Nissan Xterra: no center LATCH

Unregistered · Mar 19, 2004

Hi everyone,
I am concerned because my Xterra doesn't have anchors for LATCH in the center position and the lap belt doesn't thread properly through the Britax Roundabout. I've had to move my seat to the outboard position using LATCH. Is it safer in the outboard position with LATCH or the center position installed against manufacturers recommendations??? I really feel better with it in the center.

murphydog77 · Mar 19, 2004

Can you describe why the lap-only belt doesn't thread through correctly? Nissan's have very long buckle stalks, so if that's the case and it's putting the buckle in a position where it interferes with the lockoff or is at a weird angle in the belt path, you can twist the buckle to make it shorter. Up to 6 full twists is OK.

To answer your question, the seat is safest wherever you get the best install with less than 1" of movement at the belt path.

Unregistered · Mar 19, 2004

Buckle Problem

You nailed it exactly. It is the buckle. It comes up too high. In the Britax manual it is a big no-no, so I got scared and moved it. So I can twist the actual belt on the buckle side??

murphydog77 · Mar 19, 2004

Yep. I'm guessing you'll need about 3 full twists to pull it down and out of the way.

Unregistered · Mar 20, 2004

Thank you. So that is okay to twist it?

murphydog77 · Mar 20, 2004

Yes, go ahead and twist it.

Unregistered · Mar 22, 2004

Why would you go "against manufacturer's recommendations?"

murphydog77 · Mar 22, 2004

How is this going against manufacturer instructions? I agree that you shouldn't go against manufacturer instructions; however, in this case, I read the initial post and subsequent follow-up post as the latchplate/buckle was interfering with the belt path of the car seat. If that's the case, it is acceptable practice to twist the buckle stalk to lower the latchplate out of the belt path. If Nissan prohibits twisting of the buckle stalk or placement of the car seat in the center position, then this technique cannot be used and the seat should be installed outboard.

The installation should also be checked by a certified technician, especially if there's any doubt that it's installed correctly.

Unregistered · Mar 23, 2004

From the original question:

"Is it safer in the outboard position with LATCH or the center position installed against manufacturers recommendations???"

SafeDad · Mar 23, 2004

Unregistered said:
From the original question:

"Is it safer in the outboard position with LATCH or the center position installed against manufacturers recommendations???"

Unless the vehicle owner's manual prohibits twisting the buckle stalk, then it is not being installed against the manufacturer's recommendations.

Twisting the stalk a few times does not significantly reduce the strength of the seatbelt system enough to cause a failure.

Unless otherwise prohibited by either owner's manual, I would much rather have a couple twists to allow adequate center installation. The hazards of side impacts are well known- they are the cause of the most fatalities to properly restrained passengers.

These comments from a nationally recognized expert on crash testing may be of interest:

http://www.carseat.org/Technical/tech_update.htm#twistedvehbelt

Nissan Xterra: no center LATCH

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