Finding a Good Rear-Facing Tether Point for Honda Odyssey's 2005-Newer

[lovinwaves]

Finding a Good Rear-Facing Tether Point for Honda Odyssey's 2005-Newer
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This information only pertains to carseats that allow tethering while rear-facing. Check your carseat manual to see if your restraint allows this before proceeding. Honda has supplied anchor locations for tethering for forward-facing, but not for rear-facing. Therefore, you must find an adequate place to tether your rear-facing seat. Below you will find step by step instructions and photos on some acceptable rear-facing tethering points in the Honda Odyssey (2005-newer).

There are two rear-facing methods for tethering. One is called the "Swedish Method", in which the carseat is tethered toward the front of the vehicle eliminating rearward rotation during rebound or rear impact. The other method is called "Australian Method" in which the carseat is tethered toward the rear of the vehicle. In that method you would use your Odyssey's preinstalled tethering point on the back of the seat or cargo area (for third row). Of the two methods the Swedish Method is most preferred. I will be demonstrating the Swedish Tethering Method on a 2005 Honda Odyssey EX-L.

**Tethering Rear-facing Carseats in Second Row**

On all models of the Odyssey you have the option to slide the second row Passenger Captains chair to the middle position (some models may require removal of "Stowable 2nd Row PlusOne(TM) Seat ", or "Center Console" first). A child in this seat would be positioned very safely because they would be in the middle of the van, therefore better protected in the event of a side-impact crash.

The following photo shows a Britax Marathon tethered rear-facing to the leg of the foldable front tray table between the driver and passenger seats. This is acceptable because the tray table is not connected to the front passenger's seat but instead is bolted down separately to the floor of the vehicle. This method will work for a carseat installed on the passenger side Captain's chair in the middle position (as stated above) or in the outboard passenger side position. This method is NOT acceptable for a carseat installed in the Driver's side captain's chair.

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First, lift the tray table to locate the "hole" in which the d-ring extender strap will be threaded through. It also may be easier to go ahead and slide the front passenger captain's chair forward to allow easier access to the tray table.

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Then thread the soft end of the extender strap through the hole. This will take some patience and meticulously placed fingers to thread. Then thread the D-ring through the end as shown in photos. The actual piece of plastic covered metal that the extender strap wraps around is about 2-3 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide.

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Finally, you can go ahead and clip the Tether Strap (from your carseat) to the D-ring and remove the slack. The tether must be tight, but not extremely tight like your seatbelt or LATCH install. You can roll, or fold up the excess slack and place in the pocket (Britax Models) located on the back of the seat. Britax promotes what is called "Bracing". The front Driver and Passenger's seats may be reclined or adjusted rearward so the carseat braces against them. This will essentially give you the benefits of the "Australian Method" of tethering by limiting the downward rotation of the carseat during a frontal crash.

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**Tethering Rear-facing Carseats in the Third Row**

*Note these instructions and photos illustrate an install with second row captains chairs in outboard positions

There are three acceptable locations to tether rear-facing in the third row of the Odyssey.

--Middle Position--

In these photos you will see under the "Eighth Seat" is a black bar attached to the floor of the vehicle. Slide the extender strap under the bar and thread the D-ring.

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This photo shows a Britax Marathon correctly installed rear-facing using LATCH, and Tether with D-ring extender strap in the middle third row position.

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--Driver's Side Outboard Position--

In the photo you will see that the outboard driver's side seat is connected to a black bar. Slide the extender strap under the bar and thread the D-ring as shown. This maybe a little difficult, but it can be done with some patience.

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--Passenger Side Outboard Position--

There is a black bar attached to the vehicle's floor underneath the passenger side second row captains chair. Slide the extender strap under the bar and thread the d-ring as shown.

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[CPSDarren]

Thank you for this article! Odyssey owners may also be interested to read:

http://www.car-safety.org/odyssey.html

[twokidstwodogs]

That's fabulous, Melissa! Thank you!

(Our RF RA is currently untethered in our 05 Odyssey (passenger side captain's chair). We had it tethered to the seat until we learned here that Britax has nixed that. I've asked DH to try the tray table; with these instructions, it will be a snap.)

[Dillipop]

Lovin- in the third row, could you bypass the d-ring and tether directly to those metal parts, or are they too thick to get the hook on to them?

[lovinwaves]

Lovin- in the third row, could you bypass the d-ring and tether directly to those metal parts, or are they too thick to get the hook on to them?

That is a great idea, however they are too thick. I am going to double check though since you mentioned it.

[Dillipop]

Just thought I'd ask...I'm all for saving a step if at all possible...and obviously only if it's safe!

[nfowife]

Did you remove any of the plastic from the rear of the drivers/passenger front seats for the pics? Because in my 2007, the underneath rear of the seats is completely encased in plastic. You can't see the bars at all which is why it is so difficult to find a spot there. I will have to take a pic!

[lovinwaves]

Did you remove any of the plastic from the rear of the drivers/passenger front seats for the pics? Because in my 2007, the underneath rear of the seats is completely encased in plastic. You can't see the bars at all which is why it is so difficult to find a spot there. I will have to take a pic!


Actually No. I did not remove any plastic. I do know what you are saying about the encasing on the front two seats. That is why it is so hard to find a good rear-facing tethering point. I have actually not even tried to remove that plastic piece, which from just looking extends from seat track to seat track (if that makes sense). So basically it is ONE big piece of plastic to be removed. I suppose I could try to take it off and look for another place to tether, but to be honest with you for vanity reasons I wouldn't like the way the seat would look minus that big plastic piece. That is one thing I love about the Odyssey, is how they meticulously encased so much of the mechanics of the interior. Gives it a very clean, and well built look :)

I hope I answered your question :)

[DaniCPST]

Very well done Melissa. I love it! I am sure many Odyssey owners will benefit from this step by step demonstration. Thanks!

[flash&zip]

Oh, how I wish I had tried the tray location a month ago! I've lurked on this site occasionally, but had to join after running across this thread. Thank you so much for such a great demonstration.

I was searching for a tethering spot on my new Odyssey (we bought in November, and installed our rf Roundabout in December). I finally did pry the plastic trim off, found a metal bar for the D-ring, and got the trim back on. It was a little tough to do so delicately.

I do have a couple of concerns. We have the RA in the (2nd row) passenger side captain's seat inboard. It's braced against the front passenger seat. But with the RA being inboard, only half of the seat is braced. In a frontal collision do you think this would cause the seat to kind of twist since it's not fully braced by the front seat? Am I overthinking this? My second thing here concerns the install. I can't get the RA to be rock-solid. It has a side to side movement of maybe 1/2 to 3/4 inch. This is with latch.

Any advice on these? Thanks!

[lovinwaves]

Oh, how I wish I had tried the tray location a month ago! I've lurked on this site occasionally, but had to join after running across this thread. Thank you so much for such a great demonstration.

I was searching for a tethering spot on my new Odyssey (we bought in November, and installed our rf Roundabout in December). I finally did pry the plastic trim off, found a metal bar for the D-ring, and got the trim back on. It was a little tough to do so delicately.

I do have a couple of concerns. We have the RA in the (2nd row) passenger side captain's seat inboard. It's braced against the front passenger seat. But with the RA being inboard, only half of the seat is braced. In a frontal collision do you think this would cause the seat to kind of twist since it's not fully braced by the front seat? Am I overthinking this? My second thing here concerns the install. I can't get the RA to be rock-solid. It has a side to side movement of maybe 1/2 to 3/4 inch. This is with latch.

Any advice on these? Thanks!

Hi, and welcome to the Forum. I am so glad you found these instructions helpful.

I would start another thread in the "Carseat" Forum regarding the Roundabout being halfway braced. That is an excellent question, and I would be very curious to see what the Technicians on here say.

As long as your Roundabout does not move more than an inch from side to side then you are ok. If you still feel uncertain you can try to find a local CPS Tech in your area that may be able to help you with some technique ideas. You can also search this site for info on getting a good install using LATCH.

I am also very curious as what the seat looks like underneath, and what "bar" exactly you tethered to. As long as it is attached to a non-moving part then you are ok. If you wouldn't mind taking some photos and posting them that would be greatly appreciated. If you also have any photos of the Tethering point with the plastic off that would be awesome too!

-Melissa-

[flash&zip]

Melissa,

I will be happy to post some pictures of the tethering point, as soon as I can figure out how to do so! I've been going through the manage attachments below, but it keeps saying my file size is exceeding the limit. The picture I was going to post is only around 300 K. I've been searching through FAQ, but I must be dense or something. :p

I'll definitely start a thread about the RA being halfway braced.

[Wineaux]

Melissa,

I will be happy to post some pictures of the tethering point, as soon as I can figure out how to do so! I've been going through the manage attachments below, but it keeps saying my file size is exceeding the limit. The picture I was going to post is only around 300 K. I've been searching through FAQ, but I must be dense or something. :p

I'll definitely start a thread about the RA being halfway braced.

Go to www.photobucket.com and create an account there. You can upload your pictures there, they will be automatically resized into something manageable for a message board, and they will even give you the phpBB code to use on the message board as a simple copy and paste.

PS... It's the perfect place to host sig files too.

[flash&zip]

Okay, here's a picture of the passenger side with trim pulled off. The horizontal bar is welded to the frame. I think it would be possible to slide the strap under the frame (where that ridge is), but the bar was much easier. Please let me know what you think. It was really some work getting that trim off -- my husband informed me that we're using your method the next time we have to move seats in and out!

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Oh, wow this picture is huge! If you don't mind, how do you resize them? I thought I did that in photobucket, but apparently not!

Thanks,
April

[flash&zip]

Hi Melissa,

I had no idea that little drawer was there, how fun! Yes, we have an EX-L. I was so jazzed when I found the coin holder -- any other little storage nooks?!

No, the bar does not move with the seat. However, it does make a difference where you have the front passenger seat because it pushes on the tether (because the tethering point is under the seat). That probably brings up a whole new issue now that I think about it! Anyway, we do leave the front seat in one position, and don't move the recline. I would say that the next time we move seats around, which will be next week, that we'll probably tether to the flip tray location. Does that hamper putting the flip tray down, and locking it into place?

[lovinwaves]

I would say that the next time we move seats around, which will be next week, that we'll probably tether to the flip tray location. Does that hamper putting the flip tray down, and locking it into place?

No, it does not hamper putting the tray down and locking in it position. The metal from the d-ring may slightly rub on the plastic. If you are worried about that (which I am a freak about my van), then just place a small piece of fabric or sock between the metal d-ring and plastic....Problem solved ;)

[crek]

Sorry if I missed it, but I've read so much that my mind is mush. Is there a way to put two rear facing Britax Boulevards in the captain's chairs in the second row of the 2006 Odyssey and have them both tethered? I get that I can put one seat behind the passenger (or on the Plus One?) and tether to the tray. How do I tether the one behind the driver side? Thanks in advance for any clarification!

Mom of one year old twin girls, 18 and 16 pounds.

[crek]

Thanks for the input. I might try to see if I can get that plastic piece off. It seems to me that putting them in the third row, rear facing, is very awkward -- but I might move them there when they hit 33 pounds and can forward face. Thank you again for all your helpful posts on the board.

[rdangel]

So I have tried to take the advice of some very wise people in this forum and am in the process of rear facing my Britax decathlon seats in the 2nd row.

My challenge is finding a RF tether point behind the drivers side seat.

Right now I have routed the tether under the captains chair to the latch point behind the seat. I dont think this is ideal. I could wrap the versa tether around the drivers seat area (see pictures).
Let me know if you have any ideas.

[bensmom]

They've changed their recommendations over the years, but I don't think that Britax currently allows tethering to a point under/behind the seat that your carseat is on.

I can't see any of your pictures, but is there a spot on the track for the drivers seat to use the versa tether? You just need to be careful that it doesn't interfere with moving the driver's seat.

[lovinwaves]

I could wrap the versa tether around the drivers seat area (see pictures). Let me know if you have any ideas.

I believe you and I have spoke on the phone a few times :)


If you read the other posts in this thread you will see a picture of the Versa-tether installed to a bar located underneath the Driver's side seat (her particular photo shows the passenger side, but they are the same on both sides).

To be able to tether to the driver's side you will need to remove the plastic piece under the seat. It is a large plastic piece extending from foot to foot. I have found it easier if you first remove any carpeted mats, or rubber mats. Once you have "popped" that piece off you will see a bar. Wrap your Versa Tether around it. The issue with this install is that you may not move the seat after this is completed, and of course cannot reattach the plastic piece.

If you don't want to remove that plastic piece you can just wrap your versa tether around the plastic piece. If you feel behind the plastic you will feel the bar that I am referring to.

[sullivan710]

Hi, I have been trying for the last two days to securly put my daughter's Roundabout rear facing in our 2006 Odyssey. I have tethered the restraint to the tray table as instructed above. I still don't feel great about it though. My questions are:

1) How do we know that the tray table is bolted seperatly to the floor and not just to the seat? I can't tell by looking at it.

2). When I push down on the top of the carseat (ie. where the child's head would be) toward the floor, the carseat moves a few inches because of the cushion in the seat. Should I tighten the tether even more? I think she will go beyond 45 degrees if I do.

Thanks for any information!!

[lovinwaves]

Hi, I have been trying for the last two days to securly put my daughter's Roundabout rear facing in our 2006 Odyssey. I have tethered the restraint to the tray table as instructed above. I still don't feel great about it though. My questions are:

1) How do we know that the tray table is bolted seperatly to the floor and not just to the seat? I can't tell by looking at it.

2). When I push down on the top of the carseat (ie. where the child's head would be) toward the floor, the carseat moves a few inches because of the cushion in the seat. Should I tighten the tether even more? I think she will go beyond 45 degrees if I do.

Thanks for any information!!

1) The tether may be connected to any solid part of the vehicle. The Tray is just that. When the seat moves the tray table does not, therefore they are not connected. There is no other place in the Odyssey to tether to, so the tray table is it.

2) A frontal car crash involves several forces working with the carseat. The first force is "downward rotation" in which the back(where the child's head is) of the child restraint moves forward toward the front of the vehicle or down towards the floor. This is why Britax allows "bracing" against the front seat. The Tether performs no function in this movement. Then as the seat "rebounds" toward the rear of the vehicle the tether helps reduce movement. This is where the tether comes into play and prevents the seat from "cocooning" toward the back of the vehicle's seat that the carseat is placed on.

The tether should be tight, but not super tight like your seatbelt or Latch install. Just pull the strap enough to take the slack out. Put your hand on the back of the carseat and try to move it up towards the rear of the vehicle. If you can't then the tether is tight enough.

The seat can be anywhere from 45 degrees to 30 degrees in angle. No more, no less. If you are finding your child's seat is going past the 45 degrees after tightening the tether then you may need to reinstall it.....Undo all latch/seatbelt and tether, then place the base of the seat a bit away from the seatbite(the crack of the seat where the LATCH system is). As you tighten the carseat down it will begin to become more upright. Then attach your tether to get your desired recline angle. Remember a 45 degree angle is not always needed after the child is hold enough to hold their head up...

[adtake]

What I do is tether my Britax under the seat of the Captain's Chair. This is NO LONGER RECOMMENDED by Britax, but I do at my own discretion.


So you DO have yours there? We just bought the BV and that is where we put it till I came on here..... Have you called Honda to ask them where they reccommend??

I had no idea that little drawer was there, how fun! Yes, we have an EX-L. I was so jazzed when I found the coin holder -- any other little storage nooks?!


Coin holder??? WHERE??? Thought I knew where all the little drawers were!

[lovinwaves]

So you DO have yours there? We just bought the BV and that is where we put it till I came on here..... Have you called Honda to ask them where they reccommend??

I'm sorry for the delay...

No, mine is no longer tethered there. I have it tethered to the welded bar underneath the driver's seat.

If you called Honda you would get this response "HUH? What's a rear-facing tether?" Don't even bother ;)