True fit installed RF in a 2007 VW Jetta-I could use some input :)

[Unregistered]

I was debating moving my 2.5yr old dd from her MA into a truefit to get the extra 5lbs RF. I mentioned it to my dh and told him the new suggestion was to keep kids RF until 4yrs old. He was not super keen on trading our britax which we both love, for a "cheaper seat" but when I told him the only britax with a 35lb RF limit was $400 he also was not so keen on that ;) I told dh about the sale at Zellers and he went out today and surprised me by not only buying the seat but taking dd with him to weigh her on a scale there (we don't have a scale at home) b/c I was not sure if she was nearing 30lbs.

So, my questions for you ladies are:

-what do I need to know about installing the seat RF in a 2007 VW jetta? we have leather seats if that makes any difference.

-how does the seat differ from the MA that we are so used to (is the harness as easy to use? is it as easy to install?)

-do you use a tether while RF?

Please forgive me if some of these questions are obvious, I have not had a chance to even check the seat out yet and of course I will be reading the manual.

It seems like many people here have only good things to say about the TF, but I was concerned when I saw that some said it was hard to adjust it while RF. The whole reason I bought the seat was to use RF! I had an evenflo victory 5 seat for my ds years ago and it was nearly impossible to adjust the harness while RF so we ended up turning him around at 16mos out of frustration with the seat (and back then there was not nearly as much info available about the importance of ERF) I truly hope we love this seat as much as the MA and radian we currently own.

Thanks so much for any info :)

PS I see a some familiar faces here from the BBC car seat board I used to visit :)

[canmom]

So, my questions for you ladies are:

-what do I need to know about installing the seat RF in a 2007 VW jetta? we have leather seats if that makes any difference.

-how does the seat differ from the MA that we are so used to (is the harness as easy to use? is it as easy to install?)

-do you use a tether while RF?

It should be fine in your Jetta as you can install this seat a lot more up right than 45 degrees (this is only for children who have good neck control for anyone reading). Learning Curve allows as upright as 35 degrees for older kids with this seat. Remember both lock-offs need to be closed even with LATCH. I do find it pretty easy to install, the only time it is trickier is when a full 45 degrees is needed for a newborn etc and it is due to the position of the lock-offs and the need for them to be closed. It is pretty darn hard to use the adjuster when rfing so what I suggest is taking advantage of the continuous harness. What this means is when you pull up on one side (from hip area) you will be pulling the slack out of the other side. I set the harness once and then just pull the slack to where I need it to get the child in (hope that makes sense ;)). You cannot use the tether while rfing, only Britax and Sunshine Kids allow this, the seat is perfectly safe without it though so don't worry about it.

Tell DH the Advocate is actually $450 ;) so the TF is a MUCH better deal IMHO!

[sparkyd]

Here are my True Fit RF harness adjustment tips from another thread:

http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?p=880889#post880889

As for installing, like canmom said, it is pretty easy to install RF for a toddler since you can have it more upright. The manual is a little lacking in certain details though, so here are a few install tips (which should be read in conjunction with the manual):

- Take the bottom part of the cover off as per the instruction manual only to have a look around and get the UAS/LATCH connectors sorted out if you are using them. For actually installing the seat, put the cover back on and use the big flaps in the cover to access everything. Otherwise you won't be able to snap the cover back on properly once it is installed.
- If you are going to install using UAS/LATCH, the seat comes with the connectors positioned for a FF install. You'll have to pull them out and switch them to the opposite sides to intall RF. Make sure there are no twists in the belt and that the connectors are right-side-up.
- The picture in the manual makes it look like the UAS belt goes behind the crotch buckle, but that won't work. Put it in front.
- You will have to use the seat with the headrest, but take it off for installing. Stand behind the seat and use your hips to help you push down and in on the seat while tightening. If using UAS, putting the end of belt (that you are pulling on) back through the slot and pulling in towards the middle of the seat (I hope that makes sense) should give you better leverage than pulling straight up.

Good luck!

[Unregistered]

Thanks for the tips!

I have to be honest, reading the manual and the info here makes me a little bit dizzy. It is SO much information and after having a closer look at the seat it looks much more complicated than the MA. Im leaning towards making an appt at ICBC to have a professional help me out.


Do I keep all the padding in? It is so padded with all the little pillows compared to the MA, are some for new babies only or are all meant to stay in? After reading the manual it looks like the `height insert`pillow comes out since dd is over 10kg..

I have to admit, the difficulty accessing the adjuster strap while RF does intimidate me and I am not 100% clear on how to take the slack from the hip area, I will check that other link to see if I can figure it out.

[amyd]

Yeah, you remove pretty much all the extra padding/pillows. You can leave the pillow on the upper part of the headrest, though. To get the slack from the hip area you just pull it. It's hard to visualize reading how to do it, but when you actually have the seat installed, it's not hard to do at all. We have a MA & a TF as well & the TF is not as easy as the MA right off, but once you get used to the seat, it's not hard to use at all. It's a nice seat:thumbsup: