Alright guys, I'm looking at potentially buying an '08 KR and, of course, my question has to do with the leather (sorry). I've read through a lot of the posting's on here, but my question wasn't answered. I'm by no means rough on the interior of my truck, but I don't baby it. I like to drive with a drink between my legs a good bit. I understand this leather will distress, and I like that aged look. But, will riding with a drink between the legs, getting in the seats after being soaked with rain, etc. distinctively show on the leather, or will it all blend in?

Thank you.

 

If you spill any liquid on the seat or the condensation from a cold drink will put a mark on the seat like a ring on a table with out a coaster. Even after conditioning seats again the mark may not be as evident but it will still be a mark and it will more than likely only get worse the more you do it. I know I have a seat cover on one of my seats for the dog the window was cracked and it rained on the seat a little once you can't see the mark but when I condition the seat it shows it fades away but that was a one time event. You are talking something you are going to do often.

 

The short answer to your question about affecting the leather to the point that it's noticable is a resounding, 'YES'.

You will begin to see the condensation ring on the seat bottom. It'd drive me crazy but, it's not my truck...

Being that the leather is analine (non-coated), it'll soak up just about anything that's liquid... Sweat, blood, ink, water, interior dressings, leather conditioner, urine... all will soak in.

While I understand your overall consideration and certainly respect your stance on not wanting to baby it - and stating that outright - what I can say is that you'll likely be discouraged with the leather. There are a few here - me included - that are very OCD about their truck. There are others that aren't but, you won't find many within the KR forum.

For a quick example of what the Castano leather does when it's neglected, do a simple search on ebay for King Ranch and then look at the interior pictures on some of the 2005 and lesser (2001, 2002, 2003 & 2005). You'll see some that look great but, you'll see the other end of the spectrum as well.

Best of luck on your decision!

 

I think it's time for you to change your ways! Don't 2008's come with cupholders? Is this drink between your legs hot coffee, that will scald "things" if spilled, or is it something nice and icy that will freeze "things"? Either way, the cupholder is the way to go.

Wet clothes? That's another issue. How about carrying a bath towel in the truck that you could throw over the seat if you are "damp"?

You don't really have to "baby" KR leather, you just have to treat it with a certain amount of "love".

Of course there's always seatcovers - just make sure you get good quality sheepskin ones that are custom fit for your truck. You've spent a fortune for the "look", why not keep it?

- Jack

 

LMAO

 

Personally, if I were in your shoes, I would save the money and get a Lariat.

The aged look is one thing, but "ring marks" from a drink riding just north of the boys would drive me insane.

Climbing into my truck "damp" is also completely out of the question. My truck has a bed, and that is where "damp" things go

It's all up to you though. The above are just my opinions.

Enjoy your new truck, no matter what you get!

 

I bought an 07 KR in September, and absolutely love it. I too, struggled with the seats. But man, are they ever cool. I thought that they were so cool, that I "changed my ways" a little to accomodate them...

I also like the fact that if one were to take care of the seats, they would last longer than the normal Lariat seat. Supposedly, they will not crack, as the seats on my last Lariat did. Best of luck to ya.

 

i'm the same as Shine....but i live in a rain forrest. i keep the seats nice and conditioned and they are happy. you don't have to change your ways only love the seats! they are too awesome not to!

dale

 

Totally OT --

I hear that Seawind is back in the air now, Dale. Heard anything about it?

 

I get it now...