You probably aren’t planning to buy your next work truck and keep it indefinitely, so how do you get a better return on your investment when it is remarketed? Is there a way to do that while also boosting driver morale? Yes, on both parts — simply install quality seat covers when the truck is still new.

“The people that use seat covers in their work trucks are typically trying to get the most out of their trucks that they can and they're also looking at the financial side of it. When they go to remarket those trucks, they've got seats that are still clean and in good shape,” explains Sheldon Zitzmann, marketing director for TigerTough, a seat cover manufacturer.

He shares the example of a TigerTough customer with trucks that work in the oil fields. The remarketer would visit the trucks in the field, take a look at the trucks, not even drive them because of the dirty seats, then submit a price. Because the seats were filthy, explains Zitzmann, the fleet never could get the price they wanted for the trucks.

Then that fleet incorporated seat covers within the fleet’s maintenance plan. Well, after that, the remarketer would visit and have a different take on the trucks.

“They would take the covers off when it was time to sell them and the remarketer would come out and actually test drive each truck because he was comfortable getting in them, because they were clean and in good shape,” recalls Zitzmann. “They ended up getting a lot more money for their trucks.”

Then there is the consideration of how much a truck will bring in at auction. Again, seat covers can make a significant difference in return on investment.

When it is time to sell, remove the seat covers and underneath potential buyers will find seats that are not torn up, not stained, and still look fairly new.

“Psychologically, it makes you think that truck has been better taken care of versus when you open the door and the side of the seats are completely blown out, foam hanging out, it's greasy and dirty, like somebody did not take care of the truck,” says Zitzmann.

Some auction companies, he says, will automatically downgrade a vehicle to the next lower level if the seats are damaged.

Boosting Driver Morale with Seat Covers

Work trucks are used for work, so likely the seats will get dirty. But even so, seat covers have an impact on driver morale.

“Even if the seat covers are getting dirty, we can prevent a torn-up seat and an uncomfortable seat. So, when they're getting in the truck, everything's in good shape, and the truck is comfortable. They're going to appreciate it and take care of that truck better,” adds Zitzmann.

In addition to keeping the seats underneath protected from wear and coming apart, seat covers protect against dirt, grime, grease, and more. In the case of one work truck fleet, tar can even get stuck to the seats.

In addition to the dirt tracked in from various jobs, there is also a need to protect the OE seats from things like food, drink, and coffee spills.

Another large part of keeping the seat in good shape is how seat covers protect against abrasion and wear. If a seat wears out and breaks down, it is rougher on the driver.

“When you turn and slide down the side of the seat to get out of the truck over time that leading edge of the seat blows out. Then you have foam hanging out. Foam can't stand up to very much at all. So, the foam tears and then it's completely shot,” explains Zitzmann.

Easy Cleaning of Work Truck Seat Covers

You may add seat covers to your work truck and never worry about cleaning them, but they are machine washable. Zitzmann says it is common for people to just grab whatever all-purpose or automotive cleaner they have on hand for spot cleaning as needed.

Despite it not being part of the official seat cover cleaning instructions, one paving company contacted TigerTough saying they use brake cleaner to remove stuck-on tar. Well, Zitzmann gave it a try and it worked. That cleaning challenge, and many other fascinating ones, are posted on TigerTough’s Youtube channel.

Seat Covers Come in a Choice of Colors

Zitzmann explains seat covers come in a choice of colors and with TigerTough that is black, gray, or tan.

A lot of gray seat covers are used for service trucks and work trucks, while emergency response vehicles tend to go with black seat covers. The color choice aligns with the affiliated work, and whatever may end up on the seat at the end of the day.

“Some people tailor their color to what they're tracking in. So, let's say you get a carpenter or somebody doing drywall, they're tracking in sawdust and drywall dust. Do you opt for a gray cover because that stuff shows up like crazy on black? Otherwise, if someone's primarily concerned with grease or tar, they might go with a black cover, because it doesn't show up as much,” suggests Zitzmann.

Buying Seat Covers Sooner Rather Than Later

So do people buy seat covers when a truck is new, or wait until later?

Both, according to Zitzmann. However, he sees the earlier installation option as far better than delaying seat covers.

“When you're putting them on a new truck, you're preventing the damage from ever happening. You're preventing the seats from getting torn, preventing them from getting dirty, and preventing them from getting broken down,” says Zitzmann. “When you put them on after you've torn your seat, you're just covering it up.”

But, putting covers on after a seat is dirty and worn is still better than doing nothing at all, he points out.

For someone installing seat covers in a truck for the first time, Zitzmann says it will take about an hour for the front seats and a half hour for the rear seat. But once your maintenance technicians get the hang of it, installation time will likely be cut in half.

Larger fleets, like ones with 300 to 400 trucks, will have seat covers installed by the upfitter so the trucks are ready to roll when they take delivery.

“It doesn't require a rocket surgeon to be able to install and if you can watch a video and follow a set of printed instructions, you can do a perfect job,” he says.

Zitzmann has worked with TigerTough since 2016 and admits he likes to “nerd out” when it comes to talking about seat covers. With his background and knowledge of work truck seat covers, he has provided several things you should keep in mind when buying seat covers for work trucks

Zitzmann says when shopping for work truck seat covers be sure to consider:

1. Make Sure the Seat Covers Are Safe

All new vehicles (excluding Class 7 and 8) have airbags in the driver and passenger's seats. When you're looking for a seat cover make sure it's compatible with seats with airbags. Most good seat covers are compatible but it's always a good idea to check with the manufacturer and see if they've got any testing to back up their compatibility claims.

2. Make Sure the Seat Covers Will Stay in Place.

A seat cover that does not cover the seat properly won't protect it. Pick a cover that fits the seat well and stays in place. Covers that fit best typically have the seat back and bottom covers as separate pieces. The seat bottom cover is an area that sees the most abuse and is the most prone to sliding when drivers get in and out. The best covers will secure the seat from the front to the back and from side to side. Steer clear of elastic fasteners, elastic always stretches and allows the cover to move.

3. Make Sure They Are Waterproof and Built for Work Trucks.

Waterproof covers will keep spills and stains off your seats. The ideal material is breathable and waterproof. Be aware that perforated covers will allow dirt and spills straight through to your seat. Vinyl will stop spills, but it's not breathable so it's icy cold in the winter and blazing hot in the summer. A cover that's built for work trucks will be breathable and tough.

4. Make Sure They Are Custom Fit.

This links with making sure they'll stay in place but a seat cover that's not a custom fit will end up being loose in places it should be tight and tight in places it shouldn't be. The best seat covers are designed to fit one seat and only one seat. One-size-fits-all really means one-size-fits-none.

5. Make Sure They Have a Strong Warranty.

A strong warranty means that the manufacturer is confident that the covers will last as they say they will. If only the manufacturer's defects are covered, the warranty is only for a short period and if commercial use excludes them from the warranty, they might not be built for work trucks.

6.Bonus Tip - Make sure they're made in the USA.

Zitzmann encourages fleets and work truck owners to shop for quality seat covers produced in the US.