Lost the latch attachment Radian seat

Barblee03

New member
We just got back from a trip to Europe where we did not use the Radian for the return plane journey and instead checked it. On trying to fit it in the airport parking, I discovered that I'd lost the "latch" strap that normally goes through the back of the seat - either when getting it out of the car in Europe or when folding and checking it kerbside. Any idea where I can buy a new attachment - I don't seem to be able to find it online?

I used the seatbelt to get home, but I prefer the seat to be in the middle with the latch attachment and back tether so I'd like to find a replacement as soon as possible.

thank you
 
ADS

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
That part is permanently attached to the seat, and is not replaceable. If you lost it I'd be inclined to think the seat was damaged, consider it unusable, and replace the seat.

About using the tether-- you should use it whether you install with seatbelt or lower anchors. :)

About LATCH in the middle-- what kind of car do you have? In many cars, it's not allowed.
 

tjham

New member
That's right. It can't come off just by chance. My son got frustrated with the one on my granddaughter's Radian and cut it off with his pocketknife :rolleyes: (I wasn't around at the time) . We can still use it, but I know they don't come off accidently. Was yours already separated for some reason, like what happened with ours?
 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
What I'm envisioning is damage while being handled by the airline, but yeah, if it was already cut I suppose it could just be lost.

In that case I think you'd have to ship it back to Sunshine Kids to get a replacement, if they will do it (they might not) and in the end, might be easier to replace the seat.
 

Jeanum

Admin - CPS Technician Emeritus
Staff member
Call Sunshine Kids (888-336-7909) or try e-mailing customer service http://www.skjp.com/customer_support.php and see if they can sell and ship you a replacement lower LATCH connector strap. :twocents: You might not get through to anyone there until Monday at the soonest now that it's the weekend. Technically, the lower LATCH connector strap is supposed to be permanently attached to the seat to comply with FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards), but they may be willing to sell and ship you a replacement one if you explain the circumstances. It doesn't hurt to inquire at any rate. I'd also be concerned about the integrity of the carseat overall if was possibly mishandled and damaged by the airline, another reason why we try to discourage checking carseats as baggage when possible. I know European airlines can be less willing to allow you to use the carseat on board the plane, though. :eek:
 

Barblee03

New member
Thanks everyone. I'm a bit confused as my latch belt was never attached since the day I bought it, you could pull it through the back of the seat simply by pulling on one of the red clips. I drive a Hyundai Elantra and I live in an area where I have to drive through several cross streets where other drivers have Stop signs but often don't realize it. We've had two instances where cars have stopped inches from either side door, which is why we prefer our daughter to be in the middle, even though we approach each of those junctions with extreme care. I've just gone out to the car and really searched behind the fabric of the seat cover, and there is nothing frayed or broken. Tomorrow I will take the seat out and cover off to have another look.
 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
The LATCH strap can be removed from the belt path, yes, but when you remove it from the belt path, it should still hang from one side from a strap that is bolted to the frame. If it was never attached, that's something to call the company about, but it should have shipped to you attached.

The problem with internal damage is that you can't always find it with a visual inspection. :( If the LATCH strap was properly stored and somehow got lost on the airplane, I'd still be wondering what else happened to the seat that I don't know about...
 

Dillipop

Well-known member
Whether you can get a new strap or not, isn't going to fix your problem. Hyundai Elantra's do not allow latch installs in the center seat. Latch can only be used outboard, so if you want her in the middle, you will have to use the seatbelt. You can still use the tether hook on the back shelf to tether the seat while using the seatbelt.
 

Barblee03

New member
thanks again to all, I will use the seatbelt and tether. I did take the seat apart and actually found the latch hooked up and behind the seat - but now I know that the Hyundai does not allow latch in the middle, I don't need it. The good thing is that if I had not "lost" it I would not have posted to this forum and so would not have discovered this. We had latched the seat in the middle prior to this - so lesson learned.
 

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