Regent install/XT angle

[atsuydam]

Okay, I moved DD1 to the middle row so we can move boxes in the back of the van and she somehow shrank. Her shoulders are now just below the second from the top slots?! So I thought I better get this install checked.

The seat is tight, not moving anywhere and, though you can't see it well in the pics, the entire black base is on the seat.
http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss79/atsuydam/RegentInstall2.jpg
There is a large gap between the seat back and the bight due to the recline bar. The only thing unusual about this from my normal install in the van seat is pretty vertical, not reclined at all.

Is this okay?

Oh, and how is the angle on the my XT (I keep worrying since one other was unable to get the XT on this bench in this van with out over reclining.)
http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss79/atsuydam/xtangle.jpg

Thank you :D

[Pixels]

Your XT angle looks okay to me. It's not braced against the front seat, is it?

[atsuydam]

Your XT angle looks okay to me. It's not braced against the front seat, is it?

It is touching, barely and I am uncomfortably close to the wheel but not dangerously so, still at least 12" from the airbag (that's the right distance right?) But I can get my hand between the seat back and the XT without any effort and it is not leaving an impression on the seat back.

[Pixels]

I wanted to make sure that the front seat wasn't pushing the carseat more upright. The Radian allows bracing, and unless your vehicle disallows it, it's fine to have it braced.

The distance that NHTSA recommends for distance from the steering wheel is 10 inches. I can get that in some cars, and I always check. I don't know why I check, since the seat has to be where it has to be for me to reach the pedals, but I check anyway.

[snowbird25ca]

The XT does look a little over-reclined to me. Are you able to get it a bit more upright?

I'm not experienced with the regent so can't comment on it. :thumbsup:

[atsuydam]

The XT does look a little over-reclined to me. Are you able to get it a bit more upright?

I'm not experienced with the regent so can't comment on it. :thumbsup:

Ahgg!! No, it is even more reclined if I use LATCH, that is as good as it gets.

One yes, one no. I wish this thing had a level indicator.

ETA: DH just showed me how to make a perfectly square box in paint and, if I remember geometry correctly, bisecting it makes two 45* triangles. Doing that on the seat makes it a perfect 45* angle. If any has a tool that can confirm this it would great.

And the Regent. I am afraid to move it, I like the extra height but I want to know I don't have to redo it. It is definitely more upright and DD1 is scooching/slouching in the crotch buckle a bit because of it.

[Pixels]

ETA: DH just showed me how to make a perfectly square box in paint and, if I remember geometry correctly, bisecting it makes two 45* triangles. Doing that on the seat makes it a perfect 45* angle. If any has a tool that can confirm this it would great.

You just basically described the paper test. Take a piece of paper (which has square corners). Fold it over so that it cuts the angle in half. Now you have a 45 degree angle. Place the angle against the carseat. If the inside of the shell matches the outside of the shell, you can put it on the outside. If not, you have to put it on the inside, on the cover. Then you can compare the sides of the paper to horizontal and vertical.

[Maedze]

I had the same trouble with the XT in the Freestar (you appear to have my car :D ) and I had to return it. The absolute best I could do was just shy of 45 degrees and the front passenger was up against the dash. It just wouldn't fly.

[Gypsy]

I don't think I'd keep the Regent that way. I'd recline the seat 1-2 clicks and try again. The fact that she is being pushed forward so that she is being pushed onto the crotch buckle makes me think that it's simply too upright.

[atsuydam]

Okay, I reclined it a click and she is back at her old slot height (too close to the top for a 5 yo :( ) BUT now the XT is over reclined! Not by much but I am sure it is a few degrees over 45. So what do I do? I need both girls in the same row but If the xt is correct the regent is too upright and if the Regent is correct the XT is over reclined.

Gah, I think I am going to have to waste a trip (and time) just to transport the girls to my mother (who only lives a mile or so from the new house but 17 miles from the current) while we move. One should not have a minivan and only be able to transport a family of four. I miss my Como...