. Easy to use, hard to get to once you've tightened the installation.

I was disappointed in the color a little bit: We ordered the Misty Morning and all the pictures I saw of it led me to believe it was charcoal gray and Carolina blue....but it's actually a dark blue with gray and Carolina blue. Probably would have ordered the Casino color had I known that. *Anybody know if covers are available by themselves?

Interesting thing to note also...the manual says that in RF position, the top anchor tether should NEVER be used. INTERESTING! My BLVD says use is optional and I know there is some debate out there as to the benefits that do or do not exist in this practice. Just found it really peculiar that one seat says it can be used and is perhaps even advisable, while the other says not to ever use it under any circumstances in a RF installation.

Two questions I have:

My installation has a slight tilt toward the buckle. I know this is because I have it drawn up tight and am also using the lockoffs, but is there any reason why this would be a bad thing? The install is SOLID. I tried just using the lockoffs and not tightening it so much, but it just seemed too loose to me.

As for where the harness should be in relation to our son's shoulders, I know it has to be at or below his shoulders to rear-face, but how far below his shoulders is too far? He's pretty well above the first slot, so I have him on the second slot right now, but once I installed the seat and put him in it, the harness goes over his shoulder and pretty much follows a line parallel to the ground to the back of the seat (since he is in a reclined position). Is this okay?


Thanks folks! ;)


I am glad you love your seats! :) I thought the same thing about the color of the Misty Morning, but now I am intrigued to see one IRL..:whistle:

[S1C EM]

but 01/08 means three crotch buckle positions, right? :)

Yes, I have three positions...which is GREAT! Is this no longer the case on newer models?

You can remove that plastic button. They're usually right where the SS1 lock-off needs to close too. Just slip a credit card under it and pop it off.

AWESOME! Glad I'm not the only person who has encountered this!

A slight tilt is okay as long as your ds is comfortable. Are you locking the shoulder belt? That might be what's causing the tilt and locking the retractor is optional because you are using lock-offs.

I am locking the belt. I've been doing both only because the seat seems to move a great deal less if I use both methods. I understand that the seat just shouldn't move more than an inch at the belt path, but somehow even less than an inch of movement there seems like too much. Perhaps I'm just paranoid! :eek:

are you saying his shoulders are right at the second slot? That's fine. If he's still below it, he should be on the first slot. Is he under 22 lbs? Are you still using the infant insert?

Their at the second slot when sitting upright, but when in the seat in its normal position in the car, it goes over his shoulder and just travels a straight line to the back of the car seat. It doesn't go over his shoulder and then travel down below it into the seat. Does that make sense? He was 21lbs, 10oz three weeks ago, so my guess is he's over 22 now and we are not using the insert.

[S1C EM]

There is a new True Fit coming out with an anti-rebound foot... which does the same thing as the rf tether. Apparently with this new seat it's also easier to reach the harness adjuster when rear-facing. So, if you decide you want to get rid of your Boulevard and get another True Fit, I'd wait for the new one:twocents:

This is good advice, but if I make a decision quickly, I think I can get a full refund. I ordered the Britax from TinyRide.com and they have a no-hassle return policy. I hate that the new one won't be out til next year...:(

[S1C EM]

I am glad you love your seats! :) I thought the same thing about the color of the Misty Morning, but now I am intrigued to see one IRL..:whistle:

Does IRL = "in real life"? Sorry, I'm not completely up on the CS.org lingo...:)

I can post some pics if you're interested. While I was disappointed, it's not enough to warrant the hassle of returning them for a different color. I can live with it. :2thumbsup:

[melniemi]

You can call Learning curve and order covers separately. They are $60 and $6 shipping, I believe. I found the lockoffs to work very well and I didn't think they were too hard to do either.

[TechnoGranola]

I was disappointed in the color a little bit: We ordered the Misty Morning and all the pictures I saw of it led me to believe it was charcoal gray and Carolina blue....but it's actually a dark blue with gray and Carolina blue. Probably would have ordered the Casino color had I known that. *Anybody know if covers are available by themselves?
Misty Morning is dark blue? I've been using mine for 5 months now, and I swear both of mine are black! The dark grey in the centre is the same as the dark grey that's on most of the Casino. I call the light blue, "baby blue", I've never heard of Carolina blue. :)

Learning Curve is going to have covers available on their own. In fact, I thought I read a thread here a couple weeks ago saying they were available now? Call Learning Curve and check.

ETA: melniemi posted info about the covers in the post above mine (I was cross posting with her although I didn't hit submit for awhile because I had someone distract me!).

[S1C EM]

Misty Morning is dark blue? I've been using mine for 5 months now, and I swear both of mine are black! The dark grey in the centre is the same as the dark grey that's on most of the Casino. I call the light blue, "baby blue", I've never heard of Carolina blue. :)

Learning Curve is going to have covers available on their own. In fact, I thought I read a thread here a couple weeks ago saying they were available now? Call Learning Curve and check.

I'll check with them. Thank you for the info! And yes, it is either VERY dark blue or black with a blue tint...bout the same thing.

Carolina Blue, btw, like North Carolina Tar Heels or Carolina Panthers. That color of blue (baby or powder) is often associated with Carolina (specifically North Carolina). :D

[TechnoGranola]

Carolina Blue, btw, like North Carolina Tar Heels or Carolina Panthers. That color of blue (baby or powder) is often associated with Carolina (specifically North Carolina). :DCool, thanks for sharing the info! We learn U.S. geography here, but I don't recall learning much about state colours (or perhaps I wasn't paying attention... :whistle:). They tend to have us focus on our provinces. :)

[S1C EM]

They tend to have us focus on our provinces. :)

Perfectly understandable! :D

[Unregistered]

For those of you waiting until next year for the new model of the True Fit with the anti-rebound bar, the price of this model is $270, so keep this in mind before holding out if this increase isn't in your budget.

[NannyMom]

but 01/08 means three crotch buckle positions, right? :)


Does that mean newer ones only have 2 positions? I never did find out what
the deal was with 2 vs 3.

[NannyMom]

...sort of. They were manufactured in Jan. 2008, so I don't have the new manual or stickers that state position 3 is OK for RF. Good thing I check these forums!

Overall, great seat! MUCH more room in it than in the BLVD I just bought two weeks ago. I like that the crotch strap is adjustable since it is not on the BLVD and that is still of some concern for me because of how tight it is on our son. I'm almost considering returning it and getting a third True Fit.

Some people have commented on the lockoffs being difficult, but I have to say....I really feel that system is better constructed than the Britax lockoffs. They can be tricky (especially because my wife's Ford Escape seatbelts have a plastic rivet that happens to line up with the lockoff in a manner that will prevent it from closing without a LOT of adjustment), but they function great once you engage them.

The harness adjustment strap is difficult to get to once you've installed the seat. Easy to use, hard to get to once you've tightened the installation.

I was disappointed in the color a little bit: We ordered the Misty Morning and all the pictures I saw of it led me to believe it was charcoal gray and Carolina blue....but it's actually a dark blue with gray and Carolina blue. Probably would have ordered the Casino color had I known that. *Anybody know if covers are available by themselves?

Interesting thing to note also...the manual says that in RF position, the top anchor tether should NEVER be used. INTERESTING! My BLVD says use is optional and I know there is some debate out there as to the benefits that do or do not exist in this practice. Just found it really peculiar that one seat says it can be used and is perhaps even advisable, while the other says not to ever use it under any circumstances in a RF installation.

Two questions I have:

My installation has a slight tilt toward the buckle. I know this is because I have it drawn up tight and am also using the lockoffs, but is there any reason why this would be a bad thing? The install is SOLID. I tried just using the lockoffs and not tightening it so much, but it just seemed too loose to me.

As for where the harness should be in relation to our son's shoulders, I know it has to be at or below his shoulders to rear-face, but how far below his shoulders is too far? He's pretty well above the first slot, so I have him on the second slot right now, but once I installed the seat and put him in it, the harness goes over his shoulder and pretty much follows a line parallel to the ground to the back of the seat (since he is in a reclined position). Is this okay?


Thanks folks! ;)

I'm glad you like your TFs.

I think the harness sounds ok. Sitting in the seat uninstalled, and sitting in it installed will usually give 2 different measurements.

I've seen the Misty Morning at BRU and thought it looked grey, black, and carolina blue. :confused:

[S1C EM]

I've seen the Misty Morning at BRU and thought it looked grey, black, and carolina blue. :confused:

It's completely plausible that I could be colorblind....;):whistle:

[MOM25BOYS]

I'll check with them. Thank you for the info! And yes, it is either VERY dark blue or black with a blue tint...bout the same thing.

Carolina Blue, btw, like North Carolina Tar Heels or Carolina Panthers. That color of blue (baby or powder) is often associated with Carolina (specifically North Carolina). :D


:2thumbsup: Go Heels!!!:D That is one reason I have been thinking about the Misty morning and pics would be great if you get a chance to.:o DH laughed at me when I put my little saying in the location spot instead of the actually state. He said how many people are going to know you live in NC by that little saying? I said any Tarheel Fan would!!:p

[seamonkeys]

:2thumbsup: Go Heels!!!:D That is one reason I have been thinking about the Misty morning and pics would be great if you get a chance to.:o DH laughed at me when I put my little saying in the location spot instead of the actually state. He said how many people are going to know you live in NC by that little saying? I said any Tarheel Fan would!!:p

I wouldn't buy it for the "Carolina Blue" on the seat. There is VERY little on the seat. I wish there were more, but I mainly bought it because I liked the black/gray combo better that the 2-tone gray of the Casino.

Here are 2 photos I took when I got mine. Sorry none are straight on! But I could take more.

With the infant inserts. The height pad can be reversed and it's ALL light blue on the other side (too bad my DS is too heavy for the pad now!).
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s228/annkreimers/IMG_6215.jpg

And without inserts, it's only on the piping partially on the inner part of the seat, on the outer edge of the top pillow. And of course, still the harness pads.
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s228/annkreimers/IMG_6216.jpg

[S1C EM]

I tried reinstalling our TF using just the lockoffs and just pulling the seatbelt as tight a could get it without locking it. Below is a video showing how much movement there is in the seat using the lockoffs. Is this too much movement or does this look okay?

Sorry, I took the video last night, so the lighting is not great, but hopefully you get the idea.

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i226/S1CEM/?action=view&current=MOV00311.flv

Thanks! :D

[MOM25BOYS]

Hmmm, I am not a tech, but just from what I can catch in the darkness of the seat moving it looks to move more than *I* would be comfortable with.;) But I do like to get mine rock solid to where the whole vehicle moves with the seat.:p It doesn't look to be a very solid install with just the carseat lockoffs, but it could just be because it is so dark. Does it move as much at the belt path as it is in the pics where you can see the back of the seat?? You don't want no more than 1inch of movement at the belt path. Hopefully a tech will chime in again that could help you a little more. For whats it's worth, I couldn't get a solid install with mine FF unless I used my seat locking mechanism and the carseat lockoff together.:thumbsup: HTH :)

[MOM25BOYS]

Thanks for the pics 2lilmonkeys.:thumbsup: I thought it might not have as much blue once you removed all the padding. I think I will try to just hold out and get one of the bright new colors early next year. I'm just not crazy about the material for the cover on my Sporty Blue as I am with my Capuccino one.

[Kat_Momof3]

You can call Learning curve and order covers separately. They are $60 and $6 shipping, I believe. I found the lockoffs to work very well and I didn't think they were too hard to do either.

And we'll all be more than willing to enable you into buying any new cover option you think looks cool... we're addicts and enable each other... :love:

I think you made great choices with both seats... I don't remember how big your son is, but I think looking at the cdc growth charts to see what percentiles would help figure out if the truefit would be better for you than the BV in the other car.

Also, look at his build... if his torso is longer than his legs, you'll want every little inch of harness height you can get! (and look from the side and the rear, not the front... My daughter looks almost leggy from the front... but she's got a serious rear end... from the side it looks more even, and from the back, her legs get much noticeably shorter. Sitting down, you can tell, also, but it's harder to eyeball)

[Kat_Momof3]

I tried reinstalling our TF using just the lockoffs and just pulling the seatbelt as tight a could get it without locking it. Below is a video showing how much movement there is in the seat using the lockoffs. Is this too much movement or does this look okay?

Sorry, I took the video last night, so the lighting is not great, but hopefully you get the idea.

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i226/S1CEM/?action=view&current=MOV00311.flv

Thanks! :D

it was so dark that I couldn't see very well.

Remember to only check for tightness AT the beltpath... the further from the beltpath you get, the more it will move.

Also... did you pull up the cover at the foot of the seat? That can help you really access the lockoffs and also let you pull the belt more effectively.

Not only that, if you are using both lockoffs, it can help you in pulling the belt SUPER tight as you close the lockoff on the side of the buckle.... and then do the same with the other lockoff (and this is the one that will prevent tipping)

when you use lockoffs you should NOT have to lock the belt.... but I would, just not worry about getting every little bit of belt in there like you would if not using the lockoffs... WHY??, because shoulderbelts that aren't locked can pose a strangulation hazard (when they CAN lock, especially), because your child, as he grows, can develop a special trick... using his foot to grab (slipping his foot on the side closer to the door, pulling it to him) the belt and pull it to him, then wrapping it around his neck. If he ends up activating the locking mechanism, as the slack would retract, he could literally strange himself this way... and even if you notice, you may not be able to get him untangled in time.

I'm not trying to totally panic anyone... just saying it is why I would lock the belt.

Some who have these belts and use latch will first buckle the seatbelt and lock it before putting the carseat on the vehicle seat (so it's not going through the beltpath of the carseat or anything... it's just buckled over empty space that is not affecting the carseat installation)

In my van, I don't have locking shoulderbelts (I have a Caravan and dodge uses lightweight locking latchplates instead), so when my daughter decided to try out this trick, I stuck to latch. I don't even remember why it was installed with seatbelt that time, but I didn't always use the same method... depending on when I would have to uninstall it, how fast we needed to get going, that sort of thing (most commonly would be if I took her to vaccuum out the car and wash it while the boys were at school... I'd have her in her seat to contain her and install it with the seatbelt because I could do it with her IN the seat)
:twocents:

[S1C EM]

Hmmm, I am not a tech, but just from what I can catch in the darkness of the seat moving it looks to move more than *I* would be comfortable with.;)

That was my feeling as well. I mean, it isn't going anywhere, but this is the result that I get by only using the lockoffs (for either the BLVD or the TF). I did lock the belt for this also, but didn't pull it super tight like I had it before.

When I pull the belt tight and then use the lockoffs, the seat tilts toward the buckle. Making that worse, I have it positioned to the center of the back seat for safety, but that back seat bottom is split like a 60/40 and the front corner of the base lines up with that crack and is pushed into it by the pressure of the locking belt, causing it to tilt even more. Basically, I can get it SOLID, but tilted, or straighter (not perfect), but with movement.

Our son was 30.5in (75th percentile) at his 1yr visit, but only 21lbs, 10oz. My wife's family is tall and thin and he's about the same so far (with very little butt to speak of....:D).

[NannyMom]

As a tech, and as a Mom, I don't think I'd install a seat with tilt. In the video, it also looked like too much movement.

Is it possible for your wife or someone else to help you? Something I sometimes do is:
-I hold the seat in position
-Have someone pull the shoulder belt tight (after I've tightened it as best I can)
-Once they can't pull anymore, I close the lockoffs
-After lockoffs are closed, lock the shoulderbelt

Maybe that could help the prevent tipping? However, if the tipping is truely because of the crack (split) in the seat, you may need to move the seat. My DH's durango has a 40/20/40 split. So far all the seats I've put there either fall into the cracks, or cover all the seatbelt buckles. Though, I did have a CPST-I once put stuff in the cracks to kind of fill it in. Maybe you can "shove" (neatly and carefully of course) some towels in the crack.

[MOM25BOYS]

That was my feeling as well. I mean, it isn't going anywhere, but this is the result that I get by only using the lockoffs (for either the BLVD or the TF). I did lock the belt for this also, but didn't pull it super tight like I had it before.

When I pull the belt tight and then use the lockoffs, the seat tilts toward the buckle. Making that worse, I have it positioned to the center of the back seat for safety, but that back seat bottom is split like a 60/40 and the front corner of the base lines up with that crack and is pushed into it by the pressure of the locking belt, causing it to tilt even more. Basically, I can get it SOLID, but tilted, or straighter (not perfect), but with movement.

Our son was 30.5in (75th percentile) at his 1yr visit, but only 21lbs, 10oz. My wife's family is tall and thin and he's about the same so far (with very little butt to speak of....:D).

I know exactly what you are talking about.:thumbsup: I have a 40/60 slit seat in my 3rd row and DS3's True Fit is FF in that spot. His seats sinks more on the side the crack is on than on the other side so it has a slight tilt to it also, but not too bad. I have to use that spot since that is the only seating position on the 3rd row with a tether. Luckily the seatbelt buckle is on the inner part of that seat and not at the crack. Have you tried getting someone to put their weight in the center of the seat while you tighten the belt? Sometimes that works for me or you may just have to try installing in a different position in your vehicle. Thats a tuff spot to be in and don't think I could be much help since I am not a tech. I don't have the problem with my RF True Fit since it is installed with LATCH on my 2nd row. Good luck and I hope I helped a little.:)

[S1C EM]

As a tech, and as a Mom, I don't think I'd install a seat with tilt. In the video, it also looked like too much movement.

Is it possible for your wife or someone else to help you? Something I sometimes do is:
-I hold the seat in position
-Have someone pull the shoulder belt tight (after I've tightened it as best I can)
-Once they can't pull anymore, I close the lockoffs
-After lockoffs are closed, lock the shoulderbelt

Maybe that could help the prevent tipping? However, if the tipping is truely because of the crack (split) in the seat, you may need to move the seat. My DH's durango has a 40/20/40 split. So far all the seats I've put there either fall into the cracks, or cover all the seatbelt buckles. Though, I did have a CPST-I once put stuff in the cracks to kind of fill it in. Maybe you can "shove" (neatly and carefully of course) some towels in the crack.

I did try the above steps to secure the seat, but I still get that tilt, mainly from the crack situation. I did put one towel in it last night, but it didn't really help much. If I can't get it to not tilt in the center position, you believe that putting it in the rear passenger side position would be the best choice? Is the tilt problem worse than being seated outboard?

[MOM25BOYS]

I did try the above steps to secure the seat, but I still get that tilt, mainly from the crack situation. I did put one towel in it last night, but it didn't really help much. If I can't get it to not tilt in the center position, you believe that putting it in the rear passenger side position would be the best choice? Is the tilt problem worse than being seated outboard?

Your DS being RF is one of the safest positions for him. :) Yes, being in the center is safe for the child, but I believe getting a solid install is safer than a loose install in the center. I would definately try an outboard install to see if you can get it solid.:thumbsup:

[S1C EM]

Your DS being RF is one of the safest positions for him. :) Yes, being in the center is safe for the child, but I believe getting a solid install is safer than a loose install in the center. I would definately try an outboard install to see if you can get it solid.:thumbsup:

K.....I'm gonna try it again tonight and see what I can produce. I hate to take it out of that center spot. I may try some more towels in the crack and see what I can get. Like I said, I can get it ROCK SOLID, but with about a 2-3 inch tilt toward the buckle.

[Kat_Momof3]

which are you doing first... closing the lockoffs or locking the belt?

if you lock the belt AFTER you have closed the lockoffs, that may prevent the tilt being as severe.

[S1C EM]

which are you doing first... closing the lockoffs or locking the belt?

if you lock the belt AFTER you have closed the lockoffs, that may prevent the tilt being as severe.

Tried it both ways. If I lock and tighten the belt first, then close the lockoffs, I get tilt. If I close the lockoffs and then lock the belt, I can only tighten the belt so much at that point and the seat remains too loose. :(

[MOM25BOYS]

I sent a message to Snowbird25ca, another member here, who I would consider a True Fit Guru.:p Hopefully when she comes on the board later she might can offer you some more tips to try.;) Good Luck

[crunchierthanthou]

Tried it both ways. If I lock and tighten the belt first, then close the lockoffs, I get tilt. If I close the lockoffs and then lock the belt, I can only tighten the belt so much at that point and the seat remains too loose. :(

You don't need to lock the belt at all if you're using lock-offs. The key to any installation is to get the lap portion as tight as you can. As Jools says, it should be twangning like a guitar string. I've found the best way to do this is by pulling up next to the latchplate. So, get the lap portion as tight as possible (so the seat is moving less than 1" in any direction) before you lock the shoulder portion- whether by the lock-offs or retractor.

[S1C EM]

I sent a message to Snowbird25ca, another member here, who I would consider a True Fit Guru.:p Hopefully when she comes on the board later she might can offer you some more tips to try.;) Good Luck

Thank you VERY much! I appreciate your help (and everyone else, btw.....good information all around!)! I'll look forward to her advice! :thanx!:

[S1C EM]

it should be twangning like a guitar string. I've found the best way to do this is by pulling up next to the latchplate. So, get the lap portion as tight as possible (so the seat is moving less than 1" in any direction) before you lock the shoulder portion- whether by the lock-offs or retractor.

This is what I've been doing, but the tightness is pulling the car seat corner into the crack of the seat.

[NannyMom]

I did try the above steps to secure the seat, but I still get that tilt, mainly from the crack situation. I did put one towel in it last night, but it didn't really help much. If I can't get it to not tilt in the center position, you believe that putting it in the rear passenger side position would be the best choice? Is the tilt problem worse than being seated outboard?

I will try and call my "expert" tonight and see what she says about the tilt. But if I were installing the seat with those results, I would put him outboard.

[S1C EM]

I will try and call my "expert" tonight and see what she says about the tilt. But if I were installing the seat with those results, I would put him outboard.

I'll try and get some photos tonight and post them so you can see the tilt and maybe that will help. I can try it both ways, center and outboard.

[crunchierthanthou]

I'll try and get some photos tonight and post them so you can see the tilt and maybe that will help. I can try it both ways, center and outboard.

you can access the beltpath by pulling the cover back, correct? Try pulling it back and tightening across the entire beltpath instead of only cinching next to the buckle as that is causing it to tilt. That's often what I have to do with Sceneras, which are prone to tipping.

[S1C EM]

you can access the beltpath by pulling the cover back, correct? Try pulling it back and tightening across the entire beltpath instead of only cinching next to the buckle as that is causing it to tilt. That's often what I have to do with Sceneras, which are prone to tipping.

One other thing to consider here in addition to the pull at the buckle and the seat crack is that this is also a shoulder/lap belt combo and while the buckle is pulling it down on one side, the shoulder belt tightness is pulling the other side up which compounds the tilt. The whole belt is very tight throughout the belt path.

[snowbird25ca]

I really can't see enough in that video to tell one way or the other. If you put your hand right in the belt path and then grab the seat above it - so your thumb or else fingers would actually be touching the opening for the belt path, and then try to move the seat side to side, how much movement is there? If you were to put a mark on the vehicle seat at one far point, and then a mark at the other far point, what would the distance between them be? (Remembering that it should be firm but gentle pressure, not super hero strength. :thumbsup: )

As for the tilt, I couldn't tell from the video - was there a picture earlier on in the thread? A slight tilt in and of itself is not a danger. If the seat was otherwise solid, I would not have any concerns about one side sitting 1" higher than the other side. Now if we're talking a significant tilt, I'd want to fix it as a seat with built in lock-offs should never have a really significant tilt.

As for the seat crack, and this holds true with any carseat, I would not be using towels to try and fill in the crack. The seat crack is one of those things specific to the vehicle that needs to be worked around.

What are your buckle stalks like? Long? Forward of the seat crack? (bite) If so, have you tried twisting them - up to 3 full turns is acceptable and often makes a seat go in tighter. What kind of vehicle do you have again?

Have you tried putting pressure on the seat while standing behind it and using your thighs/hips to push down and in while working on tightening the seatbelt?

I have some ideas, but I'd like to get more of an exact idea of what's going on first. If you can describe each step you're doing when installing the seat, then that's a good starting point to work from - where are you pushing on the seat when you tighten the seatbelt, how much movement does there seem to be before closing the lock-offs (you can check this by holding the shoulder portion taut and just giving a light pull with your other hand, if there's still lots of movement, you'll know it right away,) which lock-off are you closing first, that kind of thing.

If you have over 1" of movement prior to locking the seatbelt, and no tilt prior to locking the seatbelt, I would not consider the install acceptable even if it becomes solid after the seatbelt is locked and the seat tilts. In that circumstance, the shoulder belt would likely be pulling up on the seat just enough to take the last bit of slack out and make the seat seem tight - but it's the lap portion that holds a seat tight. Upward pressure due to a created tilt would definitely tighten up a seat some, but it's not something I'd be happy with.

(And for those who have slight tilts, before you go out and panic about it, there is a big difference between a solid install prior to locking the seatbelt and having tilt appear, vs. a seat with too much movement that disappears once the locked seatbelt causes it to tilt. In a seat without lock-offs, the tilt typically appears after the seat is already solid, when you are trying to remove that last bit of slack from the shoulder portion.)

I know there isn't much in the way of actual how-to in this post, but I'd prefer to have a really good idea of exactly what's going on before giving more detailed suggestions. :thumbsup:

[S1C EM]

I really can't see enough in that video to tell one way or the other. If you put your hand right in the belt path and then grab the seat above it - so your thumb or else fingers would actually be touching the opening for the belt path, and then try to move the seat side to side, how much movement is there? If you were to put a mark on the vehicle seat at one far point, and then a mark at the other far point, what would the distance between them be? (Remembering that it should be firm but gentle pressure, not super hero strength. :thumbsup: )

As for the tilt, I couldn't tell from the video - was there a picture earlier on in the thread? A slight tilt in and of itself is not a danger. If the seat was otherwise solid, I would not have any concerns about one side sitting 1" higher than the other side. Now if we're talking a significant tilt, I'd want to fix it as a seat with built in lock-offs should never have a really significant tilt.

As for the seat crack, and this holds true with any carseat, I would not be using towels to try and fill in the crack. The seat crack is one of those things specific to the vehicle that needs to be worked around.

What are your buckle stalks like? Long? Forward of the seat crack? (bite) If so, have you tried twisting them - up to 3 full turns is acceptable and often makes a seat go in tighter. What kind of vehicle do you have again?

Have you tried putting pressure on the seat while standing behind it and using your thighs/hips to push down and in while working on tightening the seatbelt?

I have some ideas, but I'd like to get more of an exact idea of what's going on first. If you can describe each step you're doing when installing the seat, then that's a good starting point to work from - where are you pushing on the seat when you tighten the seatbelt, how much movement does there seem to be before closing the lock-offs (you can check this by holding the shoulder portion taut and just giving a light pull with your other hand, if there's still lots of movement, you'll know it right away,) which lock-off are you closing first, that kind of thing.

If you have over 1" of movement prior to locking the seatbelt, and no tilt prior to locking the seatbelt, I would not consider the install acceptable even if it becomes solid after the seatbelt is locked and the seat tilts. In that circumstance, the shoulder belt would likely be pulling up on the seat just enough to take the last bit of slack out and make the seat seem tight - but it's the lap portion that holds a seat tight. Upward pressure due to a created tilt would definitely tighten up a seat some, but it's not something I'd be happy with.

(And for those who have slight tilts, before you go out and panic about it, there is a big difference between a solid install prior to locking the seatbelt and having tilt appear, vs. a seat with too much movement that disappears once the locked seatbelt causes it to tilt. In a seat without lock-offs, the tilt typically appears after the seat is already solid, when you are trying to remove that last bit of slack from the shoulder portion.)

I know there isn't much in the way of actual how-to in this post, but I'd prefer to have a really good idea of exactly what's going on before giving more detailed suggestions. :thumbsup:

WHEW! Snowbird, I'll try to get some pics up later this evening. The lighting is the tough part.

To give a brief synopsis:

I pull the lap/shoulder belt through the belt path,

position the seat where it should be,

buckle the belt,

while pushing down and in with all my weight in the car seat bottom, I pull any slack out at the buckle and repeat across the belt path to the other side where I continue to pull and tighten the shoulder belt,

close the lockoff nearest the buckle,

close the other lockoff (still pulling the belt taught from the shoulder; the lap belt also remains very tight),

and finally, engage the locking retractor on the belt and make sure that, again, it is as tight as it will get.



The seat, without the belt being locked and with the lockoffs closed, seems to still wiggle. The belt, specifically at the belt path, moves little, if at all. The movement of the car seat is mostly noticeable only on the upper portion such as the headrest area. The lower you look on the car seat, the less movement you will see.

[snowbird25ca]

WHEW! Snowbird, I'll try to get some pics up later this evening. The lighting is the tough part.

To give a brief synopsis:

I pull the lap/shoulder belt through the belt path,

position the seat where it should be,

buckle the belt,

while pushing down and in with all my weight in the car seat bottom, I pull any slack out at the buckle and repeat across the belt path to the other side where I continue to pull and tighten the shoulder belt,

close the lockoff nearest the buckle,

close the other lockoff (still pulling the belt taught from the shoulder; the lap belt also remains very tight),

and finally, engage the locking retractor on the belt and make sure that, again, it is as tight as it will get.



The seat, without the belt being locked and with the lockoffs closed, seems to still wiggle. The belt, specifically at the belt path, moves little, if at all. The movement of the car seat is mostly noticeable only on the upper portion such as the headrest area. The lower you look on the car seat, the less movement you will see.

From the way you describe it, it sounds like you have an acceptable install without locking the seatbelt. With a rf'ing seat, it is very normal to have movement if you try to move it up near the top of the seat. The further up you are holding the seat when trying to move it, the more movement you'll see. In some vehicles this is more noticeable than in others, and I'm guessing that that slight split in the seat due to the 60/40 split is just enough that it makes the top part of the seat more wiggly when you check there, whereas in your other vehicles it doesn't wiggle as much.

If the carseat itself isn't moving much at all - ie. there is less than 1" side to side movement at the belt path when you check for movement, then you are perfectly fine. Don't watch whether the seatbelt moves, but rather if the bottom of the carseat slides side to side when you check for movement at the belt path. You're aiming for under 1". :thumbsup:

It sounds like you're doing everything right, and if the movement that is concerning you is only up at the upper part of the shell, I think you've had a good install all along without realizing it. Just don't lock the seatbelt and you won't get the tilt. :thumbsup:

Do you have any carseat techs in your area? We can always give advice online based on what we know, but it always helps to be able to touch and see an install to know for sure. Having a tech check it if there's one around may just give you the confidence you need.

[S1C EM]

From the way you describe it, it sounds like you have an acceptable install without locking the seatbelt. With a rf'ing seat, it is very normal to have movement if you try to move it up near the top of the seat. The further up you are holding the seat when trying to move it, the more movement you'll see. In some vehicles this is more noticeable than in others, and I'm guessing that that slight split in the seat due to the 60/40 split is just enough that it makes the top part of the seat more wiggly when you check there, whereas in your other vehicles it doesn't wiggle as much.

If the carseat itself isn't moving much at all - ie. there is less than 1" side to side movement at the belt path when you check for movement, then you are perfectly fine. Don't watch whether the seatbelt moves, but rather if the bottom of the carseat slides side to side when you check for movement at the belt path. You're aiming for under 1". :thumbsup:

It sounds like you're doing everything right, and if the movement that is concerning you is only up at the upper part of the shell, I think you've had a good install all along without realizing it. Just don't lock the seatbelt and you won't get the tilt. :thumbsup:

Do you have any carseat techs in your area? We can always give advice online based on what we know, but it always helps to be able to touch and see an install to know for sure. Having a tech check it if there's one around may just give you the confidence you need.

Gotcha. Thank you for that information. As best I can recall (since I can't do it right now to check for sure) there was no side-to-side movement at the base of the seat, at least not that I could tell. I was concerning myself over the movement up top because I was worried about the seat tilting with our son when my wife takes a turn. The headrest/back area are really all that move, but it just looked like a lot of movement. The base is pretty solid. Should I only test the movement by grabbing the armrest or lower?

Also, I'm not sure about techs in my area. What is the best way to find out? I know that Police and Firefighters can check installs, but I know they are not all certified techs either.

Thanks again! :D

[S1C EM]

I couldn't get a good picture last night, but will try again today, just FYI. I haven't forgotten! ;)

I did test the movement at the base of the car seat and it seems solid (it shakes the car, but doesn't move). I'll get you a video too if I can.

Thanks for the patience! :)

[snowbird25ca]

I couldn't get a good picture last night, but will try again today, just FYI. I haven't forgotten! ;)

I did test the movement at the base of the car seat and it seems solid (it shakes the car, but doesn't move). I'll get you a video too if I can.

Thanks for the patience! :)

If it's shaking the car when you check for movement, sounds like you have a solid install. :thumbsup:

[Kat_Momof3]

as I said before... you only need to check for movement at the beltpath.

the movement further away from it is normal.

[S1C EM]

as I said before... you only need to check for movement at the beltpath.

the movement further away from it is normal.

Thanks for this info! We got sidetracked this weekend and ended up out of town unexpectedly for a couple of days, thus I have't been able to get a video posted. That said, it sounds like perhaps I don't need to now. I think we got this one solved.

Thanks to everyone for their help! :thumbsup:

[MOM25BOYS]

:2thumbsup: Thrilled to see you got your problem solved.:D