Question Help with FF Center Marathon Install in 99 Subaru Wagon

[BayAreaMom]

I just turned my 2 ½ year old daughters Marathon around FF in the center of a 1999 Subaru Outback Wagon (preLATCH- a real bummer). I was able to get a very sold RF install and tether point after seeing a tech and talking with other Subaru owners. It wasn’t easy, but FF is another monster..

I am having significant issues with the getting the install tight. The issue is caused by an excessively long belt stalk. I twisted the stalk three full twists but it’s still too long and the install is loose (about 2 inches of movement side/side at the base, plus some slack in the belt).

The only thing that worked was to run the belt over the latch bar, but that isn’t allowed according to the Marathon FAQ on the Britax Website. See the picture. This results in a pretty tight install..so if it’s okay, I’d like to keep it this way.

I guess my other option is an outboard install as I’m paranoid about getting t-boned (so many red light runners in the bay area..). I haven’t even attempted that..anyone have experience doing this with the evil Subaru wagons? Funny, I loved my subaru before I installed carseats.

Thanks!!!

 

[Defrost]

I can't see your picture, but have you tried leaving the buckle stalk untwisted and pulling it completely into the belt path? As long as none of the plastic buckle is resting at the edge of the belt path, that is allowable.

 

[BayAreaMom]

Hi
I will try and post the image again..I think I didn't get the whole link.

I tried what you suggested- the stalk isn't long enough to thread through the path. The stalk buckle hits right at the latch bar.

Not sure if you can see this in the photo, but the way I have it now the male buckle part is hitting the latch bar also..is that bad?

Thanks

 

[Melizerd]

Since it won't work the way Defrost suggested I'd move to the outboard and install it according to manufacturer directions. A good outboard install is still better then an iffy center one IMO.

 

[BayAreaMom]

Just wanted to follow up- I took my car/seat into the local tech at the fire department for help today and he agreed it's better off outboard. It was SOO much easier to install there and it's extremely tight. But it's still a bummer that Subaru's are soooo difficult to install in the center. I'm at least glad I kept my daughter RF for so long (she is nearly 2 1/2 and a big girl!) since that was a solid install in the center.

THANKS!

 

[Defrost]

Just wanted to follow up- I took my car/seat into the local tech at the fire department for help today and he agreed it's better off outboard. It was SOO much easier to install there and it's extremely tight. But it's still a bummer that Subaru's are soooo difficult to install in the center. I'm at least glad I kept my daughter RF for so long (she is nearly 2 1/2 and a big girl!) since that was a solid install in the center.

THANKS!

:thumbsup: That's right - outboard with a good install is definitely much safer than a poor install in the center. I'm glad you got it worked out!