CA variations, feedback, tips

[alegna]

Okay.  LONG story short, ds is quickly approaching the height limit on his rf blvd (65lb model, 35lb rf) and I drive a sienna.

He will be 3 in June, but I want to keep him rf and am willing to purchase a new seat to do so.

I have considered a radian in the back row, and may still do that, but it's limiting and I'm not thrilled with it.

I have considered a true fit, but he's about 29lbs now so the 35 lb limit may be limiting soon.

That leaves the Comfort Air.  (if there's anything else with a higher shell than the blvd- I'm interested)

Not thrilled with it, but exploring options.

SO- in looking, it appears there are 3 variations.  The regular, the LX and the SE.  As near as I can tell, the LX adds a recline feature and the SE has the recline and special fabrics.  Is this correct?  What good is the recline feature?  

Any install issues with the CA in general or in a Sienna specifically?  It has belts that don't have to be re-routed, correct?  

Any install quirks?  Odd requirements?  Things unclear in the manual?

Thanks for any info and tips.

-Angela

[DahliaRW]

It installs easily in the sienna.  I have the basic model, so no recline base.  When I first got it I used one pool noodle to recline it a bit more, but I can get it in with an acceptable angle without.  And even easier to do so in the third row. 

You are correct on the different models.  So you can decide if it's worth paying for the base.  It's not necessary in the Sienna for sure.  But it's up to you.  I personally have never tried it.

The only "quirk" is that you have to keep the cover off the side where you tighten the latch strap to be able to pull it tight.  Then tuck it down in front of the seat best you can.  You won't be able to hook it back under the seat once it's installed.  Not really a big deal, but just something to know.

[an_aurora]

Right, the LX has the base and the SE is just "special edition" fabrics. I had a regular CA and when it was crashed I replaced it with the SE.  The base makes an easier install, and I think it's worth it.  The RF belt path is a little tough to get the belt through (on all models) but if you pull the cover back it's easy.  

I would also look at the Evenflo convertibles--the Triumph 65 and the Momentum have taller shells than the Blvd (we got an extra 1.5 years out of the Triumph over the Marathon, for my very long-torsoed kid).

[alegna]

Okay- I have always been wary of all those brands... I've been assured that the CA is from a different group within dorel?  Evenflo has a sketchy track record too...  I've handled the CA and admit it feels much less cheapy than that range of seats usually does, and am begrudgingly considering it  ;)  I'm really wary of evenflo or dorel... is there any data showing improved testing and dealing with recall situations?

Annoying about the cover.  I don't expect to need to belt-install it anywhere, but we'll see.

Sigh.

thanks for the info and feedback!

-Angela

[DahliaRW]

I was told the group within Dorel is different than the Scenera notches of death group.  I've been using the seat for close to 2 years now, and have had no issues or qualms about safety.  And I check my seats thoroughly.

[an_aurora]

I have zero issues with Dorel. Their track record is no different than the other brands, but is magnified due to the fact that they have huge, huge, insane amounts of seats out there.

RF is the safest way to travel, and if a Dorel seat is the only way to do that, then the Dorel is the safest thing you can buy

[alegna]

Yeah... but I *do* have an issue with dorel and I'm looking for information that things are improved  :)

-Angela

[an_aurora]

I don't know how you would find that out short of conducting your own crash test study...I'm not sure a new engineer for a new seat would improve the overall ethics of the company.

[alegna]

Exactly.  I keep hearing that people know that this is a different part of the company?  A different group?  Certainly seems possible... but I'd be interested to see where that information comes from.

-Angela