This Graco My Ride 65 review contains everything you need to know about the model.
We’ve reviewed the best features, pros and cons of the Graco My Ride 65 car seat, compared it to similar models and answered the most commonly asked questions about it. We look forward to giving you all the details.
Weight And Height Limits
Most convertible seats have weight limits of 40-65 lbs., and Graco My Ride 65 clocks in at the upper end. The non-twisting harness is of very high quality. The harness slides through the buckle tongues freely, which fit its width.
Graco My Ride 65’s deep side wings are lined with EPS foam. In the event of a side-impact crash, the child will remain in the restraint. Graco My Ride 65 features 5 harness slots. You can use the bottom 4 for rear-facing, in which position the straps should be in the nearest slot at or below the child’s shoulders.
Use the top 4 for forward-facing, in which case they should be at or above shoulder level in the nearest slot.
How Long Can It Be Rear Faced?
Without the infant pad in place, the lowest harness slot height is approximately 8.5″ and approximately 8″ with it. With the cover, on the top slot is about 17″. When your child’s height goes over 49’’, they will outgrow this seat. This will also be the case when the shoulders are above the top slots or if the top of their ears is above the back of the restraint.
This is the first US-made car seat to rear-face to 40 lbs. Experts recommended rear-facing until as much as 5 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to leave their child rear-facing for as long as possible in a convertible seat. Graco My Ride 65 will allow the average child to rear-face for 2-3 years or more because it has a tall shell and high rear-facing weight limit.
Top Features
- 5-point harness to 65 pounds
- Side impact protection
- 5 harness slots
- High rear-facing weight and height limits
Pros
- Two separate sets of Latch attachments
- Side impact testing
- Dual cupholders
- Infant insert and harness pads
- High forward-facing weight limit
- Made in the US
Cons
- Cover a bit uncomfortable
- Flimsy recline feet
- Unsuitable width and weight
The Advantages
Thanks to the two separate sets of LATCH attachments, you don’t need to reroute from rear-facing to forward-facing or vice versa. Graco 65 has been crashed tested to the highest NCAP test pulse standards. The dual cupholders, harness pads, head pillow, and the infant insert are all very nice touches.
While the 65-pound forward-facing weight limit is great, most kids will reach the height limit way before the weight limit as with similar 65-pound models. At times of crisis, like a pandemic, we’re very happy to see US-made goods. Everything but the cover, that is, which seems to be made in Mexico.
We mentioned the cover briefly already. It has its upsides, like the feel and look of the pattern, but it’s not particularly plush or thick. The smell of new fabric is pretty strong and could be dangerous to babies with allergies. The elastic frustratingly slips off the side of the car seat.
The Disadvantages
Recline Problems
The recline feet are not solid enough. You might feel like they’re breaking as you install them under the seat. A screw on one end holds the feet in place. They are fed on the other end under tabs.
You might encounter some issues with all of this. Some users have said the right foot wasn’t under the tabs on the right side of my seat, others report the same thing on the left. While these aren’t hard to fix by any means, they probably won’t catch your eye as you look the seat over before buying.
Too Light And Too Wide
Graco My Ride 65 weighs just 14.7 lbs. This is definitely on the light end of car seats. While this won’t be a downside to many, especially parents who appreciate lugging around something lighter, you do need to take it into account if you plan on carrying the seat through an airport.
The cupholders are convenient, but permanent, due to which the seat is pretty wide. Unfortunately, it won’t fit in if you have other seats that sit lower on the car seat if there will be other children sitting in the back too.
Expiration Dates
Graco my Ride 70 expires in 7 years. Graco my Ride 65 expires in 6. Look for the “Do Not Use Past” date stamped on the back or the bottom of the seat.
Graco My Ride 65 Recall
This has been a somewhat controversial issue. Graco has recalled more than 25,000 car seats because the harness webbing might not keep children in the seat. It is likely to break in a crash, and the children will not be restrained.
However, the recall does not affect all My Ride 65 products, only the convertible seats with model numbers 1813074, 1872691, 1871689, 1908152, 1813015, 1794334, 1853478, and 1877535.
Installation
To install the seat rear-facing, adjust the child restraint to recline position and flip the recline feet under the child restraint for rear-facing use. The Forward-Facing LATCH belt should be stored. Now, place the seat rear-facing on the seat of your car, equipped with LATCH anchors.
Extend the LATCH belt to its maximum length to make this easier and attach the connectors to the car’s lower anchors. The belt should not be twisted. To make sure the connectors are securely attached to the anchor points, pull on them.
In the center of the child restraint, push down firmly while pulling the LATCH adjustment belt. For secure installation, pull front to back and left to right at the belt path. The lower anchor belt shouldn’t slip from the tightened position. Try another seat position if it does not stay tight.
Restraint Issue
The forward-facing installation is similar; see your manual. You might have problems with this because of the natural recline. Some users have complained that the bottom of the restraint sits very far forward of the car seat crack for the seat to touch the back of the restraint. It might be impossible to get it to work in a vehicle with a stationary back.
Graco My Ride 65 Vs Contender
The two products are quite similar with one major difference: the harness system. As it’s been equipped with Graco’s Simply Safe Adjust Harness System, the Contender is a little bit more expensive.
However, it is really easy to use once you’ve set it up properly. With the adjust system, it’s fast and easy to adjust the fit of the harness. This proprietary mechanism makes it possible to adjust the harness and headrest position with a single hand without having to rethread.
Another difference is the colors, in which the seats are available. Both the Graco Contender 65 and Graco My Ride 65 are available in 3 colors, albeit different ones. Graco Contender is available in Glacier (black), Sapphire (blue), and Chili Red (gray with red lines). My Ride comes in Sully (gray and light blue), grayish brown and green, and gray and pink.
Graco My Ride 65 Vs Extend2Fit
One major difference between these two seats is the rear-facing weight limits. Graco My Ride 65 can’t be used as a rear-facing seat as long as Graco Extend2Fit. Graco Extend2Fit’s recommended weight limit is lower at 50 lbs. My Ride features an additional extension panel that helps the kid feel more comfortable sitting rear-facing.
Graco My Ride 65 features 3-recline positions and 8-adjustable headrest positions, while Extend2Fit features more: 10 adjustable headrest positions and 6 recline positions. The child has more options to recline comfortably with more recline positions. Your child’s comfort should be top priority.
3-Positions Extension Panel
Another major difference between Graco Extend2Fit and Graco My Ride 65 comes from the former’s 3-extension panel. With this extra panel, Graco Extend2Fit gives the kid extra legroom, which is important as they grow sitting rear-facing. Insufficient legroom is a major issue with extended rear-facing that parents and carers encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our final section answers the most common questions about Graco My Ride 65.
How long is a Graco My Ride 65 Good For?
6 years. The individual seat’s expiration date is stamped on its bottom or back.
Is Graco My Ride 65 FAA approved?
No.
How wide is the Graco My Ride 65?
17.3 inches.
We hope you liked our review of the Graco My Ride 65. Please feel free to leave us a comment below.