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Contrary to what you may think, installing seat covers is a simple project to perform in RV supplies. And it's a job worth doing because it will help protect your investment and no doubt add to your driving comfort.
Vehicles come with a number of seat combinations. It is important that when selecting your seat covers for whatever reason (to hide damaged upholstery, to keep your upper legs and back warm during cold weather or simply to protect your seats from day-to-day wear), you buy the ones that fit your seat style. Otherwise, no matter what you do, they simply will not fit.
Some of the styles available include: solid back or bench type - found in four-door cars and truck cabs; high- or low-bucket seats (two distinct types); split back for two-door cars (the seat backs fold forward); back seats used in minivans and trucks.
Front seats: The only problem area here might be removing the adjustable headrest (if so equipped) before installing the cover for the seat back. This is accomplished by pulling the headrest firmly upward and past the snap fasteners. If your vehicle has a locking device for the headrests, one method is to lift it to its highest level, then rock it left and right while lifting upward. Another locking type requires a piece of flexible metal about three centimeters (1 1/4 inches) wide to be slipped downward on the front portion of the headrest shaft to release the locking device.
Other models have a simple push-to-release unit. With this accomplished, remove the trim piece that is screwed to the seat back and into which the headrest shaft fits. Slide the cover over the seat back. Align the top corners and sides; firmly pull the cover down, removing all wrinkles. Then, depending on your model and using moderate pressure, fasten the elastic ties or Velcro tabs behind the bucket seat. Or hook an S clip through each elastic, and then attach it to the cushion support wire located under the seat. Now use your utility knife cut a small hole where the headrest is to be reinstalled. Install the cover plate, and then insert the headrest.
Bench-seat bottoms: The procedure is similar to the seat backs. Slip the cover over the bench (small cuts might have to be made to accommodate seatbelts). To remove wrinkles, apply firm pressure to the fasteners and attach the elastics and clamps to the cushion support wires under the seat.
Rear seats: You will have to be creative here because the rear seat has to be removed before covers can be installed. To remove the bench portion, push the lower rear seat rearward. This will allow the clamps to release. Then lift upward to remove the lower seat. With the lower seat removed, lift the back upward and pull it toward you. Now both top and bottom portions are ready to cover. Using the same procedures outlined above, stretch the cover over the seat(s) and secure. For extra security, the S-clamps can be bent over the cushion wires using the slip-joint pliers.
The next step is to reinstall the seat back first, then the bench seat. Now your vehicle's seats will look showroom fresh. As well, they will have a new lease on life at a fraction of the cost you would have to pay for a reupholstering job.
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