uncomfortable seats for big men

lhazen · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 09:59 AM

I just bought a 04 SR5 Access cab Tundra. I like the Tundra but the seats are killing my back. I've a got a 60/40 split bench seat but basically the driver's seat is a bucket seat. I have talked with Toyota about upgrading to a power seat so I can depress the lumbar but I get the run around and some hoopla that they can't sell independent seats. I took the service manager's advice and went to a upholstrey shop but after two adjustments and $175.00 less - I'm still uncomfortable and in pain.

I have lifted weights since I was 15 and I am a big guy. I am 6ft and 250 pounds. There has to be a solution. One guy suggested pulling the bench seats and trying a custom seat place. I saw a seat that looked more like my Ford Expedition, which is very comfortable, and thought I'd give that a try. Anyone out there with a similar experience or suggestions??

Thanks,
Louis

DevinSixtySeven · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 10:36 AM

have you looked in to aftermarket captains chairs? the trd interior has a different seat than the stock captains chairs, also recaro and beard make quality seats, but i have tried none of these...
i guess it would also depend on how attached you are to the bench seat.

-s

vorra65 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeepStealth

have you looked in to aftermarket captains chairs? the trd interior has a different seat than the stock captains chairs, also recaro and beard make quality seats, but i have tried none of these...
i guess it would also depend on how attached you are to the bench seat.

-s

Sounds like that would be a good option for you. Probably get a better seat for less money, than if you went with replacing your seats with more Toyota seats. Unless you get a killer deal at the dismantler. As far as the Recaro and Beards. I have had both in various vehicles in the past, and currently run Beards in my Off Road car. Both are a high quality seat, that have excellent support. I have about the same build as you do, and spend 9 hrs. in some nasty terrain haulin ***-and my Beards take good care of me (pic). I would recommend buying the Beard "street seat" if they are not going into a competition vehicle. The reason I say this is because, the sides of the street seat are a little lower. This makes getting in and out of your vehicle much less troublesome. Unless you are strapping into a 5 point to get the groceries, then I would buy their competition seat.

vorra65 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 01:59 PM

Alright, darnit! The pic didn't go thru.

Maybe.............this time.

heres a link to the beard seats---http://www.redart.com/streetat.asp

RichR · #5 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lhazen

I just bought a 04 SR5 Access cab Tundra. I like the Tundra but the seats are killing my back. I've a got a 60/40 split bench seat but basically the driver's seat is a bucket seat. I have talked with Toyota about upgrading to a power seat so I can depress the lumbar but I get the run around and some hoopla that they can't sell independent seats. I took the service manager's advice and went to a upholstrey shop but after two adjustments and $175.00 less - I'm still uncomfortable and in pain.

I have lifted weights since I was 15 and I am a big guy. I am 6ft and 250 pounds. There has to be a solution. One guy suggested pulling the bench seats and trying a custom seat place. I saw a seat that looked more like my Ford Expedition, which is very comfortable, and thought I'd give that a try. Anyone out there with a similar experience or suggestions??

Thanks,
Louis

Louis,
There has been cases of TS members swapping seats.Just might take awhile awaiting a opportunity.I think the stock captain chairs might not do the trick for you.When I first got my truck I had to get use to the seats with my back.I think aftermarket would be better and more cost effective.
RichR

Bbbutch · #6 (**permalink**) 12-05-2003, 09:39 PM

I'm 6ft and 227Lbs. I have the captians chairs and find them very comfortible.
I've taken a few 4 day long trips in the truck and only have to stop because I'm too damn tired (or hungry) to go on.

PJGrimm · #7 (**permalink**) 12-06-2003, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bbbutch

I'm 6ft and 227Lbs. I have the captians chairs and find them very comfortible.
I've taken a few 4 day long trips in the truck and only have to stop because I'm too damn tired (or hungry) to go on.

Frankly, I can't stand the captain's chairs. The seat bottom is too low, which puts a horrible strain on my legs/back when driving long distances. I'm not as big as some of you (6'1, 205), but I'm not a midget either. Let's put it this way, I came to this thread looking for a replacement for those awful damn seats in my Tundra.

TMS2U · #8 (**permalink**) 12-06-2003, 12:30 PM

I have been pondering swapping out the the seats for a set of those found in the landcruiser. Power everything and way comfy!

Just gotta find the $$ to do it.

So many mods, so little time

george60 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-07-2003, 12:45 AM

I agree with lhazen ........... I shouda got the bucket seats. I have been messing with the 60/40 seat for a while. Tried a lumbar support pad. It seemed to help. But getting in/out it gets knocked it out of position.
I now have seatback tilted back a little and the seat pushed back. It's a long reach to the wheel but seems to be better on my back.
Maybe if I get lucky I can can find buckets in a wrecking yard one of these days.

George60 6' 1" 257 lbs

PJGrimm · #10 (**permalink**) 12-07-2003, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by george60

I agree with lhazen ........... I shouda got the bucket seats. I have been messing with the 60/40 seat for a while. Tried a lumbar support pad. It seemed to help. But getting in/out it gets knocked it out of position.
I now have seatback tilted back a little and the seat pushed back. It's a long reach to the wheel but seems to be better on my back.
Maybe if I get lucky I can can find buckets in a wrecking yard one of these days.

George60 6' 1" 257 lbs

Don't bother with the buckets/captains chairs. They suck.

lhazen · #11 (**permalink**) 12-09-2003, 11:03 AM

Hi TMS2U,

That's an interesting option you mentioned. I have been looking all over for a seat that could replace my torture/tundra seat and have considered the Lexus LX seat. The Tundra driver side seat in a 60/40 split is essentially a bucket seat. No power just cloth. I thought about purchasing a Lexus LX seat to replace my seat. Toyota should have had the foresight to put those seats in their trucks anyway if they want to compete in the US truck market. In any event, the seat cost around $3000.00 new. I would pay it, it makes me mad that I have to - but I'm forced into this position. Do you know if the bolt patterns match up and how would you hook up the power seats if you didn't have power before?

I noticed that the Suzuki X7 makes a captains seat that is very similar to the Landcruiser LX seat. I noticed that the Kia Sedona and the Kia Sorenta also make a very comfortable captain's chair. Take a look at the 360 tour on those websites and you will see that they don't force your back into a certain position. Nice flat back with lateral supports. Toyota went with this crazy spring set that forces you into what they consider the right ergonomic position. I'm frustrated Toyota woudn't go the extra step and put in the right seat for us big cornhuskers. The other Japanese products start with a good seat. The rest of the product might be questionable, but they got the seat right. I'm frustrated that Toyota didn't do their due diligence on these truck seats.

Any information on putting in Lexus LX seats would be very much appreciated!!! As you all might already know, Lexus and Toyota are the same company. I would consider the Suzuki seat in their luxury X7. It cost $1500.00. I will have to check if the bolt patterns line up. www.newsales.com sells a tundra seat adapter that matches up with a lot of different seats. I gave them a call today and the guy sounded pretty knowledgable. Time will tell...

c350 Sr5 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 07:24 AM

While I'm not as big, I am 6'1 &180lbs and have had lower back pains when I first got my Tundra back in May of this year. Lower back pain has been a problem for me for a few years already when doing certain things that put pressure on my lower back. And when I couldn't take the discomfort just from sitting inside for long distances. I was able to rid myself of that problem by higher the level of the seat by adjusting the height from the lower right hand side of the captains chair where a knob is located a few inches from the lever that reclines the seat. Although I have the two captain chairs and not the front bench arrangement. It did fix my lower back pain problem.

ericanddoug · #13 (**permalink**) 12-13-2003, 10:04 AM

I have to agree with those that say the captains seats suck. I have 9000 miles on my Sequoia and am a big guy. 6'6" tall, 260 pounds.

The left side of the seat is softer than the right and the seat causes back pain. I have seen other people report the "softness" issue as well.

First vehicle I've ever had with uncomfortable seats.

E

Quote:

Originally Posted by c350 Sr5

While I'm not as big, I am 6'1 &180lbs and have had lower back pains when I first got my Tundra back in May of this year. Lower back pain has been a problem for me for a few years already when doing certain things that put pressure on my lower back. And when I couldn't take the discomfort just from sitting inside for long distances. I was able to rid myself of that problem by higher the level of the seat by adjusting the height from the lower right hand side of the captains chair where a knob is located a few inches from the lever that reclines the seat. Although I have the two captain chairs and not the front bench arrangement. It did fix my lower back pain problem.

HJSimpson · #14 (**permalink**) 12-14-2003, 09:03 AM

I think the buckets are OK. I am less than "average"- 5'6", 155 lbs. I just fit into the seat. I can see why anyone larger than me has problems. The seat was uncomfortable at first. I found that adjusting the angle of the seat bottom (using the dial on the side) to an angle I found akward at first, helped to eliminate the pain.

On a side note, my brothers CL has factory Recaro seats. Acura does not advertise the fact, but Recaro is clearly stamped on the guide rails. They are the most comfortable thing I have ever sat in. He says that people on his Acura formum state that even BMW/Audi owners comment on how nice the seats are. If my seats wear out in the future, I will be looking into aftermarket.

toyotafool · #15 (**permalink**) 12-14-2003, 10:59 AM

Well I am not the largest or smallest of the group but I am the runt in my family. At 6'1" and 260lb... My brother is the same height but 390#... he fell in love with the seat im my Tundra (and of coarse the whole truck also).. and I have liked it once I got it adjusted corectly for me.. leaned back a ways and 2 clicks from all the way back... I probably have the only Limited 4X2 with the 60/40 cloth seats... had to order it special like that... everyone thought I was crazy but it is very comfortable for me...maybe once I am sure I have the truck broken in it will be different though...2000 model and only 103,000 miles so far... ggod luck.. sounds like you are getting a lot of good suggestions... if you are in central or southern Illinois give me a call and you can try out my seats and see if they are different from the SR-5 ones..
John