sdixon747 Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 I'm getting ready to order new seats for my Gen I Volvo 660. I think that over the last few weeks I have been to every truck dealer / parts supplier between NE Tennessee and Dayton OH. None have Bostrom Wide Ride seats in stock to sit in to try out for comfort. Almost all have "Seats Inc" which from what I have read on some of the Truckers Forums, are probably the worst seats out there. Some dealers had National, but that is what I have now and I'm not real happy with them. Bostrom, Sears, and Knoedler are among the best based on what truckers are saying on the forums. Anyway, I just wanted to get some opinions on what do you have, and how do you like it? If you were to get new seats, what would you get? Thanks Steve Quote Steve & Gail 2000 Volvo VNL660 Autoshift Detroit 60 12.7 "Semi Crazy" 2016 smart "Lil Crazy" 2018 Space Craft 48' TT "The Nut House" KJ4YGY & KK4CTE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beyerjf Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 The Argosy came with the "narrow" Bostroms, due to the cabover configuration. I put up with them for 11 years. Earlier trucks had Bostroms, so when I switched to National wide base in 2011 it was an improvement. I never use all the air bladders/massage etc. The way I determined which seat to go with was to go to the Louisville truck show and spent almost a whole day playing with 11 different manufacturers. It is the only place where the seats are displayed properly and can really allow you to make an informed decision. You could do the same thing at the Great American Truck Show in Dallas in August. It is a very personal choice. Of course you could pop for the Bose Ride which is an option on current Volvo's. I thought they were way too much money and technology for the application. I almost went with Knoedler, and I might do so next time. I have rarely seen any truck dealer properly display seats, mounted with air, and they treat them as an annoying sideline. And they will feature 1 brand when you really need to compare side by side. good luck. Quote Jeff Beyer temporarily retired from Trailer Transit 2000 Freightliner Argosy Cabover 2008 Work and Play 34FK Homebase NW Indiana, no longer full time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grassy Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 Hi. I have a damaged spine in 2 areas. Generally, most car and truck seats are very uncomfortable for me and generally cause pain. When I bought my Freightliner, it had the stock seats in it...so, I replaced them with a set of Commodore. Lots of adjustments and backcycler is just awesome. Last summer, did a run of 10 hours one day..and 11 the next and I was w/o pain..which is saying something. BackCycler BackCycler http://www.nationalseating.com/en-us/product/seat/commodore-truck-seat As mentioned, seats are very personal and none of the truck supply companies stock chairs so i took a chance..American made too.. Good luck in your hunt.. Quote . Arctic Fox 29-5T . Beagle co-pilots - Faffy and Lulu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob86ZZ4 Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 I've had Bostrom Wide Ride for over 10 years. Love it. I need a good firm lumbar and they have it. I also like that the back/head comes up high enough. I'm not that tall, but lots of seats I sat in my head would hang over the top. Not the Bostrom. Only complaints, one of the air switches sometimes leaks a tiny bit, and the angle adjustment knob on the arm rests isn't the easiest to adjust. You have to stick your finger up underneath and turn a wheel on the shaft. I'm real good at it but it's hard to teach passengers how to do it. Still my favorite seat though. I have the cloth because I don't really like leather. I bought mine new at a Kenworth dealer. Last year my son found an identical one on Craigslist for $50. Not very used either. I put that one on the passenger side. Quote '03 United Specialties truck conversion, Freightliner FL112, Cat C12, 10 sp Autoshift, 295" w/b, 26' living quarters. St. Paul, MN www.bobwinsor.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyates007 Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 I have the Bostrom wide ride with Serta memory foam. We just put them in this year and only have a little over 3000 miles in them but like them very much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoDirectionHome Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 (edited) As stated, all about YOUR bony or padded butt and back. It'll be different for your wife as well. For me...Knoedler Grand chief or Recaro, but that has nothing to do with your choice. Edited June 6, 2016 by Stekay Quote "There are No Experts, Do the Math!" 2014 Freightliner Cascadia DD16 600hp 1850ft-lb 18spd 3.31 260"wb SpaceCraft S-470 SKP #131740 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forxlr8n Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 Bostrom is owned by National , ..... CVG is the parent company to both Quote "If you can not measure it, you can not improve it." Lord Kelvin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 I'd just get a pilot's and co-pilot's seat from that 747 you fly!! Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 I'd just get a pilot's and co-pilot's seat from that 747 you fly!! Now that's a good idea! Quote Rocky & Sheri Rhoades '01 Volvo 770 2016 DRV Mobile Suites, HoustonHERO Makers Ministry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morelli Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 I have the Bostrom wide ride with Serta memory foam and love it ! I suffer from back problems from old injuries and after a 9 hour drive, felt great with no pain ! My is setup with heat and cooling and some sort of back relax thing (really can't tell if that does anything for me). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billr Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 We have the Sears Elite 80. Leather with std adjustments. They are very nice. Had for 6 yrs now. Got them at a good price in ATL Kenwirth. Also ordered the adapter plates at same time. Were $600 ea seat and $45 ea adapter. Installed in the parking lot. Sold the old nationals on Craig's list and he picked them up when I was there. Quote Bill and Joan and 3 Collie pups 2001 Volvo VNL 770 "The Doghouse" Singled short, "ET" hItch VED12 465HP Gen 1 Autoshift 3.58 ratio 2005 Mobile Suite 38RL3 2011 Smart Passion loaded piggybacK Weigh-It Portable RV Scales http://www.weighitrv.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted June 16, 2016 Report Share Posted June 16, 2016 So Steve, what's the verdict? Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdixon747 Posted June 17, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2016 So Steve, what's the verdict? I ordered Bostrom Wide Ride + Serta. With the color and options I ordered, it's not a stock item so it's going to take about three weeks to get them. Quote Steve & Gail 2000 Volvo VNL660 Autoshift Detroit 60 12.7 "Semi Crazy" 2016 smart "Lil Crazy" 2018 Space Craft 48' TT "The Nut House" KJ4YGY & KK4CTE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted June 17, 2016 Report Share Posted June 17, 2016 I ordered Bostrom Wide Ride + Serta. With the color and options I ordered, it's not a stock item so it's going to take about three weeks to get them. Congrats, look nice. Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted June 17, 2016 Report Share Posted June 17, 2016 Steve, no arm rests? Quote Rocky & Sheri Rhoades '01 Volvo 770 2016 DRV Mobile Suites, HoustonHERO Makers Ministry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted June 17, 2016 Report Share Posted June 17, 2016 I assume you got arm rests....but did you get the heat? I LOVE heated seats. Really helps my back....even in the summer....that is one of the things I like the best about the smart.... Quote Jack & Danielle Mayer #60376 Lifetime Member Living on the road since 2000PLEASE no PM's. Email me. jackdanmayer AT gmail 2016 DRV Houston 44' 5er (we still have it) 2022 New Horizons 43' 5er 2016 Itasca 27N 28' motorhome 2019 Volvo 860, D13 455/1850, 236" wb, I-Shift, battery-based APU No truck at the moment - we use one of our demo units 2016 smart Passion, piggyback on the truck -------------------------------------------------------------------------See our website for info on New Horizons 5th wheels, HDTs as tow vehicles, communications on the road, and use of solar powerwww.jackdanmayer.com Principal in RVH Lifestyles. RVH-Lifestyles.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdixon747 Posted June 17, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2016 Got the arm rests, but not the heat. Ordered them in blue and gray ultraleather. I also ordered an extra seven yards of the gray ultraleather to have cushions custom made for a work station to replace the lower bunk. Should all be done in time for the National HDT Rally in October. Quote Steve & Gail 2000 Volvo VNL660 Autoshift Detroit 60 12.7 "Semi Crazy" 2016 smart "Lil Crazy" 2018 Space Craft 48' TT "The Nut House" KJ4YGY & KK4CTE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyates007 Posted June 19, 2016 Report Share Posted June 19, 2016 Steve you are going to really like those seats. Did you get the back cycler option as well? We really like ours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdixon747 Posted June 20, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2016 Steve you are going to really like those seats. Did you get the back cycler option as well? We really like ours. Looking forward to the new seats. Didn't get the back cycler, but kind of wish I did. Do you know if it can be added later? Quote Steve & Gail 2000 Volvo VNL660 Autoshift Detroit 60 12.7 "Semi Crazy" 2016 smart "Lil Crazy" 2018 Space Craft 48' TT "The Nut House" KJ4YGY & KK4CTE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted June 20, 2016 Report Share Posted June 20, 2016 Steve, under options, look at "Gail" for the top of the line back massager Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyates007 Posted June 21, 2016 Report Share Posted June 21, 2016 I'm not sure if the back cycler can be added after thought. If I didn't have them now I would know they were good or I was missing anything drove a lot of miles in the old seats with no issues at the time. Some times not knowing and not having is not a bad place to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted June 26, 2016 Report Share Posted June 26, 2016 (edited) Hi Everyone, I have a question about the bolt pattern of after market seats. Is the bolt pattern set to only one size ? How does the after market seats fit so many different trucks ? Or do you have to drill different bolt holes in your truck to fit the seats ? Or is there an adaptor that someone can use ? I know these questions could seem silly. I want to use the seat from my gen 1 Volvo to fit in my gen 2 but the bolt patterns are different. Right now it is throwing me a curve ball. Anyone have any ideas ? The seats that I want to move are Sears Elite to a gen 2 truck. As always, Thank for any help, Al Edited June 26, 2016 by alan0043 Quote 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alie&Jim's Carrilite Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 There should be an adapter plate you can buy to fit. Not hard to make your own though, just both sets of holes drilled in a piece of steel or aluminum plate. Quote Alie & Jim + 8 paws 2017 DRV Memphis BART- 1998 Volvo 610 Lil'ole 6cyl Cummins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdixon747 Posted June 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 I ordered the adapter plate from Bostrom for a gen 1 Volvo. Quote Steve & Gail 2000 Volvo VNL660 Autoshift Detroit 60 12.7 "Semi Crazy" 2016 smart "Lil Crazy" 2018 Space Craft 48' TT "The Nut House" KJ4YGY & KK4CTE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sculptor Posted October 4, 2019 Report Share Posted October 4, 2019 Hi all, and thanks to Steve, I am thinking about new seats and some other new hardware for our gen 2 VNL. I hope to revive this discussion for a short time. The only place near us with seats on display is the Kenly 95 truck stop. They have some but no Knoedler. Is there a place to order seats from that commonly has the best prices? Is it possible to find a sale at certain times of the year? Should I just plan to be at the next truck show wherever it is and buy from a salesperson? Quote Kevin and June 2013 Volvo VNL 730 D13 Eco-Torque @ 425 Ratio 2.47 2014 DRV 36TKSB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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