Seat and Steering Wheel Covers- Is yours the BEST?

[Franquixote]

There are so many options for just about every accessory that even after a month I can't really see any clear winners on either. If you have either and LOVE it- I have a 2010 $R Trail- can I hear about it?
My daughters kick the back of the seat and it's annoying. While smacking them is a cheap option they are hard headed little beasts so I am not going to try that strategy. I found a cool looking "tactical" (tacti-cool?) cover but it has mixed reviews:
Coverking Tactical Seat Covers - Best Price on Cover King Cordura Tactical Molle Seat Covers for Cars, Trucks & SUVs

I like the idea of having a bug-out bag already installed but these are expensive and as mentioned not everyone likes 'em.

For just durability I'm sure 3/4 of the choices are just fine, but if you can get an added feature like the one I linked it seems like that's the way to go. Additional storage or lumbar support would be nice instead of just something that's going to protect the seats.

The steering wheel cover decision is bugging me too, I don't want to leave it without anything because I eventually would like top dollar on a trade in, but some of those covers are terrible to stitch on, not something I look forward to.

As always, I thank you for your time in offering an opinion.

 

[Jhalko]

I got something like these, cheap and effective for the kids...

http://www.amazon.com/Kick-Mats-Fre...id=1443385249&sr=8-6&keywords=Seat+protectors

Can't help on the steering wheel, I just wipe it every now and then.

I usually have a backpack in the car, less the "bug-out" than basic emergency/hiking stuff and if I had to spend a night in the woods.

 

[4RnR Grl]

I've heard good things about Wet Okle. That's the direction I would go. But they're not cheap.

 

[Franquixote]

You guys are great- the $20 kick mat is perfect, I am not going to overthink it and just go with that- THANK YOU...
And I agree with the clarification about spending the night out vs. stocking up for the end of the world... I have some cool little extras in there like radiation tablets, but mostly just a second set of camping gear (though fairly comprehensive)+ emergency first aid and clothing like rain gear and a down jacket that could be the difference between life and death in the winter. No need for all that stuff attached via Molle to the back of the driver's seat.

Thanks again!

 

[3wbdriver]

I was always partial to a canned airhorn. That would usually quiet the back seat area for at least 15 minutes..... :hiding:

 

[codyHTX]

i had a wheelskins leather cover on my tahoe steering wheel, you did have to stitch the cover over the wheel using the pre-punched holes, took a little time but was simple and you ended up with a perfect fit that looks factory more or less.

 

[ic0517]

2013 Trail with the plastic seats.

Had to take the kid to college from Chicago to southern Indiana and then drive back.

I bought some car seat covers at AutoZone in desperation. They sucked.

I went to Walmart and found two cheap 100% cotton towels. No point in anything synthetic, that's what my fat @$$ is on anyways. Punched two holes in the head rest. Not the best setup but the price was right. Also wear cotton shirts and jeans.

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

Wet Okole seat covers are definitely an excellent choice, but they are expensive. I've had a set for my '87 truck for many, MANY years, and with a once-a-year wash (in the washing machine), they still look new today!

They won't help to soften the kids kickin' ya, but at least your seats wil be protected from their shoes.

As for steering wheel covers, I purchased my t4r used and it had a nasty-feeling steering wheel when I got it. I cleaned and cleaned it, but all I was able to do was make it even worse. Its a rubber steering wheel, and the cleaning solvents I used just make the textured surface sticky, so I went with a stitch-on cover. Yes, it was tedious work to stitch it on, and no, it didn't come out absolutely perfect, but after a few months now, I still love the look and feel of it!

My suggestion would be to enjoy your steering wheel as it is now, and when it comes time to sell the vehicle, if its showing a good amount of wear, buy the kit and stitch it on. Yeah, you'll waste about 2 or 3 hours on a weekend, studying many youtube videos before you actually tackle the job, but it will be well-worth it! There's a write up on the steering wheel covers, just search for it, or search my posts about 4 or 5 months ago.

Finished wheel:

 

[ArmedBear]

I got something like these, cheap and effective for the kids...

http://www.amazon.com/Kick-Mats-Fre...id=1443385249&sr=8-6&keywords=Seat+protectors

Can't help on the steering wheel, I just wipe it every now and then.

I usually have a backpack in the car, less the "bug-out" than basic emergency/hiking stuff and if I had to spend a night in the woods.

I have been driving my niece and nephew around a bunch in the last few weeks since I have my new truck. I definitely could have used them. Always trying to keep the ground-in dirt out of the back of my seats.

 

[ArmedBear]

As for steering wheel covers, I purchased my t4r used and it had a nasty-feeling steering wheel when I got it. I cleaned and cleaned it, but all I was able to do was make it even worse. Its a rubber steering wheel, and the cleaning solvents I used just make the textured surface sticky, so I went with a stitch-on cover.

You probably don't need this information now, but for anyone else on the forum: Before you try something over the top of a rubber product, at least give cornstarch a shot.

Just rub some dry cornstarch on it, work it in a bit, and gently wipe off any extra. Depending on what the composition is, this can actually make it non-sticky for quite a while.