Radian 80SL in the formiddable center Sienna seat

[jubgulia]

Got the 80SL today and it installed with latch okay in the center seat. It didn't move side to side at all, but the seat overall seemed a bit wobbly. So I tried it with the old base (yes, I had an old base sitting in my garage ) and it installed very sturdily and not too reclined. The problem is there is a gap between the Radian and the seat back. Doesn't matter what click of recline it's on, it's still got the same gap. So the base of the Radian sits nicely on the seat, but doesn't touch the seat back at all. Is this safe?!

 

[Pixels]

As long as the seat does not move more than an inch at the belt path, in any direction, it's fine.

 

[jubgulia]

Some pics:

 

[autumnlily]

I don't have my boot to test the gap... I'm a bit leary about it but not overtly concerned. You are a well educated and experienced car seat guru

Now, I will caution you to continue to check for a tight install each and every use... the new SL straps loosen overtime for me in the 8th seat. Not the obvious video type loosening like some of the youtube videos but the very subtle kind that occurs with the child's weight in the seat and it changing the angle/distance of the tightener.

I've had it take 3 days to loosen more than an inch and up to 2 weeks... depends on child who rode in the seat (and no, their foot was not the cause of it).

 

[jubgulia]

Are you allowed to fill the gap with anything? Don't think I can keep this seat with the gap and the adjuster. That gap is plenty wide enough for a foot to slide in sideways and get caught. For DS3 that could mean a broken tibia.

 

[Pixels]

I wouldn't normally feel the need to fill the gap, but you've got special needs to deal with. Stuff it with a towel or maybe a pool noodle, after it's been installed.