Each year, an average of 37 children die from hyperthermia after being left in a hot car. At CSFTL, we keep this sobering statistic near to our hearts, doing anything and everything we can to prevent any more of these deaths. We’ve chatted with hyperthermia expert Jan Null, we promote awareness on every social media outlet we can find, we talk relentlessly about simple ways to prevent this tragedy.
What does hyperthermia have to do with a car seat?
Evenflo introduced SensorSafe as one way to help parents stay alert to the dangers of hyperthermia. Evenflo describes it as:
SensorSafe Technology works by alerting a caregiver that a child is present in the vehicle upon reaching their destination. Additionally the technology will also alert the caregiver if the chest clip becomes unbuckled during the trip.
Evenflo debuted its SensorSafe technology when it released their Advanced Embrace with SensorSafe to the market. We have been hoping that they would bring this potentially life saving technology to other seats in their lineup, and now they have! Evenflo recently added SensorSafe to its popular Titan 65 (also known as the SureRide) convertible car seat, providing another level of safety to an already well loved car seat.
While we welcome the addition of this technology to a seat that we find extremely versatile, we encountered quite a number of issues with the first SensorSafe device we recieved. At each point, the manufacturer worked with us to resolve the issue by troubleshooting, then sending replacement parts that did work correctly.
We worry quite a bit that families will face the same issues we did without knowing they were happening. Let’s take a closer look at the seat and the technology.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65
CSFTL Quick Stats
- Rear facing weight range: 5-40 pounds
- Rear facing height range: 19-40 inches tall
- Forward facing weight range: 22-65 pounds
- Forward facing height range: 29-54 inches tall
- Lowest harness position: 6 inches tall
- Highest harness position: 19 inches tall
- Two buckle slots: 4 and 6 inches.
- Lower anchor limit: 55 pounds both rear and forward facing
Measurements
- Inside width at widest point: 13.5 inches at the thigh area
- Inside width at narrowest point: 11 inches at the hips
- Outside width at narrowest point: 20 inches at the sides, 18 inches at the seat pan
- Crotch strap & pan depth (without insert): 5 and 7 inches
- Seat pan depth: 12 inches
- Shell height: 26 inches tall
- Weight: 11 pounds
Features
- SensorSafe chest clip and receiver
- Expiration: 6 years
- Harness pads
- Infant inserts
- Crotch buckle comfort padding
- Buckle holders
- Cup holder
SensorSafe
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 receiver plug comes attached to the harness
This ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 is very similar to the original Titan 65/SureRide in almost every way. The key difference is the addition of the SensorSafe chest clip and receiver. This version of the car seat includes soft padding and harness pads. The installation and ease of use of the ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 mirrors its cousins the Titan 65 and SureRide 65.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 – 2010 Honda Odyssey vehicle port located under steering column
SensorSafe is a two part safety system, comprised of a special chest clip and a receiver which is attached to a port inside the caregiver’s vehicle. The port is a small plastic plug, and is located under the steering column in newer vehicles.
This receiver is intended to be used in vehicles 2008 and newer, but sometimes an older vehicle will have an appropriate port as well. For questions regarding vehicle compatibility, call Evenflo directly.
The chest clip and receiver connect with each other using wireless technology, and the receiver will chime to notify the driver that there is a child in the back seat. It will even alert the driver if the child opens their chest clip.
In order to install the SensorSafe receiver in the vehicle, caregivers need to locate the correct port for the receiver and plug it in. The receiver should emit a tone immediately the next time the vehicle is turned on.
In this 2010 Honda Odyssey, the port is under the steering column.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 receiver plugged into 2010 Honda Odyssey
SensorSafe has been designed to activate after the vehicle has been driven for 30 seconds at 5 MPH or more. It will chime within two seconds of parking and turning off the engine, alerting the parent to the presence of a child buckled in the back seat. In addition, SensorSafe will chime if a child opens their chest clip, as long as the car is on and has been in motion for at least 30 seconds at 5 MPH or more before the chest clip was opened.
Not only is this a significant safety feature that can prevent accidental vehicular hyperthermia (heatstroke from being left in a vehicle) but SensorSafe can help parents of harness Houdinis, as well. While escaping from a harness in the car is generally a behavioral issue that needs to be addressed like any other unwanted behavior, it is helpful to have a car seat that can quickly alert parents to a potential problem.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: instructions on the chest clip
There is also an automatic “sleep mode” that will turn the chest clip mechanism off after it has been buckled for 12 hours. It can be activated again by unbuckling and re-buckling the chest clip. Since children won’t be sitting in a car seat for more than a few hours at a time, the sleep mode shouldn’t be a safety issue, but it is important to leave the chest clip unbuckled when the car seat is not in use to preserve the life of the battery within it.
When we reviewed the Evenflo Advanced Embrace DLX with SensorSafe Review the first receiver device did not work. The second worked perfectly, which led me to believe that the first plug was a dud, or a fluke.
Other vehicles we’ve tried the device in had no issues so we suggest that families spend a little time with the manual, then make sure the device works properly in their vehicle before heading out for a drive.
Concerns Around SensorSafe
Summary: we had some issues with using the first SensorSafe device we received in a 2010 Honda Odyessy. We’ve received a replacement device that works without issue. In addition, we’ve had two more of our team members put this seat to the test in different vehicles and they’ve encountered zero issues with the device. We urge caregivers to test the device in their vehicle and familiarize themselves with the different tones before heading out for a drive.
The first version of the receiver plug we had went into place as it should, and beeped indicate that it was active once the vehicle was turned on. However, after over a week of use, we found that the SensorSafe technology was not working as designed in a 2010 Honda Odyessy. The SensorSafe receiver, meant to chime after the vehicle is turned off after a drive, only did so a handful of times during the course of writing this review. It did not alert properly every time it was used. We reached out to Evenflo, and discussed the situation, and are sending back parts of the seat to be tested. Evenflo representatives are confident that there are issues with the seat we were given for this review, and that the problem I experienced is isolated. The replacement device we received did not have these issues.
Vehicular hyperthermia kills children: an average of 37 American children die each year because a parent or caregiver has inadvertently left them in the vehicle or they’ve climbed back into a parked vehicle. This product is designed to chime when the chest clip is buckled and the vehicle is turned off after a ride so that the driver is reminded of the child’s presence in back.
If it does not work reliably, and parents are counting on it to work, that is a rather significant issue.
The device is also designed to indicate if the chest clip is opened during the drive. Our inital device didn’t alert when this happened but the replacement device did.
After working with representatives from GoodBaby, the parent company of Evenflo, we received a new chest clip and device. These replacement parts worked as expected.
Padding
This version of the ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 has the same padded infant insert that we’ve seen on the other SureRide/Titan 65 seats. The fabric is smooth and seems very resilient, but also soft and comfortable.
The included harness pads are a nice addition to this version of the seat. Harness pads are available for purchase directly from Evenflo for SureRide/Titan 65 seats that did not come with them originally.
The head support, body pillow, and buckle cover are all optional accessories, and may be used or not as caregivers see fit.
Recline Stand
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 rear facing recline stand
The recline mechanism is a stand that flips down for rear facing, and is stowed back for forward facing. When it is moved out for rear facing mode, it locks into place with a tab on either side. If a rolled towel is necessary to achieve the proper recline for rear facing, it goes under the stand.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: recline stand locked into place with integrated tabs
Cup Holder
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 cup holder installation
The flexible cup holder is allowed in forward facing mode only. It clips right onto the seat’s shell, then the cover is adjusted over it. In the manual, Evenflo reminds parents and caregivers to be mindful of the items a kiddo is given in the car, with specific warnings against heavy containers and hot liquids.
Buckle Holders
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 buckle storage spot on cover
These little pockets near the hip area of the cover can be used to hold the buckle out of the way when kiddo is getting into the seat. The storage spots can also be used to insulate the metal parts of the crotch buckle when the seat is parked, so they may not be as hot when kiddo gets back into the car.
Installation
Recline Indicator
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 recline line must be parallel with the ground
The recline indicator for rear facing is an embossed line on both sides of the seat. It must be parallel with the ground in rear facing mode. A helpful tip for parents is to color over this line with a metallic permanent marker, or perhaps try a small piece of colored tape, in order to make the line more visible.
Rear Facing: Lower Anchor installation
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 installed with lower anchors in 2010 Honda Odyssey second row captains chair
Upon opening a brand new ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65, the lower anchors are threaded through the forward facing belt path and stowed on the storage clips at the top on either side of the seat.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 anchor storage spot on the side – stow anchors when not in use!
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: lower anchor connector strap attached with a plastic strap – no need to cut or remove it!
The lower anchor connector strap is attached to the shell under the padding with a white plastic strap — don’t cut this strap! To switch the lower anchors from the forward facing belt path to the rear facing belt path, move the webbing from the forward facing belt path into the rear facing belt path. The cord is flexible and will easily move from side to side, allowing the lower anchor connectors to be switched from one mode to the other.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: recline line reminder on the sticker
Once the lower anchors are in the rear facing belt path and the recline stand is out, simply attach the lower anchors to the vehicle’s lower anchors, and tighten. Double check that the recline line is level with the ground, and you’re good to go!
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 installed with lap and shoulder belt in a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
Vehicle Seat Belt Installation
To install the ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 with the vehicle seat belt, place the lower anchor connectors on the storage loops at the top of the seat. Stow the tether anchor on one side or the other, since it won’t be used in rear facing mode. In this photo, I’m using a lap and shoulder belt that locks at the buckle and rolled towel positioned under the recline stand to achieve the recline required for rear facing.
Not sure how your vehicle’s belts lock? Check out our Lock It Up article.
Pro tip: Need more leverage? Try standing behind the seat and putting pressure on it from behind as you pull the belt snug when installing.
Fit to Child:
Newborn Doll
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: Huggable Images Newborn; 7 pounds, 17 inches
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 providing a great fit for this newborn doll
Our newborn Huggable Images doll is 7 pounds and fits the ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 perfectly. The harness is well below her shoulders on the first setting and she gets a good fit. I didn’t have to remove any padding, but all of it is optional, so it is okay to remove one or more pads to help create a better fit.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65’s harness loops for newborns and smaller babies
There is a newborn harness setting specifically designed so that newborns and smaller babies get a snug fit. It is a separate set of loops on the harness itself and is necessary for newborns.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 in the third row of a 2010 Honda Odyssey
Because there is a single required recline, the seat is not incredibly compact front to back. It did, however, fit in my third row with the second row seat pulled forward just a little.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: showing a close up of the crotch buckle slots under the cover
There is also a newborn crotch buckle routing, which involves pulling the crotch buckle down through the inner setting and attaching it on the inside of the outer setting.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 newborn crotch buckle routing step by step
This setting is not required for children who weigh less than 10 pounds, but it does provide a good fit for a little one like our Huggable Images baby. Once the child weighs 10 pounds, the crotch buckle setting must be moved back to the first slot without the newborn routing.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: clearly marked slots for rear and forward facing in the United States and Canada
Three Years Old
We also tried the seat with a 3 year old model who had plenty of room to grow in this seat. Because the SureRide/Titan 65 has just one recline angle, it does take up quite a bit of front to back space in the vehicle.
In the United States, the bottom four harness slots can be used for rear facing, but in Canada, the fourth slot from the bottom is not allowed for rear facing.
Installation
Forward Facing Mode
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: installed with the lower anchors in a 2010 Honda Odyssey
The ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 has a 55 pound child only lower anchor weight limit, which is perfect for certain vehicles, like those with inflatable belts, and perhaps in some three across setups. While the vehicle belt and lower anchor installations are equally safe when used properly, parents sometimes prefer using the lower anchors, so sometimes having a high weight limit for the lower anchors is very handy. Remember to always use the tether anchor when installing a forward facing seat, as it significantly increases the child’s safety.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 installed with the lap only belt in the center of a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
The top harness slots are an astounding 19 inches tall, which makes the Titan 65 an ideal budget friendly option for harnessing taller kids longer. In the US and Canada, the top two harness slots are only for forward facing, which is noted in the manual and on the back of the seat itself. In the US, the fourth slot up can either be used rear or forward facing, but in Canada this slot is a forward facing only harness position.
Because the Titan 65 has a lower anchor weight limit of 55 pounds, I was able to keep it installed that way for each of my forward facing models. Using the lower anchors is fairly easy for the Titan 65, and I appreciated having the option to use them for larger children.
I did also install it with a lap only belt in an older vehicle, by threading the belt through the belt path and pulling the end of the belt tight. This method is the same as airline installation. The Titan 65 and its sibling the SureRide are both popular travel seats because they’re FAA approved, incredibly lightweight, narrow enough to fit well on the vast majority of airline seats, and they accommodate tall children in harness mode.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 would need a tether extender for the centre of my 2010 Honda Odyssey in the third row so the tether can be attached
In the third row of my 2010 Honda Odyssey, the tether anchor is on the rear sill which is the inside of the back hatch near the door opening. One can see in the photo that the tether anchor strap was not long enough to reach in this position and was too short by several inches. The tether anchor is vital to the safety of a forward facing child and is mandatory by law in Canada. Evenflo does offer a tether extender, for situations like this one in which it is necessary. There are four other seating positions with tether anchors in this vehicle, so moving it to another spot would probably be a good solution in my situation.
Four Years Old
Evenflo SureRide 4 years old
Our 4.5 year old model (posing in the largely identical SureRide), weighs 40 pounds and is 44 inches tall. He finds the seat comfortable enough to ham it up for the camera and he’s got a bit of room to grow yet!
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: LOTS of room to harness this five year old!
Our five year old model used the second to last harness slots, and has a lot of room for growth. She says that the seat is comfortable, but doesn’t like the shape of the chest clip. She prefers her regular seat, which she’ll continue to use in harness mode until she’s ready for a booster.
Three Across
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: three across is possible!
While the Titan 65 is not the most narrow seat on the market, it is fairly compact side to side. I successfully installed it along with a BubbleBum and a narrower booster, the Safety1st Store N Go. There isn’t a one size fits all seat or combination for three across, so it is important to take into consideration the ages and sizes of the kiddos in the vehicle, vehicle type and size, location of tether anchors, belts, and lower anchors, and more.
Air Travel
The Titan 65 is a popular travel option because it is lightweight, has tall top harness slots, and fits very nicely on airline seats in forward facing mode. It may be more of a challenge to get it installed at the proper recline for rear facing on all airline seats, but it is possible on some.
In the manual, Evenflo notes that the chest clip MUST be unfastened before take-off to comply with FAA regulations, as the SensorSafe device is electronic. There are also very detailed instructions for installing the Titan 65 on the plane, which uses a lap only belt with a locking latch plate, similar to the lap only belt shown above.
It is really important that kids who would be harnessed at home are harnessed on an airplane. Even, and especially little ones who technically could be lap infants should be harnessed. Though the FAA permits it, holding a baby on your lap isn’t a safe practice and should be avoided. We have a wealth of information about traveling with kids of all ages and sizes in our Travel Archive.
Important Information: Where to Find
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: Lost the manual? Don’t fret! Call Evenflo!
Manual Storage: Not located on the seat itself, so remember to keep it in a handy place! Evenflo has cleverly stamped its phone number on the back of the seat with a reminder to parents and caregivers to call if the manual is lost.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: Manufacture date and date of expiration listed on the same sticker, very handy!
Date of manufacture and expiration date: Both of these are listed on the sticker located on the inside of the right pillar on the back of the seat. ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 expires 6 years after the manufacture date.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: FAA Approval notice on sticker
FAA Approval: The ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 is FAA Approved. The notice is written in red on a sticker on the bottom of the seat.
Manufacturer Contact Information: Evenflo lists their contact information on the stickers and embossed the information on the shell at the back of the seat.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: Made in the USA!
Parents and caregivers will also note that this seat is made in the United States, which is also stamped on the seat at the top of the back of the shell.
Evenflo ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65: Storage spot for locking clip
Locking Clip Storage: The ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 doesn’t come with a locking clip, used to lock a lap/shoulder belt in some situations. There is a space on the back of the seat to store one, however, should it be necessary to have handy. Locking clips generally aren’t necessary in the US and Canada now, because all vehicles made after 1996 have belts that lock in some way for car seat installation, but for parents and caregivers with older vehicles, or for those who are considering travel outside of the US/Canada, a locking clip can be necessary. Evenflo should provide a locking clip when contacted.
Overall Thoughts
While I love the ease of installing and using the ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 , and I’m impressed at its physical range and overall capacity, I find the issues with SensorSafe troubling. This is a safety device, and if it was functioning properly, it could be a lifesaving piece of technology. I really feel that it needs to be perfected, and I don’t believe that has happened yet.
It’s worth noting that the harness release button is exposed and faces the child. While we’re not overly concerned about this, nor is this unusual, if your child is particularly drawn to harness release buttons, this may be worth taking into consideration. Our 2.5 year old model could almost reach it with her hands, and it is likely she could eventually reach it with her feet. It is impossible to say that she’d try to escape, but something like a flap of fabric on the cover could prevent children from being reminded that it is there, and from gaining access to it.
The ADVANCED SensorSafe Titan 65 is still a fantastic option for rear facing most kids until age two or longer, is a great long lasting harnessed seat, and is often a popular choice for travel. The issues I’ve experienced with the first SensorSafe chest clip and plug don’t change the versatility and usability of the seat itself, and Evenflo has been committed to work through reported problems on a case by case basis. I did receive working parts and representatives from Evenflo worked hard to make sure the system was working properly for me. When all of the bugs are worked out, I think the SensorSafe technology has the potential to be a life saving technology that is fairly user friendly, and very simple to understand.
Originally written by Laurel, edits maintained by CSFTL.
