2009 ford explorer britax boulevard install

Unregistered · May 2, 2014

Can anyone help me? I have a 2009 ford explorer and can't figure out how to forward face install my britax boulevard 70. I can't get the back of the car seat flush with the seat because of the head rest. The head rests are supposedly able to come out, but they don't seem to want to come out of my car. Also, is it safe to install it in the middle seat of this car? There is no latch in the middle seat of this car. Is latch safer than a seatbelt? I'm worried my son and car seat are getting close to the weight limit.

Keeyamah · May 2, 2014

The safest way to install the seat is where you can get the best install (less than 1" of movement at the belt path).

Middle is only slightly (barely statistically significant) safer than outside. So if you get the best install outboard, than that is safest, if the best install is middle that is safest. Don't forget your top tether, it significantly reduces how far forward the head moves in an accident.

Maybe some more info will help someone more familiar with you car help you get it right? How big is the gap behind the car seat? Are you having any other trouble with the install that we could help you with? Pictures help a bunch, let us know if your having any trouble getting them in your post and we can help you figure it out.

aeormsby · May 2, 2014

The gap at the bottom/base of the seat is fine with Britax seats, and very common because of the natural recline of the seats. Make sure the base is flat at on the vehicle seat (so pull it forward to do that) and tighten it up.

Latch is not any safer than the seatbelt install and Britax seats are so easy to install with the seatbelt I'd give that a try if you get a better install without the headrest in the center.