Britax Versa-Tether on New ClickTight Convertible Carseats for Forward-Facing Use Only
Effective January 28th, 2015 (approximately), production of the Britax ClickTight convertible carseats (Marathon CT, Boulevard CT and Advocate CT) had a running change that effectively removes rear-facing tethering as an option. Expect some retailers to start receiving updated models in early to mid-February.
- Rear-Facing Tethering is being removed as an option from user guides and labels.
- Changes to all (3) ClickTight models happened at same time
- NOT Retroactive to previous production. Seats made prior to this date can be used as labeled (seats labeled with option can be RF tethered if compatible with vehicle)
- Swedish method issues being driven by less compatibility with vehicles, particularly occupant detection systems and vehicle manufacturer concerns
- Australian method is difficult at best even with an extender. Also, not preferred by consumers because ingress and egress issues for the child.
- The Anti-rebound bar (ARB) will be available to purchase as an accessory hopefully in the next 30-60 days on the Britax website http://www.britaxusa.com/store.
G4.1 Convertibles
- G4.1 Convertible carseat models (Roundabout, Marathon, Boulevard, Advocate) will adopt this change sometime around mid-2015
- Updated labels and owner’s manuals will determine when a specific model has changed.
- Prior to that time, newer production may transition to RF tether accessory straps with fabric loops, rather than a metal ring, like the ones that ship with the ClickTight models.
- Anti-Rebound bar is available for convertible models made after June, 2010, excluding ClickTight and Classic series models.
Rear-facing is still the safest way to travel for young kids, within the limits of their convertible carseat. Even without a rear-facing tether, Britax ClickTight convertibles will allow many kids to continue rear-facing until 3 or 4 years old.
RF Tethering in 2003
The authors of CarseatBlog have endorsed rear-facing tethering since it was introduced in the late 1990s on the original Britax Roundabout. We also understand that it can be difficult or impossible to accomplish in some vehicles, and may conflict with passenger-side occupant detection systems in other vehicles. With the lack of real-world data showing how many consumers adopted this technology and a lack of studies about how effective it may be at preventing serious injury, we appreciate the transition to anti-rebound bar systems in general. We note that most convertible carseats in the USA lack any type of anti-rebound feature, and rear-facing is extremely safe with or without an anti-rebound system.
Our main misgiving about this change is that the anti-rebound functionality will not be included in the box as a standard feature in the USA (The ARB is now standard in Canada).
The Britax Boulevard and Advocate CT and G4.1 models remain on our Recommended Carseats List for 2015.
I have a Britax Click-Tight that includes a rear-facing tether, and now Britax has released the anti-rebound bar to purchase for the Click-Tight models. I can use the tethers Swedish style in my SUV. My question is, which is preferable if you have the option of both? Tethers, rebound bar, or possibly both?
I have my first baby ready to move into a stage 2 seat and I want to keep him rear facing because that is what is recommended as safest. When we installed the seat I noticed the rebounding and wondered if that was safe… Then read that rebounding actually helps for the infant to absorb less impact in a collision. If that’s the case then why are there straps to anchor the seat in the first place? I’m getting confused and overwhelmed!!!
Hi Kerrie-Ann,
I was told that all Click-Tight convertibles are compatible with the upcoming ClickTight ARB. This item is shipping in Canada now, but will not be available in the USA for another month or two (subject to supply).
The existing ARB accessory currently on the Britax website is only for non-ClickTight models. It is NOT compatible with ClickTight or Classic models at all.
I hope that clarifies!
CPSDarren,
I did run out and purchase the last Marathon Click Connect that was available within 50 miles of me. I was reading on the Britax website that the click connect models with RFT are not capable of using the ARB? Not sure if I read this correctly or not?
Can I use my Britax rear facing tether strap on my Evenflo convertible? Or my Chicco convertible?
I realize it’s not recommended as those seats were never tested that way, but really. I don’t see how it could be a bad thing?
@Jeanne, no. Only carseats that have instructions for rear-facing tethering can specifically be tethered rear-facing. The shells of these carseats have been studied to see if they can handle the different types of crash forces that rf tethering place on them. It’s not the same as forward-facing tethering but backwards. The dynamics are vastly different. It’s possible that in a crash, the shell of the carseat could catastrophically fail if you rf tether a carseat that’s not meant to be.
That is disappointing. That was one of the reasons I chose Britax 10 years ago. Is there a list somewhere of what cars cannot have the RFing tether due to some kind of safety interference? I have a 2013 Toyota Sienna and the RFing seat would be in a second row captain’s chair.
Hi Lillian, I am not aware of any vehicles that specifically prohibit rear-facing tethering in the owners manual, though there may be some out there. Various manufacturers do prohibit anything that may be pushing forward or downward on the front passenger seat back. This is due to the occupant detection sensors for the frontal airbags that are built into the vehicle seat. A rear-facing seat, especially on with an overtightened RF tether, could be a possible conflict with this.
according to Toyota, they never allowed rear facing tethering. 🙁
So disappointed! It’s one othe reason I love Britax! And what you pointed out, that it doesn’t come standard in the box!
Hi mom- Rear-Facing tethering is an optional feature, though tether use is strongly recommended forward-facing. But if you can do it and it is allowed by the owner’s manuals, why not? It’s like icing on the cake for the exceptional safety of a rear-facing carseat.
Kerrie-Ann, if you buy a model before the change, you have the option of rear-facing tethering or you could later purchase an anti-rebound bar if you prefer that. If you wait to buy a newer production model, you no longer have the option for rear-facing tethering. In my opinion, for someone looking to buy one anyway, buy it now so you have the choice! http://amzn.to/1BKTlJV
So is this a good thing or should I wait and get this newer model?
I was hanging onto our Britax since I like RF tethering.
I wonder…should I keep it?
Is it THAT important? I always figured why use a seat without it, if we have a seat with that extra option. I have heard good things about RF tethering. I took the van apart in a way, just to get access to a place to RF tether!!!!
The anti-rebound bars for the other convertibles are $20 plus shipping on the Britax website. I would expect the ones for the ClickTight convertibles to be about the same price. Hopefully, they will eventually be sold through retailers like Amazon, Target and Walmart where they may be less expensive and have free shipping options too.
I share that misgiving. Any idea how much the ARB will cost?