Radian XT install help please asap

[momto2princes]

I bought a new Radian XT for my DS today. I am having some trouble with the install. I can get it in solid but it is so reclined the passenger seat is eating the dash board.

I need some help.

I am installing it RF in a 2003 Odyssey second row captains chair on the passenger side with latch. My son is just over 3. I would like less of a recline if possible.

Thanks so much!

[Gypsy]

Have you tried pulling the base away from the bight an inch or so, then putting weight ONLY by where his legs would be (NOT his bottom), and tightening it?

[canmom]

I can get it in solid but it is so reclined the passenger seat is eating the dash board.


Sunshine Kids allows touching and bracing.... you vehicle should be ok with it being a 2003 as advanced airbags shouldn't be an issue.

I agree with Gypsy, pull it away from the seat bite, press down where the recline foot is while tightening... may be a two man job :thumbsup:.

[momto2princes]

Ok I tried that and it is a bit better but I find it is still slipping a bit on the leather seat. Would it be ok to use one of those Sunshine Kids grip mats?

How much pressure can I put on it from the front seat?

[canmom]

Leather seats might be a part of the issue. We usually recommend just a thin towel... I don't think it will help in this case though. Typically, the mats marketed for car seats are usually too thick etc and not safe.

You can brace it pretty good against the front seat... not sure if there really is a limit.

[canadiangie]

Have you tried using the seatbelt instead of LATCH?

[momto2princes]

I haven't tried the seatbelt install yet. Do you think it would be different?

I knew about after market products not being a great idea but I thought since it was a sunshine kids product with a sunshine kids seat that has been crash tested while using it with the seat it would be ok to try? If it is still a big no-no that is ok. I haven't used one before.

[DahliaRW]

It is a really hard seat to get to go more upright. Do your captain's chairs slide front and back? I don't know how the older odysseys compare to the new siennas, but I can fit my radian behind the driver by pushing the captains chair as far back as it goes. I think my radian is a bit more upright than 45, but not much. It just doesn't have much "give" when it comes to that.

[joolsplus3]

I never had a space issue in my 03 Ody with my RF RN... just slid the captain's chair back on the track so there's more room. And tipping with LATCH? I don't understand :o

[Defrost]

I'm just posting so you can see my avatar. That's me installing a Radian80, and that's the position I use to get it as upright as possible. I use my hips to push it more upright, one hand on the carseat where the baby's legs rest, the other hand pulling the LATCH strap (or seat belt, whichever I'm using.)

I get really upright installs that way. :thumbsup:

[Unregistered]

The Radian XT cannot be used rear-facing for most vehicles, as it's too tall! We have two of them and we have to do front facing, even for our 19-month-old.
We needed three across the back. Let me know how it goes. The police installed ours and they really had to pull to get it tight! They said latch was not safe with this seat, because of the weight.
bnsnyde@bgsu.edu

[canmom]

The Radian XT cannot be used rear-facing for most vehicles, as it's too tall! We have two of them and we have to do front facing, even for our 19-month-old.
We needed three across the back. Let me know how it goes. The police installed ours and they really had to pull to get it tight! They said latch was not safe with this seat, because of the weight.
bnsnyde@bgsu.edu

Do you mind if I ask what vehicle you drive? The Radian can be used rear-facing in lots of vehicles, it just isn't the easiest seat to install. I think you got some bad advice... re: LATCH not safe?? Many Police officers are well meaning but many are not certified technicians.

[canadiangie]

The Radian XT cannot be used rear-facing for most vehicles, as it's too tall! We have two of them and we have to do front facing, even for our 19-month-old.
We needed three across the back. Let me know how it goes. The police installed ours and they really had to pull to get it tight! They said latch was not safe with this seat, because of the weight.
bnsnyde@bgsu.edu


I think you'll find that many of us have rear facing Radians in smaller vehicles. It's just a matter of knowing some tricks. :thumbsup: Post back with what you drive and I'm willing to bet we can get that 19m/o of yours back rear facing as he should be. :) In terms of not using LATCH because of the weight of the seat, man oh man, if I had a penny for every well meaning police officer handing out crappy car seat info...

[Patriot201]

The Radian XT cannot be used rear-facing for most vehicles, as it's too tall! We have two of them and we have to do front facing, even for our 19-month-old.
We needed three across the back. Let me know how it goes. The police installed ours and they really had to pull to get it tight! They said latch was not safe with this seat, because of the weight.
bnsnyde@bgsu.edu

I have to disagree with you. I drive a Honda Civic and have used my Radian XT RF in all three rear seating positions. I am tall, so my seat has to be fairly far back. I can still fit the Radian XT behind my seat without a problem.

LATCH is not safe with this seat because of the weight? Um... I would like to know their source on that one. The seat passes testing with LATCH. I am bothered by the fact that they said it is not safe with this seat.

[momto2princes]

Thanks for the techy tips!
I got it installed on a lot better of an angle now. It is in good. I can't say rock solid because the back end still moves a bit being RF but it doesn't move at all at the belt path. The tether is snug but not pulled to taunt to mess with the angle. I did switch from the latch to seatbelt.