Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/150744
Cover Craft SEAT COVERS & FLOOR MATS CoverCraft Seat Savers are designed specifically to protect work truck seating surfaces. The Polycotton jeans-type fabric breathes, is water repellent and machine washable. They are available with arm rest covers, head rest covers and come with cutouts for seat controls and side airbags. Single set covers start at $77, depending upon vehicle model. True Timber Camo versions start at $96. CoverCraft: (800) 426-8377; www.worktruckproducts.com Marathon Supreme Marathon offers a variety of hunter camo patterns designs from Realtree. In addition, they also offer tactical and digital military-style camo. All are made from rugged Cordura nylon and available for all pickups and come with a two-year warranty. Suggested retail starts at $250. Marathon Seat Covers: (800) 735-2769; www.marathonseatcovers.com The custom-fit seat cover, on the other hand, is specifically tailored to fit over the seats of a particular model pickup much like a glove, or even a second skin. Instead of elastic running around the base of the seat cover material, custom-fit covers are held in place by a system of hidden straps and buckles or by straps with hook-and-loop-type fasteners. Unlike universal fit covers, which often install in under five minutes, the proper installation of a set of custom-fit covers can take an hour or longer. The result looks , fitting every bulge and curve of the seats for complete coverage and protec- tion without the cover bunching up or coming loose. MIND THE MATERIAL Another advantage to the custom-fit seat cover is that you can choose coverings and patterns to suit your taste as well as your work needs. For example, if your truck sees a lot of action in wet environments you could choose a set of commercial-grade CR (chloroprene rubber) neoprene covers, while a concrete worker may opt for abrasion-resistant canvas covers made from Cordura nylon. "CR neoprene is very durable and elastic and form fitting to seat," says Wet Okole's Steve Supreme Seat Covers make their seat protection products from a 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester specifically designed for work truck use. They offer a variety of styles, including camo patterns, plus solid colors. They also offer covers made from waterproof fabric. Suggested retail ranges from $139.95 to $159.95 for standard models, $199.95 for waterproofing and up to $239.95 for heavyduty waterproofing. Supreme Seat Covers: (800) 584-3858; www.seatsavers.com Grew. "It stretches and contracts when user sits on it and our covers don't get hot in the summer or cold in the winter." There are more conventional options to consider, too. A camo pattern cover like the Marathon seat covers we used in our Big Boss Ford and Project Bedrock GMC could make accrued dirt and grime less noticeable, and waterproof covers (available in a variety of patterns) will protect your upholstery from spills, mud and other liquid hazards. Other materials used for custom-fit seat covers include polyester/cotton blends or 100-percent cotton, as well as a number of custom proprietary materials. The plethora of seat cover materials can make choosing seat protection somewhat complicated as each has its pluses and minuses. For example, some seat cover manufacturers use a treated, 100-percent cotton upholstery material that does not hold up well to extremely humid environments. "The quality of the fabric is a crucial element when buying seat covers," says Supreme's Carmen Alfonso. "With the intense heat inside a truck and the humidity (especially in Florida), 100-percent cotton covers literally rot. "We use a fabric that is a 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester. The polyester is the secret to a 80 PROPICKUP Big Book 2013 ProPickup_2013BB_Seat Covers Floor Mats.indd 80 8/6/13 10:20 AM