RF Radian '06 RAV4

[Northriver]

I'm sort of embarassed to admit that I've never ever installed a Radian RF.

My friend is thinking about buying one, so I'm playing around with mine today and we'll try it in her car on Friday.

I drive an '06 RAV4 and the Radian seems really way too loose, about 1/4 to 1/2 movement at the belt path.

Does anyone have any suggestions? With my Britax seats RF, I get the best install with the vehicle seat in the most upright position. I tried reclining the seat, tightening, then moving it to the most upright position but that didn't help.

It seems like the LATCH anchors are hitting the RF base thing and I just can't get it to tighten up.

If anyone has any other suggestions for me, I'd love to hear them.

I've never been unhappy with the install of ANY car seat in this vehicle, so I'm wondering if I'm missing something.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Pixels]

Are you saying there's 1/4 to 1/2 inch of movement at the belt path? If so, that's fine. The goal is less than one inch of movement at the belt path.

 

[Northriver]

Well, yes, I suppose but it seems so loose!

I did tighten it up just a bit, i'd say 1/4" of movement now. The RF base presses into the ridgid plastic parts of my vehicle seat so you can't really squish the seat in there any tighter.

In any case, the reason I never tried to RF the Radian is confirmed, I can barely even get into the drivers seat with a RF Radian behind it, let alone actually manage to drive, lol. So 40# or no 40#, I won't be able to go back to RF my 35# child, at least not with that seat in my vehicle.

I suppose I should give the center seat belt install a shot now too, at least so I can say I tried.

 

[MomE]

Well, yes, I suppose but it seems so loose!

I did tighten it up just a bit, i'd say 1/4" of movement now. The RF base presses into the ridgid plastic parts of my vehicle seat so you can't really squish the seat in there any tighter.

In any case, the reason I never tried to RF the Radian is confirmed, I can barely even get into the drivers seat with a RF Radian behind it, let alone actually manage to drive, lol. So 40# or no 40#, I won't be able to go back to RF my 35# child, at least not with that seat in my vehicle.

I suppose I should give the center seat belt install a shot now too, at least so I can say I tried.

I have an '06 RAV4, and I don't think the center install will help you. In order to install in the center the seat has to be quite offset toward the driver side. You have to center it between the belt buckle and where the belt enters the seat on the other side. Otherwise a center install is impossible. Also the buckle is very, very, very long in the center. So I'm not sure you'll get a Radian in there with it out of or through the belt path properly. I've twisted it three times and it just barely doesn't hit the lockoff on a Boulevard. So with the lower profile of the Radian.... Anyway, I think the offset is going to be the deal breaker for you as the seat will still be behind the driver seat enough to interfere....

If you do try and figure out a way to do it, I'd love to hear it! I really considered a Radian so I'd love to know if it will fit.

 

[ketchupqueen]

Yeah, LATCH is probably the only way you're going to get a Radian in that car at all. If there's less than 1" of movement, call it good.