The spacing may not be correct in some vehicles-
Many vehicles will only have two LATCH positions in the rear seat, usually on the outside. This may be due to cost constraints, or because there just isn't enough room to put in three sets of LATCH lower anchors.
Even with just two pairs of LATCH anchors, it will usually be the case that a parent might try to use the two centermost anchors to install a carseat in the rear center. This sounds like the case in you describe in your CR-V.
The main problem is that the spacing may not be correct. The two innermost lower anchors intended for the outside seats may be wider or narrower than the specification allows. That may result in the inability to get a good installation. It may also result in the incorrect distribution of forces on the anchors. In particular, there may be greater lateral forces pulling the anchors to the side. Carseats with rigid anchors would not fit at all if the spacing is incorrect.
A secondary problem would be the temptation to attach an additional seat in the outboard position to the lower anchors. In general, anchors are not designed to withstand the forces from more than one carseat.
So, the recommendation is to carefully check your vehicle AND carseat owners manual for any restrictions on LATCH use in the rear center position. In some vehicles, it will be possible to use the lower anchors in the way you describe. In others, the manual(s) may specifically state that you should not use the lower LATCH anchors in the way you describe, and if so then there is presumably a very good reason not to do so. In that case, you may still install the seat in the center with the seatbelts if it fits well and if there are no other restrictions. If no information is given one way or the other, you should contact the manufacturers. If still in doubt, it is probably best err to the side of caution and use the seatbelts instead.
This is going to be one of the most frequent questions with LATCH, in my opinion. Unfortunately, I don't think the industry was too well prepared for it. Perhaps this will change with some upcoming 'official' press releases on LATCH.
For anyone looking for information on LATCH, here is a link to our web page on the topic:
www.car-safety.org/latch.html
Darren
