Drivers Seat

DebDav · May 27, 2011, 05:42:34 AM

'Discussion' with the better half........I want to install a professional driver's seat (Sears Elite 80) behind the steering wheel. She wants to match the navigators seat in style and color. I have a problem with a living room like seat used in a working location. Of course her viewpoint is towards the HGTV overall scheme.

Len Silva · May 27, 2011, 06:03:36 AM

I think marriage counseling should be in the OT section

Jeremy · May 27, 2011, 06:11:14 AM

Both driver and navigator seats should be proper vehicle seats for safety reasons. And they could match then too.

Jeremy

luvrbus · May 27, 2011, 06:48:02 AM

I have 2 navigator seats in the light gray leather never been used still have the tags make you deal to get them gone

good luck

belfert · May 27, 2011, 07:00:46 AM

To me, the motorhome style driver seats from Flexsteel and the like have little support and are too cushy. They are more like a couch or a Lazyboy. They seem to be intended for the folks that never drive more than two hours at a stretch. I like a nice air ride seat like in a semi tractor.

Jeremy, the matching driver and navigator seats for motorhomes are designed for that use and they have seatbelts.

TomC · May 27, 2011, 07:12:11 AM

Any driver's seat that is made for truck, bus driver's should be used. Ones by Flexsteel, while looking nice, just don't provide the support. I would also stay away from leather or ultra leather (cold in winter, sweaty in summer). Most of the fabrics like Mordura breathe and are more weather friendly.
I like the Wide Ride series from Bostrom (since I'm of the wide ride bottom type). But-use what fits and looks good. Since these are commercial seats, they are relatively easy to reupholster. Good Luck, TomC

Jeremy · May 27, 2011, 07:15:03 AM

Quote from: belfert on May 27, 2011, 07:00:46 AM
Jeremy, the matching driver and navigator seats for motorhomes are designed for that use and they have seatbelts.

Yes, that is what I was suggesting he use (as a minimum); I read the original post as describing the existing navigator's seat as 'living room like', which suggests a chair designed for a house rather than a vehicle. Possibly I misunderstood that.

Jeremy

Cary and Don · May 27, 2011, 08:07:32 AM

As a wife, I made that made this compromise. Since Don has a really bad back, I figured we would travel further if he had a good seat. I made covers to match my upholstery. What really hurt, was the $700 the seat cost, and it was uggly. He really likes it though.

Cary
1973 Eagle 05
GMC 4107
Neoplan AN340

Bill 340 · May 27, 2011, 06:19:18 PM

I just took the professional seat in my H3 and cut the back off, while still in the coach, then bolted a RV seat to the base, so I have a air seat that sets like a living room . and I love it. It was an isr air automatic seat, great air support , I had the original for 7 years and we drive 10 14 hours some days and it kills your back, TO EACH HIS OWN............

Chopper Scott · May 27, 2011, 08:52:49 PM

I really have to disagree with folks not liking the Flexsteel seats. I sure have found mine to be one of the best seats I have been around. I'm not going to compare it to an everyday 10 hour type truck perch because I've never had one nor need such a seat. But I can sure sit in it for 5 or 6 hours at a time and have little issues. I can't do that in any other vehicle I own.

Dreamscape · May 28, 2011, 03:08:18 AM

I had an old air ride and didn't like it. Installed a used pair of Flexsteel 6 way power chairs we bought at Colaws in Carthage, MO and enjoy the ride much better.

It's all about what works for you. Some like Chevy's, some like Ford's.

happycamperbrat · May 28, 2011, 03:37:01 AM

Im glad I dont have those kind of problems

However, being a lady and wanting matching seats but at the same time being the driver and wanting it pro like you say, I would go with a pro frame but upholstered like the co-pilot

trucktramp · May 28, 2011, 06:00:12 AM

The fact that professional drivers spend many hours in their air ride seats should speak volumes. I've driven some old equipment that had not much more than an "orange crate bolted to the floor" for a driver's seat and can tell you that a bad seat will make you want to get out of it. Find a seat that fits you and supports you and you too will be able to spend 30 or more hours in the saddle... just like the pros do.

chuckd · May 28, 2011, 08:27:45 AM

Check out my post on Honda seat install. The passenger seat is attached to the electric seat mechanism, and goes up down, in an out, and tilts. The driver side is attached to an air ride bladder from a National seat that will raise and lower, and act as a air spring to dampen the jolts. My 770 has several air ride adjustments on the seat, but the mechanism is identical to the national.

chuckd

JohnEd · May 28, 2011, 12:20:15 PM

I use dot drive 4 plus hours each way to ski and I made that drive 6 times a winter. When I drove my Z car I was ready to party on arrival and sometimes I skied the afternoon of the drive. When I drove my LTD I was good for the jacuzzi only till the following day. It is ergonomics, That Z seat was less than 2 inches thick and I spent an hour at the reupol shop getting strips of foam installed and built up "just so" and that paid big-time benefits for years. A seat built for my butt alone. My Honda Mr. 2 Turbo seats, costing $8K ($150 to me) list to replace, were the best seats I ever bought and the most adjustable. Arms in the coach drivers seat is the problem. And up down adjustable arms is even more so. Install a Lexus seat....plush and no pain and adjustable and superb support miraculously. My leathers were made in 93, are not sagging in any way and the leather isn't even cracked. Most importantly, they are good for an 8 hour drive and nothing I have owned in 20 years could I say that about with my back and hips and neck. Mama should like the passenger seat from a Lex as well and they would surely match.

2 cents never a professional driver,

John