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I wanted to put this up as when I was researching adding leather to xlt trucks I didn't find a lot of examples. There were a couple of threads that had a great self install with a matching grey stripes and some stock color replacements.
in Canada these kits are significantly more expensive due to the dollar and importing from the US. The kits are around 900-1100 depending on options(Canada seat skins or ebay) and install was 400 dollars. The leather is much nicer than the 2016 f150 Lariat I traded in for this 2018 f350 xlt.
Last edited by Bradwilliams36; Feb 5, 2018 at 07:15 AM.
Reason: Updates
I'm planning on doing this install on my 2017 XLT very soon. It's a great upgrade. Also going to add an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Would really like OEM, but it will likely be a Gentex.
In my opinion, it's way nicer than anything that comes factory, that includes GM products as well. I think the quality of leather used has alot to do with it plus there is no mistaking the nice leather smell when you open the door. You also can have it done with different piping colors, stitching colors, panel colors, perforated, etc., all this comes at cost. Mine was $1200 installed and matches the oem color and style. The lariat leather steering wheel upgrade really is the icing on the cake though from the xlt wheel.
In my opinion, it's way nicer than anything that comes factory, that includes GM products as well. I think the quality of leather used has alot to do with it plus there is no mistaking the nice leather smell when you open the door. You also can have it done with different piping colors, stitching colors, panel colors, perforated, etc., all this comes at cost. Mine was $1200 installed and matches the oem color and style. The lariat leather steering wheel upgrade really is the icing on the cake though from the xlt wheel.
I want to spend $550 and do the install myself. I just want factory-look black leather, no two-tone or anything too fancy. As for the XLT wheel, yeah, its plastic and cheap. But I've had a 2017 Lariat already, and since I kind of frequently get into the truck with greasy or dirty hands, its kind of nice having the indestructible plastic steering wheel. I hated every time I pumped diesel and getting greasy fuel on my hands, then putting them on the leather steering wheel.
I think if I did the wheel, I'd get one with the heated rim and figure out how to add the feature using FORScan. That is one feature I miss from my 2017 Lariat.
I want to spend $550 and do the install myself. I just want factory-look black leather, no two-tone or anything too fancy. As for the XLT wheel, yeah, its plastic and cheap. But I've had a 2017 Lariat already, and since I kind of frequently get into the truck with greasy or dirty hands, its kind of nice having the indestructible plastic steering wheel. I hated every time I pumped diesel and getting greasy fuel on my hands, then putting them on the leather steering wheel.
I think if I did the wheel, I'd get one with the heated rim and figure out how to add the feature using FORScan. That is one feature I miss from my 2017 Lariat.
To me though, the leather wheel would be much easier to clean or keep clean because its smooth where the xlt wheel is rough and gritty. Also the xlt wheel is much larger in diameter on the grip surface than the lariat which was the main plus for me on the lariat. I didn't know how to get the heated option as mine didnt have it factory plus they had my wheel as an accident on shelf so I got it for $140 out the door so I rolled with it.
I dont think the Katzkins would be impossible to do, many have done them themselves, I just know how I am, there isnt enough beer in the world to get me through that adventure.
To me though, the leather wheel would be much easier to clean or keep clean because its smooth where the xlt wheel is rough and gritty. Also the xlt wheel is much larger in diameter on the grip surface than the lariat which was the main plus for me on the lariat. I didn't know how to get the heated option as mine didnt have it factory plus they had my wheel as an accident on shelf so I got it for $140 out the door so I rolled with it.
I dont think the Katzkins would be impossible to do, many have done them themselves, I just know how I am, there isnt enough beer in the world to get me through that adventure.
The diameter is different? Like I said, I had a 2017 Lariat and now have a 2017 XLT. I didn't notice any diameter difference of the steering wheel rim. Hmm. Maybe never noticed.
The problem with leather is that it degrades. The sun degrades it. Transferring diesel from your hands onto the wheel degrades it. Leather is porous but the plastic isn't. The only thing I liked better about the Lariat wheel (besides it being heated) was the silver trim instead of black around the buttons, etc. For $140 I'd definitely do the upgrade even without the heat option.
As for the leather install, I've done it before on seats with hog rings. Definitely tedious, but this is the route I'll go. I'm thinking 2 weeks and I'll spring for it.
No more hog rings, it's just plastic clips and rails that snap in. It's still a little tedious, but for $700 in savings it's most definitely worth it to do it yourself. I just took a seat out of the truck after work each day and watched TV/drank a beer. Finished it up in a few days. By far the best $500 you could spend on an XLT.
No more hog rings, it's just plastic clips and rails that snap in. It's still a little tedious, but for $700 in savings it's most definitely worth it to do it yourself. I just took a seat out of the truck after work each day and watched TV/drank a beer. Finished it up in a few days. By far the best $500 you could spend on an XLT.
Thanks Tricon, I did know there weren't hog rings anymore (probably from reading your writeup) so my point was that if i could do seats with hog rings these would probably be even better. I'm thinking same as you, just do a seat at a time. But sometimes I'll just hammer away on a job until its done, even if its 3 o'clock in the morning.
Thanks Tricon, I did know there weren't hog rings anymore (probably from reading your writeup) so my point was that if i could do seats with hog rings these would probably be even better. I'm thinking same as you, just do a seat at a time. But sometimes I'll just hammer away on a job until its done, even if its 3 o'clock in the morning.
Your fingers will love you for spacing it out some lol.
And yes, the XLT wheel is fatter than the Platinum. I stupidly ordered the KR wheel (man is that an ugly color) and instantly noticed it's much thinner. I've actually held off on reordering the black one because of it. Think I'm going to wait and go for the raptor wheel instead now.
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