Latch strap question- possibly stupid

[Starfire]

I am trying to install a KidsEmbrace Batman combo seat and cannot get the LATCH strap to tighten in either of my vehicles.I don't recall seeing this on any of our other seats, but there is a smaller strap that attaches the LATCH strap to the bottom of the seat. It's attached to a screw in the base. When I thread the LATCH strap through the back of the seat correctly and attach the hooks to the anchors, this attachment strap impedes the LATCH strap from tightening all the way. I plan to call the company when I get a chance later today, but I wondered if I'm just a moron and this attachment strap is meant to be removed before installation. It doesn't appear in the illustrations in the manual.

Advice or mocking welcome, photo attached.

 

[thepote]

I've only seen where the latch strap and it's connecting strap go around the side of the seat and into the belt path, not into the back of the seat. Does it give the strap any more give if you do it that way?

 

[Starfire]

Sorry, I think maybe the picture and my voice of words were confusing. I am threading the LATCH strap and the connecting strap through the belt path, but it's as if the connecting strap is attached to the LATCH strap too far along, toward the center of the LATCH strap, to allow me to get it tightened.

Does that make any sense? I drew a picture - see where the connecting strap attaches to the LATCH strap, that side can't get far enough into the belt path of the seat because distance from the screw to the juncture is shorter than the distance from the LATCH connector to the juncture.

 

[jacqui276]

I'm sure a tech will correct me if I am wrong, but the strap is just there so that you don't lose the latch strap and is safe to cut off if it is in the way/impacting the install. It is not meant to be removed, but can be.

 

[Starfire]

Thanks, Jacqui, that was my thought as well but hoping for a tech to weigh in...

 

[thepote]

A tech said it was ok to do in this thread:http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=216523

 

[amyd]

I'm a tech and while I cannot advise you in any official capacity to take scissors to any part of a carseat, I can tell you that's what I'd do. There are a few seats that sometimes have this issue.

 

[jess71903]

I'm a tech and while I cannot advise you in any official capacity to take scissors to any part of a carseat, I can tell you that's what I'd do. There are a few seats that sometimes have this issue.

:yeahthat:. I did the same to my TFP.

 

[LISmama810]

How is the connector strap attached to the LATCH strap? Is it sewn on, does it have a loop the LATCH strap goes through, etc.?

I'm having a hard time picturing the problem, but that's not your fault

Generally, yes, the connector strap is just there to keep the LATCH strap from getting lost. It's probably fine to cut it, but I'd recommend contacting the manufacturer just in case.

 

[Starfire]

It is sewn on. Would it be better to try removing/loosening the screw that holds it to the seat, or is that worse than cutting it? (I'm not sure if that screw attaches to anything else).

 

[LISmama810]

I don't think I'd remove the screw.

 

[Starfire]

Thank you all for the input. I ended up cutting the attachment strap and got a good install. Not the most solid fit ever, but there is well under an inch of movement at the belt. I'm going to have my husband give it another yank before we use it again.