I need a suggestion. My 6 year old son is in a booster with a back in the drivers side rear position. In my old car he had no problem buckling himself in. With the Prius, both the middle and drivers side buckles for the rear seat are nestled into the same area. I have trouble buckling him in properly! Does anyone else have this problem? Does anyone have any suggestions on how to remedy this? My only thought was a seat belt extender. If that will work, does anyone have any suggestions on where to get one? The manual states that if you need one the dealership will provide it for free......I find that hard to believe. Chuck
Yes, it's a common problem. Dealers are supposed to provide seat belt extenders free of charge if you (or a passenger you normally transport) are overweight and can't fit properly using the normal seat belt. However, I've heard of dealers refusing to provide it for any reason other than weight/size problems so I'd play it safe and say you have an overweight family member.
No, you're never supposed to use a seatbelt extender with a child seat of any kind. What booster is your son in? I might look at boosters with a more narrow base, like the Recaro Vivo.
That still won't help with the seat belt buckles sinking in making one-hand operation difficult, especially for kids.
Try cutting a small section of pool noodle and placing it around the buckle stalk. I'll try to find a picture.
Tried this and it doesn't work too well as it'd sink and eventually fall under the seat. I don't feel like calling dealers around to obtain a free one so I've ordered this Amazon.com: 2004 - 2013 Toyota Prius Seatbelt Extender / Seat Belt Extension - Raises Buckle by 3": Automotive
Yes you can get 2 extra seat belt extenders for the car. There are diff length. I got the 6" one. It is illegal to use it with car seat so I hear. I use it so car seat is in middle and the adults on either side can buckle but still is a pain.
I can't find a definite source on this, but I believe it stems from the fact that the buckle on the extender can't be less than 6" away from the center point of the body (e.g. bellybutton) and a small child won't be able to use an extender and not have it sitting mid-abdomen. However, I have purchased a 3" extender and my kid is big enough so that it won't even come in contact on the booster seat. In California, you have to remain in the booster seat until age 8.
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I've been having the same exact problem, the back seat-belts are to short and my daughter just can't snap it. I may have to find a different booster.
A different booster won't solve the problem of the seat belt buckle sinking in making it difficult to snap in.
The 3" extender arrived and it works great. It doesn't stick out that much but allows one-handed operation very easily.
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