Hi Everyone,
I am the original poster... it took me a while to comment, as I was having trouble finding the thread.
Anyway, I am really surprised by the number of us who have had this problem... and it definitely is a problem.
I was looking at a review of this car seat which included a demo of tightening the straps/harness... the guy had no trouble doing it in one or two smooth tugs AND he continued talking as he did it... something myself or my husband are not able to do! I did notice that he pulled down on the strap when tightening, but if I recall correctly, the seat was forward facing, mine is rear facing. The manual does specify to pull straight, not up or sideways. We find it difficult to do this, as the back of the actual seat of the car is in the way.
I have not contacted Britax YET, but I will!! I do like the response that one of the other posters got from Britax about replacing it... good customer service...However, you are right, if that's just the way it works, then what good is replacing it going to do.
Just to clarify, the problem(s) we are having is: that it clicks with the first pull, even though it doesn't even look like it has tightened; it is super difficult to pull (I have to use all of my body weight... good core workout though!); there is still a lot of slack when it says it is tight. The only way we can get it "okay" is to tighten it as much as we can before putting his arms through. (I am really picky about how tight it is... two finger rule all the way!!) I don't understand why it is so much easier (physically) to tighten when my little guy is not in it.
I will contact Britax to see what they can do for me. I don't think taking it back is an option as we have had it for a couple of months and I did not keep the box!!! (Have the receipt though!) Really disappointing after spending all that money. Just trying to keep my little guy safe.
Anyway, thanks for your responses. Please let me know if you know something that I don't. I will keep you posted on the outcome.