I had a problem with my drivers seat on my trip - it's a take-out from a late model GM pickup, and got quite uncomfortable after a few hours. So I spent a really long time on the road thinking about what is the best seat for the long haul? I have to think the truckers have this figured out. What about an air ride seat of some sort? Brands that are good?
Thanks, Brian
watching reply close! I have bad back and am shopping for seat..been told that sometimes large truck dealers(freightlinner etc)have new takeouts at reduced prices..Bob
Guys try Durham Seat www.durhamseats.com (http://www.durhamseats.com) in WA good buys there sometimes on all brands and types
good luck
Elite 80 is the Pete drivers choice in the Oil Patch , they run around 750.00 each FWIW
The elite 80 is the choice of the HDT people on escapees. My shorty Prevost has an air ride seat of unknown origin installed by the previous owner, and after spending a little time in the passengers seat, I am glad he did. Great ride and although I have only spent about 300 miles in it at a time, it is very supportive and comfortable.
Chuckd
Stillwater Mn
I have no doubt that the long haul trucker seats are made very well for long term comfort. They would almost have to be. But if you want to take another shot at a low cost takeout from a scrap yard try a driver seat out of a minivan. My bad back loves them for long rides. Especially the Ford Aerostar's of the early 90's (I think the Windstars that followed got a similar one, but haven't sat in one) and the mid 2000's Chrysler Town and Country minivans.
I haven't been in a truck for a few years so my choices may be a little dated but... I am a big fan of Bostrom seats. They made a Talledaga series that was good. Get the wide version as it is more comfortable. You need to make sure that the seat bottom (where you sit) is long enough to support your entire thigh or your legs will tire soon and your hips will hurt. Also make sure that the lumbar support fits your back properly otherwise you have a lump in your back but not the support that your need. Many of the upgrade seats have air bladders that you can use to custom fit the seat to your contours. This may be something to consider especially for the lumbar region. Make sure that the glide position works properly if you use it. This will also take away some of the beating that your back receives but you have to get used to the seat moving fore and aft while driving. Some brands glide like butter on a hot skillet and others like mollasses in January. Lastly my choice of suspension for the seat was the X type as opposed to the lever type since with wear, the lever type will rock side to side as the slop gets greater but the X type never have this issue.
You can spend a bunch of money here depending on the options but in the end if you are going to put long hours in the seat, then you need a good seat. Stop a a large truck dealer and try them out. Most have them on display and there are always plenty of drivers willing to give you an opinion...even if it is not about seats.
One thought, instead of the drivers seat from a van try the center seat from a full sized conversion van, the drivers seat only moves back and forth where the center seat normally has the swivel option and also often have both armrests where the drivers seat many times only has the armrest on the right, I bought 2 center seats made by flexsteel from a full sized conversion van for the revcon from a salvage (junk yard) lol, got the full recline, swivel, and heat feature along with both armrests, the seats are unusually tall, the headrests are higher than my head so I can pull into a rest stop and tip the seat back and be completely comfortable, the swivel feature makes for easy access and when spun around makes another seating position for the living area and they are extremely confortable for the long haul, I've got an air ride seat in the bus and it's very comfortable too but kinda bouncy for me, hard to adjust for my lard butt, but the nice thing is that I can adjust it on the road and get a slightly different ride.
The best seat for me was stretched out on the couch and let the wife drive worked every time I had a back ache
good luck
I remember in the 70's renting a Horizon motorhome (the epitome of el cheapo sticks and staples) and they had great looking high back driver and passenger seat. Even though I couldn't drive yet (was 14 at the time) they were the biggest piles of junk and were extremely uncomfortable causing back ache. On the other hand, I've had Bostrom seats in my trucks (my current truck that I'm converting has low rise seats [the PO wore cowboy hats while driving]) and you can go for hours on end.
Some of the professional drivers seats to look at are Bostrom, Sears (not the store), National, Freightliner (we make our own seat). In our cushy air suspension ride buses, you don't need the air suspension seat. I have a very ugly original low back National seat with black vinyl in my bus that I normally low ride (all the way down). The only time I put air in is to push me all the way up to the top when running into the sun. Flexsteel and other RV type seats look really good, but just don't have the many options truck driver seats have-like multiple air inflate lumbar support, adjustable thigh support, heated seats; choice of vinyl, utlra-leather, leather, or cloth (I always prefer cloth-it's the coolest on the tush). Good Luck, TomC
I have heard that bus seats are very comfortable. If you find someone who is converting a bus to a motorhome, maybe you could get a seat from them. They generally recline a little and come in durable decorative fabrics. Most have never been vomited on!
I have an ISRI air ride seat in my bus. Came with it when I bought it. Very comfortable and it automatically adjusts to your weight. Also has many optional adjustments on it.
Quote from: luvrbus on October 04, 2010, 07:55:17 AM
The best seat for me was stretched out on the couch and let the wife drive worked every time I had a back ache
Now that's what i call a good suggestion! :)
i have a steelcase captains which is ok. i added elec adjustable 6 way base, so moves any way i want. i did notice the steering wheel seems in wrong position after holidays, tho.
My bus came with the air ride seat, I probably wouldn't have bought it if it hadn't came with it, it's very hard for me to justify paying 600 to 1200 or more for a special seat to park my carcus in when I can get a perfectly fine seat in almost new condition for 25 bucks at a salvage yard. Many on here have very deep pockets or work for dealerships where they can buy at cost or a discount prices, thats not an option I have so I have to sometimes be a little more creative and look further to find a deal I can handle.
Quote from: Lin on October 04, 2010, 09:08:51 AM
I have heard that bus seats are very comfortable. If you find someone who is converting a bus to a motorhome, maybe you could get a seat from them. They generally recline a little and come in durable decorative fabrics. Most have never been vomited on!
I still have I still have 5 left, never been Vomited on lol! ;D make me an offer that I cannot refuse and their yours, pretty comfy & recline too. I might even consider letting my stock air ride pedestal go too, I like the LOW RIDER position of a swivel base.
V.
Several years ago when I needed to install seats during my conversion I polled a bunch of truck drivers and they pretty much pointed me to the Bostrom air ride seats as a decent choice. I installed them and they seem to do the job and are reasonably comfortable though I wonder about those Flexsteel seats that they seem to install in a whole lot of luxury coaches. Are they better? They sure look comfortable.
Brian -
Transit bus drivers are subjected to the worst "wear & tear" on the body that occurs to professional drivers. Transit properties who wish to keep their worker's comp claims somewhat reasonable take the time to research and purchase decent operator's seats for their staff.
I've seen National, American, ISRI, Recaro and USSC seating in various models, but never a Bostrom. Dunno why.
Interestingly, the old, original National low-back seats found in 4104s, 4106s and other bus brands from those days are surprisingly comfortable for the long-haul. Provided, of course, that the seat cushions and padding are in good shape. (Much better than an air-ride if you still have a stick shift, too.)
ISRI makes a good seat, but they tend to be maintenance-intensive, and sourcing parts is a challenge.
Recaros, for all their glory in Porsches, are quite lacking in their commercial line. Oh, they've got the bolsters, etc., to support you this way and that, but they tend to have very shallow cushions for your butt to plant itself upon. In transit use, they usually lasted about three years before the cushions had to be sent out to be repaired. Drivers would refuse to take out a Recaro coach after sitting down and feeling the only thing underneath you was the steel frame. These cushions also tended to be short, so taller drivers didn't have a lot of thigh support.
USSC makes some very interesting seats that are conceptually similar to Recaros. The one difference, and it's a BIG difference, is the size and depth of the cushion you sit on. They excel here where Recaro falls short, as the cushions are much thicker, which really helps when you're spending 8 - 10 hrs per day sitting.
The USSC and old National seats produced the fewest back injury claims, too.
I have no experience with Bostroms, since I never spent any time in the trucking industry. I will say, however, that an air-ride seat with a manual gearbox coach is a PITA, much more so than an air throttle/stick-shift combo. OTOH, an air-ride seat in an air-ride bus, altho almost overkill, is a very pleasant experience if you've got an automatic. An air-ride seat in an Eagle would be fantastic - UNLESS the coach's shocks were bad, in which case you'd better have your seatbelt on. Otherwise, you could easily be bucked out of the seat under certain conditions of pavement undulations. (Non-air ride seats, too!)
You might actually be pleasantly surprised at how comfortable an original, hi-back MC-9 National driver's seat would be in your 5C, and at far less cost than a fancy air-ride. Simple bolt-in replacement, too. Something to consider, anyway.
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
Here is another thought. We have an air ride driver seat in our bus (we installed it). It is actually very nice. Some people say that the buses don't need the air ride, and I agree, it is not an absolute necessity. However, it is very nice. It smooths a lot of the bumps out that you don't even know are there.
So fwiw I like ours.
God bless,
John
I drove a late model MCI with an ISRI air seat:
Leather tends to get hot on the butt.
Control buttons are getting loose after only 20000 miles.
Front/back movement like molasses in January.
Good back support and rear support and very adjustable.
The non-air solid seat on our 93 MCI was universally hated, even by the young drivers, so we installed a used air truck seat to everyone's satisfaction.
One item that makes sitting on the driver's seat very comfortable is Cruise Control. It completely un-stresses your right leg.
The seat my PO installed is a Comfort Ride, out of MN. Not sure they are still in business, however it is absolutely a great seat for me. Six air chambers, air ride vertically & forward - aft, and several vibrating areas, both seat & back. It is a high back with arm rests.
I did contact the company 5 years about a seat cover, but mine seat was discontinued. It is a dated mauve color, but clean and very servicable. My wife wants to replace the seat, but I have refused, it is that good.
Good Luck,
Gary
I have a Seats Inc air ride seat. It is a mid to high end model. I got fabric so it isn't as hot. It is comfortable for hours once adjusted properly. It wasn't so great until I removed the partition between the passengers and the driver. It wouldn't move far enough back before I did that.
I don't like the Flexsteel and similiar driver's seats found in motorhomes. They are more like Lazy Boys and aren't good for long distance driving.
It used to be that when this topic came up, someone always talked about getting seats from old Chrysler New Yorkers. They had a reputation of being very comfortable and adjustable. I guess there aren't a lot of those around anymore. My driver's seat is pretty worn so I will be looking to see what I can find. In the meantime, a local guy was selling some unused seats from his van. I just bought three for $50. I will try one for the driver.
I was a observer here and have taken it all in.Have checked prices on new seats and the recommended ones are around 750 plus shipping..decided this is one place this penny pincher will not cut corners..My bad back sometimes keeps me from attending rallies,so I am missing out on a experience I greatly enjoy for a few bucks..health and friends are priceless! Bob Ps I have a stock 89 prevost seat now and it's not doing job
I appreciate all the interest in my question, I am now looking at seats to plan for next year. One thing is that I have a 4 speed manual bus - and some comments that air suspension seat is not good with a manual shift - what is the reasoning behind that? Most trucks are still manual shift?
I also noticed, for some reason, that the truckers on the Ice Road Trucker show seem to use the Elite 80... That was interesting!
Brian
I have a 4903 abd a 4107. Both have air ride seats out of wrecked truck tractors. I can run 12 hrs and not be fatigued. I have added a low level upgrade called a "kool kushion" to enhance air flow on my back. Works well for me.
Big john
My 4106 had a "homemade seat" installed by PO. It was made by welding up an old office chair. Since I was strapped to this piece of furniture I thought it best to upgrade. A fellow "Bus Nut" found a Flexsteel six way for sale down in Tucson. We drove down and installed the unit and am I happy. I've never used a bolstrom but you'd have to go some distance to out-do my Flex. BTW I'm a spicer.
I have the air ride seat. Not sure what brand but with enough air i it to keep my fat butt from bottoming out I feel like I bounce allot. The bumps that nobody is feeling in the back I am bouncing around like a cowboy. I have made a 12hr trip with out fatigue but it is more because I am having fun driving. The biggest thing is don't drive with your wallet in your pocket.
The PO of my 4106 had a ratty flexsteel welded to the original seat base. The seat base was shot also (couldn't adjust the height) At 6'1" I could barely reach the clutch. The copilots seat was an old movie theater seat. I got 2 air ride seats from a freightliner and I love them. My more then ample butt is very comfortable. The air adjustments are great. I also am 'Frugal" I got the 2 seats from a truck salvage yard for Less then $150.00
Kevin
Sweeney153
What? you have a bus and still have a wallet!!!! ;D I went to a money clip years ago when i realized i was starting to have hip and back problems from my wallet. :)
Brian -
With a stick shift and an air ride seat, you tend to move around quite a bit as you work your way thru the gears.
Step on the clutch and the seat goes up.
Go to release the clutch and the seat goes down.
For some, it makes it more difficult to shift smoothly.
Don't want to spill the red wine, you know!
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
Oh I don't have any money in it. It holds all the business cards for the service people. ;D ;D ;D
I can tell you our bus has the "BALL BUSTER" model :) it's the most uncomfortable hunk of junk on the face of the earth.....i just can't seem to bring myself to buy another seat when i don't occupy it that much!
$750 seems a little steep for an air ride seat. I paid under $500 for mine, but one of the truck parts places in town had a special going on. Normal at most places for the same seat was closer to $700 it seems. An air ride seat is really something you don't want to pay shipping on. The truck parts places get them by the pallet load.
I looked at two truck salvage yards, but any used seats were priced like gold. They also had seats still in crashed trucks, but they had all been exposed to various amounts of snow and rain as they didn't cover the wrecks.
Yeah I'm sort of wondering about the need for air ride seats if you already have air suspension. I've never had the pleasure of planting my arse in an air ride seat but do you really need it? Does it really help that much?
I was told by someone that some buses have troubles with some seats including air ride. Is there a width consideration in some coaches? Maybe arm rests, lack of set back distance from pedals to rear wall or rise behind seat etc?
Lastly, I'm sure it's a dumb question but why couldn't someone just mount their already owned or favorite seat into one of these air seat suspensions or similar? Maybe a height problem or ??
http://www.buytruckstuff.com/product.asp?selcategory=16&p_gpID=208 (http://www.buytruckstuff.com/product.asp?selcategory=16&p_gpID=208)
I had an air ride seat in my last bus, but that one had leaf spring suspension. I do not think I need one now. Besides, I do not want to make anything more complicated than it has to be. I think that I would like a good, multi-adjustable, electric seat best, but I would also guess that the ergonomic research on the good semi seats would be hard to beat.
Bostrom tr915 at local supplier is 369$ the wide one with arm rest is 763..I haven't driven a 98 prevost ( I bought 98 as a salvage shell so don't know how it will ride) so don't know if it rides better than the 89 prevost I'm use too. Do you think with the newer coach the ride will be good enough not to use air ride? Bob
Bob, I can tell you that I like the air ride. I have the factory issue Isri seat. It need to have the cushions rebuilt already.
Bob, been a while since I looked at that bus but I seem to remember it being a entertainer with the long wheel base I looked at so many I may be wrong
good luck
it is a 45 Xle Entertainer..would that be a better ride?
Bob, they ride petty darn good better than regular Prevost with the shorter wheel base
good luck
Thanks to all will digest and make a informed decision with the tools you have provided...Bob