Graco SlimFit3 LX/True3Fit LX 3-in-1 Carseat Review
An ultra-slim carseat that claims to fit 3-across in most mid-sized vehicles seems too good to be true but we were cautiously optimistic! Would it live up to its promises? Graco was kind enough to send us three Slimfit3LX seats, so we put the triplets through the paces.
WEIGHT & HEIGHT LIMITS:
- Rear-facing: 5-40 lbs. AND child’s head is 1” below height adjustment handle
- Forward-facing: 22-65 lbs., 49” or less
- Highback booster: 40-100 lbs., 43-57”, at least 4 years old
SLIMFIT3 LX OVERVIEW:
- Adjustable base with 2 rear-facing recline positions, 2 forward-facing recline positions, 1 booster recline position
- No-rethread harness with 10 position headrest
- Easy-to-read ball level indicator on each side
- Energy-absorbing EPS foam
- Seatbelt lockoff for forward-facing use
- On-board harness storage for booster mode
- Steel reinforced frame
- Two optional cup holders
- Machine-washable Rapid Remove™ cover
- 10 yr lifespan before expiration
- Made in China
- MSRP $279.99
- Fashions (Kunningham, Katrina, & Stanford)
TRUE3FIT LX
Fashion: Bates (Navy/Gray)
Difference between the SlimFit3 LX and True3Fit LX? The only difference is the fashions. Otherwise, they are completely identical. True3Fit LX is a Walmart exclusive for now and Walmart wanted its own version with a unique name. Whatever. Big retailers do that sometimes.
Difference between the SlimFit3 LX and the original SlimFit 3-in-1 models? The SlimFit3 LX is 2″ narrower by our measurements and has removable cup holders, along with some other structural differences. Full details can be found here: A Comparison of Graco SlimFit3 LX & Original Graco SlimFit Models
SLIMFIT3 LX MEASUREMENTS:
Minimum Harness height: 7” with infant insert; 8” without insert
Maximum Harness height: 17.75″
Shoulder belt guide height: 19.5”
External widest point: 16.5”
Shell height with headrest: 30.25”
Shoulder width: 14”
Crotch strap depth: inner slot: 3” with insert; 3 ¼ ”, 5”, 6” without insert
Seat depth: 12”
Seat weight: 18.8 lbs. with insert, 18.3 lbs. without insert
3-Across Advice
I took a pic of the narrowest convertible carseats on the market for 3-across situations (see our article on 3-across situations). All these seats are roughly the same width, but how they mesh together in vehicles is what makes them good (or bad) for 3-across.
Left to rt: Radian, SlimFit3, Fllo, Scenera Next
What sets the SlimFit3 apart in this group is that it’s a 3-in-1 which works well in all modes. The Clek Foonf, Clek Fllo and Cosco Scenera Next are just convertible seats (rear-facing & forward-facing), they can’t be used as a booster. The Diono Radian 3RXT seats are technically 3-in-1 seats with the option to be used as a booster but they are notorious for being outgrown quickly and not fitting kids well in booster mode.
Three-Across Rules for the SlimFit3 LX/True3Fit LX – Straight from Graco:
- Touching is OK, but overlap is not. Installing three carseats across a back seat would be nearly impossible in most vehicles unless they touched in some manner. Overlap means there’s probably some jockeying for position, which means interference with proper installation.
- Remove the cup holders if they get in the way
You may want a SlimFit3 for a 3-across situation or because you need a narrow-ish carseat in general, or simply because you like the looks and features of the seat. The manual addresses 3-across installations overtly and in ways you may not realize. In the section just before rear-facing installation, there are tips for how to install, position, and use the features of the carseat.
Also, more subtly, each installation section begins with instructions on how to install with the seat belt. Most people don’t read Graco instruction manuals as often as I do (I read more Graco manuals than I do books or magazine articles), but all other Graco manual installation sections begin with LATCH. It’s a subtle difference, but they’re telling you that seat belt installation is their preference.
Why install with a seat belt? The lower LATCH connectors for the SlimFit3 can only be used in positions with standard LATCH spacing, like outboard seating positions or middle seats with 11” lower anchor spacing (also found in vehicles with 3 full sets of LATCH). Installing with LATCH limits the positioning of the carseat. With seatbelt installation, the SlimFit3 can be shifted slightly to one side or the other as the belt is tightened. The ability to position the carseat a little more to the left or to the right can make a big difference when you are trying to fit seats side-by-side.
The LATCH connectors are somewhat difficult to remove from their storage area. You must press on a plastic tab then pull the connector horizontally toward your finger, which is in the way holding the tab down. You can get the connector over the tab and it will then hold it down for you, but it still takes a big horizontal yank to get it free. It’s . . . awkward.
There are also 3 tabs that hold the LATCH strap in place while it’s in storage. This is all right about the same place as the rear-facing belt path, but the tabs do NOT hold the LATCH strap in place while the carseat is installed with LATCH. Here’s what I’m talking about. See the tabs holding the LATCH strap nicely in place? ↓
Now see where the LATCH strap lays when the SlimFit3 is installed? ↓
Of course this may depend on your vehicle as well, but you get the picture.
So how does the SlimFit3 install? Pretty easily, especially with those wide belt paths. Anytime you have a 3-across, it’s going to be a tough installation with some tugging and sweating. Graco has done a very nice job smoothing out the belt paths to reduce hand scrapes. I’ll offer some pro tips I picked up from installing the triplets below.
A tip about 3-across situations, in general: max out harness before switching to booster mode! Use this carseat’s 5-point harness until your child’s shoulders reach the maximum harness height or until they hit the max 65 lbs. weight limit for the harness. In general, when you have a highback booster next to another carseat, no one will be able to get a hand in between the seats to buckle the seat belt. You may wind up leaving the seat belt buckled over the booster while having your child perform daily acrobatic acts to get under the seat belt and into the seat. That’s a daily struggle that you want to avoid for as long as possible. Keeping your kids in the 5-point harness for as long as they technically still fit, makes getting everyone buckled much easier.
INSTALLATION:
Rear-Facing Installation
- When rear-facing, either of the rear-facing reclines can be used to achieve an appropriate recline.
- The bottom cover unsnaps for access to the RF belt path.
- Seat belts in vehicles built after 1996 lock in some manner. Most lock by pulling out all the way slowly, then letting the belt retract. To reduce tipping of the SlimFit3 because of the wide belt path opening, pull the shoulder belt tight first and hold it tight with the hand closest to the latch plate, then lock the seat belt with your other hand and feed the shoulder belt into the retractor.
- The tighter you pull the seat belt, the higher up the shoulder belt will sit under the child’s thigh because of the wide-mouth belt path. Most kids probably won’t feel this, but if you have a sensitive child, they’ll feel the difference in height between their legs. If this happens and you can, install the seat with LATCH instead. If not, see the above bullet point for help with lessening that shoulder belt pull.
- Start with a rear-facing installation in the center first for a 3-across because the seats will puzzle better that way
- The SlimFit3 is a relatively compact front-to-back carseat, but taller drivers in compact cars may still find their legs cramped depending on what they drive. Try putting the driver’s seat more upright or move the RF carseat to a different position if you can.
Forward-Facing Installation
- When forward-facing, either of the forward-facing reclines can be used to achieve an appropriate recline.
- When installing with the seat belt, use the lockoff in the forward-facing belt path.
- The backrest cover lifts up for easy access to the belt path.
Changing the LATCH strap from the rear-facing belt path to the forward-facing belt path involves sliding it under a metal bar inside the carseat. Pull the LATCH connectors close together, then slide the strap up the metal bar; slide it behind the harness and through the forward-facing belt path. We have a video to show you how:
LATCH Weight Limits
Rear-facing LATCH weight limit: 40 lbs.
Forward-facing LATCH weight limit: 45 lbs.
Center LATCH installations with Non-Standard Spacing
Not allowed. Lower anchors must be spaced 11″ across.
Inflatable Seat Belts
Graco has determined that the SlimFit3 CAN be installed with inflatable seat belts found in some Ford Motor Company vehicles. Other types of inflatable seat belts are still incompatible for use with the SlimFit3. When installing the SlimFit3 with an inflatable seat belt, make sure the lockoff is closed and thread the seat belt over the top of it. Lock the retractor to make sure the seat belt stays tight.
Booster Installation
- The harness is stored on-board in the storage compartment. Only the chest clip and buckle tongs are stored inside the compartments. The buckle lays back into a spot under the child’s bum. Tech tip: recline the carseat first and the harness will stay put more easily in the compartment and you won’t need to be an octopus and wrangle it vertically.
- When used as a highback booster, the seat can be secured with LATCH up to 100 lbs., the maximum weight limit as a highback booster. If the LATCH strap or connectors interfere with the vehicle buckle or seat belt in any way, store it in its storage location under the child’s thighs.
- The recline position must be set to position 4, which is most upright.
PUTTING THE SLIMFIT3 TO THE TEST:
I installed the SlimFit3 triplets in several vehicles with help from a couple of CPST friends in their vehicles. See below for our results. Of course, YMMV depending on your specific vehicle and trim line.
Passenger | Center | Driver Side
ICS = Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35
HBB = Graco TurboBooster Highback
2020 Ford Explorer 2nd Row
Graco submitted this to CarseatBlog for the review
RF | RF | RF
FF | FF | FF
FF | FF | RF
ICS | FF | FF
ICS | FF | RF
HBB | FF | FF
HBB | FF | RF
2019 Honda Odyssey 3rd Row
Graco submitted this to CarseatBlog for the review
FF | FF | FF
RF | FF | FF
HBB | FF | FF
HBB | FF | RF
2018 Tesla Model 3
Overall, the carseat installed typically for a Graco in the Model 3. A rear-facing center installation will be very difficult. What works:
FF | FF | RF as will the RF carseat behind the passenger.
FF | RF | FF
Skinny backless booster* | RF | FF
Skinny backless booster | FF | FF
*I suggest putting a belt-positioning booster rider on the passenger side because the buckle on the driver side is so far behind the center carseat that it makes it very difficult to find and buckle the seat belt.
2015 Nissan Versa
In this cramped back seat, the best configuration was with the RF seat in the center. The door didn’t want to close with 3 FF seats. Due to the wide angle of the lens, it looks like there’s overlap in the pics, but there’s not.
FF | RF | FF
Skinny backless booster | RF | FF
2014 Honda Odyssey 2nd Row
What doesn’t fit in an Ody? The triplets fit beautifully in any configuration with room to spare!
Highback booster (HBB) | RF | FF
FF | RF | FF
RF | RF | RF
FF | FF | FF
HBB | RF | HBB
2011 Acura MDX
There was plenty of room for a 3-across in the MDX. I tried the center RF with the ceiling seat belt, but wasn’t happy with the inches of movement at the belt path, so I switched to a LATCH install. The MDX has 3 full sets of lower LATCH anchors. It definitely set the carseat closer to the driver’s side but not so much as to affect installation of the FF carseat and the RF install was so much better.
Highback booster (HBB) | RF | FF
FF | RF | FF
FF | FF | FF
HBB | FF | HBB
HBB | HBB | HBB
RF | RF | RF
FIT TO CHILD:
The SlimFit3 has a head support, body support pad, and harness covers.
Head support: Use rear-facing only; use is optional
Body support pad: Use rear-facing only; must be used if shoulders are below the lowest harness setting; once shoulders are above the lowest harness setting, use is optional
Harness covers: Must be used when forward-facing if child is between 22-25 lbs.; otherwise, use is optional; make sure they don’t interfere with chest clip placement at armpit level
The headrest and backrest pad ships in the lowest position with the backrest pad between the harness and touching the buckle so the child sits on it. This is how it should be used. Its design allows it to be folded under behind the child’s back, but Graco does NOT allow this use.
There are 3 buckle positions from which to choose so your child isn’t sitting on the buckle, and any of them can be used rear-facing. Forward-facing, use the outer two buckle slots only.
There are no surprises as far as fit to child goes with this carseat. It’s a Graco carseat and they haven’t veered off their well-known track of carseats that fit children well from newborn to average 9-year-old. The SlimFit3 fit my larger newborn/1 mo old-sized doll well (0-3 mo. clothes are a little large on him): I even had to adjust the headrest up one notch for proper fit on him.
COVER/EASE OF USE:
The cover can be thrown in the washing machine on gentle cycle. Hang to dry. The Rapid Remove cover comes in 5 or 6 pieces, depending on how you remove the cover. Removing and replacing the covers is fairly easy. I really like the Rapid Remove cover because you can select the section that needs to be cleaned instead of washing the whole thing. One super bonus: no elastics! However, I was practically begging for the elastics after trying to snap the cover back together—the snaps can be tough for someone with hand issues.
The cup holders are optional, SUPER easy to connect and disconnect, and dishwasher-safe. Listen for a solid “click” to know they’re attached properly.
FAA-APPROVAL/LIFESPAN/CRASH GUIDELINES:
The SlimFit3 is FAA-approved when used with the harness. If you’re using it as a booster seat, you can’t use it on the plane because booster seats require lap/shoulder belts. I think the SlimFit3 has awesome potential as a travel seat because it’s not a tremendously heavy seat (it’s downright lightweight as a 3-in-1!), it’s narrow, and it has the lockoff. I know that every ounce counts when your plane is at that last gate in the airport (they always are!), but it’s also nice to know that with the easy-to-use lockoff, you won’t need to figure out an unfamiliar vehicle’s seat belt locking mechanism at your destination when you’re tired and possibly frustrated.
This carseat has a lifespan of 10 years from the date of manufacture. It must be replaced after any crash, including a minor one.
SLIMFIT3 LX ADVANTAGES:
- Adjustable base with 2 rear-facing recline positions, 2 forward-facing recline positions, 1 booster recline position
- Wide, smooth belt paths fit larger hands and keep them scrape-free
- No re-thread harness with 10 position headrest
- Easy-to-read ball level indicator on each side of carseat
- Energy-absorbing EPS foam
- Seat belt lockoff for forward-facing use
- On-board harness storage for booster mode
- Steel reinforced frame
- Two optional cup holders
- Nice LATCH storage
- Machine-washable Rapid Remove™ cover
- 10 yr lifespan before seat expires
SLIMFIT3 LX DISADVANTAGES:
- No rear-facing lockoff
- Removing LATCH connectors from storage is awkward
- Snaps on Rapid Remove™ cover are challenging
CONCLUSION:
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the Graco SlimFit3 LX. Each carseat has its own personality and quirks and the SlimFit3 is no exception. The wide-open belt paths mean no more scrapes on hands when running a belt through the belt path. It’s a tall seat, typical for a Graco 3-in-1 product, so kids will make it to the full 40 lbs. rear-facing. But most of all, it’s skinny at the right price. The bang for the buck is there: RF, FF, highback booster in a carseat that’s 16.5” wide for $279. That’s hard to beat!
Thank you to Graco for providing the Graco SlimFit3 LX used for this review and for the vehicle test fit info (it’s hard work!). No other compensation was provided. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
CarseatBlog Experts Rating
Recommended: SlimFit3 LX and True3Fit LX
Walmart now sells a Graco True3fit with anti rebound bar!
Hi Heather, I’m trying to fit 3-across the middle row in a 2018 Honda Odyssey- 18-month twins and a child in a backless booster while maintaining access to the third row (we have 6 kids). I’ve zeroed in on the Graco Slimfit 3LX and Diono Radian 3RXT to put in the middle and passenger side middle row, rear facing. Do you have any advice about which of these might work better? Also, any negative review I see about the Graco mention the child’s head being pushed forward, did you notice this?
Hi Jane. I don’t think you’re going to notice an older child’s head being pushed forward as much as a younger baby’s head. It really isn’t a breathing or comfort issue unless the child has a medical issue that makes it one.
Of the two seats you mentioned, the SlimFit3 LX will be leaps and bounds easier to install and use, as well as last longer. Dionos were the original skinny carseat and have been around forever, which has given them an internet following, but we have new products now that don’t require changes to be made to the harness at particular weight limits (different than LATCH weight limits, which you must also remember if you install with LATCH). If they work for you, great! But I’ve seen them not work more often.
I have found this so helpful!! I have a 2020 CRV and need to fit 3 across 3 days a week for when I bring my friend’s daughter home from school. I have a 1 yr old who is sizing out of her infant seat, and my 5 yr old is in a graco extend2fit, which is way too big for the 3 across situation. My friend bought an evenflo maestro that I put in on the days I pick up her kiddo.
I am looking at buying the Graco Slimfit3lx for my 1 yr old and then a Graco tranzitions/wayz to replace the extend2fit for my 5 yr old. I figure it’s best to get a combination seat for him to eventually be able to transition into a booster. I have been scouring the internet trying to figure out if these car seats are what makes the most sense for my situation, and I wonder if you have any input to add? I know you may not know for sure, just looking for some direction if I’m on the right path! Thank you so much!
Hi Annie. My experience with the Tranzitions is that it’s very difficult to install, so I’d try not to move it once you get it in. When you’re installing it, put weight down in the seat pan and pull the shoulder belt forward, toward the front of the vehicle so you can get the lap portion of the seat belt as tight as you can. You could try your 5 yr old in the SlimFit3 LX and see if you like it as a booster—see how much time he as left before he outgrows the booster portion—then it’s a simple, cheap backless booster after that. It’s a more expensive option, but easier to install if you just can’t get the Tranzitions in. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you have a good return policy!
Hi! Thank you so much for this info! I have a 2019 VW Tiguan and a 2021 CX-5. We have our 3rd on the way and need 3 in convertible car seats (2 rear and 1 forward). I’ve been car shopping assuming I need to buy a new car. Any chance we can get 3 across with the SlimFit3 in the cars we already have?!
Do these fit well with protruding/fixed headrest? I’m looking for a FF or combination seat that would fit the 2018 Camry SE with fixed headrest 3 across. Thank you!
Hi Lucy. Yes, I think the SlimFit3 LX/True3Fit LX might work. You can also look at the Britax Grow With Me (https://amzn.to/3X7sn1x), Graco Nautilus 65 (http://amzn.to/2yyPciF), or maybe a Chicco MyFit (https://amzn.to/3p6HcVr).
Hi,
Is it possible to install 3 carseat (Graco slim fit) on a ACURA RDX 2018?
Hi Stephanie. You can try contacting Graco to see if they’ve tried it since they have done some fit tests. It really depends on the configuration you need. If you can do a FF/RF/FF it may work, but I doubt 3-across FF will work. What ages and weights are the kids?
Thank you for this review. I have a Mazda CX5 and the back seat space is tight. I was between this one and a Clek Fllo as I wanted to keep options open for a potential 3 across install. I tested the Fllo out at the store and it would work, but the front to back spacing made for bit of a cramped front passenger seat. I ordered the Graco Slimfit 3LX on a hope and a prayer and placed it in the back seat and was SHOCKED at how much room there was. The front passenger can sit normally while the seat is rear facing. Instantly ordered a second seat!
Hii! I have a 2017 Honda CRV and need to fit three across which has proven to be impossible so far. Can these be used three across in my car? If so, which position (for 2 rear facing and one forward facing) and would it still work when all three are forward facing? We have a foonf currently which can stay in the configuration or replace with all three new ones. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Hi Liz, it is difficult to say for sure, so if you try one or more, please make certain the retailer has a free returns policy including return shipping or store dropoff. That means beware of third party sellers at Amazon or Walmart online.
The SlimFit3 and True3Fit are similar in width to a Foonf so it’s possible they may puzzle together. Compact SUVs are difficult in general for 3-across, but three narrow harness seats like these do have a chance in some of them. We have some general tips here:
https://carseatblog.com/49714/3across/
You might also try to contact Graco. They have done some fit studies for 3-across in some popular vehicles for three SlimFit3/True3Fit. Perhaps the CR-V is one of them.
We just bought this for our 17mo old, 31inches 25lbs. We want to keep him rear facing as long as possible. Is it normal for his legs to be bent, there doesn’t seem to be much room for his feet. We have it in recline position number 2.. are we missing something?? He just seems cramped. Thanks!
@Jessica – this is perfectly normal and you’re not missing anything. If you have a vehicle seat back that reclines, even just a few degrees, you can recline the vehicle seat back *a notch or two* to add a little bit more room in that area. If you are able to do this just keep in mind that reclining the vehicle seatback will usually loosen the installation a little bit so you may have to tighten up the LATCH strap or the seatbelt. You want to make sure that the seat doesn’t move more than 1″ from side-to-side when you test for tightness *at the beltpath*. If you have a sedan or a truck with no option to recline the back seat, don’t worry about it. Most kids shift the position of their legs several times during a ride but they always find a way to get comfortable. As his legs grow he will naturally adjust how he positions them but I’ve seen 3, 4 and 5-year-olds who ride rear-facing (with much longer legs) and they tend to alternate between crossing their legs (criss-cross applesauce style), or stretching them straight out and propping them up, or sometimes dangling them off the sides. Inevitably they always find a way to make themselves comfortable. HTH!
Hi, thanks for the great info. It seems you have a lot of knowledge with Tesla’s. I’m thinking of getting a model y, I already own a diono radian rxt and a graco tranzitions for my older kids. Do you think it would be better to get a second diono or a graco lx slim fit for my newborn when we transition out of the infant car seat? Based on your post on the model 3 it seems like you are a bigger fan of the graco for this. I like the diono’s sturdiness but I’ve never installed it rear facing and from what I’ve read it eats up all your front/back space. I’m 5’7 and DH is 6’1. This is not the primary family car but I will need to have all 3 littles on occasion. Do you think a 3 across with the diono/tranzitions/ slim fit lx would work?
Thanks!
Hi Jesse. The Model Y is definitely roomier than the Model 3, but you’ll still want more space than the Diono Radian will give you. With the Radian, you get 1 recline whereas with the SlimFit3/True3Fit, there’s more of a range. It also comes down to personal preference, though I try really hard not to guide you with one. I had a really difficult time installing the RXT in my Model 3 (though the backseat of the MY is completely different, so keep that in mind).
Thanks! I’ll let you know how it works out.
Great! I’d love to know.
Hi, I am trying to figure out a car seat that works in my family situation. I’ve already got a car seat for our toddler. It’s Britax One4Life Click Tight All in One Convertible Car Seat. Since my husband and I will take turns to drive her to daycare using our our own car, we want to buy another car seat that can be installed in my car. The Britax is in my husband’s car which is Tesla Model S. I drive Toyota Camry.
I’m considering to buy Graco Slim, but not sure SlimFit 3 LX or SlimFit or another model. I prefer to buy one that’s cost effective, safe, comfortable and fits the car space we have right now. I’m expecting another baby who is due the end of this year. So also need to take that into account that we will have two kids sitting in the back seats a lot of the time next year.
Thank you so much for your advice!
Yi
Hello! The nice thing about the SlimFit3 LX is the lockoff when it’s used forward-facing. That makes for a much easier installation in many situations. If you don’t think you’ll be putting the carseats in a 3-across situation, the original SlimFit may be the one to try. It also installs easily and has nice features. Even with the SlimFit3 LX, your back seat will be very tight with 2 carseats, so I think original will work fine and save you a few bucks too.
Hi, First of all, let me congratulate for the great content. This has been so helpfull for me to choose the right car seat.
I have a Sentra, 2019 and I am having my 3rd child.
When you tested the Versa (which is similar to Sentra), it did not fit 3 FF but have you tried FF FF infant car seat or FF FF Booster? I have a Maxi Cosi Mico30 and intend to buy two GracoSlim3LX, but the infant seat cannot stay in the middle and I will not be able to test the car seat (or return it) in case it does not fit.
Would you recommend a different narrow car seat that would fit the configuration I need?
Thanks on advance!
Hi Ana. Is the Sentra wider than the Versa? The issue with the Versa was that the seat torso bolsters curved in so much. If they had been more flat, I think it would have been easier. I can’t guarantee anything for you, but the SlimFit3 LX/True3Fit seats are close to, if not the, narrowest on the market. Clek Foonf and Fllo would be another choice for convertibles. 3-across is a matter of puzzling and trying seats, unfortunately.
Clear. Thank you!
I had a question regarding fit for a newborn. This is our last child and got rid of our infant seat before we knew we were expecting. Will a newborn fit in this car seat? I have two of these already and wanted to skip the infant seat altogether and go straight to this, but I have seen that other convertible car seats are still too big on the harness for newborns.
Hi Norma. A newborn should fit nicely in the harness without any problems. Watch the baby’s head for chin-to-chest movement, though. I’ve seen some reports that even in the most allowable recline position, some babies’ heads are pushed forward by the headrest (remove the head insert). If that happens, you’ll need to find another seat, like an inexpensive infant seat or a Cosco Scenera NEXT, to use until this child is a little older.
we have a tesla model Y and really want this in the middle seat, it’s been tough because it’s so narrow. I’m conflicted between the diono radian and the slimfit graco. do you recommend this vs diono and why?
Hi. The Radian will be a difficult installation rear-facing, but the forward-facing installation will make you want to rip your eyes out. The combination of the Tesla stiff cushion and slick “leather” is difficult at best. For this reason, the SlimFit3 LX will be a better choice. It’ll still be more difficult to install in the Y than in another vehicle, but the FF lockoff will make all the difference when the seat is turned forward. I think it’s also easier to use and fit to the child.
Hello. In the 2019 oddessy can the be in second row middle and still allow for sliding and tilt access of 2p or 2d to row 3?
Hi Michelle, that’s an excellent question! I don’t have an answer but I think there is a good chance that it could fit there and still allow for sliding and tilt access to the 3rd row. Are you a member of any Ody groups or forums (like odyclub.com)? Someone there might own that car seat in that generation ody and be able to confirm or deny. HTH!
Hello! I’m expecting my 3rd at the beginning of September. I am looking into purchasing slimmer seats for my girls. I drive a 2019 blazer. Would this seat work for 3 across with newborn in a Graco snug lock snug fit 35, a 1.5 RF in this seat and a 7 year old FF in this seat? Would this also work once switching the newest to this seat for two RF and one FF?
Hi Bobbi, since none of us own your exact vehicle it’s impossible for us to say with any certainty that it will work. However, I think it’s the best option for you to try. I suggest ordering from someplace with easy free returns just in case it doesn’t work out. But I feel good about your chances so fingers crossed!
We are having trouble with the installation of this seat rear facing with a seat belt in a Subaru Forester. We can get it right against the seat, and it seems appropriately tight, but the head rest portion seems very top-heavy and tilts easily. This happens when in the center seat and in the passenger seat. We are not having this issue when installed with the latch anchors in the passenger seat. We would rather use the belt to be able to put the rear facing seat in the center of the car. Any advice on how to make the top heavy tilting stop? It seems like the shoulder belt pulls the closer part of the seat toward it at an angle, which contributes to the tilt. Thanks for your help!
Hi Maryanne. It’s not uncommon for RF carseats to move a lot up at the head area, which is why we only check for tightness right at the belt path. Some carseats will move more than others at the head, but as long as it moves less than 1″ at the belt path, the seat is considered tight and safe. One reason the SlimFit3/True3Fit moves so much is because the belt path has a wider opening, so the shoulder belt has more room to lift up. That, plus as the shoulder belt gets tighter and tighter, it pulls up on that side, causing the tilt.
My technique to stop this—which is my usual technique for installing RF seats— is to move the front seats all the way forward and stand behind the carseat.
This technique only works if you aren’t pg or are on the taller side, lol. Otherwise I would try leverage on the sides of the seat; it’ll be harder and take longer, but you’ll get there. HTH!
Hi Heather,
Between the Clek Foonf & SlimFit3 LX, which would you prefer? Any big disadvantage which would rule out any of them? I plan to have 4 of them installed (2 in a civic, 2 in an accord), both side by side with the 3rd seat open.
Thanks in advance.
Besides price? The Foonf is $$$$ vs. $$ for the SlimFit3. Two advantages the Foonf has are the Q-Tether which is used rear-facing only and acts in the same manner as a load leg as far as energy management—it reduces motion and keeps the carseat from moving toward the vehicle floor—and the anti-rebound bar which keeps the carseat from rebounding back into the vehicle seat back. But you have to loosen/tighten it each ride to get the child out/in and it slows down the whole process. The Foonf also sits up much higher than the SlimFit3, so there may be a lot of bonked heads.
The SlimFit3 is obviously more economical and less fussy to install. The harness isn’t as smooth to use (the Foonf has one of the smoothest harnesses on the market), but it’s still a very nice and easy-to-use seat. You can’t go wrong with either, but if you can try both before you buy, I’d highly suggest it.
I see you installed the car seat ff in the middle. Is that without the top tether? Do you think that’s safe?
@Debbie – all of the forward-facing test installations were in seating positions that had a tether anchor. Graco does allow use of their convertibles and all-in-one seats without a tether if a tether isn’t available (e.g., vehicles made in the 90’s or 3rd row seating positions that are not equipped with tether anchors) but obviously you should always use a tether with forward-facing car seats when possible. Thankfully, with the exception of the 3rd row in some vehicles, it almost always possible to tether forward-facing car seats nowadays.
Hi. I have a 2019 Honda Odyssey. Do you know if it’s possible to have 2 HBB seats and 1 slimfit3lx in the 3rd row?
Hi Eliza. That’s a good question! It might be possible if you choose a narrow HBB like a Maxi-Cosi RodiFix (https://amzn.to/3fpevJ0) or Peg Perego Flex 120 (https://amzn.to/2T9Fqks) as one or both of the boosters. You may not get the full height use of those boosters as they are very tall and may hit the roof when placed on the sides, but they’ll also be easy to buckle since they don’t have arms to get in the way.
Help! Our almost 2 year old has the older model Graco Slim Fit (I think it’s 19″ wide?) and we are expecting twins in February. Car seats will be installed in a 2016 Ford Taurus Limited until we can find a minivan for our specifications. My son’s seat fits very snuggly with our two infant carriers so I’m sure either of these will fit well! However, what is the difference between the True3Fit and Slim Fit 3 models? Is it just a difference in style/color? WalMart currently has the True3Fit on sale and I want to jump on that if it’s truly just color differences. 🙂 Thank you so much for this review!
Hi Nicole. That’s right—it’s just a difference in the covers and name, so take advantage of the WM sale!!!
Sweet!! Thank you 😊