Radian Install - nonslip mat?

[mommycat]

I have a Radian in my 2007 Honda Civic. I thought I had a rock-solid install, but I had used a non-slip mat underneath (not shelf-liner, a safety 1st car seat gripper, it's similar). I am also apparently weak as my friend's husband got it to move (tightening the harness at that) while I could not. I thought, hey, he's strong, I will try to reinstall and get him to tighten it!

We tried to use the LATCH but there was no way that would be tight enough. And my LATCH bars are so hard to get to with the big plasctic buckles, as well as they seem to be slightly under/behind the seat, like they are so close together - is that normal??

Anyway, we went back to the seatbelt. I tried it without the grippy liner just to see, and even with him helping I am not sure if it moves less than an inch (even I can move it now). I think I will be re-doing the install again on Saturday.

Questions:
* can I use the grippy stuff to improve the install? Does this "hide" a poor fit, or is it a legit way of improving the fit?
* how strongly should I tug to chack for movement? Obviously if you are really strong you can move the seat further than a weak person like me. Do I get my dad or DH to test it, or is it ok with just whatever force I can exert?

[papooses]

General rule is to keep it simple -- avoid additional steps whenever possible (this includes thin gripper liner).... I'm only 100# with a chronic illness of which a symptom is joint pain -- my instructors repeatedly told me to use only my 1 weakest hand to test for secure install. While a perfect install where the carseat essentially becomes *one* with the vehicle may be more ideal, it is acceptable if the carseat moves up to 1" at the belt path using your 1 weakest hand.

Are you installing RF or FF?

[mommycat]

I am doing a FF install as DS is (sometimes ) at 30 lb and that's our RF limit. I will be trying to get a better FF install in the center I think, since new baby isn't here yet and then will be all snug and RF later anyway. I am used to having unmoveable installs with my AOEs so it is hard to be happy with a less than "perfect" install now...

[joolsplus3]

If you haven't put the RN into recline, DO that, it helps a lot with FF installs. Yeah, a grippy thingie is ok because it will prevent the front/base of the seat from slipping around in that annoying way it does, but like Tiffany said, you want to make sure it's tight at the belt path. It's normal for the LATCH buckles to be behind the seat somewhat...the standard distance is 11 inches, and the seat is a little wider...no worries, it's just how it is.

[mommycat]

I did the recline already, 1st time around. It did help. As long as I don't have to get it tight enough that some much stronger person can budge it when they try, I guess I can get it in ok. Good to know about the LATCH buckles.