Yahoo Message Number: 5915 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/5915)
When I test drove a 2001 Allure with three point seat belts I found the shoulder strap to be quite uncomfortable. When we purchased our 2000 it came with lap belts only so the shoulder problem doesn't exist.
I am an advocate for seat belts but not sure I will modify the existing coach (still hoping to trade when Dow 15000).
For those making a change, be sure shoulder strap adjustable and comfortable, especially if there are two drivers whose physical height is quite different.
David
2000 Intrigue
Yahoo Message Number: 5918 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/5918)
From: F102508@...>
(snip) > For those making a change, be sure shoulder strap adjustable and
quite
Good point. I haven't sat in a CC motorhome seat with integral three-point belts, but would make sure I do so before laying out the bucks. Overall, motorhome belts stink, anyway, 'cause oftentimes one or both lap belt mounting points are too far forward, thereby not creating the ideal 45 degree angle over the hip bones situation.
By the way ... someone on the rv.net Class A forum told of a friend who was killed recently when his newly purchased '99 Intrigue blew a new tire at 70mph and ran off the ran into a tree. His wife and child lived. As a former crash investigator, I'd love to see photos of that crash to determine if a shoulder belt would've helped. Regardless, it usually doesn't hurt.
Dick (& Geri) Campagna
Intrigue #10571
Yahoo Message Number: 5919 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/5919)
...I am an advocate for seat belts but not sure I will modify the existing coach David 2000 Intrigue
A highway patrolman friend of mine told me that seat belts are of little use in motorhomes. If you hit something you are so close to the windshield they don't help much. He said if you hit something hard enough to need restraint, you are slammed anyway. He also said the stuff in back of you is more important in minor crashes. I think the belts may do some good in minor crashes and roll-overs. Why worry, be happy. jerry in NM, '00 Magna.
Yahoo Message Number: 5922 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/5922)
From: "gerald" rawse@...>
David wrote ...
While there's no doubt that we Class A motorhomers have a problem in a major front end crash, belts or no belts, there's no doubt that belts would help in a minor crash, which is more likely. One important thing that patrolman didn't mention, by the way, is that belts help to hold you in place during a sudden crash avoidance maneuver. While safety belts aren't perfect (nothing is), 'tis most always better to be with 'em than without 'em.
Dick (& Geri) Campagna
Intrigue #10571
(former emergency squad/fire department member; retired US gov't safety professional/trained crash investigator; former drag racer and sports car rallyeist/autocrosser; 36-year RVer )
Yahoo Message Number: 5932 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/5932)
Just my 2 cents worth...Besides seat belts why don't our CC's come with shoulder restraints? I have owned my 2000 Allure since June 2002 but have not asked this before. The shoulder restraints might hold us in place in case of a crash. Big trucks and truckers use em! Are the side walls too weak to take the attachment? Mike 2000 Allure.
On Sat, 23 Aug 2003 16:40:23 -0400 "Dick Campagna" campagna@...> writes:
Yahoo Message Number: 5933 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/5933)
From: rvmike@...>
I've seen Class A motorhome shoulder belts mounted two ways. One way is mounted to the wall ... but the problem with that is it often doesn't provide the ideal angle over the shoulder, especially over a wide range of seat-forward or seat-rearward adjustments. The other way is mounted in the seat back. But even that doesn't necessarily provide an ideal situation, if the mounting point isn't adjustable for height. If I don't replace the existing seats with ones that have integral belts, I may rig up supplemental shoulder belts. Even if they fail at the extreme ... they will have done some good up to that point. After all, every belt system has a fail point.
Dick (& Geri) Campagna
Intrigue #10571
Yahoo Message Number: 5935 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/5935)
the 03 affinitys do have shoulder restraints which are attached to the seat back
john D. 6194
Yahoo Message Number: 5936 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/5936)
Mike,
My 02 Allure has the shoulder restraints built into the seat. I would prefer just the lap belt because the shoulder restraints have no adjustment to the tension and after a few hours, hurts the shoulder.
Tough to please everyone isn't it!! Tom
02 Allure 30780
Yahoo Message Number: 5938 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/5938)
From: "truk4u2003" truk4u@...>
You wanna trade seats? Our Intrigue's seats are white "leather" and are perfect. Power driver's side, only, though.
Or ... you can pull the shoulder belt out a little ... leaving enough room for a balled-up fist between the belt and your chest ... and put a clip on the top part of the belt so it won't retract. Contrary to popular opinion, and except on some very expensive automobiles, shoulder belts do not retract in a crash. They simply lock in place. If you want a fancy clip, stop at a Pep Boys or similar auto parts store to see what they have on the shelf for that specific purpose.
Dick (& Geri) Campagna
Intrigue #10571
Yahoo Message Number: 5948 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/5948)
Good idea Dick, hadn't thought about some kind of clip. I better stick with my seats, co-pilot seat also electric.
Tom
02 Allure 30780
Yahoo Message Number: 6040 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/6040)
Consider a four point system as in race cars...
Max
Affinity #5487
Yahoo Message Number: 10433 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10433)
We've had an annoying problem since day one with the shoulder harness on the passenger seat. Once it is hooked up there is absolutely no slack in the belt which makes the wife very uncomfortable which makes me very uncomfortable, if you know what I mean. I complained early on to Buddy Gregg--Dallas who were unable to do anything about it. They did recommend pulling the belt all the way out before hooking it up, but that didn't cure anything. Even CC techs at CCI rallies haven't had an answer. I guess I should have held out for a new seat while still under warranty, but didn't.
Has anyone out there had this problem, and, if so, did you find a remedy short of dismantling the seat? The belt in the driver's seat doesn't lock up so quickly, so I know it isn't a design problem.
Walt Rothermel
03Allure30811
Yahoo Message Number: 10440 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10440)
Walt:
My wife has the same problem with her seat. I had the same lack of action with my dealer. Rally techs said I needed to talk with the seat mfgr folks (never did). IShould get it fixed before the next long trip! :-(
Jim
2002 Intrigue #11446
Yahoo Message Number: 10441 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10441)
From: "spiker1029" Spiker1029@...>
on the passenger seat. Once it is hooked up there is absolutely no slack in the belt which makes the wife very uncomfortable which makes me very uncomfortable, if you know what I mean. (snip) Very easy to take care of. Check the area of auto parts stores (Pep Boys, etc.) where they sell safety belt accessories, like the gadgets that make the shoulder belt more comfortable. They may have a special clip that's designed to stop the belt from retracting ... once you obtain sufficient slack (defined as enough space for a clenched fist between the belt and the wearer's chest). If you can't find this product, use a heavy duty squeeze type paper clamp.
Dick (& Geri) Campagna
'98 36' Intrigue #10571
Mfd: 11/97
Yahoo Message Number: 10442 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10442)
There is an extender that consists of the male and female seat belt connectors. The overall length is 12". The part# is GM25661624. There is also another part number in it, Allied Signal, Inc. # 30A01.
You might be able to get the extender from any General Motors facility. We got ours from Villa Furniture.
These will give enough slack in the seatbelts and they will still function properly. The seat belts arefrom General Motors and the belts that are used are a little short for the Country Coach seats.
Hope this helps.
Don
'02 Intrigue #11427
harness
makes
(Pep Boys,
that make
that's
sufficient
and the
squeeze
Yahoo Message Number: 10446 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10446)
Thanks, Don. I'll keep this for a last resort. Extenders are normally thought of for over-weight people---which my spouse is not, although I definitely am, and my seatbelt allows some slack.. I'm afraid she would bristle at the suggestion.
Walt Rothermel
03Allure30811
Yahoo Message Number: 10447 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10447)
From: Spiker1029@...>
thought
am,
While some slack (to allow a clenched fist between belt and chest) is OK on a shoulder belt, slack is NOT a good idea on a lap/seat belt. In a crash, slack can allow the lap/seat belt to ride above the hips and go across your abdomen, which can kill you. Bottom line: No slack on the lap/seat belt ... but a little slack on the shoulder belt is OK. And, contrary to common opinion, belts do NOT retract in a crash ... except on certain BMW's, Mercedes, Audis, etc. They usually just lock up where they are.
Dick (& Geri) Campagna
'98 36' Intrigue #10571
Mfd: 11/97
Yahoo Message Number: 10450 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10450)
I have a clip that I put on mine so it does not retract fully and lock. Just enough slack that I can breath, lean forward a little if necessary.
Ree
Current location---Victoria, TX
2003 Allure 30852
Home is www.eldoradoranch.com near www.sanfelipe.com.mx
Yahoo Message Number: 10583 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10583)
harness
makes
Walt,
We had the same problem with our seatbelt except it was the driver's side that acted just like you described. We have a 2002 and the belt has "broken" three times and of course it was always at the most inopportune times. One feels so vulnerable without it fitting just right. This is what we found out. Hope it may help you solve your seatbelt problem without spending a small fortune.
Homestyle Interiors makes the driver's and passenger's chairs for the Allure and Intrigue and they in turn get the seatbelt from General Motors. We were directed to call Homestyle (208)466-8481 in Nampa, Idaho and ask for "Boat". He gave us several suggestions to see if we could get the belt back on its track, but none worked. Since we were in Junction City at the time he directed us to "Steve" at Countryside Interior. "Boat" sent a new seatbelt to Countryside Interiors and they installed it. Boat said he always gets the replacement belts from GM at no charge, but he has to pay to have it installed. You may want to call Boat to see what he can do for you.
I wouldn't want to cause Homestyle any problems because they were very nice to us, but I believe that the problem lies in the way the seatbelt is installed in the chair and not the seatbelt at all.
Sukie
2002 Allure, 30747
Yahoo Message Number: 10585 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10585)
Thanks, Sukie. I guess you've told me why I got no answer from e-mailing Flexsteel who I thought manufactured the seats. I'l give "Boat" a call tomorrow.
Walt Rothermel
03Allure30811
Yahoo Message Number: 10589 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10589)
This is interesting. Our seats have a tag on them that say they were made by Villa.
Don
'02 Intrigue #11427