I do a lot of milage. I also work out of the car, with a notebook and laptop computer and sometimes I need to write down phone numbers and such in my notebook while driving (highway, never city).

So I'm 90% sure I'll be trading my beloved Legacy GT wagon in for a F-150 screw 4x4 FX4. My question for you owners is which seat would be a be a better match; bench or captains? Which are easier to work in and which are more comfortable? Would you be ok with a 18 hour day in the seat?

TIA

Steve

 

i have the captain's in mine...my backside appreciates it after a 4 hour drive...got it good and wore in too...

 

Steve,

Believe it or not, the new F-150 does not have any bench seats. The two separate driver and passenger bucket seats are exactly the same for both options. The only difference is in the center console.

The standard seats have a smaller console, with a fold down center seat. Handy for a sixth passenger. The "Captain's Chairs" has a more elaborate console, with no third fold down seat. It's a little nicer console if you don't want the third seat.

But once again, the driver and passenger bucket seats are exactly the same.

 

I Have the capt chairs in my Lariat with the center console on word Great! The seats are comfy for long distance and the console is huge!

 

I intended to buy my truck with th large cener consol. But when I drove one I felt boxed in by it. My right leg felt trapped and was rubing on the sharp edge on the lower end of the consol. I ended up getting the fold down seat. I'm a big guy though 6' 5" and 300 Lbs.

 

The seats in my 04 lack padding on the bottom cushion. They can get pretty uncomfortable if you sit on them for more then a couple of hours. You might want to consider getting aftermarket seats installed if you are going to have that much seat time.

 

I prefer the Captian's seats and wide console. The console supports my laptop when I am using it and the Lumbar support keeps my back from screeming on long trips.

2004 FX4 SCAB.

 

I make an occasionally 8 hour trip. In the sports-cloth captains (with flow-thru console) it was very nice. I have the same setup in my Lariat now only in leather and comfort-wise I dont notice the difference. Both are probably the most comfortable seats I have been in.

 

My "04" FX4 Scab has black leather Captains seats...they are a firm ride...I like them, but my wife isn't too thrilled...Oh, well...!!!

I agree with dkshado. The wide console should be fine for your needs.

 

Oh, one other thing. The ride in my Lariat is smoother than the ride in my FX4. As I pull out of work there's an odd dip between the sidewalk and road. In the FX4 it was pretty jarring, especially for passengers holding lunch. In the Lariat it's far smoother.

 

Not sure if the two seats are the same, the 40.20/40 seat has a filler where the center console would reside with the captain chairs, and the seat belts come out of the seats themselves on the 40/20/40. The Capt chairs will give you a paltform on top of the center console to rest you notebook.

 

The F150 seats are firm but comfortable. Even if you dont feel you need it, get the crew cab. Doors close better, more resale, more room for junk, etc, etc.

Check out these guys for a mobile computer setup.

http://www.gamberjohnson.com/

I have these in all of my technician work vehicles. They work very well. Much stronger than a jottodesk. They have specific mounts for the 150 base or you can use a universal.

I also suggest you go ahead to mount a permanent inverter to run your laptop. And a mobile jump station for when you leave the inverter on and drain the battery.

My techs are on the road 8 hours a day every day and they love this setup.

Until you see how it goes together, the pieces are confusing to order. Just call and they will give a sales rep for your state. They run about $500, but they last and last. You can buy a different base to fit in your next vehicle for about $60.

 

Are you sure there even is a seat option with the FX4 package? think it only comes with the Captains Chairs and the console shift. I'm guessing the shifter will be in your way.

Oops, just checked the Ford website and I am full of crap. Lots of seat choices with the FX4. I have Captains Chairs in my XLT trim Scab. I would really recommend going that way as long as you can get the FX4 without the console shifter.

I've done 12 hours stints in these seats and I've got a bad lower back. I didn't like them much at first, they seem to soften out with age.

My next truck will definitely have leather seats. The cloth just stains too easily.

 

Wow, lots of good feedback. But it seems people are split (no pun intended) on captains vs. the 40/20/40 seat.

I wish there was some way to live with each for a few days.

 

The only difference is the center console. The captins chairs have a deep, floor mounted center console. The 40/20/40 has the flipdown seat/console combo.
The chairs themselves are the same! So no difference in seat of the pants feel. Only where you place your arm.