Short Legs?

Madrona · 09-22-2011, 01:05 PM

I'm not a tall person at 5'10", but not short, either. I drive a 1999 Windsor and I have a real problem reaching both gas and brake pedals.

I've got the seat so close the steering wheel rubs my (slightly) bulging belly. This is our 4th coach, first diesel, but I've driven other diesels without this problem. I don't see any way to fix it, other than blocks on the pedals.

I've adjusted seat tilt, recline, height, etc. I've adjusted the steering tilt and telescope, nothing helps. I have to move the seat back to exit and up to drive. I can't be the only one with this problem, can I?

Francesca · 09-22-2011, 01:10 PM

Hi, Phil

Is it possible to actually replace the pedals with "longer", or more "sticky-outy" ones????

Francesca

4Knights · 09-22-2011, 02:34 PM

Pedal extensions can be made by any machine shop or you can contact and medical supply company as they should have a catalog for them. Almost ALL" little people" need them based on their stature. Just make sure they are secure or they will cause more trouble than a belly against the steering wheel.

DtBt · 09-22-2011, 04:27 PM

I'm 5'8" and I lower the captain's chair and extend chair forward and feel comfortable. It is a PITA to move the chair back to exit.

Madrona · 09-22-2011, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francesca

Hi, Phil

Is it possible to actually replace the pedals with "longer", or more "sticky-outy" ones????

Francesca

Yeah, I suppose, but I don't like the idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Knights

Pedal extensions can be made by any machine shop or you can contact and medical supply company as they should have a catalog for them. Almost ALL" little people" need them based on their stature. Just make sure they are secure or they will cause more trouble than a belly against the steering wheel.

I guess I'm asking if it's just my coach and why is it like that, anyway?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DtBt

I'm 5'8" and I lower the captain's chair and extend chair forward and feel comfortable. It is a PITA to move the chair back to exit.

We have basically the same coach. You probably don't have the (slightly) bulging belly that I have!

If I move the wheel just one step away it doesn't rub me and I'm comfortable, but I can't reach the pedals comfortably. It's not THAT bad, but I wish they were just a little closer.

sc3283 · 09-22-2011, 08:57 PM

Our 96 Dynasty is the same way...Wife is 5'5" and can not get seat close enough, no matter how seat is adjusted. It is not an issue with us as she will NEVER drive the vehicle. She wouldn't do it even if she reached the pedals

Happycarz · 09-22-2011, 09:54 PM

My 99 Dynasty was the same way. Brake pedal was fine, but the gas pedal was a stretch. I shaped a piece of hard wood the same size as the rubber gas pedal, countersunk 4 hole in the wood and screwed it to the plastic pedal. Then I added the self adhesive sand paper type anti slip strips to the wood. What a difference to drive!

Diplomat Don · 09-22-2011, 10:12 PM

Madrona......I'm going to ask a silly question. Did you check the switches on your left arm rest for a pedal in/out switch.

Madrona · 09-22-2011, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diplomat Don

Madrona......I'm going to ask a silly question. Did you check the switches on your left arm rest for a pedal in/out switch.

Oh, man, that would be a dream, Don. Well, I'll give a silly answer. I've owned the coach for a little over a year, but I don't drive it that often. I can't imagine I overlooked a feature like that, but I'll give it a look. However, I think the coach is probably too old for that particular option.

Midniteoyl · 09-22-2011, 11:50 PM

5' 10" is not 'small'.. in fact, it is the FAA 'average person' size and what everything is built too.. I'm pretty sure (w/o looking) that it is the DOTs average person too. You should not have that much trouble reaching the pedals...

That said, I don't own the coach or one like it, so cant help ya

I did think about the adjustable pedals, but got beat to it, but, can you raise the whell up another noch to gain some more room? Also, are you sure your chair is all the way forward and not catching/binding and not making it all the way?

Madrona · 09-23-2011, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midniteoyl

5' 10" is not 'small'.. in fact, it is the FAA 'average person' size and what everything is built too.. I'm pretty sure (w/o looking) that it is the DOTs average person too. You should not have that much trouble reaching the pedals...

That said, I don't own the coach or one like it, so cant help ya

I did think about the adjustable pedals, but got beat to it, but, can you raise the whell up another noch to gain some more room? Also, are you sure your chair is all the way forward and not catching/binding and not making it all the way?

Yeah, the seat even has more room to move forward. The real problem is the steering column. It's right up against my, well, you know.

Lacking adjustable pedals, which I haven't checked for yet, I guess blocks on the pedals is the only alternative.

I just can't believe it was designed that way on purpose.

DtBt · 09-23-2011, 02:30 PM

I think the 99 Monacos was the last year that adjustable pedals were at least optional. I might try a block on the accelerator. Thanks Happycarz

Francesca · 09-23-2011, 02:50 PM

Hi, Phil

Is it the steering column or the wheel?
If it's just the wheel, is there any way to put on a smaller one???

Or can it be raised up and "horizontaled" so it clears your-er- beltline?
Seems like the wheels in buses are almost flat, plane-wise...

Francesca

Madrona · 09-23-2011, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francesca

Hi, Phil

Is it the steering column or the wheel?
If it's just the wheel, is there any way to put on a smaller one???

Or can it be raised up and "horizontaled" so it clears your-er- beltline?
Seems like the wheels in buses are almost flat, plane-wise...

Francesca

Hi Francesca,

I do seem to get my issues mixed up, don't I!

I guess you would have to say it's the wheel, but it's really the column. If the column wasn't in the way, I could move closer, but if I move closer that makes the belly rub, worse!

I guess you were right with your suggestion, "sticky outey things" on the pedals. And, I guess it really is just the accelerator pedal that is an issue, now that I think about it.

Dang, I hate it when something is poorly designed and needs to be fixed with what is really a temporary solution. It'll work, but I don't have to like it!!

Thanks all for your suggestions.

I'll probably be happily surprised how much easier it is to drive once I make the modification.