News Ford Isn't Crazy? LATCH & SB!

kathysr98 · Jan 26, 2012

I was just looking at the Combi page for the Shuttle 33. It states that both LATCH & seatbelt may be used if the vehicle manual allows. Looks like the often repeated 'no carseat mfg allows it' advice will have to be altered.

http://www.combiusa.com/Products/Item.aspx?Item=53

Judi · Jan 26, 2012

Q: Can I use both the lap/shoulder belt and the LATCH belt at the same time when installing the Shuttle infant car seat?
A: Please check the vehicle owner’s manual. If the vehicle manufacturer permits the use of both seat belt and LATCH at the same time, the Shuttle can be installed using both systems.
A: If using both seatbelt and LATCH, we recommend that the Shuttle be tightened with the LATCH so that there is less than one inch of movement side-to-side at the LATCH belt path, then connect the seatbelt through the base using the seatbelt path and lock-off. No additional tightening should be necessary.

But basically they are saying to stow the seat belt. It isn't to be tightened. Isn't that what Ford says?

kathysr98 · Jan 27, 2012

Judi said:
But basically they are saying to stow the seat belt. It isn't to be tightened. Isn't that what Ford says?

I'm not completely sure what Ford says. None of my vehicles are new enough to have those portions in them. I'll see if I can dig it up tomorrow. I really should consider sleeping occasionally. As far as Combi's directions, I took it to mean that you install with LATCH & then use the seatbelt, but don't use the seatbelt to tighten the seat more than it already is with the LATCH. Mostly I found it interesting because it's the first instance of having both LATCH & seatbelt in use at the same time. Considering it is a very common mistake, I would like for seats to be tested that way.

Judi · Jan 27, 2012

Yeah, it is interesting. That is for sure. I should rep you.

I see the latch doing to job and the seat belt just being buckled, so loose.

LISmama810 · Jan 27, 2012

It's been discussed here before a few times. Combi and Ford are currently the only manufacturers to allow it.

kathysr98 · Jan 27, 2012

LISmama810 said:
It's been discussed here before a few times. Combi and Ford are currently the only manufacturers to allow it.

I guess I've missed it in the past.

It is different than the usual party line of don't ever ever ever even consider using LATCH & seatbelt at the same time, and Ford is so horrible, stupid, crazy for putting something in the manual that says if the carseat manufacturer allows it you can do it, cause no one allows it.

LISmama810 · Jan 27, 2012

kathysr98 said:
I guess I've missed it in the past.

It is different than the usual party line of don't ever ever ever even consider using LATCH & seatbelt at the same time, and Ford is so horrible, stupid, crazy for putting something in the manual that says if the carseat manufacturer allows it you can do it, cause no one allows it.

It's been a long time since people have flipped out over Ford's weird stance. For a while it was, "Ok, Ford allows it, but no seats do," so it was kind of a non-issue.

Combi has allowed it for at least a year now.

I do hope other manufacturers will look into it. It's a common misuse, and it would be nice to know if it's actually a problem.

unityco · Jan 27, 2012

We rented a Dodge truck once, and it also suggested you buckle the seatbelt through the carseat when using LATCH. It was probably a 2008?

mom of six · Jan 27, 2012

I would be interested to know why Ford recommends this. The manuals have a table with different choices on how to install car seats. If the kid is over 48 pounds is suggests using both LATCH and the seat belt. To me this is more than a stow-the-seat-belt recommendation since it correlates with the LATCH weigh limit. Maybe it is Fords attemtp to address the "what-is-the-use-of-LATCH-if-you-cant-use-it-over-48-lbs" issue. Does anyone here have access to a Ford engineer or their engineering department to ask they what their rationale is for including in that in their manuals?

News Ford Isn't Crazy? LATCH & SB!

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