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How to Install TigerTough Seat Covers and What to Expect

Each TigerTough custom seat cover is shipped with step-by-step color instructions on installing them on the exact vehicle they were specifically designed for. 

So if you ordered seat covers for your 2017 Toyota Tacoma, you’ll get instructions on how to install those covers in a 2017 Toyota Tacoma. Pretty nice, right?

There are covers in the seat cover world that look awful because the installation process is confusing or inadequate. It’s a common problem with seat covers. We addressed this head-on by making installation as straightforward as possible.

And in case you toss your instructions in a moment of confidence and need a few pointers along the way, you’re in luck because we record installation videos for every vehicle

Since each vehicle is different, each seat cover install will be different. 

We’ll walk you through what a typical installation looks like.

Watch the video version

Before you start 

  1. Lift and remove the headrest.
  2. Lean the seat back.
  3. Remove any straps on the underside that hold the carpet up.
  4. If you have a Ford, unclip the plastic connectors under the seat–they might feel like they’re going to break, but they will come off.

Installing the seat bottom cover

  1. Make sure you start with the correct seat cover–passenger and driver’s seats are different, so just look for the tag.
  2. Line the seams up.
  3. Push the top flap of the seat cover between the seat back and the seat bottom.
  4. Take the strings and put one between the seat and the center console and cover and one between the seat cushion and plastic on the door side. These need to go down and under the seat, not straight back and behind the seat.
  5. Tuck the cover between the cushion and the plastic trim around the seat.
  6. Go behind the seat and find the strings you ran through the sides of the seat.
  7. Run them under the seat. Look at your specific instructions to see if you need to run them behind or in front of the seat mounts. 
  8. Pull them as tight as you can.
  9. Find the StringLock.
  10. Run the strings through each side of the StringLock as tight as possible and clamp it (the tighter, the better!).
  11. Run the front seat flaps over any seat-adjusting bar and under the seat.
  12. Pull tight on the front and back flaps and fasten them underneath the seat.

Installing the seatback cover

  1. Make sure the airbag tag is on the door side of the seat.
  2. Slide the cover over the seat.
  3. Press the cover down around the plastic headrest mounts.
  4. Go to the back and tuck the carpet flap up into the seat cover.
  5. Push the front flaps through the seat crease and fasten them on the backside.

Lastly, installing the headrest cover

  1. Put the headrest back in, but don’t put it all the way down.
  2. Take the cover and make sure the long flap is in front.
  3. Tuck the flap to the back and secure it.
  4. You can put the headrest down now if you’d like.

How easy was it?

We’ve installed other seat covers (check out this Carhartt install we did) and must admit that ours take longer. Since our covers come in multiple pieces, you’ll get a better fit, but it will take a little while to get those pieces where you want.

We say to expect to spend up to 45 minutes per seat on installation. 

According to Hunt Tested:

“If you’re looking for a seat cover that you can throw on for the weekends and then take off during the week, this cover is likely not the best choice. While you certainly can remove and reinstall these covers, the process is involved enough that I wouldn’t want to do it frequently. To get a precision fit, you give up being able to quickly and easily take the covers on and off.”

Wrapping it up

These aren’t the easiest to install, but they’re also not rocket science. If you’ve ever stepped foot on a job site, you can install these. And we can assure you that every installation step helps give you the best-looking fit on your new seat covers. 

Every vehicle installation is going to vary a bit. But we won’t leave you in the dark. You’ll get detailed instructions, an install video, and you’re always welcome to contact us if you’re stumped. And if you want to skip the installation altogether, check out one of our 850+ dealers.

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Common Problems with Seat Covers (and how we solved them)

A lot of seat covers suck.

They fall short on fit, installation, warranty, and wear. We've reviewed some of the top seat cover brands on the market, and even some of those have struggles.

So here are eight roadblocks we hear when it comes to buying seat covers. We've addressed them to eliminate the suckage.

Problem 1: Seat Covers Suck to Install

First off, any seat cover that fits well will take a little time to install. If it just slips on, it will slip right off the first time you sit on it. 

TigerTough Solution:

We’ve worked our tails off to ensure that TigerTough seat covers don’t suck to install. It won’t be a breeze, but we'll make it as easy as possible.

  • Everything is held on the seat with hook and loop fasteners (you may call this VELCRO, but that's a brand name, and we aren't allowed to call it that) except a string that runs under the seat. That’s held together with our patented Stringlock. More on that later.
  • When designing a new seat cover, we also shoot a detailed install video and write up an install guide for that seat. We don’t do generic instructions because vehicles aren’t generic. 
  • TigerTough seat covers aren’t one-piece covers. The back, bottom, and headrest of your seat are all covered with separate covers, so you can work on one section at a time and end up with something that fits properly.
  • There’s a very fine line between seat covers that fit well and feeling like you’re putting five pounds of potatoes in a four-pound sack. We tip-toe right down that line. Johnny Cash would be proud.  

Problem 2: Seat Covers Never Stay In Place

TigerTough Solution:

  • Everything is held on with hook and loop, string, and the Stringlock. None of these have any “give.” Your cover is secure once you’ve snugged everything up, pulled it tight, and slammed it into place. We don’t secure anything with elastic or adjustable clips because elastic stretches as soon as you put pressure on it, and adjustable clips tend to self-adjust over time.
  • This is another reason for the three-piece cover. When you can completely wrap the seat back, bottom, and headrest separately, the seat cover conforms to the seat's shape and has no room to move.
  • Everything is fully wrapped. Rather than run straps under the seat where you can’t see them, we run the cover all the way under the seat and connect it together in the back. Some seat covers are like aprons. Ours is like a pair of trusty coveralls. Which would you prefer on the job?
  • Stretchy fabric is notorious for moving around. Since TigerTough seat covers are made from tough, tightly woven fabric, there is no stretch at all.  

Problem 3: Seat Covers Never Fit Right

TigerTough Solution:

Every TigerTough seat cover is designed specifically for one seat style or one vehicle.

Here’s how the process works:

  1. We get the seat into our factory for the most accurate measurements.
  2. Our design team spends 2-3 days designing a cover that matches the seat exactly.
  3. We install the cover, taking detailed install photos and videos so you can see precisely how it goes when installing it.

If you’re hesitant to use seat covers based on past experiences with covers that fit like socks on a rooster, you have every right to be!  

No seat cover we make is designed from pictures or manufacturer specs. It’s all done the hard way, by hand, using the seats they'll cover.

Problem 4: They’re Unsafe

Okay, some seat covers aren't safe. Or hey, maybe safety never even crossed your mind. We actually reviewed a very popular seat cover brand that isn't considered safe when it comes to airbag deployment. You might also be think it's not safe to use them with heated seats.

TigerTough Solution:

Any TigerTough seat cover designed for seats with airbags built into them is designed to tear open exactly as the factory seat does if the airbag deploys.

A third-party lab independently tests our designs to ensure they work just as they should.

As for the whole heated seat thing, most covers are safe for heated seats. There will be some that perform better than others though.

Problem 5: They’re Ugly

Well, this is pretty subjective. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?

Seat covers have come a long way, though, and you can likely find a cover in a style that suits you. Whether you want something tough, floral, camo, or fluffy. Heck, even Carhartt has covers.

TigerTough Solution:

We design for performance first, not looks. You won’t find bright colors, elaborate patterns, or luxury quilting on any of our seat covers. 

The fanciest we get is camo covers and custom embroidery.

We skip the decorative stitching so the covers are as tough as possible and look a little plainer than the factory seats.

If you want something that looks like a custom interior, you may not love our covers. If you’re looking for something that’ll keep your seats in good shape for as long as you own the truck, you’ll think they’re perfect.

Problem 6: They Wear Out

Remember the cheap parts store ones that we talked about? Those do wear out. 

If you’re going to spend good money on seat covers to keep your seats looking good, you’re kinda getting the short straw if they’re made from cheap, stretchy fabric that wears out in a few months. Leave that material for yoga pants, not your truck.

TigerTough Solution:

You can be confident that your TigerTough covers aren’t going to give up on you. Since they’re designed for work, they’re made from military-grade fabric. The solid colors are made from the strongest fabric, a 1000-denier CORDURA, and the camos are made from almost-as-tough 900-denier polyester.

They’ve got a two-year unconditional warranty and we really mean unconditional.  If anything wears out or breaks for any reason, we’ll fix or replace it. (But we want to hear how it happened because we know there's a good story behind it.)

Here’s how a set looks after eight years and 235,000+ miles in a heavy equipment service truck:    

Used TigerTough seat covers in a truck.
TigerTough seat covers in a truck after eight years of heavy-duty use.

Problem 7: They’re Sweaty

You had pleather seat covers once, didn’t you? Or did you buy some cheap vinyl ones once that gave you flashbacks of your days on a school bus?

Gross. We don't blame you for wanting to steer clear.

TigerTough Solution:

Both of our fabrics are breathable so you won’t have to deal with swamp@** or peeling any bare skin off your seats. These won’t feel any different than your factory seat as far as being breathable or making you sweaty.

When spending hard-earned cash on your truck, ensure you get breathable seat covers.

Problem 8: You're Not Sure What to Get

This is tough. First, we recommended finding the best brand for what you need. 

TigerTough Solution:

We’ve designed the lookup on our website to make it easy to find the covers for your vehicle. All you need to know are the following details.

  • The year (2020)
  • The Make (Ford)
  • The Model (F150)
  • The Trim Package (XLT)
  • The Cab Type (SuperCrew)

Once you punch in all that info, we’ll show you only the seat covers that will fit your truck!  If there could be a couple of different seat configurations in your vehicle, we’ll show you the different options and explain the differences between the two.

Find the best seat covers for your truck

If you're still not sold on seat covers, that's okay. But here's our list of things you should consider when shopping around:

  • Multiple-piece covers
  • Waterproof
  • Custom-fit
  • Made in the U.S.A.
  • Airbag-compatible
  • A strong warranty

Seat covers are an investment, and you want to be sure you're making the smartest choice for your needs.

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Best Back Bench Seat Covers for Dogs in Trucks

We've seen people reviewing our seat covers (which are made for humans) and talking about how they love them for their dogs. 

That got us thinking about what makes a seat cover great when you've got dogs. Whether you've got hunting dogs, service dogs, household pets, or work with a K9 unit, you will need a cover that protects from wetness, stains, scratching, and chewing.

Since we make our covers for humans, it's only fair that we look at seat covers that humans can use, so we won't review pet hammocks. And because we only make seat covers for trucks, SUVs, and vans, we'll look at those covers.

We're going to divide these into two types:

  1. Seat protectors: Not a custom fit, have a boxier shape and will be obvious in your truck
  2. Seat covers: Custom fit and will blend in with your truck's interior

Here are some of the top-searched brands for backseat and how they hold up to dogs:

Best Seat Protectors for Dogs

Seat protectors all have a very similar shape: a boxy apron that fits hundreds of different bench seats with a skirt that runs around the edge, so it will feel (and look) like a universal cover. But these top contenders all have strengths in different areas.

WeatherTech Seat Protector

dog on a tan WeatherTech seat protector on a bench seat
Image source: WeatherTech website

We've reviewed WeatherTech before, and here's the bottom line: We love WeatherTech, but would stick to their floor liners and not their seat protectors.

But when it comes to dogs in the backseat, the WeatherTech Seat Protectors will do just fine. 

We like that these are made in America, easy to install, and machine washable. We don't love that you won't be able to access the center seatbelt or use the features of a split seat.

Takeaways from the WeatherTech Seat Protector:

  • No center seatbelt access
  • Can't use the split seat
  • Water resistant, not waterproof
  • Made in America
  • Quick to install
  • Washable

Some people love this seat protector; some people don't. Overall, half of their customers wouldn't recommend it. 

“The straps around the headrest did not provide a very tight fit, and my two labs consistently moved the seat cover off the seat while jumping in and out of the truck during our trip. It is well made but moves around too much.”

-Ken, WeatherTech customer

 

Wet mess protection: 3/5
Chew and scratch resistance: 3/5

Price: $190

Orvis Grip-Tight® Backseat Protector

Dog on Orvis backseat bench cover
Image source: Orvis website

Orvis is known for quality gear that can brave the elements, so the Orvis Backseat Protector should be no exception.

This has a very similar fit to WeatherTech's version, but this is a new item from Orvis, so we'll need to wait for reviews to come in to see if it's a better investment. 

Orvis stands behind their products with the Great Catch Guarantee. If you aren't happy with your item, you can return it for a small restocking fee online or for free at a local store.

Takeaways from the Orvis Backseat Protector:

  • Can't use the split seat
  • Water resistant, not waterproof
  • Made in China
  • Microfiber
  • Quick to install
  • Washable 

Wet mess protection: 3/5
Chew and scratch resistance: 3/5

Price: $180

Canvasback Bench Seat Cover

Black lab on a Canvasback bench seat cover
Image source: Canvasback website

We've also reviewed Canvasback before. They're known for their cargo liners but make seat protectors too. They were founded in the 1990s by a dog owner wanting to make interior vehicle protection durable enough for dogs.

Their rear bench covers are like the ones we mentioned above, with a few notable differences: they're waterproof, have more color options, and can fit smaller SUVs.

Takeaways from the Canvasback Bench Seat Cover:

  • No center seatbelt access
  • Can't use the split seat
  • Waterproof
  • Made in America
  • Woman-owned company
  • Quick to install
  • Machine washable

“I was delighted to find a car seat cover made in the USA and happy to support a woman-owned business! … The price is on par with what I've paid for other seat covers (namely Orvis). The quality appears to be good; I appreciate that the pieces velcro together for easy cleaning. Like most seat covers, it doesn't fit perfectly, but with so many car makes and models out there, I imagine it's hard to find a perfect fit.”

- Sophie, Canvasback customer

 

Wet mess protection: 4/5
Chew and scratch resistance: 4/5

Price: $160

Kurgo Wander Bench Seat Cover Extended Width

White dog on a gray Kurgo bench seat cover
Image source: Kurgo website

We hadn't heard of Kurgo before we started researching, but their site was really nice to use. We actually liked their No Slip Grip Bench Seat Cover better than this one, but the No Slip option was only 55" wide, not wide enough to work in most large SUVs and pickup trucks. So, we'll be reviewing the Kurgo Wander Bench Seat Cover Extended With.

The cool thing about this cover is that it has additional pockets to store a leash, poop bags, etc. Kurgo also has a piped edge ( a slight raised edge around the seat) to help prevent liquidy messes from spilling into the floor. According to their customer service, their products are made in Vietnam, China, and Taiwan. 

Takeaways from the Kurgo Wander Bench Seat Cover:

  • No center seatbelt access
  • Can't use the split seat
  • Waterproof
  • Made in Vietnam, China, or Taiwan
  • Quick to install
  • Not machine washable

“After having this seat cover in my SUV for several years, we bought the extended size for our 2020 F-150 back bench seat - it fits perfect. These products are awesome and wear like iron.”

-Linda, Kurgo customer

 

Wet mess protection: 5/5
Chew and scratch resistance: 4/5

Price: $59

Meadowlark Dog Seat Cover Bench

Image source: Meadowlark website

Meadowlark really isn't any different than the other seat protectors here. But it is the most affordable. It has the same basic shape and won't let you use the 40/60 or 60/40 split seat features.

Takeaways from the Meadowlark 

  • No center seatbelt access
  • Can't use the split seat
  • Waterproof
  • Made in China
  • Inexpensive
  • Quick to install
  • Washable

“Been looking around for a decent cover for my dog. He tends to drool after a fun day at the park. This did the trick, and it fit the rear bench perfectly.”

- dcf111, Meadowlark customer

 

Wet mess protection: 5/5
Chew and scratch resistance: 4/5

Price: $50

4Knines Multi-Function Crew Cab Truck Seat Cover with Hammock

doberman on a 4knines black bench seat cover
Image source: 4Knines website

We added the 4Knines cover to this lineup because it had some unique options not available in the other brands mentioned. 

Now, we said we weren't going to review hammocks, and we stand by that, but this protector has a foldaway hammock that you can tuck away, making this one an option for people to use. It also has a split design, so you can flip seats up or down as needed without removing the cover. We love that. 

4Knines does warn that their cover isn't chew-proof. So keep that in mind if you've got a chewer.

Takeaways from the 4Knines Multi-Function Crew Cab Truck Seat Covers

  • Access to all seat belts
  • Split-seat design
  • Waterproof
  • Made in China
  • Optional hammock
  • Quick to install
  • Machine washable
  • Not chew-proof

“This is our second 4knines cover (the other goes to our smaller vehicle), and just as I suspected, this cover is the best one I've seen for a truck! Easy to install and fits just right! I love that it's easy to split if I have something big I need to put inside the cab or if I've got the kiddos with me. No need to worry about dog hair or drool all over everything, which is a big plus in my book (it's a legit worry when you've got a giant breed!). If it does get dirty, it's easy to take off and throw in the wash.”

- Caitlin, 4Knines Customer

 

Wet mess protection: 4/5
Chew and scratch resistance: 3/5

Price: $150

Our favorite seat protector for dogs:

It's tough to say. Your preferences will be different than ours. But if you want an American-made seat cover, go with Canvasback. They're a little cheaper than WeatherTech, a small business, and have more color and pattern options. 

If you don't care where your seat protector is made, we like 4Knines. It's more attractive than the extended fit of the Kurgo, and you can use your split bench features. It's not the cheapest, but it's also not the most expensive.

Seat Covers for Dogs:

These seat covers will be tailored to fit your truck's bench seat like a glove. It's a custom fit that will complement your vehicle's interior. These don't just have one or two sizes. They have dozens (if not hundreds) of sizes because they're made for your specific truck.

Covercraft Carhartt SeatSavers

We're no strangers to Covercraft's Carhartt seat covers. These are a fan favorite in the seat cover world. We love that these give you a custom fit and remind you of your favorite Carhartt jacket. 

These covers, like TigerTough, are meant to withstand the conditions of hardworking men and women. Grease, dust, snow, mud…it can handle it all. Think about what a pair of Carhartt coveralls goes through–the seat covers can put up with the same.

They have two kinds of Carhartt covers. Both covers offer a custom fit, a three-year limited warranty, and two Carhart colors. Let's go over the differences.

Carhartt Seat Savers

Carhartt tan seat covers on a bench seat
Image source: Covercraft website

This is the more affordable of the two Carhartt options offered by Covercraft. The only thing that would make them better is if they were all made in America, had multiple pieces, and were waterproof (they're water resistant).

Being one piece, you need to tuck the cover into the crease where the seat back meets the seat bottom. If your dogs are rambunctious in the truck, you might find that these don't always stay in place.

Takeaways for the Covercraft Carhartt SeatSavers:

  • Access to all seatbelts
  • Split-seat design
  • One-piece cover
  • Water resistant (not waterproof)
  • Made in Mexico and the United States
  • Three-year warranty
  • Machine washable

“They look good, they fit great, and the dogs and wife love them. We do a lot of hunting and fishing, and they clean up great, and dog hair does not stick to them.”

- Keith, Covercraft customer

 

Wet mess protection: 4/5
Chew and scratch resistance: 5/5

Price: $435

Covercraft Carhartt PrecisionFit Seat Covers

Tan Carhartt PrecisionFit seat covers on the bench seat of a Ford F150.
Image source: Covercraft website

These are the premium Carhartt seat covers from Covercraft. They're most similar to what we have at TigerTough because they are multiple pieces, so you'll get the best, most secure fit on your seats.

These offer a better fit than the SeatSavers, and they're made exclusively in the United States.

Takeaways from the CoverCraft Carhartt Precision Fit Seat Covers:

  • Access to all seatbelts
  • Split-seat design
  • Multi-piece cover
  • Water resistant (not waterproof)
  • Made in the United States
  • Limited three-year warranty
  • Machine washable
  • Most expensive option

“Outstanding product and protection of seats. I have [them] only on [the] rear seat for my dogs. Great product, but installation was a real challenge. Directions and tips on installation can be improved.”

- Harold, Covercraft customer

 

Wet mess protection: 4/5
Chew and scratch resistance: 5/5

Price: $498

TigerTough Seat Covers

Image source: TigerTough customer

Like Carhartt, our covers are made for hardworking men and women. Unlike Carhartt, all our seat covers are made in the United States from nearly indestructible CORDURA, are waterproof, and come in multiple pieces for a super custom fit.

With our unconditional warranty, your dog can do its worst to our seat covers, and we'll repair or replace them for free. 

We don't make our seat covers with dogs in mind, but our customers love how the covers hold up to dogs.

Takeaways from TigerTough Seat Covers:

  • Access to all seatbelts
  • Split-seat design
  • Multi-piece cover
  • Waterproof
  • Made in the United States
  • Unconditional two-year warranty
  • Machine washable

"They're great. No movement, no wear, and my 85lb Labrador crawls all over them daily. Great fit and price."

- Jeff, TigerTough customer

 

Wet mess protection: 5/5
Chew and scratch resistance: 5/5

Price: $325

Our favorite seat cover for dogs:

Based on the specs alone, we like the TigerTough covers best. They're the cheapest option, have an unconditional warranty (important when you have dogs), and are made on American soil. We like Carhartt too and suggest thethere'sere's ever a vehicldon'tdon't make a seat cover for.

But there are many great seat covers for you and your pup. We like to say to look for these things you'reou're considering seat covers:

  • Waterproof
  • Easy to clean
  • Come in multiple pieces for a great fit
  • Have a great warranty and return policy
  • Made in America

Depending on your activity level, size (and number) of dogs, and your budget, there's a seat cover out there that will meet your needs.

Seat cover overview

WeatherTech Orvis Canvasback Kurgo Meadowlark 4Knines Carhartt SeatSaver Carhartt PrecisionFit TigerTough
Price $190 $180 $160 $59 $50 $150 $435 $498 $325
Stars 3.2 4.7 4.9 4.5 4.8 4.9 4.6 4.5 4.9
Warranty Limited Lifetime Limited Lifetime 6 months limited Limited Lifetime 1 year Limited Lifetime 3 year limited 3 year limited Unconditional 2 years
Material Polycotton twill fabric Microfiber 600 X 300 poly denier with a waterproof PVC backing 600 Denier polyester with a PVC backing 600 Denier PVC waterproof polyester 600 Denier Polyester Duck weave fabric Duck weave fabric 1000 Denier CORDURA®️
Fit Universal Universal Universal Fit Universal Universarl Universal Custom Perfect Fit Perfect Fit
Number of sizes 6 2 3 1 2 1 Dozens Dozens Dozens
Colors/Patterns 4 3 11 2 2 4 2 2 8
Mess protection ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★
Chew and scratch proof ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Made in the USA ☑️ ☑️ ☑️ ☑️
Waterproof ☑️ ☑️ ☑️ ☑️
Machine washable ☑️ ☑️ ☑️ ☑️ ☑️ ☑️ ☑️
Split design ☑️ ☑️ ☑️ ☑️
All specs based on a Ford F150
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Airbag-compatible seat covers: Are they safe?

To be direct, yes, airbag-compatible seat covers are considered safe if they allow the airbag to deploy in third-party testing.

But for those who want to know more details, this article is for you.

Airbags are relatively new in automobile history. They were heavily considered for passenger vehicles in the 1950s, according to The Rough Road to Airbags. The concept was brought to Chrystler, but they weren't interested. Ford and General Motors experimented with prototypes but couldn't mass-produce them. 

But it wasn't until 1990 that the first collision with two cars deploying airbags was recorded. Since then, airbags have saved over 50,000 lives.

So what are airbag-compatible seat covers, and why are they important?

What are airbag-compatible seat covers?

Seat covers are considered compatible airbags when holes or flaps allow the seat airbag to deploy. They're considered safe for installation.

TigerTough seat cover showing the airbag compatible tag
TigerTough seat cover with airbag-compatible tag

When you install seat covers on a newer (2012+) vehicle, you're almost guaranteed to cover up an airbag in the side of your seat. If your seat cover doesn't allow the airbag to deploy, you will likely be smashing your head and upper body into the side of the vehicle in the event of a crash. That's not something fun to think about, but it's true.

Watch this video and see how the torso airbag in the seat works with the ceiling airbag to protect the driver from hitting the side of the vehicle:

That doesn't mean you shouldn't install seat covers on your vehicle. Just don't install cheap, universal-fit covers. But watch out; even well-known manufacturers don't always have airbag-safe covers.

WeatherTech Seat Cover warning
WeatherTech Seat Cover instructions and warnings

If the seat cover doesn't mention anything about compatibility, and you see straps or anything covering the side airbag, it's probably best not to install it in your car, truck, van, or SUV.

A seat cover with straps covering the side airbag.
A seat cover that's not compatible with airbags.

Which brands of seat covers are compatible with airbags?

In our research, we've found the following top brands to be considered safe:

  • Covercraft
  • Wet Okole
  • Canvasback
  • ShearComfort
  • TigerTough

We haven't looked to see if these brands (other than TigerTough) have been independently tested, but according to their websites, they're considered safe with airbags. We suggest you only install seat covers that are independently tested and verified for airbag compatibility by a qualified third-party laboratory.

So TigerTough seat covers are airbag-safe?

Yes.

TigerTough seat covers have been independently tested and verified by MGA Research Corporation in Troy, MI. Watch the airbag deploy in under 30 milliseconds in the testing video below:

Whether you're installing truck seat covers or if they're for your car or van, check and make sure that the cover will allow your airbag to deploy. You owe it to yourself and your passengers.

Why are they important?

When adding aftermarket parts to your vehicle, you need to ensure that you don't hinder any of the safety features of your truck, van, car, police vehicle, etc.

All vehicles today have airbags in the steering wheel and passenger side dash. Most vehicles come with them in the side of the seat back. Some cars have airbags in the A-pillar (by the dash), the B-pillar (by your head when you're in the seat), the ceiling, and other locations in the vehicle.

We HIGHLY recommend checking your owner's manual before modifying your vehicle's interior to ensure you aren't compromising your and your passengers' safety. And when you're ready to install seat covers, be sure they're compatible with your airbags.

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4 Ways Seat Covers Save You Money

 

Seat covers cost money upfront. But are they worth the investment? We think so, but instead of telling you our opinion, we'll shoot it straight to you with the facts.

We'll use $287 for a set of bucket seat covers since that's what the average TigerTough bucket seat covers cost.

1. Repairs and replacements

If you keep your trucks for a while, you'll need to repair ripped-up and damaged seats to improve conditions for the driver/operator (we're looking at you, blue collar folks). It also helps with your brand image. If your crew rolls up in a truck with foam spewing out of the seat, how does that speak to your work?

We asked some customers how much they've paid to repair or replace seats. The average cost to repair or replace seats was $632.50 per seat.

Date Cost Seat type Notes
11/8/2022 $600.00 F-250 bucket seat Lease trucks and the cost can be up to $1,200 if the leasing company replaces the OEM cover with OEM parts.
12/2/2022 $345.00 Single bucket seat That isn't figuring any labor or downtime; it takes them an hour to fix.
11/4/2022 $600.00 Ford E van driver's seat No downtime or tech time is included in the price.
3/14/2023 $1,000.00 Vehicle seat The price is per seat.
3/20/2023 $250.00 Transit driver's seat $250 for a Transit seat back. They buy from the dealer and have to replace it themselves.
4/13/2023 $1,000.00 Pickup seat Replaced the entire seat.
Cost to repair or replace seats.


Not only do you have to pay for the seat to be repaired, but there's also truck downtime you need to factor into the cost. 

If a pair of TigerTough seat covers cost you around $287 ($143.50 per cover) and an average of $632.50 to repair or replace a seat, you've saved $489 per seat.

Money saved: $489/seat

2. Increased resale value

There comes a time in every truck's life when it's ready for the next journey. And when it comes time to sell, we want you to walk away with the most money you can.

If your seats look like they lost a bar fight, and someone opens the door of that vehicle (whether it's the dealership or the next potential owner), they're greeted with an interior that looks like trash. That gives them the instant impression that the truck's had a rough life, and that's how you've taken care of the rest of the vehicle maintenance for the whole time you've owned it.

According to Kelley Blue Book, a vehicle can be in perfect condition mechanically and physically on the exterior, but if the seats are torn and busted, it drops to good.

Condition Trade-in value Private party value
Good $3,487 $5,494
Very Good $4,433 $6,580
Excellent $5,015 $7,248
Numbers based on a 2012 Ford F150 Regular Cab with standard features

At a minimum, having seats in excellent condition can save you hundreds of dollars when it comes time to sell.

Money saved: $295-$1467

3. Lease chargebacks

Maybe you lease your vehicles. Check into the charges you get after turning it in; it's normal for leasing companies to work in charges for seat damages.

On average, we see leasing companies charge $1,000-$1,200 for damaged seats. They'll allow some light wear, but if they deem a seat damaged, they'll charge you for the whole dang thing.

Money saved: $713

4. Detailing

We realize work trucks might not get detailed very often, but if you drive around a personal vehicle and spill a coffee inside, you'll probably want to get those seats cleaned.

So how much will a nice detail cost you?

An interior detail with deep cleaning can cost around $279. That's not terrible, but do it once and you've paid for a set of seat covers.

Check it out; we've taken a cup of coffee to a TigerTough seat cover to show you what happens:

Spoiler alert: The seat under the cover was totally unscathed. Your lap, on the other hand, might be a different story.

Money saved: $280 after two details

How much money will seat covers save you?

Depending on your situation, seat covers can save you anywhere from $280 to $1467 or more, depending on your vehicle (we based that $1467 number off 2012 Ford F150.)

But if you put them on when you first get your vehicle, they'll help you get more money for it whenever you decide to sell it.

Are seat covers worth it?

Do seat covers cost money? Yes.
Is there a range of prices? Yes.
Are they worth it? Yes. Especially if your vehicle's interior sees equipment, debris, dogs, or kids (like 90% of you reading this).

Do the research and find the best seat cover for your truck, and you'll walk away, saving money in the long run.

 

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Who TigerTough Is Right For and Who We're Not.

We get it a lot; people looking for seat covers for vehicles that we don’t cover, crazy colors, or other really custom stuff that we don’t do.

So here’s who we’re right for and who we’re not.

First off, let’s start off with who we’re not right for. That way, if you’re in that category, you don’t have to waste any time.

If you’re looking for seat covers for a passenger car or SUV, a side-by-side, or a custom dog bed, there’s a good chance that we’re not your best bet. If it’s the dog bed one, we’re definitely not a good choice. 

We're not the right people if you’re looking for seat covers with the logos of your favorite sports team, vehicle manufacturer, or motorcycle (yeah, that one) on them. We do offer embroidery as an option to customize your covers, but we don’t do any licensing of copyrighted logos. Honestly, it’s really expensive, and we’d rather put the cost into good materials instead of a cool logo.

If you want seat covers that are two-tone, alligator skin or have crazy colors, we’re not the right seat cover. The same applies if you want extra foam padding, heated covers, or options like that. 

If you’re looking for a seat cover that you can quickly pop on to take the dog to the vet or trees to the dump, we’re probably not right. Our seat covers are going to take 30-60 minutes to put on and about half that to take off. So this one is your call.

Finally, the last thing we aren’t is cheap. And that’s for three major reasons.

  1. We won’t send our manufacturing out of the USA. We’ve passed up opportunities to cut our labor costs to a quarter of what they are by sending everything across the border to get made. We’d rather pay American workers a fair wage. 
  2. We use the best, toughest materials we can get so our customers get the best seat covers possible.
  3. Every seat cover is designed specifically for a vehicle. That involves bringing trucks to our factory and spending hours designing the best seat cover possible.

If we’re not right for you, no hard feelings. We’d rather you find out now than after you spent your hard-earned dough and ended up disappointed.

Now, who we ARE right for.

We make seat covers for work. And by work, we’re talking blue-collar, hard work. Contractors, pest control, last-mile delivery, service trucks, and law enforcement, just to name a few industries. 

The people who use our seat covers are typically doing some of the following:

  • Multiple entry/exits every day.
  • Getting dirty
  • Wearing tools and/or weapons on their belts
  • And, most often, a combination of all three.

TigerTough Ironweave seat covers are made from 1000-denier CORDURA, some of the toughest material we can find to wrap around your seats. In fact, it has a higher abrasion rating than Kevlar. We use it because while it’s almost impossible to tear, it’s easy to work with, it’s water-resistant, and it’s made in the USA.

You’ll probably notice that our covers have no decorative stitching (aside from the optional embroidery, if you choose that) and very few seams. That’s because seams and stitching are the weakest points in anything sewn together. Since our customers use their vehicles as tools in their toolboxes, we’re doing everything possible to eliminate weak points.

Actually, a customer who goes by the name R00ster said it best. He’s a farmer from Virginia and says

“I would not say they are luxury but most definitely built for work.” 

R00ster - A VA Farmer

R00ster goes on to say he throws grease guns, screwdrivers, and fencing tools (even his chain saw) on his seats and doesn’t worry about it anymore.

We build seat covers for people like R00ster. The people whose day-to-day jobs are the ones that make the lights come on, the food hit your plate, the gas come out of the pumps, and the packages show up on time. Ours are some of the best work truck seat covers on the market, and we're darn proud of that.

If you’re looking for a seat cover that isn’t luxury but most definitely is built for work, TigerTough is the best choice. 

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Seat Covers: Accessory or Necessity?

Both. How's that for an answer?

What Are You Doing?

If you're slapping some purple, fuzzy, Tweetie Bird covers on your Camry, they're probably an accessory. Even if you're the kind of person that gets bored with a plain, boring, gray interior like everyone else has and wants to spice things up with an epic camo pattern, they're still an accessory.

When your seat covers become a part of your work truck, that's when the story changes. When your truck's covers are in place to prevent your day-to-day from tearing up the seats in your vehicle, then you can start calling them a necessity.

This Ford truck is ready to go to work with TigerTough seat covers on every seat.

Construction workers, linemen, roustabouts, and roughnecks know what we're talking about. They've got work to do, they don't have time to worry about keeping their truck sparkly clean. Not when you've got some of the dirtiest, toughest jobs out there. Those fleet managers know that quality seat covers are a necessity if they want to get anything for their trucks when they're done with them.

Travis from Black Hawk Energy Services talked about it here: An Extra $3000 In Resale Value

Bryan from Anderson & Wood Construction has proved they're a necessity here: North Dakota Construction Trucks Look Like New

And Dan from the Hollis, NH Police Department would tell you they're a necessity: Here Is Why

So often, fleet managers and owners look at work truck seat covers as an accessory. They're right if they're just trying to make their trucks look cooler, but if they're committed to making their fleet as efficient and cost-effective as possible, seat covers for their work trucks are necessity

Interested in seeing if they'd help you have better equipment, happier drivers, and more money? Grab a sample and let us know what you think.

I'd Like A Sample

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