LATCH weight limits

[cantabdad]

I was browsing this forum and saw that Honda vehicles apparently have a 40-pound limit for LATCH intallations? (I have to re-check my manual but don't remember seeing a specific weight limit.)

If so, does that mean I need to un-do the LATCH connection for our Radian XTSL and re-install with the seatbelt? One of the selling points of the Radian was its "Super LATCH" connectors, which are listed as going to 80 pounds. I had not considered that the vehicle itself might have a lower limit.

Thanks for any guidance on this.

 

[LISmama810]

Honda does have a 40-lb child limit, but you won't find it in your manual. They don't publicize it.

If you call customer service, you will get any of many replies, including 40 lbs, 48 lbs, 48 lbs total for the weight of the child and seat, and no limit/follow child restraint instructions.

Given this, how is a parent supposed to know? Only if they have access to a CPST or LATCH Manual. The LATCH Manual gets their information directly from engineers. I have spoken to their Honda engineer myself on a few occasions, and he is adamant that the limit is 40 lbs, even if no one else knows it.

Then there's the SuperLATCH issue. Sunshine Kids/Diono claims it's fine to use in vehicles manufactured after Sept 1, 2005 (I think) to the weight limit of the seat. Most cars place a limit (usually 40 or 48 lbs...some more publicized than others). So people have to decide for themselves who to believe.

Sunshine Kids claims that it's the LATCH connectors, not the newer, post-2005 bars, that will fail first, so they've eliminated the problem by making stronger connectors.

The government, meanwhile, has passed a new law that goes into effect in two years requiring seats to come with a child-weight limit that puts the total weight of its LATCH limit at no more than 65 lbs. (In other words, if a seat weighs 25 lbs, it's LATCH limit for the child's weight can't be more than 40 lbs.) Sunshine Kids opposed the change. (I believe they were the only company to do so.)

Based on all that info, you need to make your own decision.

I, personally, will not use LATCH beyond 40 lbs in my Honda.

 

[Kat_Momof3]

how about requiring vehicle manufacturers to up the testing and pursue higher limits for their latch systems? latch is supposed to be universal and so much easier... this is just one way that it is made to NOT be that.

 

[happiness-and-balance]

I have an 09 Accord and an 07 Ridgeline and had an 08 Civic until November of last year and like LISmama810 said, it isn't in the manuals ( or atleast I can't find it ). I've called Honda and they told me 40 lbs, so I'm guessing that is inc both seat and child? I wish they would just ask the engineers and put a straight answer in the manuals..

Kayden - 2.5 RF BLVD 65 & RF Truefit Layla- 6 FF BLVD 65 CS & HBTB

 

[LISmama810]

Honda's weight limit is the weight of the child only.

 

[happiness-and-balance]

thank god for that, I get an extra 15 ish lbs!!

Kayden - 2.5 RF BLVD 65 & RF Truefit Layla- 6 FF BLVD 65 CS & HBTB

 

[cantabdad]

Thanks so much for the information. Radian/Diono does seem to stress the fact that their design is OK up to 80 pounds regardless of what the automaker might say, but I am not sure that's 100% reliable. On the other hand, I have little practice installing with seatbelts and wonder how tight I could get it that way.

 

[happiness-and-balance]

Thanks so much for the information. Radian/Diono does seem to stress the fact that their design is OK up to 80 pounds regardless of what the automaker might say, but I am not sure that's 100% reliable. On the other hand, I have little practice installing with seatbelts and wonder how tight I could get it that way.

Diono is flimsy with answers, when I call about my Radian I get different answers almost every time, yay for customer service... if you don't think you can get the install right every time with a seat belt ( if that's what you're more comfortable with using based on Diono's answers regarding LATCH ) then i'd be inclined to get it installed by a tech with the seat belt and never take it out of the car. I hate hate installing my Radian. it's a wonderful seat but intalling it is a PITA.

Kayden - 2.5 RF BLVD 65 & RF Truefit Layla- 6 FF BLVD 65 CS & HBTB

 

[Jessica61624]

Diono is flimsy with answers, when I call about my Radian I get different answers almost every time, yay for customer service... if you don't think you can get the install right every time with a seat belt ( if that's what you're more comfortable with using based on Diono's answers regarding LATCH ) then i'd be inclined to get it installed by a tech with the seat belt and never take it out of the car. I hate hate installing my Radian. it's a wonderful seat but intalling it is a PITA.

Kayden - 2.5 RF BLVD 65 & RF Truefit Layla- 6 FF BLVD 65 CS & HBTB

This is a horrible idea. You never know when you'll need to move a seat. You can't predict when your car will break down. Or your in an accident. That is why cpst do not install your seat, they teach YOU how to install it.

 

[happiness-and-balance]

This is a horrible idea. You never know when you'll need to move a seat. You can't predict when your car will break down. Or your in an accident. That is why cpst do not install your seat, they teach YOU how to install it.

Thats very true, and by get it installed by a tech I meant it to imply going through the process with them and leave the seat in place until you absolutely need to move it.. I know they don't install it, they get YOU to install it. My wording was incorrect. I'd appreciate it if you weren't so snappy with your answers towards me, if I where to get a response like that as a mother I would be scared to ask you another question. I appreciate your corrections and didactic responses to my other questions and have always found you to be a helpful person on this board but that was an unnessicarily rudely worded answer to someone, whether they are right or not.

Kayden - 2.5 RF BLVD 65 & RF Truefit Layla- 6 FF BLVD 65 CS & HBTB

 

[Baylor]

She was not Snappy,She was correcting you as while you say you misspoke, She had no way of knowing that. She can only go on your words. She was making sure that people had the accurate information as many more people read the forums looking for information then post.

It is a horrible idea to plan never to move a seat and not be able to install it in multiple cars or positions.

When I had my seat check, I left there knowing that in any situation with my seats and my car I could install with Seat belt correctly or LATCH when appropriate.

A seat check is more than just getting your seat installed correctly. Its a class tailored to your seats, car and children's size and age to make sure they are correctly restrained to your particular set up.

As some one who had a rough start here, Im going to ask you to breathe when you are corrected and not take it personally but as a good thing.

There is no one here who wants to offend you. But making sure people get accurate information is the most important service this site offers.

 

[Brianna]

Thats very true, and by get it installed by a tech I meant it to imply going through the process with them and leave the seat in place until you absolutely need to move it.. I know they don't install it, they get YOU to install it. My wording was incorrect. I'd appreciate it if you weren't so snappy with your answers towards me, if I where to get a response like that as a mother I would be scared to ask you another question. I appreciate your corrections and didactic responses to my other questions and have always found you to be a helpful person on this board but that was an unnessicarily rudely worded answer to someone, whether they are right or not.

Kayden - 2.5 RF BLVD 65 & RF Truefit Layla- 6 FF BLVD 65 CS & HBTB

Unfortunately there are techs out there who think their job is to install your car seat for you. My interpretation of what she said wasn't rude at all- we care about car seat safety here and we just want to be sure that (collective) you know that you're supposed to learn how to install your seats. We're not a rude bunch here, we're here to be helpful. Tone is hard to convey and interpret online, so I read everything here as if the person is saying it with a smile on their face

 

[happiness-and-balance]

Like I said above, I do appreciate the corrections! But there is a better way to convey the information. It makes me think twice about asking questions on here. Thank you ladies for clarifying though and it is hard to judge tone, but I feel above it was clear that the tone was somewhat rude.

Kayden - 2.5 RF BLVD 65 & RF Truefit Layla- 6 FF BLVD 65 CS & HBTB

 

[Baylor]

Like I said above, I do appreciate the corrections! But there is a better way to convey the information. It makes me think twice about asking questions on here. Thank you ladies for clarifying though and it is hard to judge tone, but I feel above it was clear that the tone was somewhat rude.

Kayden - 2.5 RF BLVD 65 & RF Truefit Layla- 6 FF BLVD 65 CS & HBTB

Well, Knowing her better than you, I know she was not being rude. She was making sure you got the proper information. I think if you read it again witout the inference of tone, You will see it is just matter of fact information.

Forums are not for every one. You have to be able to accept that people have different personalities and posting styles, But instead of being offended first, Just ask them to clarify, or what they meant, Or if you mistook their tone.

This is one of the most incredible forums online and you will miss out greatly if you let one misunderstanding keep you away.
You seem passionate and the more you learn and grow here the bigger asset you can become.

I hope that you will stick around and become part of the community!

 

[Brianna]

:yeahthat:

 

[happiness-and-balance]

Thank you very much for being so understanding and caring. It sounds like you all know her very well and after hearing your thoughts I'm sure I simply mistook her words. I appreciate the caring efforts you display toward participants. Thanks again and I will stick around, I really enjoy the form

Kayden - 2.5 RF BLVD 65 & RF Truefit Layla- 6 FF BLVD 65 CS & HBTB

 

[Baylor]

Thank you very much for being so understanding and caring. It sounds like you all know her very well and after hearing your thoughts I'm sure I simply mistook her words. I appreciate the caring efforts you display toward participants. Thanks again and I will stick around, I really enjoy the form

Kayden - 2.5 RF BLVD 65 & RF Truefit Layla- 6 FF BLVD 65 CS & HBTB

Good!! There is no better group of people online. Looking forward to getting to know you.

auto correct hates me

 

[happiness-and-balance]

Good!! There is no better group of people online. Looking forward to getting to know you.

auto correct hates me

Thanks, same to you! The car seat obsessed have to stick together hey?

Kayden - 2.5 RF BLVD 65 & RF Truefit Layla- 6 FF BLVD 65 CS & HBTB