Community Forums

Bounder4rfun · 06-14-2014, 08:20 AM

What I should do about the driver's seat in my motorhome? After about one or two hours I am shifting my bottom around and ready to stop. Only has 25000 miles but very uncomfortable. Thinking about trading passenger seat for drivers seat. I hate to spend $ for new seats if i have the same problem. They are cloth and flexsteel seats. Would like to get used hydraulic system for it but can not locate any. I have plenty of padding on my rear so it cant be my body. Sure could use the help before going on another trip this summer. After about three hours i am ready to call it a day. Thanks,

DebbieMH · 06-14-2014, 09:44 AM

Why not try sitting on a piece of foam? Might help and be a lot cheaper than trading seats or buying new ones.

frankdamp · 06-14-2014, 10:38 AM

If you do decide to get new seats, I would NOT go with Flexsteel. Even new ones can get your backside hurting in two hours. In our Georgetown, both DW and I get shuffly in less than 2 hours. In her case, an additional problem is that the seat cushion is too long, front to back. I get cramps in my thighs and, though a 20 minute walk-about will allow me to get back on the road, time until the next stop is about 60% of the first one. I usually limit our daily mileage to about 150, unless it's the day we're going home, which I'll do maybe 250.

Unfortunately, DW can't drive the RV. We didn't realise this until after we'd bought it. Because the steering column isn't telescopic and has only a limited angular adjustment, she can't get close enough to reach the pedals within the range of seat adjustment.

I was a transit coach driver for a couple of years about 6 years back. All our Gillig coaches had Recaro driver's seats. Even on the 10-year-old coaches, they were comfortable. I could drive for 8 hours a day with minimal discomfort. I seriously considered going to a bus wrecking yard and picking up two of them.

UsualSuspect · 06-14-2014, 11:31 AM

If you go with an airride seat wear your seatbelt. Watch: Bus driver falls out of seat, crashes bus - CBS News

frankdamp · 06-14-2014, 01:00 PM

Always do wear the belt I regret that our Flexsteel seats don't have a diagonel belt 9just a lap belt). In the buses, I think the belt system was built into the seat. Wearing the belt was mandatory in our agency and there were incognito inspectors riding along who could get a driver fired for not belting in.

pops2 · 06-14-2014, 01:33 PM

I use a piece of memory foam under my butt and 4-5 hr is long enough to drive. Butt has no problem.

wa8yxm · 06-14-2014, 01:56 PM

There are many seat cushions that are supposed to make it better. but a few things that WILL help that cost little or nothing.

If traveling freeways ... REST AREAS, never pass two of them in a row, Stop and walk around a bit. Stretch your legs.

Second, and this works best if it is a "Six way adjustable" RE-position, change tilt, or height a bit, move it up or back an inch or two (not too far) change the slant of the back.

Then toss money at the problem.

CampDaven · 06-14-2014, 04:36 PM

When I retired, I layed the seat back a bit and took in the view, and after a month and some, when that caused TB (tired butt), I placed my seatback in a much more upright position. My lumbar and glutes have thanked me ever since.

I have had FlexSteel in the last 3 rigs. They did just fine, when I let them.

Sit up straight like your Mom and teacher hollared at you to do.

Moonrover · 06-14-2014, 06:10 PM

I hate those soft saggy seats that are standard in most class-A RVs. My preference is a very firm seat, but with flexibility. At the very least, I'd suggest removing both front seats then take them to an auto upholstery shop. Directions: "Make these seats firm, and beef up the lumbar area so it curves to conform to a human body".

PatStab · 06-23-2014, 07:03 PM

The seats in my old AE are very comfortable. The only things I would change is I would like to have a lumbar support that is adjustable in the middle of my back. That would feel so good.