Advice Needed for Short Driver

[mcgintyrch]

In test driving Class A's, I'm having trouble adjusting the seat and steering wheel to accommodate my 5'3" self. I'd like to know if there are other shorter folks out there that have found some way to get comfortable while driving - high enough seat and close enough to the pedals.
Thanks for any advice or info.
Susanne

[NLOVNIT]

I'll be interested, too. I'm 5'4" & have to put a pillow behind me to reach the pedals in our coach & that's with the seat all the way forward. Even then, my toes just reach the gas pedal. It's uncomfortable to drive that way very long, so I'm not our main driver. If there's a good solution, I'd drive more.

Lori-

[Possum]

I had a midget buddy way back when and he had an accessories kit that allowed him to easily reach all the pedals in his vehicle and it was a standard.

[frankdamp]

You ladies are quite tall. DW is 4' 10" and her feet don't touch the floor when she's in the RH seat. We're still wondering about how to rearrange things so she can drive.

I'm seriously considering getting a steering column from a Gillig transit coach. They have two swivel joints - one near the floor and a second on near the top, pkus the top setion is telescopic.. For the pedals, I'm thinking of getting an electrically adjusable set from a Ford Taurus and adapting it to replace the basic cluster of the F53.

We aren't comfortable with the idea that she couldn't drive the RV in an emergency. We don't do long-mileage days, so switching drivers to avoid fatigue isn't an issue, but if i were to be incapacitated for any reason, we'd be stuck.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Some coaches have adjustable pedals - our American Tradition does. Freightliner chassis under this one, but Spartan has them too. I've seen shims under the seat rails to raise the seat more, and I would think that most seats could be re-mounted closer or further away from the wheel & pedals. Mine are simply bolted through the floor and the bolts are accessible from underneath, so relocating them further forward would not be too difficult.

I'm not tall - just 5'9" - and drive with the seat almost all the way forward and the epdals all the way back (closer). I can well imagine that a 5'4" person could not reach them at all.

[TXiceman]

You can always glue some 4" thick wood blocks to your Driving Shoes.

ken

[Theberrys]

These may be just the thing you need.

Pedal Mate Gas & Brake Pedeal Extenders

Dick

[NLOVNIT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman You can always glue some 4" thick wood blocks to your Driving Shoes. ken

I believe those were called "platform shoes". I had a pair of them in 1978 - nearly broke my neck at prom. First time I had ever been in heels.

Lori-

[mcgintyrch]

Thanks for the info!
Susanne

[NLOVNIT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theberrys These may be just the thing you need. Pedal Mate Gas & Brake Pedeal Extenders Dick

Do you have experience w/them Dick? I wonder how easy it is to install/remove them?

Lori-

[TXiceman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theberrys These may be just the thing you need. Pedal Mate Gas & Brake Pedeal Extenders Dick

Fancy wood block substitute.

Ken

[RVhauler]

Fankdamp- might want to check on the adjustable pedals from a Ford 250/350. Would think they would be a better fit than from a Taurus

[Jim_L]

I had problems reaching the peddles also. Short legs and tall seats were the culprits. Most seats are the pedestal type and unbolt from the actual seat and the floorboard rather easily. Not sure if you can purchase different heights or not but I was able to saw about 1 1/2 inches out of the pedestal and re-weld it. Really worked out well. After completing, my wife wanted the same done to her seat. If a taller person ever drives the motorhome, the knees may be in the chest, but I am much more comfortable. Helps on the back also.
Jim

[Theberrys]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT Do you have experience w/them Dick? I wonder how easy it is to install/remove them? Lori-

I've never needed them, I'm too tall, but my Mom was 5'2" and she had something similar.
These look like they bolt on so a wrench would be required to remove and re install. But it doesn't look like taking them off would mess up the adjustments.

Dick