Possible Monterey problem

[mamakc]

I thought the Monterey fit pretty well in the captains chair of my 1997 Honda Odyssey. I happened to set it in the seat without the back on, and realized that the bottom of it doesn't sit flush with the back of the seat. The side bolsters of the chair are too close together at the bottom. I can't locate my manual. Is this a problem?

I.... might be hoping it is. Because I have been looking for an excuse to try the ProBooster.

 

[cm_nghs1]

I am pretty sure it needs to be flat back against the seat.
I would think once you put a child in it they are not going to be able to sit properly.

love that you are hoping it is an issue

 

[mamakc]

She sits in it fine and the fit is fine. The shoulder belt guide caused problems so we tried it without and it's a good fit without. I wouldn't have even noticed that the bottom wasn't flush against the back of the seat, but just happened to take the seat apart to move it and low and behold the thing doesn't fit there. I hate it in the third row, it doesn't appear to be compatible in the second, I guess we are back to square one?

-Krista
DD~5.75~ Diono Monterey/HBturbo
DS~3.75~ FF Radian XTSL/Maestro
DN~2.25~ RF Coccoro

 

[featherhead]

I used my sister's Monterey in my '98 Odyssey last week and I thought it fit fine. Maybe try reclining the seat a notch?

 

[mamakc]

I used my sister's Monterey in my '98 Odyssey last week and I thought it fit fine. Maybe try reclining the seat a notch?

That's the thing, I thought it did too. The gap wasn't visible with the back on, but it's there.

-Krista
DD~5.75~ Diono Monterey/HBturbo
DS~3.75~ FF Radian XTSL/Maestro
DN~2.25~ RF Coccoro

 

[featherhead]

Can you take a picture?

 

[scariestone]

There can be a gap behind the back and the seat but not the bottom and the seat. At least according to the diono rep that emailed me. They said this: "In addition, there can be a gap as long as the head wings have support and the bottom of the Monterey bottom is flush on the vehicle seat." I wasn't even asking about that so take it how you will. My problem was my seatbelt won't retract and I just happened to mention I had it in properly with no gaps.

 

[murphydog77]

Are you talking about this problem?

 

[mamakc]

Are you talking about this problem?

Yes, exactly that.

-Krista
DD~5.75~ Diono Monterey/HBturbo
DS~3.75~ FF Radian XTSL/Maestro
DN~2.25~ RF Coccoro

 

[murphydog77]

*I'm* not sweating it out because the booster is firmly anchored in place with LATCH in my vehicle and my dd is able to sit correctly in the seat with the seatbelt correctly on her. I'm curious what Diono would say about it and if it makes a difference with it being LATCHed.

 

[mamakc]

*I'm* not sweating it out because the booster is firmly anchored in place with LATCH in my vehicle and my dd is able to sit correctly in the seat with the seatbelt correctly on her. I'm curious what Diono would say about it and if it makes a difference with it being LATCHed.

I dont have LATCH.

That actually brings me to another concern. Should I be worried about using such a heavy booster unlatched?

-Krista
DD~5.75~ Diono Monterey/HBturbo
DS~3.75~ FF Radian XTSL/Maestro
DN~2.25~ RF Coccoro

 

[cm_nghs1]

That's what I figured the problem was.. what a great picture to illustrate

From what I read in the manual it doesn't have to be latched in.. and older cars DON'T have latch and I think all seats have to pass with just seatbelt? I think the latch is more for when a child isn't in it since its such a heavy projectile.

But.. from what I've heard the monterey manual is clear as mud (I was so impressed with it being only 20 pages and so tiny.. but I guess it isn't so good). So perhaps someone has talked to Diono about the latch?

Also, I just learned yesterday, Monterey needs additional head support. FYI.

 

[featherhead]

Yeah I would think it should be ok. The only problem I could see is if you were using it backless like that and your child was sitting too far back so the belt was on their legs instead of across the hips.

 

[mamakc]

Upon further inspection, the gap is actually much bigger with the back on. It's probably got a hand width of space between the base and the seat back. Is that ok?

Again, I can't locate my manual. I'm not thrilled with the fit overall as it is. I might make a new thread about that, though.

-Krista
DD~5.75~ Diono Monterey/HBturbo
DS~3.75~ FF Radian XTSL/Maestro
DN~2.25~ RF Coccoro

 

[featherhead]

Upon further inspection, the gap is actually much bigger with the back on. It's probably got a hand width of space between the base and the seat back. Is that ok?

Again, I can't locate my manual. I'm not thrilled with the fit overall as it is. I might make a new thread about that, though.

-Krista
DD~5.75~ Diono Monterey/HBturbo
DS~3.75~ FF Radian XTSL/Maestro
DN~2.25~ RF Coccoro

Is the back of the booster in contact with the seat back? If so I would be fine with that.

 

[mamakc]

Here's the best pic I could get. Side view at the bottom of the booster.