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Need advice on Boulevard install (RF) into 97 Voyager.

post #1 of 10
12/21/10 at 8:26am
Thread Starter 

I was in a wreck a few weeks ago and the car I usually drove got totaled.  We replaced our carseat (man the new ones are easy if you have latch but the van we got from my MIL doesn't have such conveniences) and when my dh installed it in the middle row of the van I could push it completely up.  We just can't figure out how to get a secure install in the van. I'm driving our old Mercedes wagon right now and the belt install in that car is fine but it needs some transmission work so we can't take it with us when we leave town for a bit tomorrow.  Anyone else had belt install problems in the older minivans?  Solutions? 

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post #2 of 10
12/21/10 at 10:11am

Ok define "push it completely up"  If it is rearfacing you should be able to push it up (top of the seat rotating toward the feet) that is normal.  You should not however be able to move it more than an inch at the belt path with one hand.

 

I have put radians, regents, marathons, and a scenera in a voyage of that model year with no problems

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post #3 of 10
12/21/10 at 12:21pm
Thread Starter 

Huh.  I could rock it around so much it folded up toward the seat.  I'll have him try it again and see if we can get it so it at least doesn't go side to side.  I wonder if using just the lap belt in the middle of the third row would be better.  I'm way to hugely pg to get him plugged in back there but someone else can do it for the trip tomorrow.  

 

Has anyone heard of having latches installed in this old of a car? 

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post #4 of 10
12/21/10 at 1:59pm

If it moves less than 1" at teh belt path (where the seatbelt goes through the seat) then you are fine.  Make sure that's where you're checking.  And make sure you're locking your seatbelts.

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post #5 of 10
12/21/10 at 2:31pm

Yes, that's normal movement with a RF seat.  However, since your seat allows you to tether it RF, I would recommend doing that. :)

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post #6 of 10
12/21/10 at 2:46pm

what you discribed is normal.  Moving side to side while pushing with ONE HAND at the belt path, is not OK.  You want less than 1" of movement at the belt path.  Tether it RF, use the lockoffs, and tighten the belt down and you should be set.  It wont go anwhere.  I had 2 RF marathons in the 3rd row of a voyager no problem!

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post #7 of 10
12/21/10 at 2:59pm
Thread Starter 

I think the lock off was the problem.  I don't think I have tether anchors though...just the possibility of having them installed.  I so wish that I could get latches installed, we switch the seats around a lot.

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post #8 of 10
12/21/10 at 4:52pm

You don't need an anchor to tether RF.  You use the D-ring strap that came with the seat, and wrap that strap around a leg of the front seat, and use that to tether to.  

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post #9 of 10
12/21/10 at 5:46pm
Thread Starter 

Ok.  Thanks for the info.  Maybe it wasn't as bad as I thought it was but it was the weakest install I've ever felt and I'm still super nervous driving after the accident.

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post #10 of 10
12/21/10 at 6:25pm

I have that car seat and an older voyager.

there is a little movement, but only if I really tug.

You want to tighten the strap on the back strap that attaches to the drivers seat.

If someone moves the drivers seat it gets loose, so i always make sure to check the tightness.

 

I've used the car seat in other cars and it is really different than the van.

I can understand why you feel it's vulnerable.


Edited by littlegreenlady - 12/22/10 at 11:17am
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