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Straps don't feel tight enough on Britax Marathon Classic

eyenigheyenigh member
in Nurseries and Baby Gear

I have the Britax Marathon Classic (bought in February of last year) and I'm wondering if anyone else who has this seat feels like they can't get the straps tight enough when rear facing? When I pull the strap to tighten, it's like it hits a certain point with a light clunk and the strap will go no tighter. I can pinch a bit at his shoulder and, although it isn't what I'd call loose, it isn't the tight, almost non-pinchable strap that it should be.

I called Britax and they ensured me that this was "normal" and that with this particular model, it's okay to have a little more slack. This sounded like a total line to me as it goes against everything I've ever read. I did a few internet searches looking to see if others have had this problem with the Marathon Classic and I see very mixed answers that they got from customer support. Some said that once it hits the "clunk" point, you have to do short pulls like a ratchet (this did nothing for me), another suggested pulling the shoulder straps taut from the back and then pulling the tightening strap (again, no difference). I have never seen the "a little slack is okay with this model" line. I should also mention: the seat is absolutely installed correctly, the straps are in the correct shoulder positions, my son is plenty big for it and it's not that I'm just weak and can't pull it.

I have to admit, it makes me nervous that I feel like I can't get the straps tight enough and I'm pretty much ready to give up on this seat and get another one just for piece of mind. Before I did that though, I thought I'd get some other opinions/experiences. Maybe I'm missing something or there's a trick someone can share? Help me, car seat gurus!

 

 

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Re: Straps don't feel tight enough on Britax Marathon Classic

  • RocklandhollyRocklandholly member
    I don't know if this helps, but police departments, at least in NY, have to have one person trained on installing car seats.  We have had to 2 installed that way and they seemed very knowledgable about the brands and how to install them tight and properly.  Maybe someone there can help you.  I really would not be pleased if I got that response from Britx either!  Good luck!
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  • eyenigheyenigh member

    Our local fire department does that here and everything, according to them, is installed properly.

     

    I threw in the towel last night and just ordered the Clek Foonf. It's supposed to be great so we'll see.

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  • lorist202lorist202 member
    I also have the Britax Marathon Classic, and I'm unhappy with it as well.  I would definitely agree that the straps feel awkward at times.  Glad to hear you ordered another seat.
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  • SuperCuteBenzSuperCuteBenz member
    Did you remove the HUGS? I would try that. I have 2 of these seats, and I love them. They are probably my favorite out of the million that I own.
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  • eyenigheyenigh member

    imageSuperCuteBenz:
    Did you remove the HUGS? I would try that. I have 2 of these seats, and I love them. They are probably my favorite out of the million that I own.

    I did. It was the same. I'm really wondering if I just have a bum seat because I don't normally hear people hating their Britax seats.  

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