RFw/tether outboard or RF w/o tether middle?

[bbygrl99]

Okay, I tried to re-install my RF RA in the middle position (tried before but never could get a real tight install) so I figured I would try one more time but I can not tether it because the tether point is the seat track (07 ford explorer) and it would have to be the track on the inside of the drivers side which means I can't put my seat back enough to drive and the seat track on passenger side is not made the same so I can't tether on that one unless I use outside track which means it would have to be on the outboard postion.
So what would you do? DD is 10mos 24lbs- would you RF in middle position w/o tether? or tether in the outboard position? Which is safer? Thanks for the input!!

 

[SPJ&E]

Technically, the middle is safer as long as you can get a good/solid install there. It's furthest from all points of impact, so it offers the best protection.

Personally, I love the RF tether on Britax seats and that's the only reason I chose them over the Fisher Price seats. If it were me, I'd double (and triple) check to be sure there's not another RF tethering spot for the middle position. If not, I would put kiddo rear-facing outboard and top tether the seat.

 

[joolsplus3]

The RF tether can be off at an angle... and the manual doesn't say you can't use the seat that the carseat is installed on (if you reach straight down and the front of the seat has a solid anchor point, instead of the back of the front seats).

 

[bbygrl99]

you can tether to the seat directly underneath?

 

[SPJ&E]

you can tether to the seat directly underneath?

Britax used to allow tethering to the same seat the carseat was installed on, but from what I understand, they do not now. You are supposed to find a tether point toward the front of the car. If you want though, give them a call and see what they say.