That makes sense regarding the LATCH system. I suppose if you move the car seats farther out then they may not align well with the LATCH anchors...
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That makes sense regarding the LATCH system. I suppose if you move the car seats farther out then they may not align well with the LATCH anchors...
flashflooder
Member
You'll gain a lot of space by using the seatbelt vs the LATCH connectors. I know because I've compared my 2 Radian R100's in my current car (Acura TSX). Makes a pretty big difference, in fact.
In the TSX, if I put a seat in the middle first and then use it to shore up the other 2 seats, I can just barely fit 3 across. I believe the Model 3 has more space in the back, but it's hard to say definitively due to the variances in how these things are measured/reported.
side note: something I recently discovered, myself: You should not be using the LATCH anchors with the Radian if your kid weighs more than 40 lbs.
In the TSX, if I put a seat in the middle first and then use it to shore up the other 2 seats, I can just barely fit 3 across. I believe the Model 3 has more space in the back, but it's hard to say definitively due to the variances in how these things are measured/reported.
side note: something I recently discovered, myself: You should not be using the LATCH anchors with the Radian if your kid weighs more than 40 lbs.
Not necessarily true. The Tesla Model 3 owner's manual says that the LATCH weight limit(when forward facing) is 65 pounds - and that 65 pounds includes both the weight of the child AND the weight of the seat. Obviously different seats will have different weights. It's entirely possible to use LATCH with a kid as heavy as 45 or 50 pounds if the seat itself is relatively lighter so as not to exceed the 65 pound weight limit.
Even in really wide cars with lots of rear space it is often necessary to forgo the use of LATCH and instead use the seatbelt install method. It really does provide SO MUCH more room to work with by shifting the outer carseats closer to the doors of the vehicle.
There are soom good generic tips here:
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Dakkor
Member
wasn't easy for the rear facing or both? This is what we have in our MS (and i's hell).
flashflooder
Member
The Radians have an especially low LATCH weight limit due to the seat’s higher-than-average weight. But yes, you’re correct that all LATCH systems have a weight limit. (65 pounds, I believe?)
flashflooder
Member
Latch and belt for front facing(which was difficult to install given the space and weight of the car seat). Rear facing is installed using the seatbelt.
Here are photos showing measurement between two front-facing Diono Radian RXT carseats, which are quite narrow car seats. Also a shot of the leg room (ample). I'd love to fit some sort of booster seat in between those two, but don't think it's feasible at the moment. My oldest is small and can fit himself in between those two seats, but not sure if a booster can safely fit there given the dimensions.
The car seats on the left is secured with a lap belt, and the one on the right is LATCH.
If I tried to push the two seats further apart, the one connected with LATCH would be quite misaligned from the center of the LATCH connections.
The car seats on the left is secured with a lap belt, and the one on the right is LATCH.
If I tried to push the two seats further apart, the one connected with LATCH would be quite misaligned from the center of the LATCH connections.
flashflooder
Member
Thanks for the pics.
Still looks like it miiiiight be possible to squeeze three of these in, if belts are used all around for the installs. It would certainly be tight though.
those poor headrests!!!
can the anchor go under or around the headrest instead of squishing it?
Ouch on those headrests. Makes my head hurt. OM says just wrap the strap around the headrests.
@tsw4life This is very helpful. The use of the lap belt on the left car seat really allows for the seat to be shifted to the outside a decent amount, such that its quite noticeable in the pictures. I think if a person used no LATCH connections (and seatbelts only), 3 across the back could be possible if at least one of the seats is rear-facing (to allow some overlap of max width). It may not be possible with 3 Radians, but maybe a combination of Radians and other narrow seats.
@tsw4life and @MonsterCarter I know that installing car seats is a hassle, but for the sake of science, would either (or both!?!) of you mind attempting an install of the car seats using only the seat belts (i.e. forgo LATCH connections) and moving the seats as far out as you think (subjectively) safe/reasonable, so that we might see what the max center space could look like under this condition. You two provide a fairly optimal example as Diono Radians and Clek Foonfs are two of the more well known narrow car seats. If you do, take pictures!
No pressure, just thought I'd ask...
No pressure, just thought I'd ask...
flashflooder
Member
If anyone can fit 3 across in the back and take a picture, I have one "like" to offer. It'll incrementally boost your internet fame, and maybe even your morale.
All joking aside, I would be very grateful for such a pic because I am thinking about it way more than I should be. Don't have access to a Model 3 yet, sadly.
All joking aside, I would be very grateful for such a pic because I am thinking about it way more than I should be. Don't have access to a Model 3 yet, sadly.
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