Radian seats

2005mom2008 · Jan 11, 2009

I am new to this forum. We are thinking of having a third child and are hoping to be able to keep our Subaru Legacy Touring wagon. We currently have our oldest (3 yo) in an Eddie Bauer Alpha Omega Elite FF. Our youngest (11mo) is in a Britax Marathon RF. They are both on the outsides. As it stands we would be unable to fit a third seat in between the two seats. We are looking at getting two Sunshine Kids Radian seats (1 to replace the Alpha Omega Elite) and the other for when the third baby is ready for a convertible car seat.
I have a few questions:
1) Is the Radian seat really only 14" across at the base and not 17" as the website professes?
2) Is there a difference between the Radian 65 and the Radian 80?
3) Does anyone have any experience with fitting a Britax Marathon, a Radian and a GRaco Snugride into the back of an 07 Legacy wagon?

Thanks in advance!
Laurie

Defrost · Jan 11, 2009

I can answer two of your questions.

1. Yes, the 17" measurement is at the widest part of the carseat, which is the top. The base is considerable narrower, and I think the 14" you posted is correct. I'm sure the 17" refers to the widest point, at the shoulder-area, though.

2. The only difference between the 65 and the 80 is the weight limit and the cover selection. Most children will outgrow the Radian by height long before reaching the 80 lb. limit, and even if they didn't, they'd probably be too wide to fit comfortably in it.

BTW, the Radian XT (new version of the Radian) is coming out soon, so you'll want to check it out. :thumbsup:

Pixels · Jan 11, 2009

The Radian is 14" across at the base, 17" at the widest part (child's shoulder area). But measuring rarely is accurate at trying to determine if seats will fit. You really need to just try it.

The difference between the Radian65 and the 80 is the weight limit. That's it. Same dimensions, same harness height. The 80 is made out of a different steel, and is rated to a higher weight limit. But most kids outgrow the seats by height before reaching 65 pounds, so unless you grow them short and heavy, the 80 is most likely overkill. Oh the 80 does come in different covers, and comes with the infant support pillow, which is also sold separately.

Soon (end of the month?) the RadianXT will be available. Same outside dimensions as same harness heights as far as we know, but with headwings to provide more side impact protection. 80 pound weight limit.

Holly · Jan 11, 2009

2005mom2008 said:
3) Does anyone have any experience with fitting a Britax Marathon, a Radian and a GRaco Snugride into the back of an 07 Legacy wagon?

Thanks in advance!
Laurie

I don't have that same vehicle, but I do have a 2007 Toyota Camry.
I have a Radian 65 and a Fisher Price Safe Voyage Deluxe (which is pretty much the exact same thing as a marathon, it's got the same seat shell and same dimensions, it's made by Britax and it's got a marathon cover on it right now).
I'm having my 3rd baby in a few weeks, and a few months ago I tried to get my snugride in the car with those seats and wasn't able to because the base and sides of the snugride were too wide.
I ended up giving my seat to my sister in law who just had a baby, and I got a Chicco Keyfit 22 because it's narrower than the snugride and I was able to do 3 across with it.
I'm sure a snugride could probably fit with those seats in a different car though, just not sure which ones. The setup I have now barely fits together in the car.

BW1426 · Jan 11, 2009

An issue that you are going to run into in the legacy is getting a seat installed in the center. Subarus tend to have this issue.

You could try FF radian, RF AOE, snugride. Another option would be to purchase two radians and use one FFing, one RFing and then the snugride. When your little one outgrows the snugride than you'll have two radians to use for getting three across.

You could also get one radian and one safety first avenue and that would save you about $100. Install the FFing radian outboard, RFing radian or avenue center and then the snugride outboard.

These ideas will at least give you a starting point. You may also be able to get away with one radian and just use your AOE rearfacing, though they're pretty wide seats.

Radian seats

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