Brigala
CPST Instructor
So I picked up an old style RSTV (LG) from another member here and I have some questions. The instructions aren't completely clear.
1) The pillow thing: Since it doesn't show it in any of the pictures or the instructions online, it must be optional. Right? It doesn't actually say. The instructions tell you how to attach it, but not whether it's necessary. I can see using it for long trips but not for every-day use.
2) The crotch strap: This is going to get awkward for use with a dress. Is it optional? What does it actually do? I can't quite see how it adds any additional safety. This may make the difference between whether I only use this RSTV for the vehicle in which I have no other choice, but use the Monterey for the vehicle in which I have space for a booster.
3) The top tether: Can it be used in a seating position where there is a 3-point vehicle belt? It's probably a moot point for my intended use, which is as a booster replacement, but for a child who isn't mature enough for a booster it seems like you'd need the top tether to keep the child in position. Without it, I think a child would still be able to wiggle out of place, if the child were so inclined.
4) While we're on the subject of a top tether, what about the optional higher-weight tether? Has anybody ever ordered this? How much did it cost? I'm thinking of retrofitting an EZ-On tether anchor for use in my Suburban in the lap-belt only position. My main purpose would be to install a car seat there, but it would be nice if I could put a kid in the RSTV there as well, if the child isn't too tall for the vehicle seat (no head rest).
5) And, speaking of the EZ-On tether, but in a subject totally unrelated to the RSTV: My step-daughter's car ('99 Honda Accord) needs to have a top tether retrofitted to use with the Frontier. But Honda's tether weight limits are 40 lbs; would it make more sense to put an EZ-On tether in there instead, which has an 80 lb limit? Can it be put in the same location as the Honda retrofit?
1) The pillow thing: Since it doesn't show it in any of the pictures or the instructions online, it must be optional. Right? It doesn't actually say. The instructions tell you how to attach it, but not whether it's necessary. I can see using it for long trips but not for every-day use.
2) The crotch strap: This is going to get awkward for use with a dress. Is it optional? What does it actually do? I can't quite see how it adds any additional safety. This may make the difference between whether I only use this RSTV for the vehicle in which I have no other choice, but use the Monterey for the vehicle in which I have space for a booster.
3) The top tether: Can it be used in a seating position where there is a 3-point vehicle belt? It's probably a moot point for my intended use, which is as a booster replacement, but for a child who isn't mature enough for a booster it seems like you'd need the top tether to keep the child in position. Without it, I think a child would still be able to wiggle out of place, if the child were so inclined.
4) While we're on the subject of a top tether, what about the optional higher-weight tether? Has anybody ever ordered this? How much did it cost? I'm thinking of retrofitting an EZ-On tether anchor for use in my Suburban in the lap-belt only position. My main purpose would be to install a car seat there, but it would be nice if I could put a kid in the RSTV there as well, if the child isn't too tall for the vehicle seat (no head rest).
5) And, speaking of the EZ-On tether, but in a subject totally unrelated to the RSTV: My step-daughter's car ('99 Honda Accord) needs to have a top tether retrofitted to use with the Frontier. But Honda's tether weight limits are 40 lbs; would it make more sense to put an EZ-On tether in there instead, which has an 80 lb limit? Can it be put in the same location as the Honda retrofit?