Outback with RF Radian??

[aguafresca]

We have a 2005 Subaru Outback. We have a Radian 65 in there FF and it fits beautifully (for my nearly-5 year old). We tried a couple years ago to get it in RF and couldn't, but now that we have three kids it would be nice if we could manage to get it to work. That was before there were angle adjusters (or before I was aware of them). There were two problems that we had when we tried before - it was way too reclined so we were completely squished in the front, and the way the Subaru's backseat angles just didn't mesh with the Radian at all. It was impossible to get a tight installation. I don't know if an angle adjuster will help with that problem.

Is it worth trying to get a Radian to RF with an angle adjuster in an '05 Outback? I'd like to keep my nearly 3 year old RF longer. I'm thinking:

RF Radian with adjuster behind driver
FF Radian center (already fits fine)
RF Complete Air behind passenger(already fits fine)

Also, is it better to get a Radian RXT, Radian GTX, or a Radian R120?

Thanks.
(I'm thinking ahead a bit - we'll be keeping the baby in the Keyfit for a while longer still, so my siggy is correct).

 

[macasa]

subbing because I'm wondering if anyone else has input! I will be attempting an install in my sitter's outback in a few weeks (RF radian with angle adjuster). Won't help you much now but I can let you know how it goes.

 

[Avery'sMama]

I don't really know! But I do know that the Radian RFing in my Vibe was essentially incompatible because it was so far reclined prior to the angle adjuster. With the angle adjuster, the passenger seat could upright enough it was fine.

 

[MotoMommaNH]

Skip the GTX...I'm pretty sure it just is an RXT with a piddle pad or something. The only difference between the r120 and RXT is the headwings. The RXT also has more cover choices. If you are putting it outboard, id feel better about the headwings for side impact, but that is just me. It also seems nicer for sleeping support. Some say it the r120 lasts longer height wise because the wings aren't interfering with shoulders or having an issue with sliding down.

 

[macasa]

I agree that the angle adjuster makes a big difference in the Radian fitting RF in a smaller vehicle. Definitely worth the $12 to give it a try. I got a great install with the Radian RF in my mother's Prius yesterday (outboard seating position, it doesn't install well in the center due to the "hump") , with the angle adjuster and the Superlatch connecters. I usually install with a seatbelt but it actually worked better with latch in this situation.Anyway, without the angle adjuster it wouldn't have fit so well.

 

[nursienurse]

Kept my 3 year old RF for an additional year (just flipped FF at 3 and a half years) in RXT with AA in the outboard passenger side position in my Subaru Forester. Pretty nifty. I was comfortable in front of her except on very long trips when I couldn't straighten my legs all the way. I'm 5'8".

 

[Cnidaria]

I'd go for the middle! We have a Radian XTSL that fits great RF with the angle adjuster in the middle of our 2000 Subaru Outback. It kind of nestles in between the two front seats. We wouldn't be able to install it RF behind the driver because my husband is 6'1" and drives with the seat all the way back, and I don't think it would work well or maybe at all for us behind the passenger seat. But the middle is great; I don't know how much difference there is in back seats between the 2000 and 2005 Outbacks.