Contradictory LATCH info from Britax

[delgirrrl]

OK, so I understand that there may be two different LATCH limits, specifically those of the vehicle, and those associated with the seat.

But, here's the confusion for me. I have a Boulevard (Oct 05 manf) and a Frontier. The Boulevard stickering says that unless the vehicle manufacturer specifies otherwise, assume a latch limit of 48lbs. The Frontier, using exactly the same wording as the Boulevard, says 40lbs.

How can the same seat manufacturer, using the exact same wording, give two different instructions relating to the CAR limits?

This is actually an issue for me, as my son is 44 lbs, and according to the seat stickering, if I have him in the Boulevard, I can use LATCH but I can't if he's riding in the Frontier.

(The vehicle in question is a 2006 Mazda3, and Mazda has been less than helpful on the matter...)

Hopefully someone can shed some light on this. Thanks in advance!

[capeKO71]

I *think* the reasoning that was given was Britax was trying to be more universal in it's wording. By going to 40lbs, they cover all cars... by going to 48, they were not (some cars go to 42lbs).

[BookMama]

But, here's the confusion for me. I have a Boulevard (Oct 05 manf) and a Frontier. The Boulevard stickering says that unless the vehicle manufacturer specifies otherwise, assume a latch limit of 48lbs. The Frontier, using exactly the same wording as the Boulevard, says 40lbs.

How can the same seat manufacturer, using the exact same wording, give two different instructions relating to the CAR limits?

I think it's also worth clarifying that your car seats were made at least 2.5 years apart. Britax changed the rules about assuming LATCH limits during that time. They made other changes during that time as well (such as raising the RF limit of the Boulevard to 35 lbs) - that's perfectly normal during such a long period of time. :twocents:

[BW1426]

I agree with the PPs.

This isn't an issue unless you cannot install with the seatbelt. If you're having trouble installing with the seatbelt, ask and we should be able to help you out.

[lodonal65]

I think it's because of the difference in the size of the seats themselves.
The Frontier is a big honkin seat.

[joolsplus3]

Britax is just trying to get in line with the lowest common denominator: the vehicles with the lowest limits. Honda and a couple others (there aren't any with 42, actually, but Porsche is 39). It's really a 'legal' issue, not a safety issue...LATCH bars are standard from car to car, some car makers are just very much more conservative in their weight limits, and Britax is trying to simplify things for the consumer. The LATCH chat transcript (with Deborah Stewart, lead author of the LATCH manual) in the aritcles section may shed more light if you want to skim through it :)

[BookMama]

I think it's because of the difference in the size of the seats themselves.
The Frontier is a big honkin seat.

Yes, but Britax has also made the same change in wording for their convertibles, including the Boulevard. So it's not just the size of the Frontier.

[lodonal65]

Yes, but Britax has also made the same change in wording for their convertibles, including the Boulevard. So it's not just the size of the Frontier.

I just wish the vehicles and car seat manufacturers would get it together! Ugh!

[delgirrrl]

I think it's also worth clarifying that your car seats were made at least 2.5 years apart. Britax changed the rules about assuming LATCH limits during that time. They made other changes during that time as well (such as raising the RF limit of the Boulevard to 35 lbs) - that's perfectly normal during such a long period of time. :twocents:

That's a pretty good rationale - good point.

Thanks for your thoughts on this everyone - I'll be doing a bit of bedtime reading in the Articles section.

The seatbelt install is working fine for me:) - I just like the 'idea' of LATCH, and my other seats don't have it (Australian and Swedish), so I guess I'm just a bit disappointed I can't use it.