carseat experts...can you answer a quick ?

[kasash]

Any idea if our Britax Regent, which we bought last summer will fit in my dh's '03 GMC Sierra ext cab?
I'm hoping you'll know, so I don't have to waste my time lugging it out of my car just to find out it's too big for dh's.

TIA!

[_Gypsy_]

I have no idea.

GMC has a 48 pound LATCH limit, and the Regent usually installs well with LATCH.

However, if the child is under 40 pounds you need to use the long belt path, and over 40 pounds you need to use the long belt path, it seems that most of the installation problems are with the short belt path, so the biggest possible problem would be if your child weighs more than 48 pounds because you would have to use the short belt path with the seatbelt.

Whatever installation method you choose, make sure the recline bar is in.

[colleen0419]

Gyspy, what are the long and short belt paths??
TIA

[kasash]

I have installed the seat sucessfully in 3 different cars with latch, and in another with the seatbelt via the long belt path. I'm just not sure whether the bench seat in the backeseat of the truck is big enough for the Regent? It's obviously wide enough, 3 people could sit back there comfortably (wouldn't do that though) I just think the part of the seat where your butt is, is too small.
Am I explaining myself right? lol

[_Gypsy_]

Gyspy, what are the long and short belt paths??
TIA

It's only relevant on two carseats currently made, and can't be done on any other. In short, the short belt path is how most forward facing carseats are installed, and the long belt path is very different it's the "reverse" of the short belt path, but again, not important unless you own one of the Britax seats that harness to 80 pounds.

[_Gypsy_]

I have installed the seat sucessfully in 3 different cars with latch, and in another with the seatbelt via the long belt path. I'm just not sure whether the bench seat in the backeseat of the truck is big enough for the Regent? It's obviously wide enough, 3 people could sit back there comfortably (wouldn't do that though) I just think the part of the seat where your butt is, is too small.
Am I explaining myself right? lol

I understand what you mean, but it's probably not going to be a problem. As long as 80% of the carseat is on the vehicle seat, then it's big enough.

[kasash]

Sorry, one more concern before I try it out.
The truck's seat is straight up, no recline to it at all. Will the recline bar keep the carseat from sitting against the seat correctly? What if there is some kind of space? Is that ok?
The recline bar does make installs more difficult, that's for sure. My friend has a Yukon and installing it in that was horrible! It took forever because her seats don't recline at all.

[kasash]

too many questions? Sorry!

[_Gypsy_]

Sorry! I didn't see it!

I don't think it will be a problem. I have a friend with a big truck with two Regents installed in the back seat and those seats are also straight, and I've installed both Regents in it. I don't remember what kind of truck it is though - truck names just don't stick with me at all.

[kasash]

Awesome! Thanks Gypsy!