Britax Roundabout RF, tether, Volkswagon Jetta

[jennica]

I didn't think there was anywhere to attach the tether strap in our 98 VW Jetta until the other day when I was cleaning the car. I saw a metal loop type thing bolted firmly to the seat where the floor of the car attaches to the back seat. This metal peice is firmily attached to the floor of the car, but the floor slopes up to meet the back seat, so it is not near the floor of the car, if that makes sense. Anyway, I attached the tether to it, but the car seat is in the center of the back seat, and this metal thing is on the right and left of the back seat near where the floor and seat meet up. I attached the tether to the metal thing on the drivers side. So, the seat is slightly off center now and leaning toward the left. It is firm and tightly in place, but off center. Do you think this is safe, or would it be safer to just not attach the tether strap at all? There is nowhere else to attach it, beleive me I've searched and searched. The only way I missed this spot inititally was that it was raised off the actual floor of the car about 4 or 5 inches.

[ThreeBeans]

If it's bolted to the frame of the car, it's safe, and Britax does allow a certain degree of off-centeredness for the tether either rear-or-forward facing. Did you use the D-ring?

[TurboClaudia]

i think i always ask this question when a tether situation comes up, but have you checked the foot of the front seat track the seat slides on? it may be covered with a plastic piece that can be removed. you will have to use the adapter strap (piece of seatbelt type material with a metal plate with a hole in it) but that is my location of choice for tethering and where the carseat tech recommended.

i also have heard that most car dealers will retrofit a lower tether point if you take the car in.

[jennica]

Originally Posted by ThreeBeans

If it's bolted to the frame of the car, it's safe, and Britax does allow a certain degree of off-centeredness for the tether either rear-or-forward facing. Did you use the D-ring?

Is the D-ring the short peice that has a metal end? If so then yes. And the metal thing it's attached too seems to be bolted to the care frame.

[jennica]

Originally Posted by TurboClaudia

i think i always ask this question when a tether situation comes up, but have you checked the foot of the front seat track the seat slides on? it may be covered with a plastic piece that can be removed. you will have to use the adapter strap (piece of seatbelt type material with a metal plate with a hole in it) but that is my location of choice for tethering and where the carseat tech recommended.

i also have heard that most car dealers will retrofit a lower tether point if you take the car in.

I think I checked everything down by the seat track, and the seat slides in a metal track that is bolted to the floor. In my sister's Chevy Cavalier there is a gap where this piece is bolted that we attached her tether too, but in my Jetta it is bolted flat to the floor, no gaps. I will check again though if there is any plastic piece that I neglegted to remove and look under. I would rather the seat be centered, it seems like it would be safer. I also keep meaning to call the dealer and see if they can install something for the tether to be attached too, I'm just wondering how much that would cost and if it is worth it because Ds is getting taller and his head is currently inside the shell, but there is no growing room, so I'm not sure how long he can even stay RF.

[thepeach80]

I would loosen up the tether, that should stop it from pulling it off center.