Question What is the deal with cinching Latch plates?

MamaChirpy

New member
I am looking at a 2013 Suburban we may buy. It seems to have the lightweight locking latch plate (cinching latch plate) in the third row. My aunt's 2011 Yukon also has this in her third row. I also saw where the 2014 Dodge/Chrysler vehicles have them now. Why are auto makers going back to these?

They seem scary to me. I have 4 (soon to be 5) kids. We will need car seats for a long time yet. I have looked up how to install a FF harnessed seat with these and I think I can do it. But it just seems like this is less than ideal to have to use cinching latch plates.

How about for booster riders? Any opinions?
 
ADS

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
They are fine for booster riders.

They are actually usually GREAT for installing car seats most of the time. Just pull tight and go. The only time it's a problem is if they lie at an angle that causes slippage. Then you can try flipping them. If that doesn't hold you just use a locking clip. Of course with more and more seats having lockoffs you run into issues less anyway.
 

MamaChirpy

New member
They are fine for booster riders.

They are actually usually GREAT for installing car seats most of the time. Just pull tight and go. The only time it's a problem is if they lie at an angle that causes slippage. Then you can try flipping them. If that doesn't hold you just use a locking clip. Of course with more and more seats having lockoffs you run into issues less anyway.

So you don't actually have to push the plate into position for it to lock? Just pull tight and make sure it locked itself?

And for a booster rider, you just buckle the belt like normal and don't do anything special?

I haven't seen the vehicle in person yet, I am just trying to be prepared before I go. We are waiting on it to be transferred to our town.
 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
Right! Just make sure to remove slack for a booster rider's belt, but you would anyway. Have you ever installed with a lap only belt with a tail you pull? This is actually the same deal but with a shoulder belt instead of a tail. The only problem comes if it won't lie flat enough to lock; twisting the buckle down up to 3 full turns can help with that. :)
 

MamaChirpy

New member
Right! Just make sure to remove slack for a booster rider's belt, but you would anyway. Have you ever installed with a lap only belt with a tail you pull? This is actually the same deal but with a shoulder belt instead of a tail. The only problem comes if it won't lie flat enough to lock; twisting the buckle down up to 3 full turns can help with that. :)

I haven't installed a seat with a lap only belt, but I remember them well from my childhood! Ha!
I remember that once tightened, those babies weren't going anywhere.

Ok, thanks so much for your help. I did read that page and it was a help also. You have made me feel a lot better about this vehicle. [emoji16]

Thanks again!
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,656
Messages
2,196,896
Members
13,530
Latest member
onehitko860

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top