Question LATCH limit for FRXT in 2010 Mazda5

[lisa_from_Toronto]

Hello,

I just purchased a new (Canadian) FRXT for my DD who is 45 lbs. It will be installed in a 2010 Mazda5. Does anyone know the LATCH limit for this combination?

Also, if anyone has any tips for installing this seat, I'd appreciate the input. I haven't received it yet (should get it next week), so I haven't even attempted an install, but I figure forewarned is forearmed! LOL

thanks!

 

[Jeanum]

Hi Lisa. Mazda doesn't specify a lower LATCH anchor/UAS installation weight limit per the LATCH manual, and Britax states to assume a limit of 40 lbs. unless the car manufacturer states a specific limit otherwise. Here's the blurb in the FrontierXT's manual on page 3 of the manual:

Unless specified otherwise by the
vehicle manufacturer, assume a 18.2 kg (40 pound) child is the
vehicle LUAS anchor limit.

So you'll need to install your FRXT with the seatbelt when it arrives since your DD is over 40 lbs. The .pdf version of the manual is viewable online at the Canadian Britax site at http://www.britax.ca/uploads/products/user-guides/80.pdf if you'd like a preview. I haven't installed a Frontier in the Mazda5 before so can't give you more specific pointers for your car. There are some install videos on Britax's YouTube site at http://youtube.com/BritaxUSACarSeats that you might want to look over for how-tos to see the long belt path and short belt path seatbelt install methods as a visual aid. (The videos have Frontier85 in their titles, the U.S. name for the FRXT).

 

[NMW]

We just ordered a Frontier XT for our 2007 Sienna and DS is almost 40 lbs, so it sounds like the same would apply? That's unfortunate! But definitely good to know. I guess when we use it as a booster, though, we could latch it so that it doesn't become a projectile (since the vehicle belts will be restraining the child?)

 

[Jeanum]

Right, Toyota states to follow the carseat manufacturer's instructions regarding lower LATCH anchor/UAS installation weight limits, which is 40 lbs. for the Frontier. You're also right about LATCHing a LATCHable booster to keep it from becoming a projectile in the car when the booster isn't occupied.:thumbsup: In booster mode when the time comes, it's okay to LATCH the Frontier in booster mode (or other LATCHable boosters) up to its belt positioning booster weight limit since it's the vehicle seatbelt that's the restraint for the child in booster mode.

 

[Sewingbeth]

I have a frontier in my Mazda 5. I've had it both 2nd and 3rd row. It goes in rock solid both places but is a lot easier to install in the 2nd row. We've only ever done seatbelt installs since our daughter was close to 40 lbs when we got the seat. It's actually easier to get in with seatbelt than with UAS anyway. The UAS buckles catch on the seat when you're trying to tighten with UAS unless you really wiggle things around. Seatbelt install is easy with the long belt path. It helps to take the headrest off. I store it in the cargo space in the seat.