Just back from first big ski trip in the 4Runner

[Frontline]

Back in November I picked up 2005 V8 limited to use as a ski truck and after skiing at the local spots all winter we finally were able to escape for a few days to ski in the porcupine mountains. Aside from a blower motor that won't work below 32 degrees the truck performed amazing.

It was 700 miles each way to ski and about another 500 miles of driving while there. So after 2000 miles over 4 days with two 700 mile non stop trips I can say without a doubt that the seats suck! The truck is easy to drive and quiet and fun to drive even in the switch backs. So I am left dreaming of new comfortable seats.

Truck has 3 inch old man Emu lift with 265/70/17 snow tires and a Thule attached to the top.

Mileage. Calculated

Flats at 62 mph - 22 mpg
Mountains 62 mph - 17.5 mpg

Flats 77mph - 16.7mpg (with 30mph front quarter winds)

To say that I am impressed with the truck is an understatement.

Can not wait for the new seats and upcoming trips.

Cheers

 

[ARunner]

If I was unable to get heat working below 32, that would have been my priority. .

Just curious, what are you planning for seats? OEM or something different?

 

[Drunner97]

Back in November I picked up 2005 V8 limited to use as a ski truck and after skiing at the local spots all winter we finally were able to escape for a few days to ski in the porcupine mountains. Aside from a blower motor that won't work below 32 degrees the truck performed amazing.

It was 700 miles each way to ski and about another 500 miles of driving while there. So after 2000 miles over 4 days with two 700 mile non stop trips I can say without a doubt that the seats suck! The truck is easy to drive and quiet and fun to drive even in the switch backs. So I am left dreaming of new comfortable seats.

Truck has 3 inch old man Emu lift with 265/70/17 snow tires and a Thule attached to the top.

Mileage. Calculated

Flats at 62 mph - 22 mpg
Mountains 62 mph - 17.5 mpg

Flats 77mph - 16.7mpg (with 30mph front quarter winds)

To say that I am impressed with the truck is an understatement.

Can not wait for the new seats and upcoming trips.

Cheers

I agree. The bucket seats in my 06 Tacoma are much more comfortable. I'm tempted to swap them one day just to see if it's a direct bolt on. If it is I might need to keep an eye on the junk yards.

 

[Frontline]

The seats are going to be refoamed and recovered. Going to have the foam cut to fit me. The covers have been at the upholstery shop for two months but am waiting for my turn. I made a template of the shape of my back out of aluminum and am going to have the foam shaped to that and I pulled a bunch of research on the perfect seating position and am going to use those parameters as the start. Also going to have the seats lowered as far as possible as I have a long torso and my head hit the roof with any bump. Hoping to get this finished before April as I am trying to get another big trip in before spring.

 

[Frontline]

Was planning on getting new seats but was talked out it by my friends who do cars for a living. Said the airbags would be impossible convert to new seats but the upholstery shop showed me some show cars that the seats were reshaped with amazing results so going that direction instead.