Learning Center

We get asked a lot how TigerTough covers stack up against other big names in the seat cover game. So today, we're going head-to-head with Marathon seat covers (now owned by Covercraft) and giving you a no-fluff, side-by-side look.

This isn’t a review. We're just laying out the details so you can decide what works best for your truck. Let’s get into it.

What Changed with Marathon?

If you’ve used Marathon covers before May 2024, these aren’t the same. Covercraft bought them out, and a few things have changed. We cover that in another blog, but keep in mind this comparison features the new Marathon covers, not the originals.

Unboxing What’s Inside

Marathon by Covercraft

• Arrives in a decent-sized box, packed in a clear plastic bag.

• Includes universal install instructions, a tool (plastic piece with Velcro) for removing headrests, and a mix of seat bottom, back, headrest, and armrest covers.

• Fabric is listed as Cordura®, but the denier isn’t specified.* 

• Made in Mexico.

• Comes with a four-year manufacturer’s defect warranty.

• Standard features include seatback pockets and a center console cover.

*Disclaimer: We reached out to Covercraft and asked about the denier of the Cordura® used for the Marathon seat covers. They said they didn’t know. Our best guess is that they use around an 800-denier Cordura®.

TigerTough

• Ships in a soft-sided branded bag.

• Includes detailed color install guide with truck-specific instructions.

• Covers come clearly labeled for driver and passenger sides.

• Includes our patented Stringlock™ tool for installation.

• Made from 1000D Cordura®…tough enough to last the lifetime of your truck.

• Made in the USA.

• Covered by a 2-year unconditional warranty. If anything breaks, for any reason, we’ll replace it.

Installation Comparison

Marathon

• Driver and passenger pieces aren’t labeled.

• Instructions are generic, with a QR code that just links to the homepage (not install help).

• The center console cover isn’t marked, and we couldn’t get it on despite trying.

• Overall, it was a bit of a guessing game.

TigerTough

• Every piece is labeled and tailored to your specific truck.

• Installation was smooth, even for someone who doesn’t install covers regularly.

• Headrests, seat backs, and seat bottoms went on quickly and securely.

• All seat cover sets come with detailed instructions and an installation video.

Side-by-Side Fit and Finish

We installed both covers on a 2023 Ford F-150 (Marathon on the passenger side, TigerTough on the driver’s). Here’s how they compare:

Fit and Construction Details

Both seat covers are three-piece systems (headrest, seat back, seat bottom) and install separately, which helps them stay in place. They both feature:

• Flaps under the headrest for a tighter fit (no saggy elastic bags here).

• Tearaway stitching for side airbags.

• Hook-and-loop closures.

Differences That Stood Out

Seat Bottom Security

TigerTough wraps around the seat and uses Stringlock to keep the cover tight. It won’t budge. Marathon uses a clip-and-buckle system that feels decent, but isn’t quite as locked-in.

Console Cover Fit 

Marathon includes one, but it wasn’t sized right and wouldn’t go on. TigerTough doesn’t offer one for this truck, though they do for others.

Back Panel Design 

TigerTough makes its own flap that replaces your factory one. Marathon leaves the factory flap and covers over it. Both work, but the TigerTough setup is cleaner.

Final Thoughts

We’re not here to tell you which seat cover is best…that’s your call. But we are here to make sure you’ve got all the facts.

If you value American-made products, a truly secure fit, and a no-questions-asked warranty, TigerTough’s going to be tough to beat.

Want to see more comparisons? We’ve lined up a few other brands in similar side-by-sides.

Imagine this: It's mid-July, you're coming off a roofing job, and the sun has been relentless. But the moment you climb into your truck, that sweltering heat fades away—thanks to your air-conditioned seats. 

But here comes the hitch—what happens when you want to protect these high-tech seats? The question pops up often: "Can you put seat covers on air-conditioned seats?" The answer isn't a simple yes or no; it's more nuanced. Yes, you can certainly outfit your ventilated seats with covers, but the seat cover you choose makes a difference.

Seat covers on air-conditioned seats? Absolutely doable. However, not all seat covers are up to the task, especially when accommodating the sophisticated functionality of ventilated seats. The trick is finding the right kind that complements the seat's built-in cooling features.

How Air-Conditioned Seats Work and Why Cover Them

Quick lesson time. A/C seats are more than just a cool feature (see what we did there?); they're a sophisticated system.

At their core, these seats use small fans within the seat itself to circulate air. This system draws air through the seat's fabric, often through a mesh layer, and across your body to provide a cooling sensation. For some higher-end models, this technology goes a step further by incorporating temperature-controlled air that can either cool or warm you, depending on the setting.

So, why would anyone want to cover up such an innovative feature? Protection is the primary motivator. Like any other part of your vehicle, seats are prone to wear and tear, but they see the brunt of it. Spills, stains, and even sliding in and out will ruin your seat's material over time. Seat covers offer a protective barrier so your investment remains in top condition. And ultimately, they improve your resale value.

But the wrong cover can block airflow, making the seat's cooling function useless. By choosing wisely, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—enhanced durability and maintained comfort, all without sacrificing the cooling feature.

Choosing the Right Seat Covers for Air-Conditioned Seats

Selecting the right seat covers for your air-conditioned seats isn't just about aesthetics; it's about preserving the functionality that makes these seats a coveted feature in the first place. The goal is to add protection without sacrificing cool comfort. 

Compatibility Is Important

First and foremost, make sure the seat covers you're considering are compatible with air-conditioned seats. Manufacturers often specify if their covers allow for air to circulate.

Breathable Materials Make a Difference

The magic word here is "breathability." You need cotton, nylon, or polyester that allows the seat to breathe. Avoid leather and pleather options…for more than just one reason.

Features That Enhance Airflow

Some seat covers go the extra mile by incorporating features that enhance airflow. Look for covers with integrated perforations or vented sections that align with your seat's ventilation points. These design choices can make a significant difference in maintaining the effectiveness of your seat's cooling feature. And yes, you’ll pay more for them.

BUT…since they have perforations to help the air go out, they’ll also let all the dirt/sweat/spills in. So, they’re protection score plummets.

Things to Avoid with Seat Covers on AC Seats

When outfitting air-conditioned seats with covers, a common trap is picking materials that work against you. While upscale in appearance, leather, and faux leather are prime examples of what to steer clear of. These materials may look sleek but tend to insulate rather than ventilate, smothering the seat's ability to breathe and cool you down.

Here's another thing to avoid: foam-backed seat covers. It’s just one more layer between you and sweet, cooling relief.

Choosing the wrong seat cover can effectively cancel out the benefits of your AC seats, leaving you warmer than you'd like, regardless of the settings. So get seat covers that promote airflow and are compatible with your vehicle's specific cooling technology.

Recommended Types of Seat Covers for Air-Conditioned Seats

When it comes to keeping cool with air-conditioned seats, not just any seat cover will do. You'll want something that complements the system rather than compromises it. 

Breathable fabrics designed to allow air to circulate freely are key for maintaining the cooling effect of your seats. But keep in mind that even with these seat covers, you may not feel that breeze on your behind like you can without seat covers because the covers will act like a bit of blocker. Like if you cover your air vents with a piece of fabric, you’ll still feel the cool air, but it just won’t be so gusty. 

Specific brands that get our nod for doing it right with air-conditioned seats include:

Choosing the right seat cover means you won't have to sacrifice comfort for protection.

Compared to Heated Seats

So here’s the secret: if seat covers are okay with heated seats, they’re probably just fine with cooled seats, too. Heated and cooled seats work differently, but if you’re allowing your seats to breathe with the seat cover, you’ll get the benefits of heated and cooled seats. 

When in doubt, contact the manufacturer and ask.

So, yeah…

You can absolutely team up seat covers with your air-conditioned seats—just make sure you're picking the right partners. Remember, the goal is to pair up without compromising those cool breezes. Think about what you need from a seat cover and the features that matter most to you, then choose accordingly.

Vesta, MN, February 21, 2025, TigerTough, a leader in nearly indestructible, American-made seat covers, announces a new partnership with Patriot Fleet Solutions, a premier fleet upfitting company and a division of Patriot Liner. This collaboration will make TigerTough seat covers available at more than 300 additional dealers across the United States.

Patriot Fleet Solutions, a veteran-owned company, is committed to providing top-quality, American-made solutions to fleet operators, ensuring their vehicles remain protected in even the harshest working conditions. By adding TigerTough seat covers to their lineup, Patriot Fleet Solutions further reinforces its commitment to durability, longevity, and vehicle protection.

“At Patriot Fleet Solutions, we continually seek opportunities to enhance the value we provide to our clients, and partnering with TigerTough is a perfect example of that commitment. TigerTough shares our dedication to durability, quality, and protecting hardworking fleet vehicles. Businesses rely on their vehicles to perform in tough conditions every day, and by teaming up with TigerTough, we’re providing our dealers and customers with top-tier seat covers that enhance protection, extend vehicle longevity, and maintain a professional appearance. This partnership is a perfect fit, and we look forward to delivering even greater value to our network.”
Henry Chedraoui, Vice President of Patriot Fleet Solutions

TigerTough seat covers are engineered for the toughest jobs and the hardest-working people. They are designed to withstand heavy wear, dirt, grease, and the daily demands of fleet use. Known for their precision fit, durability, and unconditional warranty, TigerTough’s products align perfectly with Patriot Fleet Solutions’ mission of offering superior, American-sourced vehicle protection to businesses nationwide.

“I'm excited to partner with Patriot because their hunger and passion for what they're building comes through in every conversation with them. They're proudly providing an American product, and we're building a brand that blue-collar Americans can be proud of. The alignment is clear, and I feel like we're going to be able to support each other and build something great together.”
Nathan Zitzmann, Managing Director, TigerTough

This partnership ensures fleet owners, managers, and operators have easier access to high-quality seat protection while outfitting their trucks with Patriot’s protective coatings. This helps them reduce maintenance costs and improve resale value, ensuring their investment is protected inside and out for the long haul.

For more information about TigerTough seat covers and their availability through Patriot Fleet Solutions dealers, contact support@tigertough.com.

Valentine’s Day is all about love—but in the world of seat covers, we get a little bit of everything. From glowing reviews to, well... the occasional heartbreaker. We hear it all. So, for this special edition of The Inbox Series, we’re sharing what people really think about TigerTough seat covers.

What Customers Are Saying

💌 “Got covers for my Kubota M6! Absolutely love it. A must-have!” - Benjamin
💌 “I love mine. Easier to install and stay on way better than all the others.” - Guy
💌 “Love my TigerTough seat covers. People asked if I had my seat reupholstered because they fit so good!” - Nick
💌 “I just installed these on my Polaris Ranger Crew Cab. The fit is perfect. They were expensive, but so was the side-by-side.” - Betty

Not Feeling the Love?

💔 “Do not buy. They are garbage.” - John the Anti-Cupid 

Disclaimer: We’re always open to feedback, but we have to mention that we have no record of John ever buying from us. But hey, we appreciate the passion!

Why People Love TigerTough Seat Covers

✅ Built for work, dirt, and everything in between.
✅ A fit so good, people think their seats are reupholstered.
✅ Your truck, tractor, or side-by-side isn’t cheap—protect it with a worthwhile investment.

Love them or hate them, TigerTough covers are made to last. Want to see why so many people swear by them?

People love their Wet Okole seat covers. There’s a loyal fanbase raving about these American-made, waterproof seat covers.

What's their claim? Seat covers that don't swelter in the summer or freeze in winter, waterproofed, and a fit that's tighter than a new pair of gloves.

They're a competitor we recognize. They're dedicated to enhancing vehicle interiors and protecting them from daily wear and tear. Wet Okole has a rabid following, and at TigerTough, we appreciate good competition.

But we need to take a quick pause to tell you that when we googled what Wet Okole means, we found out that in Hawaiian, it means wet butt. Nope, we didn’t make that up. 

Anyway, we ordered a set for a 2023 Ford F-150 to compare them with TigerTough seat covers.

Let’s do this.

Watch the video review

Packaging

Now, we know this isn’t a factor people consider when ordering seat covers. But it’s still important to note since packaging can give you a glimpse of how a company treats their customers.

Wet Okole Packaging

Wet Okole covers arrived in the largest box we’ve ever received for a single set of seat covers. These covers are bulky on their own, so the box is understandable. It was branded well and came with information about the company and color instructions. 

TigerTough Packaging

TigerTough seat covers ship in a branded poly mailer with full-color instructions specific to your exact vehicle. So, if you ordered covers for a 2018 Toyota Tacoma, you’ll get instructions on installing TigerTough seat covers on a 2018 Toyota Tacoma.

Design and fit of the seat cover

Wet Okole Design and Fit

Wet Okole’s seat covers have nylon-covered neoprene laminated on a half-inch of foam. It’s a thick cover and looks great installed.

The covers come in multiple pieces (we love that!) for the best fit. And thankfully, Wet Okole labels which seat cover goes on the driver’s seat. (They don’t label the passenger seat cover.) Does this matter? Absolutely. You need to make sure you have the correct covers on so that the airbag can deploy in the event of a collision.

And bonus: the set we received also included a center console cover.

We like the way the Wet Okole looks. It’s very attractive. However, it’s stiff with that ½” foam backing. If you press on the seat back, you’ll notice gapping between the cover and the seat. This is because the foam isn’t pliable. And after a while, that foam breaks down, and the cover won't fit as nicely.

Wet Okole also does a lot of decorative stitching in the seat back. This looks nice, but it makes the fabric weaker.  

TigerTough Design and Fit

TigerTough seat covers come in three pieces and wrap the entire seat, much like Wet Okole, but they are installed differently, which we’ll get into later. 

Our covers are made from 1000-Denier CORDURA® and are proven to withstand intense abuse. There’s no foam backing on our covers, so it hugs the seat. We also don’t have any decorative stitching, except for embroidery, but because that’s in an area with minimal wear, it doesn’t weaken the seat cover like decorative stitching.

"We design for strength first and looks second."

Sheldon Zitzmann, TigerTough Marketing Director

Installation

Wet Okole Installation

It took us approximately 17 minutes to install a Wet Okole cover. We rated these as medium difficulty. The instructions were pretty poor, but because we know seat covers, we knew what to do.

However, we had issues getting one of the straps through. The instructions said that you’d need to possibly remove the plastic molding on your seat to get the strap through. We didn’t want to do that on our boss’ truck, so it took a little longer for us to install.

Here’s how their seat covers are attached:

• One strap running from side to side
• Two straps running underneath from front to back
• One loop around the seatbelt plug

TigerTough Installation

TigerTough took us 9 minutes to install on a seat. Yeah, we know our seat covers, so this probably took us a little faster than most people.

We try to be as specific with our instructions as possible and offer installation videos for every vehicle. 

Here’s how TigerTough seat covers are attached:

• The seat bottom runs all the way along the underside of the seat, attaching to itself with heavy-duty hook & loop.
• We have our Stringlock that runs around the perimeter of the seat bottom and cinches it like a drawstring around and underneath the seat to ensure it doesn’t shift.

Check out our full installation expectations to learn more.

Headrest

Both seat covers have headrest covers, so that’s a win! They also both tuck into the headrest mounts nicely. There’s not much more to say about that other than if you’re covering your seat, you need to cover the headrest. 

Seat back

Both brands have a custom look for the seat back. They also both have options for custom embroidery and seat back pockets.

Wet Okole Seat Back

We’ve touched on this earlier, but the back of the Wet Okole seat covers have decorative stitching, which looks very attractive but isn’t great for durability. You'll also see the gapping here when you press on the seat cover.

TigerTough Seat Back

Our seat covers fit snuggly to the back without any gapping or unnecessary seems.

Seat Crease and Bottom

Since both seat covers are made from multiple pieces, they have clean-looking creases that fit the seats well.

They also both tuck into the plastic trim of the seat allowing access to the seat controls. We like the way TigerTough’s fit more snuggly on the bottom half, but if we removed the plastic trim to install the Wet Okole covers as they suggested, we might like that fit more than we do as is.

Airbag safety

Quick history lesson: most cars made after 2014 will have side airbags due to federal regulation, many deploying from the seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that between 1996 and 2012, 2,252 lives were saved by side and curtain airbags–before regulations were even put into place. At that time, only 42% of vehicles on the road were equipped with side airbags. That percentage is much higher now.

We know you take safety seriously, whether it’s in your personal vehicle or if you’re managing a fleet. 

Wet Okole Airbag Compatibility

We don’t love the way Wet Okole does airbag compatibility with their covers. They have a slit on the side of their seats for the airbag to deploy. But, the slit isn’t as long as the tearaway seam on the factory seat, so we have concerns that an airbag could get stuck during deployment. However, Wet Okole says their seat covers are tested, so we’ll take their word for it.

TigerTough Airbag Compatibility 

Our seat covers have a visible tearaway seam that goes the entire seat length. Our covers have been independently tested to ensure that an airbag will deploy in the event of a collision. We hope you never have to find out, but rest assured that our seat covers are deemed safe with airbags.

Waterproofness 

Not all waterproofness (that’s a real word) works the same. This one is best shown in the video, but we’ll break it down here too.

Are Wet Okole seat covers waterproof?

Yes, they are, but they also soak up the water like a little sponge. The seat underneath stays dry. However, if you spill something, your cover will remain wet for a while. You’ll want to blot the seat cover and keep the windows open if you can so that they’ll dry out.

Otherwise, Wet Okole will live up to their name and leave you with a wet butt.

Are TigerTough seats waterproof?

They are, and they’re also hydrophobic. Does that mean they’re scared of water? Pretty much. They can’t even absorb liquid. 

In the video, you’ll see that the water poured on the TigerTough seat cover beads up and rolls off. So yeah, your floor may get wet if you spill on your seats, but you can wipe up your seat cover and sit about it without worrying about wet pants. Do you want the portion of the video where we do that? Maybe as a gif?

Warranty and Returns

Wet Okole Warranty and Returns

This is one of our biggest disappointments with this brand. They have a 90-day limited warranty, and it only covers manufacturer defects. In terms of returns, they don’t accept returns if you aren’t happy with your purchase. So you get what you get. 

TigerTough Warranty and Returns

Our vehicle seat covers have a two-year, unconditional warranty. If something happens to your TigerTough seat covers, we’ll replace or repair them. It doesn’t matter how they got damaged; we’ll happily make it right.

If, for some reason, you don’t like your TigerTough seat covers, we’ll accept returns within 30 days of you receiving them. You just need to be sure they’re in like-new condition still.

Price

Seat covers can range from $50 to hundreds of dollars. For comparison, we used a 2023 Ford F-150 covers. 

How much does Wet Okole cost?

We ordered a set of their standard bucket seats. Without the console cover, they cost $392. This is a fair price for seat covers since they can get pretty expensive if you pay for something custom.

How much does TigerTough cost?

To cover your two front seats with TigerTough, it will cost around $317.

Overview

We like Wet Okole. Not enough to quit our jobs and go work for them, but they have a decent seat cover. But if we were sitting down with you over a beer, we’d probably say that we expected more from Wet Okole based on their cult following, but we don’t doubt that the covers will protect your seats for years.

It all comes down to preference in the end. Both covers are made in America and have great reviews.

If you want fun colors and that beach vibe, Wet Okole would be a great option. We still don’t love their warranty or return policy, though.

If you want something rugged and meant to withstand hard use, like construction equipment or excited farm dogs, we’d encourage you to try TigerTough. After all, if you don’t like our seat covers, you can return them.

Maybe after reading this comparison, neither of these brands appeal to you. Then you should definitely check out the best seat covers for work trucks and find something that meets your needs.

At TigerTough, we love hearing from our customers—whether it’s glowing praise or the occasional critique. Here’s a peek into the latest round of love letters (and a little hate mail) we’ve received.

"Best Seat Covers Ever!" – Thanks, Mark!

Mark didn’t hold back, calling TigerTough the "best seat covers ever." And you know what, Mark? You’re the best darn Mark ever. Thanks for the love!

"Made in China"? Not Quite, Neil

Neil wasn’t too happy, assuming our covers take three weeks to ship because they’re made in China. Here’s the thing, Neil—our covers are proudly made in Vesta, Minnesota, by hardworking American hands.

We even invited Neil to swing by our factory for a tour to see it all in action. (Neil, if you’re reading this, the invitation’s still open!)

Five Stars and Stellar Customer Service—Thanks, Jamie!

Jamie left us a five-star review for more than just the seat covers. They praised our quick, professional, and kind customer service for helping them fix an ordering mistake.

Jamie even said, "I almost wish these covers weren’t so great so I could order them again!" Well, Jamie, we’d love for you to order another set anyway—customers like you make this whole job worth it.

We’re Listening

Love it or hate it, we appreciate hearing from you. Whether you’re thrilled with your seat covers or have a bone to pick, we’re here to listen, improve, and make products that work as hard as you do.

Want to see what all the fuss is about? Check out TigerTough seat covers and let us know what you think—we might just feature you in the next Inbox Series.

When it comes to protecting heavy equipment seats, not all covers are created equal. Birklid Construction Services recently shared their experience with TigerTough seat covers on their 2018 Takeuchi excavator. Here’s what they had to say—and why these covers are a must-have for hardworking machines like theirs.

A Custom Fit That Won’t Quit

“The bottom’s nice and tight, good snug fit, well measured all the way around.”

Birklid Construction needed seat covers that wouldn’t budge, no matter how tough the job. Our covers are hand-measured for every make and model, making a fit so snug it looks like it came straight from the factory. No slipping, sagging, or sliding—just seat protection that stays put.

Top-Notch Customization

“This one is customized with our logo. Fantastic job with the embroidery as well—good colors, nice clear embroidery.”

Birklid Construction added a professional touch with custom embroidery. Whether you want to showcase your logo or add a personalized element, TigerTough makes sure your seat covers don’t just perform—they look great doing it.

Built Tough for Hard Work

“We had a couple of rips starting in this excavator seat… this has been great. Used a few times, wipes up real nice.”

Construction work is messy and demanding, but TigerTough covers are built to handle it. Made from ultra-durable Cordura fabric, these covers stop wear and tear in its tracks. Whether it’s grease, mud, or grime, they protect your seats and wipe clean in a snap, keeping equipment ready for the next day’s grind.

Smart Design Features That Work

• Secure Attachment: “Super tough [hook and loop] that just will not come undone unless you make sure it comes undone.”

• Full-Size Seat Pocket: “Store your manuals back there—whatever you need.”

• StringLock Technology: “Their plastic deal holds the strings nice and tight.”

Why Birklid Construction Swears By TigerTough

“I don’t think you can go wrong with these TigerTough covers. They’re just fantastic.”

Protecting equipment seats isn’t just about appearances—it’s about preserving value. Birklid Construction trusts TigerTough to keep their excavator seats in top condition, proving these covers are up for any challenge.

Ready to protect your investment? See why companies like Birklid Construction choose TigerTough for their equipment.