For vehicle owners seeking to protect their interiors from the daily wear and tear of life, Carhartt SeatSaver™ and Super Dux seat covers offer a durable, functional, and stylish solution. Designed with the same rugged quality as Carhartt’s iconic workwear, these seat covers are crafted from 1,000 Denier CORDURA® nylon and feature reinforced stitching, waterproofing, and a custom fit for various vehicle models. This guide provides a detailed overview of the materials, installation process, and key features of the Carhartt seat covers, based on information from official product documentation and user experiences.
Overview of Carhartt Seat Covers
Carhartt seat covers are engineered for durability and ease of use, making them ideal for vehicles exposed to harsh conditions such as mud, spills, and frequent use by children or pets. The primary fabric used in these covers is 1,000 Denier CORDURA® nylon, known for its high resistance to abrasion and tear. This material is triple-stitched for added strength and is treated with Carhartt’s Rain Defender® DWR (Durable Water Repellent) technology to repel water and keep the interior dry.
The seat covers are available in two distinct lines: SeatSaver™ and Super Dux. Both options provide a custom fit for specific vehicle models, ensuring that the covers align precisely with the original seat contours. The installation process is designed to be user-friendly, with features such as pillow inserts to fill gaps and a hidden tear-away stitching system that allows for safe seat airbag deployment.
Key Features and Benefits
Carhartt seat covers are more than just protective coverings—they are built to withstand the toughest environments while maintaining a clean, professional appearance. The following features highlight the advantages of these seat covers:
Durability and Strength: The 1,000 Denier CORDURA® nylon fabric is known for its exceptional durability. It is resistant to abrasion, punctures, and general wear, making it ideal for vehicles used in work, outdoor adventures, or family transportation.
Water-Resistant Protection: The Rain Defender® DWR treatment ensures that water beads up and rolls off the surface, preventing water from seeping into the fabric and damaging the underlying seat.
Custom Fit: Each set of seat covers is designed to fit specific vehicle models. The covers are tailored to match the shape and dimensions of the original seats, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
Ease of Installation and Removal: The seat covers are designed for easy installation and removal. They use a combination of straps, clips, and pillow inserts to secure the cover in place without the need for permanent alterations or tools.
Machine Washable: The covers can be machine washed, making it simple to maintain their appearance and hygiene. This is particularly useful for vehicles used in environments where spills, dirt, or pet hair are common.
Additional Functional Features: Several design elements enhance the usability of the seat covers, such as storage pockets on the back of the front seats and reinforcement rivets for added structural support.
Compatibility with Vehicle Features: The seat covers are designed to accommodate heated and cooled seats, as well as all applicable headrests and armrests. The hidden tear-away stitching ensures that the airbag system remains unaffected during installation.
Installation Process
The installation of Carhartt seat covers is a straightforward process that can typically be completed in a few hours, depending on the vehicle’s configuration. The following steps summarize the installation process based on user experiences and official documentation:
Step 1: Preparation and Kit Selection
Before beginning the installation, it is essential to select the correct seat cover kit for the specific vehicle model. Carhartt seat covers are sold as separate front and rear kits, and the appropriate configuration must be chosen based on the vehicle’s seating layout. The Covercraft website provides a user-friendly form to help customers select the correct covers based on their truck’s specifications.
Once the correct set of covers is obtained, the installation should be approached in a systematic manner. It is recommended to start with the front passenger seat and work around the vehicle in a logical sequence. This helps ensure that each cover is properly aligned and secured before moving on to the next.
Step 2: Front Passenger Seat Installation
The installation of the front passenger seat typically begins with the removal of the headrest. The seatback section of the cover is then placed over the seat, ensuring that the cover aligns with the contours of the seat. The back section is pulled down to a straight position, and the front portion is adjusted to match the back.
A key feature of the installation process is the strap and clip system, which helps secure the cover in place. A flap with a strap and clip is inserted where the seat back and bottom meet and is pulled snug to ensure a tight fit. The front edge of the cover is then pulled down, and the strap with the other end of the clip is attached to the back, allowing the cover to be pulled tight. This system helps eliminate wrinkles and ensures a clean, professional appearance.
Once the cover is in place, the seat bottom is stretched into position. A small pillow insert is used to fill any gaps and lock the material in place behind the plastic components of the seat. This not only improves the fit but also adds a layer of comfort.
Step 3: Driver Seat Installation
The installation of the driver seat follows a similar process. The headrest is removed, and the seatback section is placed over the seat. The back section is pulled down to a straight position, and the front portion is adjusted to match. The same strap and clip system is used to secure the cover in place, ensuring that it fits snugly and remains free of wrinkles.
After the cover is secured, the seat bottom is stretched into position, and the pillow insert is used to fill any gaps. The front edge of the cover is then pulled down, and the strap is attached to the back section to pull the cover tight. Once the driver seat is installed, the covers should appear smooth and well-fitted.
Step 4: Rear Seat Installation
The installation of the rear seat covers is slightly different depending on whether the vehicle has bucket seats or bench-style seating. For bucket seats, the process involves placing the cover over each seat individually. For bench-style seats, the cover is typically installed as a single unit, with the console included if applicable.
As with the front seats, the covers are secured using the strap and clip system. The rear seat covers are designed to fit snugly and prevent shifting during use. In some configurations, the covers may include additional features such as rear storage pockets or reinforcement rivets for added durability.
Step 5: Final Adjustments and Inspection
Once all the seat covers are installed, it is important to inspect each cover for proper fit and alignment. Any wrinkles or loose areas should be adjusted by gently pushing or pulling the cover into place. The pillow inserts should be positioned to fill any gaps and ensure a secure fit.
It is also important to verify that all straps and clips are properly attached and that the covers are securely fastened. This helps prevent the covers from shifting during use and ensures that they remain in place over time.
Post-Installation Considerations
After installation, users should be aware of a few key considerations to ensure the continued performance and longevity of the seat covers. These include:
Maintenance and Cleaning: The covers are machine washable, making it easy to keep them clean. It is recommended to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that the fabric and stitching remain in good condition.
Storage and Use: The seat covers are designed to be used in a variety of environments, from daily commuting to off-road adventures. However, it is important to avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals, as this can affect the fabric and waterproofing.
Compatibility with Vehicle Features: The covers are designed to work with heated and cooled seats, as well as all applicable headrests and armrests. It is important to ensure that these features remain functional after installation.
Safety Considerations: The hidden tear-away stitching system ensures that the airbag remains unaffected during installation. It is important to verify that the airbag functions as intended and that there are no obstructions that could interfere with its deployment.
Conclusion
Carhartt seat covers offer a durable, functional, and stylish solution for vehicle owners seeking to protect their interiors from the effects of daily use. With features such as 1,000 Denier CORDURA® nylon, triple-stitched seams, and Rain Defender® DWR treatment, these covers are built to withstand the toughest conditions. The installation process is designed to be user-friendly, with a combination of straps, clips, and pillow inserts ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
For those considering the installation of Carhartt seat covers, it is important to choose the correct configuration for their vehicle and to follow the installation instructions carefully. Once installed, the covers provide a clean, professional appearance while offering protection against dirt, spills, and general wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, these seat covers can provide long-lasting protection and enhance the overall look and functionality of the vehicle’s interior.