5 car seats in 2011 Odyssey ??

mommy2girls · Sep 18, 2011

I need advice getting 5 car seats in a 2011 Odyssey. I recently traded my 2007 for a new 2011, and I'm having trouble getting my 3 across from the 2007 to work in the 2011.

In the 2007, I had 2 MA outboard & a Radian center, all FF. It worked because I could use latch to install the Radian in the center seat. In the 2011 there is latch only in the outboard positions. I'm struggling to get a good install of the Radian using the seatbelt in that center spot.

So, my question is: is it possible to get a good install in the center spot with a Radian? If so, what are your tips & tricks. Maybe I'm just being too picky. I'm getting some movement, closer to an 1-1/2" than an 1", and I love a good rock-solid install.

If it isn't possible what new seats should I buy, or what other arrangements should I try?

I currently have the following seats, 2 MAs, 1 Radian and 2 Safety 1st Avenues.

I have the following kids to transport:
Girl: 4 1/2 years old, 32 lbs (usually rides in FF Radian)
Boy 1: 4 years old, 39 lbs (usually rides in a FF MA)
Boy 2: 3 years old, 28 lbs. (usually rides in a FF MA)
Boy 3: 2 years old, 31 lbs. (rides in Avenue, recently switched to FF)
Boy 4: 7 mos, 25 lbs. (usually rides in RF Avenue)

If you've gotten this far, bless you. I appreciate any insight, advice, tips/tricks.....really whatever you've got to throw at me.

Thanks so much,
Jamie

ElfJewel · Sep 18, 2011

You are trying to put the Radian in the third row right? I was able to get an acceptable install (not rock solid but acceptable) in that position. First the Radian needs to be in the recline position. We had to recline the car seat back while installing. Buckle the seatbelt, twisting the bucle stalk as many times as you can (we got 2 full twists). One person kneels in the seat while the other stands in the trunk, locks the belt and then forces the belt to retract as much as possible. Check front to back mevement, when there is less than 1 inch of front to back movement (pull from near the harness adjuster to check) return the seatback to its upright position. This was the only way we could get it installed.
If your 2 year old still fits RF I would turn him back, it is still much safer than FF. If you put 2 RFers in the third row they might fit on either side of the Radian (I don't have a MA or Avenue so I can't be sure, I needed 3 Radians- all RF or FF in the center and RF on the sides)

mommy2girls · Sep 18, 2011

Thank you. I'm going to give that a shot. I'm so close to getting it, so I think your tips may help.

Ideally, I would have any 2 year old still ride RF, but this one is not mine. He has been FF in Mom & Dad's car since he was 12 mos. & I've stretched it as far as I could. He is a solid, strong boy & fights me tooth & nail putting him in RF, and then proceeds to pitch a fit our entire trip. I really hated to turn him, but I felt it was best for everyone's sanity & safety. I thought I would drop him getting him into his seat & I really need to focus on the road to keep all of us safe. He happily gets in the FF seat & rides quietly. If you have advice on how to handle keeping a difficult 2 year old RF & happy, I would appreciate it. I was at a loss.