Scheel-Mann Seat Replacement April 28, 2024, 03:17:19 pm The original seats in our 2006 RB were akin to North Korean torture devices (power seat option). They cut off circulation just above the knees. Could not lower the seat to a comfortable height (I am 6’, so shouldn’t be an issue) or tilt it to relieve the pressure. Came to a head last summer when I was in pain hiking after driving to our campsite. After a long search for fit and quality I settled on Scheel-Mann Vario F seats. Fit stock Ford non-power bases with Scheel-Mann rails for Ford. (Got driver side non-power base from e-bay.) Had my local general mechanic shop install them yesterday. Took about six hours for driver and passenger seat replacement. Third party YouTube installation video had some good tips. https://youtu.be/RaCKNzfka8Q?si=4IY-StxUqwZXW7rc Had to attach passenger seat to base outside the rig due to space constraints. Lowered my seating height by ~2”. They are a firm seat, but already feel much better. Many many adjustment possibilities to suit how my body feels at any given time. Not cheap, but better than a hip and knee replacement. Your results may differ but I am very pleased. 4 Likes
Follow-ups Re: Scheel-Mann Seat Replacement Re: Scheel-Mann Seat Replacement Reply #1 – May 02, 2024, 11:41:44 pm Great looking seatsI changed mine out for some 1995 Nissan z seats that my father used to have in his Cortez motorhome. One of the best improvements I ever made to my TK/Users/jaystreets 1/Desktop/IMG_0897.jpeg
Re: Scheel-Mann Seat Replacement Reply #2 – May 04, 2024, 01:22:27 am Many have complained over the years about how the front of the E-series Factory seats sit too high at the front of the seat and painfully cut off circulation to the back of the legs, BTDT.Both our LD’s captain chairs have added seat cushions to fill in the “hole” and help maintain blood circulation. The passenger side floor has been raised almost two inches to accommodate my mate’s short legs. With the mods, I find the stock seat comfortable for long drives. A little more legroom would be nice.It’s good to know alternative seats are available for replacements.In defense of the Factory seats, Steve told me the cutaway seats came as foam blanks without the upholstery, which was to be completed by the RV manufacturer. The seat’s shape is an engineered solution to the Federal crash requirements to prevent submarining or sliding under the dash in case of a frontal collision. What you do with the seat after purchase is your own business.Larry
Re: Scheel-Mann Seat Replacement Reply #3 – May 04, 2024, 10:07:49 am QuoteIn defense of the Factory seats, Steve told me the cutaway seats came as foam blanks without the upholstery, which was completed by the RV manufacturer.My upholstery is starting to go. I called the factory to find out where they got the seats on the 09 but they weren't sure. When I pulled the pax seat, I really couldn't figure out just what the deal was. I mean, what's up with the zipper!jor
Re: Scheel-Mann Seat Replacement Reply #4 – May 04, 2024, 01:35:53 pm Hi JOR; That zipper is to get access to the weight sensor if it malfunctions. The weight sensor enables the air bags to go off in case of a collision. As far as the factory seats, mine fit me perfectly and have served well now for 24 years. Like Larry, I could use more leg room, but mostly for the left leg. Sometimes I put my left foot down in the foot well. I try to limit my time in the seat to two-three hours. Trudy is ok with her seating, but gets stuck holding one of the cats in a cat bed. I stop somewhere and walk around the coach, or walk around the parking lot or rest area to stretch. A half hour respite is always welcome. The cats usually stay asleep, or settle down on the seats. RonB 1 Likes
Re: Scheel-Mann Seat Replacement Reply #5 – May 04, 2024, 04:52:31 pm Thanks for the zipper explanation. Never would have thought of that. I guess I could have just unzipped it!!! QuoteAs far as the factory seats, mine fit me perfectly We too find the seats quite comfortable. Just the fabric upholstery is starting to go. Isn't good quality material.jor
Re: Scheel-Mann Seat Replacement Reply #6 – May 04, 2024, 05:38:46 pm Quote from: jor - May 04, 2024, 04:52:31 pmThanks for the zipper explanation. Never would have thought of that. I guess I could have just unzipped it!!! We too find the seats quite comfortable. Just the fabric upholstery is starting to go. Isn't good quality material.After 146,000 miles, the front chairs are still in good shape except for some wear on the seat’s piping. The foam appears to be good.Our 2003 and 1983 LD’s upholstery was done by Butterfield Upholstery, a shop known for top-grade work and materials. Butterfield closed shop in the late 2000’s and another vendor was used. Quality dropped when Butterfield left the scene.At this point, the lounge barrel chairs and sofa are showing wear and will need attention soon, we have spent a lot of hours there. There are no plans for a snow white interior….ever.JorWhat are your plans for redoing the front seats?Be careful around the seat belt tensioners, the tensioner’s plugs can break and are tough to fix or replace.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Scheel-Mann Seat Replacement Reply #7 – May 04, 2024, 06:22:39 pm Hi Larry; My seats and cushions in the back were done by Butterfield. Very good quality, and attention to detail. Sorry to hear that they went out of business so soon after I got my LD. I have seen the 'blue' interior treatment of newer mid 2010 coaches and didn't like the pattern or colors. If I need to recover I will try to get something close to what I have now. The 'Pollock' type of pattern is a no go. (Mustard yellow streaks on a blue background, like somebody splashed paint!). I still have a swatch of fabric from my previous MH (not LD) that I replaced the seat covers with. And a few pieces went in my '99. Match pretty well. (from UFO). RonB
Re: Scheel-Mann Seat Replacement Reply #8 – May 08, 2024, 12:22:02 pm I like the looks of the Scheel-Mann seats. Seems like they would be less "bulky" than the stock seats, providing a little more room when trying to go from the cab directly to the coach interior (which is always an adventure when negotiating the engine cover hump). 1 Likes
Topic: Scheel-Mann Seat Replacement (Read 445 times)
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Topic: Scheel-Mann Seat Replacement (Read 445 times)
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