Question Need input ASAP! 2008 Acadia and Radian XTSL

[Marvin711]

RN XTSL is FF. Must be installed on captains chair and FF. No other option. LATCH installation.

Headrests are non removable, I've tried on my own and dealer says they aren't as well. It is interfering with install. When seat back is completely upright I can fit my entire arm between car seat and vehicle seat and seat isn't tight enough. I reclined vehicle seat slightly and it greatly improved install. Plan right now is to go with that....unless there is a major reason I shouldn't and someone has a tip or trick.

This is a family member's vehicle. We discussed today how it might not be compatible with vehicle in this position and they are planning to get a new seat. However, to travel 10 plus hours home tomorrow this has to work.

Secondary, since they are contemplating a new seat for this child/this car does anyone has suggestions of what would be good choice for this seating position. Child is 3, slightly small build. Price not a concern.

 

[careynj]

I have a friend with this car and they have two Graco Nautilus' that seem to work well with the captains chairs.

 

[Marvin711]

Thanks! I will add that to their short list of what to buy when they get home.
Any input on seat recline? Is there something else we should try instead?

 

[careynj]

No, sorry. I just got my radian and don't have a ton of experience installing it. Have you tried it RFing? Also did you try it FFing with the radian in both of its recline positions?

 

[Marvin711]

Yes it works RFing but no boot with them on trip. sent them off with vehicle seat slightly reclined best we could do for today!
This is why I have a love/hate with Radian!!

 

[careynj]

Ah, that's too bad, not a fan of the whole two piece thing either.

 

[aeormsby]

I would think the manual is the same as my Saturn Outlook (it's the same vehicle) and it recommends reclining the seats back all the way especially when using LATCH. Check the manual.

Also, the headrests are removeable but I would only do it if you plan on leaving a carseat there long term (not easy to remove & completely re-install.). If you push down on the fabric around the headrest posts there is a little 'C' shaped wire clip, pull that off of both posts and the headrest will pull out.

ETA - generally the gap between the seat and back is acceptable as long as the installation is tight. I know we always had a gap with our FF Marathons. But (unless it's changed) I believe the Nautilus actually requires the back to have full contact so that may not be the best option. Our Frontiers fit pretty well, the headrest of the Frontier is forward enough that it has less interference.

 

[Marvin711]

I would think the manual is the same as my Saturn Outlook (it's the same vehicle) and it recommends reclining the seats back all the way especially when using LATCH. Check the manual.

Also, the headrests are removeable but I would only do it if you plan on leaving a carseat there long term (not easy to remove & completely re-install.). If you push down on the fabric around the headrest posts there is a little 'C' shaped wire clip, pull that off of both posts and the headrest will pull out.

ETA - generally the gap between the seat and back is acceptable as long as the installation is tight. I know we always had a gap with our FF Marathons. But (unless it's changed) I believe the Nautilus actually requires the back to have full contact so that may not be the best option. Our Frontiers fit pretty well, the headrest of the Frontier is forward enough that it has less interference.

Thank you for the info! Installation was not tight with the gap which is why it concerned me. They are thinking of putting a Blvd or Frontier there instead so glad to see a Frontier fits nicely! They took car to dealer and they refused to remove headrests....need to check it out for little clip that you mentioned though!