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Seat belt extender?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by clangjr, Jul 2, 2013.

  1. clangjr

    clangjr Junior Member

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    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
     
    #1 clangjr, Jul 2, 2013
  2. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    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.
     
    #2 32kcolors, Jul 2, 2013
  3. P1Ally

    P1Ally Junior Member

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    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.
     
    #3 P1Ally, Jul 4, 2013
  4. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    That still won't help with the seat belt buckles sinking in making one-hand operation difficult, especially for kids.
     
    #4 32kcolors, Jul 4, 2013
  5. P1Ally

    P1Ally Junior Member

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    Try cutting a small section of pool noodle and placing it around the buckle stalk. I'll try to find a picture.
     
    #5 P1Ally, Jul 4, 2013
    32kcolors likes this.
  6. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    #6 32kcolors, Jul 15, 2013
  7. chickenhawk

    chickenhawk Member

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    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.
     
    #7 chickenhawk, Jul 16, 2013
  8. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    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.
     
    #8 32kcolors, Jul 16, 2013
  9. clangjr

    clangjr Junior Member

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    Where did you get the 3" extender?
     
    #9 clangjr, Jul 16, 2013
  10. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    See the link above in post #6.
     
    #10 32kcolors, Jul 16, 2013
  11. Blu-ray

    Blu-ray Blizzard Brigade #215

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    #11 Blu-ray, Jul 16, 2013
  12. Cthehentz

    Cthehentz New Member

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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.
     
    #12 Cthehentz, Jul 16, 2013
  13. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    A different booster won't solve the problem of the seat belt buckle sinking in making it difficult to snap in.
     
    #13 32kcolors, Jul 16, 2013
  14. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    The 3" extender arrived and it works great. It doesn't stick out that much but allows one-handed operation very easily. photo-1.JPG
     
    #14 32kcolors, Jul 19, 2013
  15. Cthehentz

    Cthehentz New Member

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    Thank you for the update, I'm ordering mine now....
     
    #15 Cthehentz, Jul 19, 2013
  16. Oldwolf

    Oldwolf Prius Enthusiast

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    Can't seem to locate one of these. Does anyone have an updated link?
    Thanks
     
    #16 Oldwolf, Aug 2, 2023
  17. ColoradoCrow

    ColoradoCrow Active Member

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    #17 ColoradoCrow, Aug 2, 2023
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