im with you . as far as the lariat is concerned.

 

The standard seat in the Lariet is leather and is called a 40-20-40. The drivers seat, and the passengers seat are split from each other, and independantly adjustable. In fact, they each have the 10 way power adjustable frame, and sitting in one, to me, was no different then sitting in the optional Captains Seat. They each have seat heaters, but they don't have the cooling system.

I called it a bench seat in my original post, which implied a single unit. Sorry, I didn't phrase that correctly. However, with middle armrest/container holder in the upright position, which you'd have for a 3rd passenger, it looks and functions like a bench seat; seating for 3 across.

I agree with one writer; I'd prefer cloth as well, however you can't get this 10 way electrically adjustable seat in cloth (XLT). I've tested and found the cloth seats to be quite good, but to my body, the 10 way adjustments would have them beat for a long drive. You can't tip up the front of the seat (lifting your knee area) in the manual seat.

Anyway, I was wondering if this cooling system was something you can really feel. I've got seat heaters in a couple cars we own, and there is no doubt whether they are turned on or not. I was wondering if the cooling system is this apparent when working.

 

Love the look of leather but prefer cloth. Unfortunately the cloth in the XLT is cheap and doesn't last, (especially when compared to my Dakota and Ram). Mine is wearing out on the side bolster after just 16 months.....I'm not a big heavy guy either.

I went to sheepskin on the front buckets, headrests and console. They are very comfortable in all weather and cushy too......love them!

 

Aftermarket, I presume? How much did that run ya?

 

The "custom fit" ran around $325 for the pair......+headrests and center console. I bought from Shear Comfort and what I liked is that the covers don't cover the side plastic area at the base of the seats, so you don't see any exposed straps or seat cover hanging over. They look more "factory".

The first console cover wasn't right, so I sent them a photo and drawing and they fixed me right up with a perfect console cover within a week. Great customer service. I can post photos if you would like.

 

I'm surprised to hear that your cloth seats aren't holding up.

My 2010 XL truck at work has the cloth option and they are holding up quite well. Granted, the truck only has 8000 miles, but it gets anywhere from 6 to 12 hours of seat time every day and I'm in and out probably 10 times a day, more if it is a particularly rotten day.

I do try to "hop" in and out to save wear on the bolster, probably a futile effort, but it makes me feel good none-the-less.

Just surprised, that's all.

 

Having gone on a trip for a while in the heat of summer, I appreciated the cooling function. Its an extra bit of extra comfort for long hauls.
Its definitely noticable, escpecially when you first turn them on.

 

I'm not too surprised as the material is thin compared to older trucks I've had. Must be a "save $" thing. Anyway I planned on covering them with either leather or sheepskin......fell for the "wool" due to the comfort factor.

 

I think by using the more "comfortable" cloth as compared to older trucks it inherently makes it softer/weaker.

 

That's what it says in the order guide and it is a "No Charge" option to get 40/20/40.

 

This is what a bench seat use to look like. Hence the name bench. Things do change though I guess.

The quality of leather seats in new vehicles has diminished somewhat over the past few years.

One of my aunt's still has her 36 year old '75 Cadillac she bought new. It still has the original leather seats in it that are in exceptional condition. Although her car only has 90,000 original miles the seat leather isn't cracked or excessively warn.