Now that you’ve received your air ride seat to improve the comfort of your vehicle, it’s time to install it. While the installation process isn’t complicated, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to read the instructions and test out the seat’s functionality. Follow this guide to learn how to install aftermarket semi-truck seats.

Tools You’ll Need

The tools you’ll need for installing your aftermarket seat vary depending on the model and the connections in your vehicle. Everyone should have at least the first three tools on this list when installing an aftermarket seat:

• Flathead screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Torque wrench
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Electrical tape

Preparing for Installation

Before installing your new seat, take it out of the packaging and ensure there are no signs of damage. You’ll also want to take out the list of parts and check to see that everything you need is present. If you’re missing parts or received a damaged seat, contact customer support for assistance.

If your seat is for a truck from a manufacturer other than Peterbilt or Kenworth, you’ll need to install the adapter plates to the risers included with your seat. Then, regardless of your cab type, make sure to remove the seatbelt and buckle from your old seat. You’ll attach these to the new one during installation.

Note that GRA-MAG’s aftermarket seats come with complete installation instructions. Feel free to use this blog as a general guide to the installation process, but make sure to consult the included full instructions as well.

Installation for Peterbilt or Kenworth Cabs

The steps for installing an aftermarket seat in a Peterbilt or Kenworth truck cabin are fairly straightforward. In general, these are the steps you’ll need to take:

1. Put the seat in the cab where your old seat used to be.
2. Line up the bolt holes and risers.
3. Pull the forward/backward adjustment bar so the risers are all the way back before you bolt the seat into the floor of the cab.
4. Torque the bolts according to the requirements your cab manufacturer provided.
5. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the seat belt cover and feed the old seat belt into the new seat. Use the right side for drivers and the left side for passengers. Then, replace the cover.
6. Remove the webbing anchor from the old seat and add it to the new one. You may need to raise the recline adjustment to access the mounting bolt.

Installation for Other Manufacturers

If you have a truck from an international manufacturer, you’ll need to follow slightly different steps for seat installation. Take a look at these instructions for guidance:

1. Install the ICP bar in the back of the seat.
2. Line up the bolt holes.
3. Locate the new seat tethers included with your aftermarket seat. You’ll attach these and the old seat buckle to the ICP bar at the same time.
4. Slide your seat to the fullest forward position to make sure the tethers don’t restrict movement.
5. Fasten the buckle and tether to the ICP bar. Use the right side for drivers and the left for passengers.
6. Attach the preexisting lap belt anchor, tether to the ICP bar on the opposite side, and fasten them in place.
7. Now you can finally bolt the seat to the cab floor and torque according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Air Ride Seat Hookup Directions

Once you’ve installed your seat using either of the instruction sets above, you’ll need to attach the electrical connections and test out the seat functions. Use the following guide to do this:

1. Connect the cab’s air line to the black air line on the back of the aftermarket seat. Use an approved DOT fitting (not included).
2. Check air line for leaks.
3. If your seat doesn’t have an electrical harness, you can skip to step 5. For cabins with a female electrical terminal, you can simply attach the seat connectors.
4. Cabs without an easy connection point will require a little more work. Cut the connector off the seat’s electrical harness and connect the red and black wires directly to the fuse panel.
5. To attach any armrests that came with your seat, locate the bolt mounts on the seatback. You may need to cut an opening in the trim to reveal the mounts.
6. Secure the armrests with included bolts.
7. Test out the seat functions to make sure everything works.
8. Congratulations! You’ve completed your GRA-MAG seat installation.

Installation Safety Reminders

When you’re installing an aftermarket semi-truck seat, you need to be aware of certain hazards.

First of all, never change out the seat while the truck engine is on. Secondly, be careful of the scissor points underneath the seat that can easily pinch or cut you.

While you’re driving, don’t try to adjust the seat unless the vehicle is stopped. Adjusting your seat while driving is extremely dangerous. Also, never drive with the seat reclined. Lastly, make sure to take breaks when using the heated seat features. Running it continuously could hurt you or your truck’s battery.

The Benefits of Air Ride Seats

If you don’t own an aftermarket air ride seat and you’re curious about getting one, there are a few things to know. Air ride seats are designed to minimize whole-body vibrations that can damage a person’s spine and nerves. Whole-body vibrations are a constant source of muscle tension and nerve sensitivity when driving.

There are also many secondary issues that derive from overexposure to whole-body vibrations. Drivers may find it hard to sleep when their muscles refuse to relax after a day of driving. And over time, drivers can even experience trouble regulating stress and anxiety.

By investing in an air-ride seat, you’re making your job more comfortable and taking an important step toward protecting your health.

Find the Right Air Ride Seat for You

GRA-MAG offers semi-truck air seats for sale via our online store. There, you can select exactly the look and feel of the air ride seat you want. Our high-quality, supremely comfortable seats fit in cabins from most major truck manufacturers. Nevertheless, you should always double-check the dimensions of your cab before purchasing. If you have questions about selecting the right seat or are curious about our fleet pricing options, don’t hesitate to contact us!