05 Saturn Vue - Regent and Boulevard Installation

[Unregistered]

HELP - I made a big mistake and am trying to correct it...

The LATCH brackets are close together and are not as wide as the Regent or BLVD (RF'ing). Both seats are in the outboard positions. I had each seat using and outboard bracket (for the position closest to each door and then used a center bracket since I could not get the seats tight when using both outboards (the connectors were either under the actual seat (BLVD) or would have to go inside the reclining bar (Regent).

After finding out I should not have them installed that way, I went to reinstall...I was able to get a snug fit using the long-path belt install on the Regent, but am really struggling with the BLVD (and 16 degree temps don't help!). So, for the BLVD--I cannot use both outboard brackets since the seat actually sits on top of the connectors--and therefore moves since I cannot get it tight (even with bloodying my knuckles). I went ahead and did the belt install, but--the actual seat buckle is so big that it interferes with the plastic clip (locking clip? for the belt). The buckle is large and touches the bar that the LATCH connectors slide on. I did try to install it in the middle, but I cannot have the Regent outboard and the BLVD in the center--not anywhere close to getting the seat actually in the center.

I am at a loss...Please help me get this installed correctly. Thanks so much!!!

[Defrost]

You can move the base forward a bit so that it's not sitting on the anchors quite so much.

LATCH anchors have standard spacing, so the issue isn't really your car.

Is the Blvd RF or FF? Here's a pic of a RF MA that shows the base pulled away a bit:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/alunatic_photos/Marathon/IMG_1836.jpg

For the seat belt install, you do not have to use the lock offs (the plastic locks on the carseat) as long as you are locking the seat belt. You can also twist the seat belt's buckle stalk (the "female" end) up to three full turns, which will lower it and prevent it from getting stuck on the LATCH bar on the carseat.

[Unregistered]

Oooh--Thanks for the picture!!! A friend was just trying to explain to me that I could that, but I could not picture how that would work.


Thanks so much!

On another thought--The latch brackets are standard? I wonder why I am having such trouble installing in VUE, but haven't had similar issues in other vehicles (we have the BLVD and Regent in both our vehicles).

Off to give it a try (my fingers have regained some feeling!!!).

[Unregistered]

Another question with the Regent...The reclining bar is so wide -- if anyone has pics of how to use Latch without interfering with the bar, I'd love to see them. I feel more comfortable with latch installation--so, although the regent is snug, I'd rather be able to intall it correctly with latch.

Thanks so muc!!!

[LEAW]

Lower anchors are all a standard width (11"?) but the auto manufacturer has control over placement - some cars are placed in better positions for installing seats than others. My SIL's car has them so far back in the seat that they are hard to use, mine are up front and easy to find.

[dkdean]

I just wanted to thank you all for your help!! The Regent and Boulevard and correctly installed :)

[skipspin]

Glad you got it.

I had a VUE and never had a problem installing RFing Britax seats. You just have to figure out what order to do everything in and how it all fits together. I think I attached the LATCH connectors while the strap was really loose and the seat not scooted all the way back, and then tightened it up.

The good news is the VUE with it's 3 sets of LATCH is a great car for installing car seats!