Drivers (and Passenger) Seats - RV Seats or Truck Seats, Which are better?

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

I drove my MC-9 with the original air ride drivers seat in it.  Although it did not look as comfy as some of the nicer conversions out there with what look like full size overstuffed sofas with 120 ways to adjust them for a drivers seat, I found my old original bus drivers seat quite comfortable. I figured if it was comfortable enough for Greyhound drivers to sit in it all day, then my 6-8 hour jaunts should be no problem and I never had any aches and pains from driving it.

In my new (old) Eagle I have very high end Caption Chairs but they are pretty much worn out and when I asked an upholstery shop about rebuilding them they suggested I just replace them with some new seats they have in stock as it would be more cost effective.

Yesterday I saw an old Flxible and the owner had what looked like brand new truck air ride seats with adjustments in all directions which also swing around for both the drivers seat and the passenger seat which he preferred over RV seats.  I really like the air ride seat I had in my MC-9 as it absorbed bumps very well and because you could adjust it up and down, the angle of your knees can be changed so you are not driving with your legs in the same position all of the time making it less tiring (I believe).

My question is, should I buy another really expensive RV Caption Chair for my drivers and passenger seats for my Eagle or do a lot of folks go with the much more plain truck seat which costs about $1300 and find it even more comfortable for long trips?

[Lin]

We replaced our RV-type captains chairs some years ago with armrest seats from a minivan.  They do not present the look of high end RV seats, but I find them comfortable.  Our first bus had an air ride seat for the driver, which I did like, but that bus had leaf spring suspension.  Personally, I would choose comfort.  Actually, you do not have to get matching seats anyway.  The air ride may be better to the driver while that captain's chair may be better for the passenger.

[Dave5Cs]

Gary we have Bostrum wide-rides air ride passenger and living room  and like them a lot. Driver seat is a National air ride Bus seat 4 way movement just remember to fill them with air before you hit a bump hard. I forgot to air it up once then hit a bump hard and fractured my tailbone. It never has healed. Wife made me a sign fill driver seat, LOL...
Dave5Cs

[Astro]

I installed Bostrom air Wide-Ride seats for driver and passenger during my 5 rebuild. I got swivel and heat for the Mrs. and we love them. Can't speak for conventional RV seats as I have not significant time in them other than as a passenger  briefly. I love the adjustability of the truck seats.

[TomC]

The most comfortable driver's seat I've sat in is Freightliner's seat in the Cascadia's. Go to a Freightliner dealer and sit in one-play with all the adjustments. It fits my big fat body. If I remember right, about $800 apiece. Good Luck, TomC

[Scott & Heather]

Neither my 9 or C came with and air ride seat. Must be nice. It's on the bucket list to have obe


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[daddysgirl]

Bostrum Taladega!
Because you spend so much time in that chair, it's well worth the money. I've heard truck drivers complain about hemorrhoids from their sitting that length of time. I've never had one...never want one. My other chairs and sofa are flexsteel. 

[luvrbus]

I have always had a Villia they are not cheap but a real good comfortable drivers seat ,I don't think you will be happy with a air ride seat in your Eagle BTDT totally different bus.I will say the seat you had in your 9 was the ugliest driver seat I have ever seen   

[DoubleEagle]

I put a Bostrum air seat in my first Eagle, but adjusting the air pressure was critical to being happy with it. When an Eagle starts porpoising (like no other bus does) and you have the pressure too soft, when you go over dips you start swinging up and down against the seat belt, strongly. The ride on an Eagle is soft enough that you do not need an air seat. Heavy trucks with springs need that extra cushion, but most buses are okay without it.

[Geoff]

I started out with the installed air ride seat and used it while I did all the mechanical work and was driving an empty shell.  Once I added 10,000 pounds of conversion, the bus rode much smoother, and the Flexisteel Captain's seat and matching ultraleather seating worked out just fine.  I take bumps and don't bottom out.  I don't need an air ride driver's seat.

--Geoff

[Jim Eh.]

If you purchase new air ride seats they are not likely to lose air while sitting for any length of time. They are equipped with shock absorbers and different shocks are available for most of them. Some models actually deflate when you get out of them and re-fill to your previous setting once you put weight on them. More room to get in and out of.
I am more worried about the launch than the landing. If I hit a large bump or rise in the roadway I am likely to catapult up the the seat travel limit, then it is a sudden stop and a bit of a pull on the seat belts.
Not driven the bus on too much highway trips yet I cannot say if this would be the case. I am sure if it was bus lines would install different seating for the driver.
I don't think you would regret buying an air ride seat.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

I agree and I am considering using bungee cords for seat belts just for that reason. :-)

[HB of CJ]

Also consider your local or regional friendly non expensive heavy truck recycling yards.  Many Bus Conversion parts may be available including excellent condition or other various trucker seats removed from trucks that do not need them anymore.  Used to be a great savings then; now a days; dunno.

[Nel]

I found 2 toyota sienna mini van rear seats in dove grey leather like brand new on craigslist.I got them for $75 and after fabricating mounting brackets to fit , they look great and are real comfy in my 4104, Nelson

[buswarrior]

Used heavy truck seats are lovely.

The passenger side seat likely the better of the two, if the truck was equipped with a proper pair.

happy coaching!
buswarrior