Evenflo Triumph DLX Convertible Car Seat Review

We've had this seat since 2005.  Registered for it when I was pregnant b/c of the glowing Consumer Reports Reviews.  We have this in my husband's car where it pretty much gets weekend use, as I have her in my car in a Britax Marathon during the week. 

I'm sure it is a very safe seat.  It crash tested very well in CR's reports at the time we bought it.  BUT, I have always found it frustrating to deal with adjusting the straps.  Mind you, my husband likes it just fine.  But I have issues with weak, stiff hands and fingers and sometimes I have a heck of a time holding the lever down while turning the knob to be able to looses the straps when needed.  I found it easier to do once we turned forward facing, but while it was in the rear-facing mode,  I found it nearly impossible b/c the knobs were right up against the car seatback.  I find that that the straps get twisted pretty easily also which leads to even more frustration.

The seat cover hasn't been an issue for us b/c we typically don't let our daughter  eat or drink in her seat (other than something like cheerios or raisins that don't leave a lasting mess if spilled) and as an infant she rarely spit up.  So I don't think we've actually tried to take it off to clean in the 3 years we've been using it and it's spotless.   

The other complaint I have is that it is not easy to install in every vehicle.  We have been able to get a tight fit in my husband's SUV and Maybe I am just spoiled having a Marathon in my car since they are well-known for being easy to install from one car to the next, but I installed my friend's Triumph in my own car back seat (older model, no LATCH) and I could NOT get a tight fit, despite sitting my 190 lbs fully in the seat and pulling on the belt with all of my might.  That seat flopped around awful.  Totally unsafe.  As opposed the Marathon which I have easily installed in 3 different vehicles, seatbelt installations, and have been able to get it rock solid every time.  All seats may be made to meet safety specs, but the seat is only as safe as it's install.  This seat would never have worked in my car. 

 Also, I see other reviewers saying this seat will take you to 5 or 6 years?  Maybe the height would be fine, but remember there is a 40 lb. weight limit.  Many many children are at 40 lbs. by age 4 or even well  before.  In addition, you may be able to go right to a booster when you outgrow this seat, BUT keep in mind that keeping children in a 5 point harness for as long as possible is the safest way to travel.  There are lots of convertible seats on the market that will harness children to 65 or even 80 lbs for just a little more money than these seats and they can keep you from needing a booster in the future. 

If I had it to do over again, I'd have registered for 2 Marathons.  As it is, my daughter is almost 4 and is probably around 35 lbs.  We'd probably get several more months out of the Triumph, but I've just ordered a Sunshine Kids Radian 80 to try for my car (will be getting a Britax Regent or Frontier if it doesn't work out), and will be moving my Marathon to my husband's car.  Can't wait to be done with the Triumph even though I don't deal with it that often. 

 Other con is that it is EXTREMELY WIDE.  Difficult to fit passengers in the backseat with this seat.