| rlm32 |
| Can I make my non-LATCH-equipped MDX LATCH compatible, with a retrofit kit (soldered or bolt to frame)? Does such a kit exist? Also, does anyone have a picture of the LATCH tethers of the MDX? I know that seat belt installation of a child seat is as safe, Im just looking for convenience (as long as the price is right) . TIA. |
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| paul123 |
| NO I don't believe so. The 2001 model didn't have the latch on the second row seats? An option might be to try acura parts department to see if can adapt to the 2001 second row of seats. The latches work great easy in and out, and less hassle about if it is in properly. Much higher level of safety. I use the britax with the Iso-fit system which clicks right in. |
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| shogan |
| No dice...I have an '01 MDX, too...my dealer says there is no retrofit available. Crapage. |
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| A2MDXer |
quote:
Originally posted by paul123
The latches work great easy in and out, and less hassle about if it is in properly. Much higher level of safety. I use the britax with the Iso-fit system which clicks right in.
Paul,
I don't mean to nitpick but my understanding is that LATCH is NOT safer than a properly installed seat with belts. More convenient and less prone to errors? Yes. But if you have a 2001 and PROPERLY install the seat (get it checked out by an inspector) it is just as safe as Latch. I just don't want people with 2001s thinking they are not as safe. They are. |
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| wmquan |
Here is what NHTSA says:
quote:
INSTALLATION-RELATED QUESTIONS:
1Q._ Is LATCH safer than installing my child safety seat with a seat belt?
A._ A properly installed child restraint system and a LATCH system, without the use of the tether, offer the same levels of protection in a crash._ Using the tether on either system improves overall effectiveness in reducing fatalities and injuries._ LATCH was developed for improved ease-of-use and correct installation without using vehicle seat belts._ LATCH anchors solve the challenges of vehicle seat belt incompatibilities from different types of vehicle seat contours, seat belt anchor locations, and seat belt locking mechanisms._
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/...ATCH/QandA.html
So, according to NHTSA, which is the agency mandating LATCH, a properly installed child seat is just as safe as a LATCH install.
That all said, LATCH will improve child passenger safety simply because the real-world instances of improperly-installed seats will go down because of LATCH. The percentage of improperly installed seats is quite high according to various estimates. Though it must be noted that LATCH is expected to only cut into the percentage and there are still many other areas of installation errors (e.g. not having the harness tight enough). |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
Here is what NHTSA says:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/...ATCH/QandA.html
So, according to NHTSA, which is the agency mandating LATCH, a properly installed child seat is just as safe as a LATCH install.
That all said, LATCH will improve child passenger safety simply because the real-world instances of improperly-installed seats will go down because of LATCH. The percentage of improperly installed seats is quite high according to various estimates. Though it must be noted that LATCH is expected to only cut into the percentage and there are still many other areas of installation errors (e.g. not having the harness tight enough).
I totally agree it's not more or less safer, it's easier to use without making errors on the installation. People tend to install the seat beat ones incorrect, that why the new iso-latch is error proof and much quicker and easier to install. Both give the same level of safety to your child. I prefer the new iso-fit because I don't leave the seat in my SUV all the time, I only put the seat in when I transport my child. The standard seatbelts were becoming a pain in the neck! I actually use both, my SUV has a Britax Iso-fit and my wife uses the Britax roundabout which I always leave in her Maxima. |
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| A2MDXer |
William and Paul,
Good points and info. If you are removing the seat all of the time then I would say that LATCH will be safer as one might tend to rush a belt install in such situations. For me it's not a big issue b/c I leave the seats in all of the time and really take my time if I need to reintall. Just wanted to make sure that 2001 owners aren't freaking out about not having the "most safe" option available (which they do IF they take the time). That said, if a cheap retrofit option were available, I would probably get it just for the convenience. |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by A2MDXer
Just wanted to make sure that 2001 owners aren't freaking out about not having the "most safe" option available (which they do IF they take the time). That said, if a cheap retrofit option were available, I would probably get it just for the convenience.
Agreed. I think people have a tendency to go, "oh no, mine doesn't have it, what am I going to DO?" Particularly when new seats have LATCH.
I know what you mean about deliberate installation. I can actually do the secure, belted install quite quickly now. I've only had to reinstall it several times (e.g. sometimes when we need to haul a bunch of stuff and need to fold down the second row ... bought a crib last month ... bought tables/chairs from a friend ... MDX just swallows that stuff up).
My installation's been checked and I've made it tighter than what the CPS tech at the last checkup could secure it. :D She said, "well, that's good enough, it's no more than one inch of movement." Then I wrestled with it a bit more, and if you yank the sides of the seat, the car seat doesn't move at all, but the car starts to shake and the plastic in the car seat groans because it's beginning to stretch!
Unfortunately the downside to this ultra-tight install is that I'm doing a real number on the leather and foam in the seat. I have a double-layer blanket underneath and you still see very strong depressions on the leather. |
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| shogan |
Alright...everyone's point is well-taken...properly installed with a belt is just as safe yada-yada....I understand, but I also use my MDX for business once in a while and will therefore be removing my infant seat base once in a while. I just want easy...out of luck I guess, though.
Anyway, I will be using the seat-belt installation method...but does anyone know how to use the tether on the back side of the seat for added stability? I don't even know what I am supposed to attach to that thing. My Graco brochure doesn't show anything about it. |
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| A2MDXer |
quote:
Originally posted by shogan
Alright...everyone's point is well-taken...properly installed with a belt is just as safe yada-yada....I understand, but I also use my MDX for business once in a while and will therefore be removing my infant seat base once in a while. I just want easy...out of luck I guess, though.
Anyway, I will be using the seat-belt installation method...but does anyone know how to use the tether on the back side of the seat for added stability? I don't even know what I am supposed to attach to that thing. My Graco brochure doesn't show anything about it.
William will have better info but the tether is generally used for forward-facing seats that come with a tether strap (should have hooks at the end). Mine did and I simply ran the strap over the seat between the headrest holes then attached the hook to the anchor on the back of the 2nd row. Then you need to tighten the strap fully. Makes the install that much better.
I never used the strap for my Graco infant seat (I am assuming you have the base with the detachable seat). |
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| wmquan |
I was not even aware that the Graco infant seats had a top-tether for rear-facing?
The Britax Roundabouts / Advantage / Marathon are designed to tether even in the rear-facing position. The tether goes from behind the seat, to an anchor point. What I did at first was tether it to the rod-rail under the front of the second row seat -- I had to use the D-ring strap because its hook was big enough to get around the metal rod.
But TheWorm found a better alternative, where the Britax's top-tether strap is so long that he could route it totally under the second row seat, then up the back of the seat, and hook it onto the normal top-tether anchorage. |
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