AOE install help

[Spud'sMom]

MIL bought an AOE for us when Spud was 2 months old - very nice of her but it meant that we didn't research our options and l kind of got "stuck" with a convertible that I didn't like. We tried to install it when she gave it to us but the manual in our Nissan Murano stated that we can't use the LATCH system with RF seats, and just slipping the belt through the slots on the carseat bottom didn't seem right to me.

We went on a road trip this weekend and bebe has outgrown the Snugride in weight but not height, so I decided to give the AOE one more chance in the outboard passenger seat RF w/ just the vehicle belt. It wiggled more than an inch at the top and our nighbor looked at the install and said it was fine, so I wasn't too worried. But when Spud falls asleep his head falls forward (MIL cut out the infant headrest ) when the seat is fully reclined.

How can I prevent this? Will BRU help w/ install even though I didn'y buy the seat there? The nearest certified fire station is about 30 min. away. Do I need to use a noodle to change the recline angle?

[LilyGrace]

Hmm..tough! Have you checked Safekids to see if there's a tech closer to you?

[jackyl08]

First, remove the base from the AOE if you haven't done so. It is not needed and installation is much easier without it. Second, don't check tightness at the top, but at the belt path. It should move less than 1" side to side. You can use a tightly rolled towel or up to three pieces of pool noodle to level it. For a baby his age, I would use two or three. If you use three, shape them into a triangle and tape them together.

[Spud'sMom]

Thank you for your help, ladies.

How do I remove the base? MIL "can't find" the instruction manual and I couldn't even locate the model number to get the PDF version online.

[momto3Es]

To remove the base:

Move seat to fully reclined position And turn the seat over. Push down on tab on right side of base.

From the other side, push on bar and pull the bar completely out.

Pull on recline lever and lift shell off base. Store bar in base for future use.

[bobandjess99]

I have a question out to some fellow techs, because my LATCH manual is currently somewhere else..but my strong suspicion is that you have misunderstood the manual. I can think of no reason why you can't use LATCH with a RFing seat??
You WILL have to use noodles to get the proper incline with the AOE..i am using 3 to just barely get a proper incline for mine....so definitely do taht, and remove the base. With noodles and the base off, it should be fine.

[Spud'sMom]

You have a good point about misreading. Which belt on the seat would I use on the LATCH anchors, the long one in the back or the two that would "wrap around"?

[jackyl08]

On the AOE, the top tether(the one long one at the top) will only be used forward facing. The one that "wraps around" is the bottom LATCH strap. This one should come out the rearfacing belt path at the bottom of the seat, where the seatbelt should have been threaded. Moving the LATCH straps down there is a bit of a challenge because you have to get your hands in the back of the seat and guide the strap down to the belt path.
Honestly, with the noodles and the seatbelt, you should be able to get it in really well. I have never liked the LATCH on the AOE. It's actually more difficult for me to install it that way.