Installing A Britax Roundabout In A '96 Saturn SL2

S

Steve

Guest
Installing A Britax Roundabout In A '96 Saturn SL2

(1) I'm having trouble installing a Britax Roundabout in my 1996 Saturn SL2. I need to install this car seat in the rear-facing position. I'd like to install this car seat in the center of the rear seat ( if possible). I don't seem to be able to get a tight fit. I've tried a rolled towel but that seems to make the fit worse.

(2) Is the tether a must to get a good fit in this car?

(3) How can you use the tether in the rear-facing position in the center seat position? Do you install an anchor in the floor behind the center console?

Thanks for any help.
 
ADS
C

Caviller

Guest
Re: Installing A Britax Roundabout In A '96 Saturn SL2

1) I do not recall trying the center of the rear seat for our Roundabout in our '99 SL2. I don't know if it is compatible or not. It might be worth a trip to a local carseat technician for an inspection. Please see our "Free Carseat Inspection Resources" link under the top banner. You might ask for someone who has experience with Britax rear-facing tethers, since not all techs are familiar with them.

2) No. Our RA fit very well without a tether both front and rear facing in our SL2, though we had it behind the passenger seat. It fit even better with the tether, and the tether is highly recommended. Even so, rear-facing seats are inherently very safe without a tether.

3) Just as in the outboard positions, you may be able to use a suitable structural rail under the front seats, or the standard anchor on the rear parcel shelf. Saturn will install an anchor for free if you ask. For more information and links about Britax rear-facing tethering, please visit our LATCH guide in the "LATCH" link under the top banner.

Darren
 
U

UlrikeDG

Guest
Well, it fits in my '97 SW2, and I'd expect it to fit...

in your car as well. I did need 2 pool noodles to get the appropriate recline. I don't remember there being a good tether spot in the center (there is outboard), but the seat wasn't there for long, and that was 2 years ago. I suggest you see a technician for a free inspection and installation help. I found my Saturn very difficult to install seats in at first, and now, after 2 years of practice, I can install either of my seats in under 3 min!
 
M

Molly Jake and Edie

Guest
Re: Installing A Britax Roundabout In A '96 Saturn SL2

I have a Britax Roundabout installed rear-facing in the center of my '97 Saturn SL2. I have it tethered to a metal leg on the passenger seat (it does not interfere with the seat sliding back and forth). I was told at a car seat check that this is acceptable, but I am not sure. (These are the same folks who put a metal locking clip on this seat - and it is a lap-only belt!! Clearly they are not really familiar with Britax seats!)

I have one pool noodle under the seat. The seat is not real reclined - it probably wouldn't be reclined enough for a newborn, but it works for my 8.5-month old son. His head does not flop forward when he falls asleep - it rests on the side.

I have both lock-offs in use on this seat. My manual is very specific about what lock-off to use - it says to use the lock-off furthest from the seat belt buckle. Britax customer service told me to use the lock-off closest to the seat belt buckle. So, for peace of mind, I'm using both. Overall, installing this seat is much easier than installing the Marathon in our other car.
 
U

UlrikeDG

Guest
That's how I tethered my outboard RF Roundabout...

I tethered it in the same spot, only on the "leg" closest to the door, since the seat was outboard, instead of center. I think in my vehicle, that spot in the center wasn't accessible. Maybe I just didn't try very hard. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"> Either way, that sounds like a fine place to tether it in your vehicle!

Oh, and the president of Britax USA was a "guest speaker" on the car seat board at ParentsPlace.com a little more than a year ago. At that time, he said it was fine to use either lock off (i.e., it tests fine both ways). The recommendation to use the one farthest from the buckle was only because that's the most convenient for most parents.
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,655
Messages
2,196,895
Members
13,530
Latest member
onehitko860

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top