Semi-truck drivers need to last hours on the road, day after day, sitting as they travel to their destinations. Trucking isn’t an easy job, and you need a lot of tools and tricks to make it through each drive. One of the most important things you can do is make sure your seating is comfortable for the long haul. If your truck seat isn’t comfortable, there are a few things you can do to fix it.

Adjusting the Seat

The first thing you should try is adjusting the seat to best fit your body. You want your seat in a position that allows your knees to bend at 90 degrees and your feet to reach the pedals without going past them. Additionally, finding the right height for your arms to reach the wheel without taking too much energy can help your shoulders, back, and arms during the trip.

Investing in New Seats

If your seat isn’t comfortable, you can switch out your seat for a new option to improve your ride. Automotive manufacturers frequently upgrade the cushioning and comfort of the seats you can purchase for your truck. Commercial truck seats are always improving, and you can find more comfortable options online.

Getting Cushions

Sometimes you need more padding for your seat than a default seat provides. Many experienced drivers invest in cushions to place on their seats. There are several options for cushions, and each has its own benefits. You’ll want to consider all your options to find the one that will best fit you and your needs. Here’s a look at a few of the popular cushion options in the market today.

Heating and Cooling

One of the difficulties of sitting in a seat for a long time is cooling off or heating up according to your needs and environment. Some seat cushions come with controls or special materials that help maintain an ideal temperature to keep you at a comfortable temperature during your trip.

Memory Foam

Memory foam cushions are the height of comfort as they conform to your body while you sit on them. This material bends and changes to support your whole body as needed. While controlling temperature can be difficult with these cushions, you can expect excellent support from a high-quality memory foam cushion.

Seat Covers

Seat covers are add-ons you can get for your chair that provide comfort on long drives. There are many forms of covers, from simple protectors that prevent messes and stains to extra padding you can get for your chairs.

The best option for you depends on what features would benefit you the most when choosing between the different types of covers.

Repairing Old Seats

A large problem with seating in semi-trucks is that they wear down over time. The constant use and long drives can really wear down a seat and ruin the cushioning. Sometimes your best bet is to repair your seat by bringing it into a shop so that they can restuff the cushioning. This option may not work in all circumstances, but it is worth trying if you enjoy your current chair.

Lumbar Support

Lumbar support is one of the most important things you can have as someone who drives a truck for a long time. Sitting in a chair during those long drives can cause stress on your body and damage your back over the years. Good lumbar support can help offset this issue in advance and make your trips much less painful.

Communicating With the Owner

If you are having problems with your chair, can’t figure out how to fix it, and aren’t the truck’s owner, you should always bring up your problems with the owner. Good seating is crucial for those driving a truck and can prevent injuries and accidents in the long run, so the owner should readily upgrade any degrading seats.

Things You Can Change

When it comes to changes you can make to be more comfortable in your seat when driving a semi, there’s a lot you can do beyond changing the seat. Implement the following practices to make your drives more comfortable.

Taking Breaks

Breaks are vital for longer trips, as sitting for hours at a time can build stress in the body as you stay in the same position. Even if you’re moving during the drive, it’s best to take regular breaks to stand up and stretch so that you can release that tension.

Shifting in Your Seat

When driving, you should try to avoid staying still the whole trip. Shifting your body weight can adjust your body enough to relieve some tension and lessen the burden on your body. You don’t need to shift constantly, but changing positions can really make a significant difference in your comfort.

Unlocking Your Seat

Most truck seats have a unique feature that allows you to unlock the seat. This feature keeps the chair roughly in the same position, but it can shift a few inches forward and backward. This movement can help your body withstand the large bumps on the road and makes shifting your body weight much easier during those longer trips.

Emptying Your Pockets

You should never drive with things in your pockets if you can avoid it. Items such as keys and wallets are horrible when pressed against your legs for a long period of time. These items can hurt your blood flow and change the way you sit, making your whole trip a lot less comfortable.

Wearing the Right Clothes

You need the right gear to drive a truck for a long time. Loose-fitting, lightweight clothes are more comfortable than anything tight, as they will let you move as you need. Additionally, clothes that breathe will help you regulate your body heat for the long drive better than tight clothing.

Every truck driver should learn how to make their seats more comfortable. Driving a truck for hours on end isn’t easy for your body, and a comfortable seat is a huge part of improving the trip. It’s well worth the effort for the comfort and possible health benefits that come with good seating.