replacement SKR latch straps

[aring7279]

SKJP sent me new latch straps to replace the ones currently in my radians (one is loosening!) but they included no instructions on how to replace. Has anyone replaced these before? I'm worried I won't do it right. Not even sure where to start!

 

[LISmama810]

I think you just cut off the old one and place the new one through the belt path. I don't believe there's a way to permanently attach it to the seat.

By the way, could you (or someone else) take a side-by-side photo of the two straps? I'd love to see how (if) they differ.

Or if that has already been posted somewhere, can someone link me?

 

[aring7279]

They sent the same straps! They are still super LATCH! I thought they were sending the old style. I really don't want to put these on. I can't use the seat belt because I have to have access to the 3rd row and it's too hard with the seatbelt install. SO wish we could get a refund!

I think you just cut off the old one and place the new one through the belt path. I don't believe there's a way to permanently attach it to the seat.

By the way, could you (or someone else) take a side-by-side photo of the two straps? I'd love to see how (if) they differ.

Or if that has already been posted somewhere, can someone link me?

 

[Mae]

Ditto what she just said.

And I see you are from IL, where at in IL, if you don't mind?

 

[Mae]

They sent the same straps! They are still super LATCH! I thought they were sending the old style.

I can't imagine they would be allowed to send the old straps, since the old straps can't handle the crash forces up to the full 80 (or 65) pounds like the SuperLATCH is advertised for, you know? I imagine many parents would continue to use the non-SuperLATCH straps up to the full 65/80lb weight limit, just as the seat is advertised for, when really, they have the old LATCH strap which isn't rated to that weight.

 

[aring7279]

That makes sense...

I'm from the south west suburbs of chicago

I can't imagine they would be allowed to send the old straps, since the old straps can't handle the crash forces up to the full 80 (or 65) pounds like the SuperLATCH is advertised for, you know? I imagine many parents would continue to use the non-SuperLATCH straps up to the full 65/80lb weight limit, just as the seat is advertised for, when really, they have the old LATCH strap which isn't rated to that weight.

 

[LISmama810]

I can't imagine they would be allowed to send the old straps, since the old straps can't handle the crash forces up to the full 80 (or 65) pounds like the SuperLATCH is advertised for, you know?

But weren't some people getting the old-style ones? I remember being really angry about that, for that exact reason.

And I also suspected that they were sending out the exact same SL straps to shut people up because they don't want to acknowledge that there's a problem.

To the original poster: Did you report your initial loosening to NHTSA?

 

[aring7279]

That was my concern- if I'm putting the same superLATCH back on, how do I know it's not going to do the same thing! Grr!

I'm working on my report to NHTSA

But weren't some people getting the old-style ones? I remember being really angry about that, for that exact reason.

And I also suspected that they were sending out the exact same SL straps to shut people up because they don't want to acknowledge that there's a problem.

To the original poster: Did you report your initial loosening to NHTSA?

 

[aring7279]

I do see how the one part is attached to the car seat- it's okay to just cut it off??

I think you just cut off the old one and place the new one through the belt path. I don't believe there's a way to permanently attach it to the seat.

By the way, could you (or someone else) take a side-by-side photo of the two straps? I'd love to see how (if) they differ.

Or if that has already been posted somewhere, can someone link me?

 

[LISmama810]

Yeah, the purpose of it being attached is...well, just to attach it. If you're not using that LATCH strap anymore, just cut it off.

Mine is like that because the friend I got it from had needed to replace the LATCH strap.

 

[Mae]

Yeah, the purpose of it being attached is...well, just to attach it. If you're not using that LATCH strap anymore, just cut it off.

Yeah, it's ok to cut it off. I believe that there is some regulation that requires the LATCH strap to be physically connected to the car seat in order to be sold.

And LIS-- Were they really sending out old straps?! I remember theorizing them sending out old ones, but I didn't know they actually were!

 

[LISmama810]

And LIS-- Were they really sending out old straps?! I remember theorizing them sending out old ones, but I didn't know they actually were!

Well, I've been really ticked about it, so if my anger has all been based on your theory, I suppose I should be mad at you.

But I really thought at least one person got the old straps. I'll have to search. I KNOW at least one person was told to just use a locking clip.

 

[Mae]

Well, I've been really ticked about it, so if my anger has all been based on your theory, I suppose I should be mad at you.

But I really thought at least one person got the old straps. I'll have to search. I KNOW at least one person was told to just use a locking clip.

LOL. I wasn't the only person with that theory! I meant it as a general " 'I' remember theorizing".

I remember the one being told to use a locking clip.

 

[LISmama810]

Dude, YOU said it:

For now, SKJP is just sending out non-SL LATCH belts. This poses a big problem because the old, push-style button LATCH straps are being sent to parents who are complaining. This is NOT acceptable! What happens if the old LATCH strap gets sent to a parent who isn't so car seat savy and they continue to use the non-SuperLATCH straps to the full limit of the seat? The old style straps are not meant to handle those extreme forces; the SuperLATCH straps are.

I assume you knew what you were talking about. Maybe not?

I'll search more later. I'm nearly positive someone received an old strap, though.

What I want to know is what the point of sending new SL straps is. DID they change something about them to make them work? Are people who had problems no longer having problems with the new straps?

 

[Mae]

Heh. I guess I did. That was a long time ago, I can't keep things straight, lol.

I do actually think somebody might have gotten an old strap, now that you quoted me on that. I'll go search.

But yeah, I'm curious to know if they fixed it too. I have that video of my Radian going crazy, I should send that to SKJP and see what they have to say.

 

[Mae]

Aha! I heard it from BookMama!

And I still maintain that sending out an old-style LATCH strap is really not an appropriate way for SKJP to handle this issue.

ETA: And where it was recommended to use a locking clip.

http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=143751

*Side note for those who don't click and perhaps just see this: It is NEVER acceptable to use a locking clip on a LATCH strap -- EVER! Not allowed!

 

[aring7279]

Okay- cutting the strap it is! Wish me luck

 

[Irishmama]

That makes sense...

I'm from the south west suburbs of chicago

Me too! Although I'm south of 80, so I don't know if that still counts...

 

[aring7279]

I'm barely north of 80

Me too! Although I'm south of 80, so I don't know if that still counts...

 

[HeatherB]

Did the new one help? I just called and they're sending me a new strap, but they say it's the SL. I'm both glad and not, because I DO want the SL functionality, but I do NOT want the same problems! I asked quite plainly if they'd redesigned it or fixed the problem, and she just said, "We're not having any issues with the newer seats, so I know this will be fine." Hrm. Then I'm wondering if the *seats* have been redesigned such that the SL works better.

My DH is seriously wanting me to chuck the whole seat - whether that means getting our money back, or not.