Installing Tether system in a 2005 Grand Caravan SXT

[Unregistered]

We are pruchasing a 2005 Dodge GC SXT tomorrow and was wondering how to install a rear facing infant seat? I have not seen the van yet (only my wife has), so I am unclear on where the anchor points are.

I assume the seat locations will be fairly obvious, but I am wondering about the top tether point.

Can someone assist me here? Pictures would be great if you have any.

Thanks-

We have an Alhpa Omega Car seat.

[scatterbunny]

Welcome to the boards! :D

A 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan will come equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) in the two middle row seating positions, as well as the rear center. This means that each of those seating positions will have two lower anchors in the vehicle seat bight (crack where seat backrest meets seat bottom) and one top tether anchor on the back of the vehicle seat. The Grand Caravan's owner's manual should give more details on how to identify and use the LATCH system correctly. :)

You mention that the carseat is an Alpha Omega, and that it will be rear-facing for an infant, and that you are specifically concerned with finding the top tether anchor points in the Grand Caravan. It's very important to note that the Alpha Omega does not allow for top tether use when rear-facing, only when forward-facing. In fact, only two carseat manufacturers allow rear-facing top tethering (Britax and Sunshine Kids).

Therefore, you'll want to install the Alpha Omega rear-facing with either the vehicle seatbelt or the vehicle lower anchors (one system or the other, never both at the same time), and shorten up the top tether strap as much as possible to keep it out of the way until you need it for forward-facing (some seats have a spot on the back/side of the shell to hook the unused top tether; look around for it).

The Alpha Omega's base is optional, so you can try removing that to see if it helps you get a better install. I usually do get a better install without the base. It's important to mention that the 45 degree recline/recline indicator line is only necessary for newborns and young babies. You can have the seat more upright for an older rear-facing child, as upright as 30 degrees.

I'm sure others will chime in with more advice, but hopefully that answered your initial questions (and probably prompted you to think of a bunch more)!

[Unregistered]

Thanks for the information. I noticed the instructions did not show using the top strap, that is why I asked the question.

It seems straight forward so hopefully it goes smooth.

Thanks for the quick response!!

I think I will register on the site.

[Mommy0608]

Is this for a new baby on the way, or do you already have a child using the Alpha Omega car seat?

I second everything Jenny said. Definitely can't use the top tether on that seat while rear-facing, and that's okay. If you're concerned about the top of the car seat (near baby's head) moving after the seat is installed, keep in mind that this motion is completely normal. When checking for tightness, only check at the belt path (where the seatbelt or LATCH strap goes through the car seat). Grab the car seat at the belt path, and check to be sure that you can not move it more than 1" in any direction.

If you've never installed the seat before let us know, we can help you with this process. Also, it's always a good idea to make an appointment with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) to check your installation, even if you think you've done it correctly. A CPST will review the installation and teach you how to do it so that you can do it with confidence. :thumbsup:

Like Jenny said, please let us know if you have any other questions! We'd be glad to help! :)

[Unregistered]

We have installed this seat before for our first son. Now our second is ready for a rear facing. We had a Trailblazer that did not allow the tether installation so it was always installed with seat belts.

Thanks to both of you for the information.