Opinions/ Buttholes needed..

[me_rikey]

As they say.. right?

Any ways, my 06 is getting up there in miles and usage.. 127k on the odometer. I hunt, fish, carry my 120lb Italian Mastiff -- generally using my 4R as a utility vehicle on weekends, and some weekdays. My interior is starting to suffer -- limited with leather is starting to develop wrinkles, and some very small tears. I like my seat heat, but would gladly trade it all for some durable cloth seats. Price being an issue as I am saving up for coil overs and armor, I see my two options as: Seat covers or new leather from Clazzio or Katzkins. I'm leaning more towards covers, as new leather will eventually be torn up from the 'pup' and my gear, and I do intend to drive this until it disintegrates; however, it is nice to keep it in good, resell-able order, just in case I change my mind, and decide to purchase a 5th gen

I really like Okole, but they're really expensive. I'd like to spend less than the cost of aftermarket skins and Okole's, but I do not want to sacrifice a lot of quality and durability by spending less. Is there a good meet-in-the middle product for me? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[earthrealm]

clazzios run for abt $400 , katzins upto $700, the cheap covers $100 or less are no good, as they aint custom fit.

 

[Dylan]

I am very happy with my Cabela's Trail Gear seat covers. Had them over a year now. They repel water and keep dirt/debris off of the seats. Considering they were about $17/seat, I consider myself to have gotten waayyyy more than I paid for them.

They are worth checking out since you can cover all your seats for under $50. They are universal fit for SUV, but I got them to mold to my runner seats very well since they are extremely adjustable.

 

[me_rikey]

Thanks for the info. I will check them out. Couple questions: How did you mold them to your seats? Are you able to feel the seat heat and can you use the pockets behind the seats? Do the come with headrest covers?

Thanks again.

 

[V8Man]

Find the guy that puts leather on for the dealers in your area. You can get brand new factory seat covers for cheep from them.

 

[zenimcphea]

You can get brand new factory seat covers for cheep from them.

 

[Mytoy4]

[MENTION=68704]superman3043[/MENTION] did some great seat covers as well. Worth checking out his build thread.

 

[me_rikey]

Find the guy that puts leather on for the dealers in your area. You can get brand new factory seat covers for cheep from them.

There is a local place that does interiors, that has been around forever. I don't know anything about them.. My concern is with new leather, the same result will eventually happen, considering my Italian Mastiff, and all the gear I pack in the Runner for camping and such. This is why I'm considering a seat cover to hide and protect the current ugly leather that I have. Replacing the leather and doing covers would be quite costly.

You can get brand new factory seat covers for cheep from them.

Cheep. I like cheep.

[MENTION=68704]superman3043[/MENTION] did some great seat covers as well. Worth checking out his build thread.

Thanks for the info Terri, I will definitely check out his build.

 

[my92t4r]

you hunt, right? Just kill, dry your own skins and wrap the seats yourself. Cheaper, free and you'll have fun doing it.

 

[me_rikey]

you hunt, right? Just kill, dry your own skins and wrap the seats yourself. Cheaper, free and you'll have fun doing it.

I'm not so sure that's the route I want to go. I'll keep under consideration though

 

[BillBoost37]

I'm used to GM cars that were produced in the trillions and seats/covers being available at JY's. Does no one crash and scrap a 4runner? I'm on the hunt for a gray leather rear.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

If you're not looking to shell out the dough for clazzios, sounds like some cheap seat covers would do fine

 

[me_rikey]

I may have to go with the cheap ones for now, or hold off until I can buy some Okoles.

 

[AKmoney]

FWIW, I have Okoles in mine. They make your car smell just like a wetsuit... It's not always desirable.

 

[BillBoost37]

Sorry..I'm laughing about you saying it's up there in miles at 127K... :flypig:

 

[chitown40]

I am very happy with my Cabela's Trail Gear seat covers. Had them over a year now. They repel water and keep dirt/debris off of the seats. Considering they were about $17/seat, I consider myself to have gotten waayyyy more than I paid for them.

They are worth checking out since you can cover all your seats for under $50. They are universal fit for SUV, but I got them to mold to my runner seats very well since they are extremely adjustable.

X2. I have these in my T4R and have had them in my old cruisers as well. Best bang for the buck. Lots of pockets in the seat backs as well.

 

[Dylan]

Thanks for the info. I will check them out. Couple questions: How did you mold them to your seats? Are you able to feel the seat heat and can you use the pockets behind the seats? Do the come with headrest covers?

Thanks again.

I like the way they look...you can get different color schemes. Mine are tan and black which match the tan/sand and black interior of my runner. They dont add too much material over the seat either. With other, more expensive covers I think they tend to be noticeable in that you can feel you're sitting on something extra. And finally, considering the price, if you dont like them you're hardly out of the money. Plus, you could get 8 full sets for your car for the price of one set of Clazzios, for instance. In my opinion, if you're wanting to upgrade your seat situation, just find some actual 4Runner take-off seats...otherwise everything else is going to be less than original quality for a factory seat.

Because of my dog, I don't have leather seats and therefore no seat heaters...but I am positive you would be able to feel the heat still. Since it's basically some durable canvas that the covers are made out of, they should allow heat to transfer just fine.

The covers come very adjustable. They are already cut to the general size/shape of the 4Runner seats. There are velcro seams on both sides running from the head rest down to the bottom, paired with criss-cross cord to further tighten it. There are also straps that run from the front part of the seat down under the seat and clip to straps that come from the back. And finally there are straps that pull the seam between the seat and the back taught down into the seat bottom.
So if you're simply looking to protect your seats while not breaking the bank, these would be a great option. If you're actually looking for an upgrade...just find some new seats.

I'll snap some pics this afternoon.

 

[me_rikey]

Sorry..I'm laughing about you saying it's up there in miles at 127K... :flypig:

Lol I know, I know.. It's still a baby!

I like the way they look...you can get different color schemes. Mine are tan and black which match the tan/sand and black interior of my runner. They dont add too much material over the seat either. With other, more expensive covers I think they tend to be noticeable in that you can feel you're sitting on something extra. And finally, considering the price, if you dont like them you're hardly out of the money. Plus, you could get 8 full sets for your car for the price of one set of Clazzios, for instance. In my opinion, if you're wanting to upgrade your seat situation, just find some actual 4Runner take-off seats...otherwise everything else is going to be less than original quality for a factory seat.

Because of my dog, I don't have leather seats and therefore no seat heaters...but I am positive you would be able to feel the heat still. Since it's basically some durable canvas that the covers are made out of, they should allow heat to transfer just fine.

The covers come very adjustable. They are already cut to the general size/shape of the 4Runner seats. There are velcro seams on both sides running from the head rest down to the bottom, paired with criss-cross cord to further tighten it. There are also straps that run from the front part of the seat down under the seat and clip to straps that come from the back. And finally there are straps that pull the seam between the seat and the back taught down into the seat bottom.
So if you're simply looking to protect your seats while not breaking the bank, these would be a great option. If you're actually looking for an upgrade...just find some new seats.

I'll snap some pics this afternoon.

Would appreciate pictures. I think I'm sold. Won't care if they get torn or stained, will just buy another set. How's the fitment? Do they move on the seat and/ or bunch up?

 

[Dylan]

Would appreciate pictures. I think I'm sold. Won't care if they get torn or stained, will just buy another set. How's the fitment? Do they move on the seat and/ or bunch up?

I left my phone at my sister's so I'll get some pics tomorrow when it's light out. The covers repel liquid pretty well. I've dripped coffee and beer on them and it beads up pretty well. Although, if you let it sit there I'm sure it would soak through. I have one tiny place I need to spot clean from some coffee spilling that I didn't notice right away. Fitment is good. With these it helps to leave a little slack in the seat so that it curves with the cushion. There's not any spots I've had bunch up, just a small 1/4" section that folds over a tiny bit from getting in to the runner.

Just noticed you're in Mid-Mo. I lived in Columbia for 5 years, in KC currently.

 

[me_rikey]

I left my phone at my sister's so I'll get some pics tomorrow when it's light out. The covers repel liquid pretty well. I've dripped coffee and beer on them and it beads up pretty well. Although, if you let it sit there I'm sure it would soak through. I have one tiny place I need to spot clean from some coffee spilling that I didn't notice right away. Fitment is good. With these it helps to leave a little slack in the seat so that it curves with the cushion. There's not any spots I've had bunch up, just a small 1/4" section that folds over a tiny bit from getting in to the runner.



Just noticed you're in Mid-Mo. I lived in Columbia for 5 years, in KC currently.

Yes I'm a Como native. Was living in CO for quite a while. I figured by your avatar that you were in KC. Ever come thru town? Do any wheeling around MO? I'd like to find some decent spots (if any).