Diono Radian 3R forward-facing has me beaten

[AustinLonghorn]

Hi folks,

I'm trying to install a Diono Radian 3R car seat (forward-facing) and for the life of me can't get the thing cinched down after fooling with it for over an hour. I've tried both the included LATCH anchor and the vehicle seat belt. The Radian 3R is replacing a rear-facing Graco Extend2Fit that cinches down perfectly fine in the same spot (but the Graco is simply too large to fit three across).

I ran across @Dempsey 's thread (https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/car-seats.72958/), but figured I'd start a new one... mainly to vent my frustration with this thing.

I pulled the seat headrest out with only slight improvement in fit. Photos in sequence: the seat all the way back (where it should be), then the amount of play pulling the bottom of the seat forward, and the unacceptable amount of side-to-side play (12"?)...

I'm at a loss for how this seat could possibly be anchored to any typical vehicle without sliding around all over the place? (due to where the seatbelt pass-through is located on the thing)

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[Freems]

this is AI’s response: (I’m assuming you’ve seen all of this)…Also, take it to your nearest fire department and they’ll do it for you.

The Diono Radian 3R is a versatile, all-in-one convertible car seat that
transitions from rear-facing to forward-facing with a 5-point harness, then to a high-back booster, supporting children up to 120 lbs (as a booster) and 65 lbs (harnessed forward-facing). Key for forward-facing use are using the seat belt AND top tether, especially for children over 40 lbs (using LATCH instead of the seatbelt), ensuring straps are at or above shoulders, and removing the Safe Stop strap when reaching 40 lbs, according to the manufacturer's instructions and Carseat.org.

 

[Mojave20]

I had this same seat 3 across forward facing when mine were in car seats. I used the vehicle seat belts in all locations. The rear seats in our trucks are firmer than my wife’s suv, I would get in the back and put a knee in the seat. This allowed me to stop the movement you are seeing. I couldn’t pull the latch tight enough so I went with the vehicle belt.

 

[ericw.]

I would get in the back and put a knee in the seat.

This is the trick.

Get in and put your body weight in the seat to smash down the seat cushion while tightening things.

 

[InvertedLogic]

Knee in the seat with your full body weight is the way

 

[AustinLonghorn]

@Mojave20 - how much play did the seat have in it when it was "done"? Same Diono Radian 3R, or one of their other models?

The Graco barely moves half an inch with the same technique (knee in the seat and full body weight while pulling the slack in).

 

[Mojave20]

@Mojave20 - how much play did the seat have in it when it was "done"? Same Diono Radian 3R, or one of their other models?

The Graco barely moves half an inch with the same technique (knee in the seat and full body weight while pulling the slack in).

Same Diono Radian 3R you have pictured. Side to side had minimal movement. Forward and back had a little more movement but nothing that made me uncomfortable with putting my kids in them. They were sucked down tight enough that after having them in there for a few years my rear seats have permanent impressions.

 

[AustinLonghorn]

So the two outboard seatbelt buckles in the JT are ridgid metal plates with a vertical travel stop on them that really makes it difficult (impossible for me) to get the Diono cinched down properly in either outboard position.

The center seatbelt buckle in the JT is on a totally different flexible steel cable assembly, not a metal plate - made it easy to get the Diono tightened down with almost zero movement in any direction.

For anyone down the road reading this, here's the fit of three across from three manufacturers. Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 booster, Diono Radian 3R, Chicco KeyFit:

 

[Master_Cylinder]

This is bringing back memories of shopping for a vehicle in the year 2002. I would try to install 3 car seats at the dealership before the test drive. Drove the salesman nuts when I showed them their SUV sucked for car seats! Yes, we had a minivan for a couple of years.

 

[AustinLonghorn]

Yes, we had a minivan for a couple of years.

I'll admit I occasionally check out BaT to ogle first and second generation Caravans/Voyagers... a five speed even pops up occasionally:

No Reserve: 1993 Dodge Caravan 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,800 on October 4, 2023 (Lot #122,826) | Bring a Trailer

I'm quickly cured of my ancient Chrysler van ambitions, though, when I remember the occupants of the three car seats eat ALL of my time

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