I just got the rx350 and my wife is going to have a baby very soon.... she was due feb 13, anyway i go the graco snug n ride car seat with the base. Has anyone installed this in the middle back seat? And can you help me out?

 

I don't believe you can install a car seat in the middle of the backseat. I tried and was unable to find a way to secure the base with the LATCH system. When I referred to the owners manual it only showed a car seat secured in the right/left side, not the middle. If you figure out a way to make it work using the LATCH system let me know!

Chuck

 

You CAN install it in the middle using the latch system. It is very easy, using one latch of the left side and one of the right side. Don't forget to adjust the front seats BEFORE to see if there is enough space for the back of the baby seat.

 

Exactly. I ran the rear facing infant seat in the middle as well. However, the system I had used a base and the baby carrier latch into the base. For the base, it didn't use the latch system, so I used the center lap belt with the supplied metal seat belt clip and the worked out well for me. Either way, the system you have should have the proper instructions for using either the lap belt or the latch system. Either is fine as long as you install it correctly.

 

Did this car seat use a base to secure the carrier? Also, did it create any problems for passengers?

Thanks

 

A nice thick towel between the carrier and the seat will provide decent protection to the leather and absorb minor spills.

Salim

 

As for no latch system for the center you should have been able to do it because there are latches for the center position.

 

If you have any problems with car seat installation, you should consult your local fire department. They are trained about car seats and would be happy to assist.

 

Lynn,

I will check the setup in my wife's RX330. I have had, middle Infant, middle rear facing infant/toddler, and middle forward facing toddler seats in our 2005 RX330. We have a GRACO infant base in the middle right now, but I added and extra strap to hold the front down. The infant base seemed to want to flip up, so I added the extra strap. I also did this in our old Mercedes ML320 as an added safety measure. I will send you a private message with information.

Rich
2005 RX330
2003 GX470

 

I have been running a car seat in the center of my '05 330 for two years. Two things to remember, if you don't use the latch system (which I do) and choose to use the center seat belt, remember to pull the center seat belt all the way out engage the ratchet system. Otherwise your seat belt will move in and out freely, resulting in a loose seat. The second thing to remember is that if you have questions, many police stations have officers that are certified and qualified to install and inspect car seats. A very good friend of mine is a trained and certified car seat inspector in Phoenix and she tells me that 60% of car seats are installed incorrectly.

Gary

 

You don't actually need to pull the seat belt all the way out if you use the metal "I" clip that comes with most seats. This locks the lap and shoulder belt together near the seal belt clip so the shoulder strap can't retract and stays in place.

 

I agree however, my friend who is the Phoenix Fire Dept car seat expert says that by pulling the seat belt out and engaging the ratcheting system allows for a more secure installation. There will be less movement in the car seat. Oth, by using the clips that go directly to the tie downs built into the car, you can avoid all of the hassle of using the car seat belt.

Gary

 

Congrats on your RX and your new bundle of joy