How much tension on tether?

RyanHarford · Mar 22, 2010

Good morning all,
So I'm installing a Britax Boulevard rear facing in a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder and I'd like to route the top tether down to the floor under the front passenger seat.

But how tight (how much tension) can I put on the tether strap? I understand that it is designed to essentially break during an accident to absorb energy, so is there a risk of pulling the tether tight to the point of "activating" the energy absorbing tether?

Any input is appreciated.
Ryan

P.S. I ask because I am a chronic over-tightener of all things from jars and containers to nuts, bolts, and screws....

joolsplus3 · Mar 22, 2010

Not much tension at all in the RF tether, it really only needs to be in a straight line, with no slack. But not tight. Pulling too hard will over-recline the seat (making that 'line should be level with ground' line tip down towards the front of the car, not to mention eat up all your front seat space). Pulling way, way too hard will make the seat lay flat, rip out the tether stitching and render the seat useless for forward facing, and probably break the recline mechanism. So don't do it

Twinklefae · Mar 22, 2010

As a rule, you are not "tightening" the tether, you are simply removing slack. So pull until it is taught and then stop.

(I am also a chronic over-tightener, much to my son's dismay.)