2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission QC child seat teathers

[ROADWARRIOR]

QC child seat tethers

I remember sometime around the '01 model QC's, Dodge started putting some car seat doofinkies on the back seat. With a baby only a few weeks away, I was wondering what this upgrade does and if it is necessary. Also, would I be able to install it in my '99?



Thanks,

Dan

 

[AndyMan]

Until the baby is a year old, their carseat will be rear facing. In that configuration, you only use the lapbelt in the midde of the rear seat. Once they are a year, and you turn their seat around, most forward facing car seats either use the lapbelt and the tether, OR the LATCH system. The LATCH system is a short lapbelt looking thing with safety hooks on both ends. Usually there are rigid D-rings mounted right where the seatbottom and seatback come together. You may have to push your fingers between teh back and bottom just a little to expose them. Check out your Jetta, I'm POSITIVE it would have them, but your 99 won't. Ther should be six attachment points in the backseat of the jetta. and Probably three tether anchors up on the back deck.



As for an anchor for the tether, you can buy them at most "baby" places. it's just a curved piece of metal with two holes in it a bolt, nut and a couple of washers.



On my 99, since I don't have the LATCH setup, I use the middle lapbelt, and then installed one of those anchors in the floorboard right up against the back wall of the cab. It was a pain to fish the tether down behind the seat.



I have a buddy that got the LATCH mount points from Mopar for his 01. Not sure on part numbers or how they attach, but I know it can be done. LATCH is simpler to install a carseat with and to remove it. I also believe it's a stronger setup.



BTW, check local laws. Read the carseat owners manual, and DON'T use both the TETHER and the LATCH system. Pick one or the other.



Hope that helps.

 

[RAndrae]

I took the car seat straps out of my 02 when it was a day old, I would sell em. . dont know what they are worth.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I'm pretty sure you can get them installed free by your Dodge dealer - ask about TSB #23-35-99 A. A product I'd highly recommend is the mightytite - http://skjp.com/products/index.php?v=detail&cid=14&name=MightyTite9919&id=6 . It will make installing any child seat MUCH MUCH easier - it's a racheting device that makes it easy to get the seat in tight. We have several of them and they go with the car seat if we are loaning the seat to someone.

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

Thanks guys.



Steve, what do the Mighty Tites sell for roughly? I didn't find a place to buy them online, so I guess I need to make a trip to town.



Thanks,

Dan

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I think they were about $20. Worth every penny!

 

[raksasa]

Amazon has them... hope this link works for you:





http://www.amazon.com/Sunshine-Kids.../104-7255923-5900731?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games



Jon



Also, when you child is old/tall/heavy enough to face forward you can use both LATCH and tether. The LATCH hooks hold the bottom/back of the carseat and keep it from sliding forward, the tether system attaches at the top/back of the seat and keeps it from tipping forward. Put a towel under the kidseat to catch crumbs, etc!!!

 

[DTangstrom]

It has been several years now, but I know I got the parts at the dealership. I remember there being a TSB, but don't remember if I had to pay for the parts. I installed my self. Just a coulple of brackets that bolted to the existing seat belt anchors on the floor under the bench.

 

[tabell]

Went to the dealer yesterday and the parts and installation ar free. Of coarse they had to order the parts.



Just make sure when you use the Mighty Tites that you don't over tighten them and crack the car seat plastic.

 

[rowilson]

All I can say is good luck with putting a baby seat in the back seat of your Quad Cab. With the newer seats being bigger and bigger you will have a little difficulty. I had two seats in the back of my truck to haul my neice and nephew and had to put the front seats way forward and almost straight up. Thanks Dodge from not making a REAL four door truck!!!!! ARGH!!!!!