Is the Mighty-tight safe?

M

miranda

Guest
Is the Mighty-tight safe?

I recently heard that the Mighty-Tight isn't as well-tested as I'd heard, but it's the only thing that gets my covertible installed tightly enough on the leather seats of our BMW, which is quite old. Any thoughts on this?
Thanks,
MIranda
 
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C

Caviller

Guest
It is tested, but...

The company has apparently done a number of tests to show that an installation with this device can achieve the same requirements specified in federal standards. The catch is that the federal standards themselves do not regulate any aftermarket products in any way. In addition, carseat and vehicle manufacturers also do not recommend such products. Basically, if you use any type of aftermarket product you do so at your own risk, knowing that it is not itself regulated by any standard.

Does it work? In some cases, probably yes, in other cases, probably no. We generally do not recommend any such products. The conservative and safe alternative to aftermarket products is to first see a certified, local technician for a free inspection. The second is to purchase a different restraint that will better fit your child and/or vehicle without the need for aftermarket devices.

Obviously, if you have exhausted all the options you may have to make a parental choice of your own to use a product that does appears to be the only method for a good fit. It certainly is possible that such a device may be the only way to get a good installation in the rare cases where a particular carseat wont otherwise fit into a specific vehicle. Please see a technician first, though, you can locate one with the "Free Carseat Inspection" link under the top banner.

Darren
 
S

safeinthecar

Guest
Re: Is the Mighty-tight safe?

I would be very hesitant to use the mighy tite myself. I have researched the companies testing procudure and find it questionable at best. According to the mighty-tite web site, they installed a car seat according to manufacturers directions (read "correctly") then added the mighty-tite and tested the seat to see if the configuration would pass the current FMVS 213 standards. It did pass, but the only thing this proves is that the device does not interfere with the performance of a properly installed seat, not that the device makes the seat install properly. Also, I read a scathing letter written by a tech who had a parent who instisted on using one because it made a seat that would otherwise be incompatible seam to fit tight, but a couple of weeks later the parent was in a minor 10 m/hr collision and the seat moved as if the mighty-tite was not even on there. Also there are contradictory statements in the directions. All in all, I would not trust this device to work until I have conformation from NHTSA that it does. I heartily agree that you should seek help from a trained technician. If the only problem is the leather seats, you may just need a piece of rubber shelving mat to put under the carseat. Or you may need to be taught one of the trade tricks so that you can install it in a way that has been tested to work, rather then possibly using your child as a test subject.Sorry to be so long winded, but this device really scares me.

Kim McDaniel
CPSTech-CA
 

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