Latch Limit List

[sparkalot]

Sorry the list is kinda crappy. It is from and old pdf file and I can't seem to copy it exactly as is or transfer it to photobucket. I am just learning vista. I hope this helps some.

LATCH • Appendix B: Vehicle Information • Modified 4/20/05 • © 2005 Safe Ride News Publications 105
LATCH: Quick Reference List
(Lists may not be all-inclusive)
Brand* Exceptions LATCH Tether Notes
by model maximum maximum
name (lower & tether) used with safety belt
Acura 40 40
Audi–all except 48 48
A4 Cabriolet 40 40 Convertible, no tether anchors
TT Coupe 40 40
Buick 48 40
Cadillac 48 40
Chevrolet/Geo 48 40
Chrysler 48 48
Dodge 48 48
Ford 48 60–80 60 for shell-type CR, 80 for harness/vest
GMC 48 40
Honda 40 40
Hummer 48 40
Jeep/Eagle 48 48
Lincoln 48 60–80 60 for shell-type CR, 80 for harness/vest
Mercedes-Benz 40 40
Mercury 48 60–80 60 for shell-type CR, 80 for harness/vest
Oldsmobile 48 40
Plymouth 48 48
Pontiac 48 40
Porsche 39 55
Saab 40 40
Saturn 48 40
Subaru 60 60
Volkswagen–all except 48 48
Passat (pre-9/04) 40 40
New Beetle 40 40
* If brand is not listed, the vehicle manufacturer defers to child restraint instructions
or give no guidance.
Maximum Weights of Children Using CRs
Installed With LATCH and/or Tether Anchors
Using LATCH Terms Correctly
“LATCH” is often used incorrectly to refer to lower anchors.
It is important to make the following distinctions clear:
LATCH: the entire system—lower anchors/attachments
and (for forward-facing seats) tether anchor/tether.
Lower anchors: the pair of bars in the seat bight.
Lower attachments: the equipment on a CR that attaches
to the lower anchors.
Tether anchor: the vehicle hardware for the tether.
Tether: the top strap used with lower anchors or safety belt.

[sparkalot]

The First numbers are Latch max and the second numbers are Tether Max with seat belt.

I didn't know Subaru's can latch to 60lbs!! I wish they would all test to that.

[NBB]

Thank you for sharing this.  I am going to sticky it so people can see it.

[chickabiddy]

I want to add that there is unanimous agreement among CPSTs and other experts that seats should be top-tethered even beyond the maximum stated limits.  The reasoning behind this is that a top-tether is only intended to reduce head excursion:  it is not expected to secure the carseat to the vehicle.  If the top-tether fails from overload, it will be AFTER it has already done its job (and there are no reports of a top-tether failing from overload anyhow).  Obviously, the lower anchors should not be used beyond the stated limits, because their failure would be catastrophic.

[€ileen]

My husband was wondering if there was any harm or any benefit to continuing to use the lower anchors in addition to the seatbelt installation after 40 pounds. Good to know about the top tether!

[chickabiddy]

Yes, there probably is.

No carseat or vehicle manufacturer allows the use of lower anchors and seatbelt simultaneously.  This means that it's either never been tested or it has been tested and failed the testing.  Although I have absoluitely no proof, I tend to lean towards the latter, simply because I can't believe that no one ever thought to test it.  Either way -- untested or failed -- it's not something I'd want to use for my child.

Both seatbelts and LATCH belts stretch about 20%(? -- if anyone really cares I can double-check that number) in a crash.  That stretch is vital.  It allows the carseat to "ride down", which lessens the impact.  If it doesn't move at all, it's like running into a brick wall -- not good.  Theoretically, if the LATCH belt and seatbelt are used together, the optimum ride-down may be shortened.  Again, this is theory -- but it makes sense.  And regardless of any of my theorizing, see above -- it's just not safe.

[€ileen]

Thanks! That makes sense.

[Shannon]

Thanks chickabiddy!  And sparkalot, for finding this information.  It seems something so important should be more widely known.

[BeachMama]

Good to know because I could not find any weight limits in my car manual.