Radian installation - middle seat Forester - Canada

Unregistered · 02-23-2014, 05:18 PM

Hello,

We have a Subaru Forester (2010), and a 30lb daughter (almost 3) in a FF radian sitting outboard (passenger). We are now unexpectedly expecting twins, and are stressed out about the car seat situation. All combinations and install situations we have tried are failing, leaving us worried that a new car is the only option. Space-wise it seems we should be able to fit the Radian in the middle with two infant seats (thinking Chicco Key Fits) on either side (upgrading to Radian's with angle adjusters eventually as they grow) BUT we cannot get a tight install on the FF Radian in the middle. The tether end of the seat beat is allowing far too much movement. From all of the reading we've done on your site, it seems like this install should be seriously challenging but ultimately possible. We've tried two car seat technicians in our area, both said we should give up. Any advice? Thanks SO much in advance.

Bonnie

**Car-Seat.Org** · 02-23-2014 05:18 PM

**Keeanh** · 02-23-2014, 08:22 PM

Have you tried all these tricks?
- Recline foot out
- Pull the Radian away from the seat bight a couple inches or more
- Twist the female buckle stalk down, up to 3 full turns
- Unbuckle the seatbelt and allow it to retract one more click, then re-buckle

**tiggercat** · 02-23-2014, 08:36 PM

Whereabouts are you in Canada? Perhaps one of "us" is nearby and could offer some assistance

**Gidgetc13** · 02-23-2014, 09:36 PM

I currently have a FF radian installed in the center if my 2010 Forester. It is a PITA to install, and takes a lot of work, but it is doable. Have you had the middle seat belt replaced? There will be no stalk twisting if you have. At least in my car the new seat belt stalk is way down in the seat. To get it installed tight took a lot of kneeling in the seat and pulling on the seatbelt. I have to pull on the belt behind the cover a lot. I've installed it FF about 3 times with the last time being yesterday. I was getting seriously frustrated with it yesterday but actually ended up getting the best install yet, it is almost rock solid. I ended up reclining both seat backs and tightening everything up one more time and once I put the seat backs back up it was good. Good luck! I hate installing that seat in that position but we need it FF there for our three across. I tried to replace it with a harmony defender yesterday but couldn't get the defender in tight at all in the middle.

Unregistered · 02-24-2014, 03:48 PM

Thanks so much for the advice! We are near Stratford, and today my husband drove to Oakville and found a tech that was able to get a good install! We bought Peg Prego's for either side, so now we'll be all set without a new car, amazing! We will also be much less terrified of taking it out if need be with your tips. We haven't had the seat belt replaced - we spoke to the dealer and they just offered us a locking clip - it sounds like you would suggest it's definitely worth following up on that recall?

**Pixelated** · 02-24-2014, 08:54 PM

I would, yes. Is the seat installed with a locking clip right now? The risk is that the seat can revert out of 'locking mode' if not quite enough belt is pulled out/in use. Even if it is locked right now, over time as the seat bumps around it can ratchet in a click or two, which might be enough to release the lock, and then the seat belt is no longer locked. With two seats tightly in next to it, and the seat top tethered, you might not notice right away.

The recall states that the belt will be replaced upon request.

http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/...rchResult&pg=0

**canadiangie** · 02-25-2014, 10:54 PM

Did you buy Peg Perego infant seats for the twins?

**Nedra** · 02-28-2014, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by Pixelated

I would, yes. Is the seat installed with a locking clip right now? The risk is that the seat can revert out of 'locking mode' if not quite enough belt is pulled out/in use. Even if it is locked right now, over time as the seat bumps around it can ratchet in a click or two, which might be enough to release the lock, and then the seat belt is no longer locked. With two seats tightly in next to it, and the seat top tethered, you might not notice right away.

The recall states that the belt will be replaced upon request.

http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/...rchResult&pg=0

Another reason to get the fix done is for the resale value if you ever do decide to sell your Forester. In any private sale, you'd have to disclose that the recall was never fixed.