LATCH weight limit in 05 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

[HeidiSmith]

I just bought a Britax Frontier 85 for my soon to turn 5 year old son. Does anyone know where I can find the latch weight limits for my 05 Grand Cherokee? It's not in the manual, and I didn't find it on the Jeep Forum website. The Frontier manual says to assume 40 lbs. if not specified. I don't mind using the seat belt, but I prefer the LATCH system.
Just wondering about the limit, and if there is a one stop, go to website that contains this kind of information.
Thanks!

 

[HeidiSmith]

Okay, I just answered my own question by reading another post and following the link to http://sk.convio.net/site/DocServer/Chrysler_Group_LLC_Updated_LATCH_Weight_Limits.pdf?docID=27221

But I do still want to clarify...
So, since I have an 05 Grand Cherokee, I can use the LATCH system with top tether to a combined child plus seat weight of 65 lbs.
The seat belt and top tether can be used to the max weight that the Frontier manual states is safe, which is 85 lbs.
Correct?

 

[wendytthomas]

Correct. The Frontier 85 weighs 20 pounds, so your lower anchor limit is 45 pounds of child.

Wendy

 

[HeidiSmith]

Thank you Wendy! I installed this morning using LATCH since my son weighs 41 lbs., and I called Britax to get a locking clip since I will need to switch to the seat belt soon. My seat belts are emergency locking only with a sliding latch plate. Grrr... But, Britax is sending the clip so we will be good to go.

 

[wendytthomas]

Actually, your belts lock at the latchplate. Locking seatbelts predate LATCH. They were required in all cars in the 1997 model year. Compare your seatbelts in the back to the driver's seatbelt. You'll see that the male end of the buckle is bigger with a moving part compared to the driver's belt. That's where it locks.

Wendy

 

[HeidiSmith]

Hmmm, I wondered about that. I did notice that the rear seatbelts look different, but I wasn't sure if they really locked. I buckled one belt and then pulled to loosen the lap section and I was able to loosen it a bit. Is that supposed to happen?

I would LOVE not having to use the locking clip. Can I feel secure using my seat belt without the clip? (I've always been a latch user, so although I know the seat belt is just as safe for securing a child seat, I'm not as sure about my ability to install it correctly.)

Thanks!

 

[wendytthomas]

You can use the seatbelt. If it slips, twist the male end 180 degrees. They're usually the easiest seatbelts to install with.

Wendy