Seats and Seat Belts

Seats

General Information (See Fig. )

When adjusting seats, unless otherwise noted, all adjustments should be made while seated and before the engine is started.

Due to the maximum adjustability of mid- and high-back air suspension seats, it is possible to combine the seat back recline adjustment and the seat slide adjustment so that the seat back contacts the backwall. It is the responsibility of the driver to adjust the seat to prevent damage to the seat and the cab interior.

Keep hands, tools, and other objects away from the scissor points under the seats. Failure to do so could cause personal injury.

The following is a description of adjustments that can be made to various Freightliner-installed seats. Not all seats have all of the adjustments listed below.

1. Back Cushion Tilt
2. Lumbar Support
3. Isolator Feature
4. Height Adjustment
5. Bottom Cushion Angle (fore and aft bottom cushion height)
6. Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment (seat track adjustment)
7. Seat Tilt

Fig. 5.1, Seat Adjustments

Back Cushion Tilt: This adjustment enables the back cushion to pivot forward or backward.

Lumbar Support: Lumbar support changes the shape of the seat back to give more or less support to the occupant's lumbar (lower back) area.

Isolator Lockout: This feature (referred to as back-slap isolator, Chugger-Snubber™, or isolator) reduces the amount of road shock by isolating the occupant from the vehicle's motion, and allowing the upper seat to move in a simple pendulum motion. A lockout feature is used whenever the isolator is not desired.

Height Adjustment: The entire seat moves up or down when adjusting the height. The adjustment is either manually controlled or air controlled, depending on the make of the seat.

Bottom Cushion Angle or Front and Aft Bottom Cushion Height: This feature enables the occupant to raise or lower the front or back of the bottom cushion. This adjustment is easier to perform when all weight is removed from the seat.

Fore and Aft Seat or Seat Track Adjustment: The entire seat moves forward or backward when this adjustment is made.

Weight Adjustment: On those seats with weight adjustment, the feature is fully automatic. By sitting on the seat, a leveling valve places you in the center of the ride zone. Additional adjustments are possible by using the height adjustment feature.

Bostrom Seat, Air–715 Series (Fig. )

Back Cushion Tilt

By lifting the lever up, the back cushion angle position may be moved either forward or backward. Release the lever to lock the back cushion in place.

1. Seat Tilt Lever
2. Isolator Lockout Lever
3. Height and Weight Adjustment Lever
4. Back Cushion Tilt Lever
5. Lumbar Support Lever

Fig. 5.2, Bostrom Air-715E High Back Seat

Lumbar Support

Move the lever forward or backward for more or less lower back support; there are three positions to choose from.

Isolator Lockout

To engage the isolator, put the lever in the center position. Lock it out by moving the lever to the right.

Height and Weight Adjustment

There are 4 inches (102 mm) of ride zone motion plus 2 inches (51 mm) of height adjustment. Pull the lever up to raise the seat, and push the lever down to lower it. The seat should be no less than 2 inches (51 mm) from either the top or bottom position.

Seat Tilt

Pull the lever up, and the back and bottom cushions may be moved forward or backward by shifting your weight.

Bostrom Air–915 Seat (Fig. )

Lumbar Support Adjustment

Move the lever forward to increase lumbar support. Move the lever rearward to decrease lumbar support.

1. Lumbar Support Adjustment Lever
2. Back Cushion Tilt Lever
3. Height Adjustment Knob
4. Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment and Isolator Lever
5. Seat Cushion Adjustment Lever

Fig. 5.3, Bostrom Air-915 Seat

Back Cushion Tilt

Hold the lever rearward and lean forward or rearward to the desired position, then release the lever.

Height Adjustment

Push the knob in to inflate the suspension and raise the seat height. Pull the knob out to deflate the suspension and lower the seat.

Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment

Move the lever to the left and slide the seat forward or rearward to the desired position. The slide range is 6 inches (15 cm).

Isolator

Isolation is provided when the lever in the center position. Move the lever to the right to lock out isolation.

Seat Cushion Adjustment

Move the lever downward to decrease or upward to increase seat cushion tilt. There are five adjustment positions available.

Bostrom Talladega 900 Seat (Fig. )

NOTE: Two different sets of controls are used on Bostrom Talladega seats. On some models, the height adjustment, lumbar support and damper adjustment are controlled by switches mounted to the bottom cushion. On other models, these controls are mounted to the seat frame.

Back Cushion Tilt

To tilt the back cushion, lean forward slightly to remove pressure from the cushion and hold the lever rearward. Lean backward slowly to the desired position and release the lever to lock the cushion in place.

1. Back Cushion Tilt Lever
2. Lumbar Support Control Switch
3. Damper Adjustment Knob
4. Height Adjustment Switch
5. Bottom Cushion Tilt Adjustment Knob
6. Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment and Isolator Knob
7. Lumbar Support Knob

Fig. 5.4, Bostrom Talladega 900 Seat

Height Adjustment

To raise the seat, push the top portion of the switch. To lower the seat, push the lower portion of the switch.

Isolator

To engage the isolator, put the lever in the center position. Lock out the isolator by moving the lever to the right.

Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment

Hold the lever to the left and slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position.

Bottom Cushion Tilt Adjustment

Rotate the knob to increase or decrease bottom cushion tilt.

Lumbar Support

To increase lumbar support on LSO models, press the plus sign on the control switch. To decrease lumbar support on LSO models, press the minus sign on the control switch. To increase lumbar support on non-LSO models, rotate the knob forward. To decrease lumbar support on non-LSO models, rotate the knob rearward.

Damper Adjustment

Rotate the knob or push the switch to adjust the damper.

Bostrom Smart Seat Model (Fig. )

Back Cushion Tilt

The back angle has five positions in a 15-degree range. To release the latch, pull up on the handle.

1. Seat Track Adjustment Lever
2. Height Adjustment Lever
3. Bottom Cushion Angle Knob
4. Isolator Lockout Lever
5. Back Cushion Tilt Handle
6. Lumbar Support Knob

Fig. 5.5, Bostrom Smart Seat (High Back model shown)

Lumbar Support

Turn the knob clockwise to increase support.

Isolator Lockout

Push the lever back to actuate the back-slap isolator; push it forward to lock out this feature.

Height Adjustment

Height adjustment in the ride zone is continuously variable over a 6-inch (152-mm) range. Move the lever up or down to raise or lower the seat.

Weight Adjustment

The seat automatically adjusts itself regardless of the driver's weight. When unoccupied, the seat automatically moves to the adjusted height position.

Bottom Cushion Angle

The front portion of the cushion can be adjusted to any of six positions; rotate the knob to the desired angle.

Seat Track Adjustment

Seat tracks have nine adjustment positions with a total of 4 inches (102 mm) of travel. To unlatch the seat, move the lever to the left.

Freightliner AirChair (Fig. )

Back Cushion Tilt

Pull on the handle and move it to your choice of one of four settings.

1. Lumbar Support Knob
2. Rear Bottom Cushion Height Handle
3. Isolator Lockout Handle
4. Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment Lever
5. Front Bottom Cushion Height Handle
6. Height Adjustment Air Button
7. Back Cushion Tilt Handle

Fig. 5.6, Freightliner AirChair

Lumbar Support

Rotate the knob for precise fit.

Isolator Lockout

To lock out the fore-and-aft isolator feature, move the handle to the left. See Fig. 5.7 .

1. Fore-and-Aft Seat Adjustment Lever
2. Isolator Lockout Handle

Fig. 5.7, Seat Adjustment

Height Adjustment

Push the air button to raise the seat; pull the air button to lower the seat. See Fig. 5.6 or Fig. 5.8 .

Fig. 5.8, Air Button

Front and Rear Bottom Cushion Height

To adjust the height of the front of the bottom cushion, lift the handle, and pull up and forward to one of three settings. To adjust the height of the rear of the bottom cushion, rotate the handle clockwise to one of the three settings.

Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment

Move the lever to the right, and slide the seat. Locked-in settings are in 1-1/2 inch (38 mm) increments. See Fig. 5.6 or Fig. 5.7 .

National Cush-N-Aire Seats, Model 195 (Fig. )

Back Cushion Tilt

To tilt the back cushion through a range of 12 degrees, turn the knob and lean forward or backward.

1. Back Cushion Tilt Knob
2. Isolator Lockout Handle
3. Height Adjustment Knob
4. Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment Lever
5. Front Bottom Cushion Height Handle
6. Lumbar Support Knob

Fig. 5.9, National Cush-N-Aire Seat

Isolator Lockout

Called a Chugger-Snubber™, the isolator is locked out by moving the handle down.

Height Adjustment

Push in the knob to inflate the suspension and raise the seat height. Pull out on the knob to deflate the suspension and lower the seat height.

Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment

Move the lever to the right and slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position.

Front Bottom Cushion Height

To adjust the height of the front of the bottom cushion, lift the handle, and pull forward or push back to the desired setting.

Lumbar Support

Turn the knob for precise fit.

National Cush-N-Aire II Seat (Fig. )

Back Cushion Tilt

To tilt the back cushion, turn the knob and lean forward or backward.

1. Back Cushion Tilt Knob
2. Lumbar Support Switch
3. Height Adjustment Switch
4. Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment Lever
5. Bottom Cushion Front Height Handle
6. Isolator Handle
7. Back of Cushion Height Lever

Fig. 5.10, National Cush-N-Aire II Seat

Height Adjustment

To raise the seat, push the rocker switch on the side of the seat up until the seat reaches the desired height. To lower the seat, push the rocker switch down until the seat reaches the desired height.

Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment

Move the lever to the left and slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position.

Bottom Cushion Front Height

To adjust the height of the front of the bottom cushion, lift the handle, and pull forward or push back to the desired setting.

Lumbar Support

Push the rocker switch on the side of the seat up to inflate lumbar support. Push the rocker switch down to deflate lumbar support.

Back-of-Cushion Height

To adjust the height at the back of the cushion, rotate the lever to the desired setting.

Isolator

Also called a Chugger-Snubber™, the isolator is locked out by moving the handle down.

Dura-Form Seats (Fig. )

NOTE: Some vehicles may be equipped with the Freightliner Power 6000 or nonpower 5000 seat available from Dura-Form. These seats offer air lumbar, infinite recline, a map pocket, a rear storage pocket, and a pen/glasses pocket. The Power 6000 seat offers 6-way power adjustment.

1. Back Cushion Tilt Handle
2. Height Adjustment Knob
3. Isolator Lockout and Fore-Aft Adjustment Lever
4. Seat Cushion Adjustment
5. Lumbar Support Lever

Fig. 5.11, Dura-Form Fleetcruiser Seat

Back Cushion Tilt

To tilt the back cushion through a range of 10 degrees, push down on the handle. Move the back cushion to the desired position and release the lever.

Height Adjustment

Push in the knob to inflate the suspension and raise the seat height. Pull out on the knob to deflate the suspension and lower the seat height.

Isolator Lockout and Fore-Aft Seat Adjustment

Move the lever to the left to adjust the seat to the desired fore-aft position. Move the lever to the center position to lock out the isolator feature. Move the lever to the right to engage the isolator.

Seat Cushion Adjustment

To put the seat cushion in the upper position, lift upward on the front of the cushion then push rearward. To put the seat cushion in the lower position, pull forward and then push downward.

Lumbar Support

Rotate the lever on the right side of the back cushion to any of the three positions as desired.

Eldorado Seat (Fig. )

Back Cushion Tilt

To tilt the back cushion through a range of 15 degrees, turn the knob and lean forward or backward.

1. Lumbar Support Adjustment Knob (vertical)
2. Armrest Angle Adjustment
3. Back Cushion Tilt Knob
4. Height Adjustment Lever
5. Isolator Lever
6. Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment Lever
7. Air Ride Control Adjustment Knob
8. Lumbar Support Adjustment Knob (front to back)

Fig. 5.12, Eldorado Seat

Isolator

Called the Glide-A-Lator™, use the lever to engage or lock out the fore-and-aft isolator.

Fore and Aft Seat Adjustment

Use the lever to move the seat forward or backward to the desired position.

Height Adjustment

Lift up the lever and add or remove body weight to adjust seat height to the desired position, then firmly push the lever down into locking position.

Air Ride Control Adjustment

Depress the air valve knob until the seat cushion is level. (Height adjustment should be made prior to air ride control adjustment.)

Lumbar Support Adjustment/Front to Back

Turn the knob clockwise to increase lumbar support. Turn the knob counterclockwise to decrease lumbar support pressure.

Lumbar Support Adjustment/Vertical (Optional)

Move the knob up or down to one of five positions for desired area of back support.

Armrest Angle Adjustment (Optional)

Rotate the 9/16-inch bolt head on the back of each armrest clockwise to raise the armrest and counterclockwise to lower the armrest.

Swivel Seat (Fig. )

A swivel seat option is available for the passenger's seat only. A lever on the side of the seat base releases the swivel mechanism, allowing the seat to rotate on the base.

1. Lever

Fig. 5.13, Swivel Seat

Do not rotate the seat while the vehicle is in motion. Doing so could increase the chance of personal injury in the event of a crash.

Seat Belts and Tether Belts

General Information

Seat belt assemblies are designed to secure persons in the vehicle to help reduce the chance of injury, or the amount of injury, resulting from accidents or sudden stops. For this reason, Daimler Truck North America LLC urges that the driver and all passengers, regardless of age or physical condition, use seat belts when riding in the vehicle.

Always use the vehicle's seat belt system when operating the vehicle. Failure to do so can result in severe personal injury or death.

Seat belt assemblies in Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) vehicles meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209, "Type 1" and "Type 2" requirements.

When transporting a child, always use a child restraint system or the vehicle seat belts as appropriate. To determine whether a child restraint system is required, review and comply with applicable state and local laws. Any child restraint used must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, "Child Restraint Systems." When providing a child restraint system, always carefully read and follow all instructions pertaining to installation and usage for the child. Make certain the child remains in the restraint system at all times when the vehicle is in motion.

In addition to seat belt assemblies, tether belts are installed on suspension-type seats. Tether belts help secure the seat to the floor and are intended to restrain the seat and seat belt in case of an accident or sudden stop.

IMPORTANT: Seat belts and tethers have a finite life which may be much shorter than the life of the vehicle. Regular inspections and replacement as needed are the only assurance of adequate seat belt security over the life of the vehicle.

Seat Belt Inspection

Inspect and maintain seat belts. When any part of a seat belt system needs replacement, the entire seat belt must be replaced, both retractor and buckle side. Any time a vehicle is involved in an accident, and the seat belt system was in use, the entire vehicle seat belt system must be replaced before operating the vehicle. Do not attempt to modify the seat belt system; doing so could change the effectiveness of the system. Failure to replace worn or damaged seat belts, or making any modifications to the system, may result in personal injury or death.

Inspect the seat belts and tether belts (if so equipped).

Check the web for fraying, cuts, extreme dirt and dust, or for severe fading from exposure to sunlight, especially near the buckle latch plate and in the D-loop guide area.

Check operation of the buckle, latch, Komfort Latch or Sliding Komfort Latch (if equipped), web retractor, and upper seat belt mount on the door pillar. Check all visible components for wear or damage.

Check the seat belt and tether belt connection points and tighten any that are loose.

Tether Belt Adjustment

Make sure the tether belt is attached to the cab deck and seat frame. Also, check that the belt webbing is correctly routed through the buckle, as shown in Fig. 5.14 .

Fig. 5.14, Tether Belt Routing

To lengthen the tether belt, turn the buckle at a right angle to the webbing, then pull the bottom webbing strap through the buckle until the desired length is reached. See Fig. 5.15 .

Fig. 5.15, Lengthening the Tether Belt

Adjust the seat to the highest ride position. With no weight on the seat, tighten each tether belt by pulling the middle webbing strap away from the buckle to remove all slack. See Fig. 5.16 . Tether belts should not be so tight as to restrict movement of suspension seats. Be sure the straps are not twisted.

Fig. 5.16, Shortening the Tether Belt

Seat Belt Operation

Lap Belt

Wear lap belts only as described below. In case of an accident or sudden stop, injuries could result from misuse. Lap belts are designed to be worn by one person at a time.

Before driving the vehicle, slowly pull the link end of the lap belt out of the retractor and pull it across your lap far enough to engage the buckle. If the retractor locks too soon, allow the belt to retract slightly, then slowly pull it out again.

Fasten the lap belt by pushing the link into the buckle until it latches. Give the belt a tug at the buckle. If the buckle unlatches, repeat this step. If the problem continues, replace the lap belt.

To unbuckle the lap belt, push the button on the buckle to release the seat belt link.

NOTE: Make sure the lap belt is completely retracted when it is not in use.

Three-Point Seat Belt With Komfort Latch or Sliding Komfort Latch

NOTE: For vehicles not equipped with the Komfort Latch or the Sliding Komfort Latch, see the seat belt operation under the heading "Three-Point Seat Belt."

Wear three-point seat belts only as described below. Three-point seat belts are designed to be worn by one person at a time. In case of an accident or sudden stop, personal injury or death could result from misuse.

Fasten the seat belts before driving. Fastening a three-point seat belt while driving creates a hazard.

When engaged and used properly, the Komfort Latch ( Fig. 5.17 ) and the Sliding Komfort Latch ( Fig. 5.18 ) introduce a small amount of slack into the seat belt, resulting in a more comfortable ride.

A. Disengaged
B. Engaged

Fig. 5.17, Komfort Latch

Fig. 5.18, Sliding Komfort Latch

Slowly pull the latch end of the three-point seat belt out of the retractor and pull it across your lap (from outboard to inboard) far enough to engage the buckle. If the retractor locks too soon, allow the belt to retract slightly, then slowly pull it out again.

Fasten the three-point seat belt by pushing the latch into the buckle. See Fig. 5.19 . Listen for an audible click.

Fig. 5.19, Fastening the Three-Point Belt

Tug on the seat belt to make sure it is securely fastened. If the buckle unlatches, repeat this step. If the problem continues, replace the three-point seat belt.

Snug the seat belt to your waist.

Before activating the Komfort Latch or the Sliding Komfort Latch, make sure the amount of slack in the shoulder strap is set as described below. Excess slack in the shoulder strap reduces the effectiveness of the seat belt, and increases the risk of injury or death in an accident.

Position the shoulder strap diagonally across your chest with the adjustable D-loop bracket (if equipped). The shoulder strap must be centered on your shoulder and chest, away from your face and neck. See Fig. 5.20 . If desired, engage the Komfort Latch or Sliding Komfort Latch as follows.

If equipped with a Sliding Komfort Latch, make sure that the shoulder strap is snug against your chest. Without loosening the shoulder strap, push the Sliding Komfort Latch switch to the "ON" position. See Fig. 5.18 . To activate the latch lean forward until you hear a click. This will allow for approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) of slack between your chest and the shoulder harness. Once engaged, the latch will allow you to lean forward about 5 inches (13 cm) without having to reset the latch. Leaning forward more than 5 inches (13 cm) will disengage the Sliding Komfort Latch, requiring it to be reset.

If equipped with a Komfort Latch, pull on the shoulder strap to lessen the pressure of the strap on your shoulder and chest. Allow no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) of slack between your chest and the shoulder harness. More slack can significantly reduce the seat belt effectiveness in an accident or a sudden stop. While holding the belt slack, press the Komfort Latch lever up, clamping the seat belt webbing ( Fig. 5.21 and Fig. 5.22 ).

A. Correct—Belt is centered on your shoulder and chest, away from your face and neck.
B. Wrong—Belt must not rub against face or neck.
C. Wrong—Belt must not hang off shoulder.

Fig. 5.20, Proper Shoulder Strap Fit

A. 1 Inch (2.5 cm) Maximum

Fig. 5.21, Adjusting Shoulder Harness Clearance, Komfort Latch

Fig. 5.22, Locking the Komfort Latch

Unbuckle the three-point seat belt and release the Komfort Latch or the Sliding Komfort Latch as follows.

If equipped with a Sliding Komfort Latch, unbuckle the seat belt as shown in Fig. 5.23 , then tug on the shoulder belt to release the Sliding Komfort Latch, or press the Sliding Komfort latch to the "OFF" position, then unbuckle the seat belt.

If equipped with a Komfort Latch, unbuckle the seat belt, then release the Komfort Latch by giving the shoulder belt a quick tug. If you lean forward against the shoulder belt, the Komfort Latch will automatically release, and will need to be reset.

Fig. 5.23, Releasing the Three-Point Seat Belt

NOTE: Neither the Komfort Latch nor the Sliding Komfort Latch need to be manually released in an emergency situation. Each will release by itself under rough road or other abnormal conditions. Make sure the three-point seat belt is completely retracted when it is not in use.

Three-Point Seat Belt

NOTE: For vehicles equipped with the Komfort Latch or the Sliding Komfort Latch, see the seat belt operation under the heading "Three-Point Seat Belt With Komfort Latch or Sliding Komfort Latch."

Fasten the seat belts before driving. Fastening a three-point seat belt while driving creates a hazard.

Slowly pull the link end of the three-point seat belt out of the retractor and pull it across your lap (from outboard to inboard) far enough to engage the buckle. If the retractor locks too soon, allow the belt to retract slightly, then slowly pull it out again.

Fasten the three-point seat belt by pushing the latch into the buckle. See Fig. 5.19 . Listen for an audible click.

Tug on the seat belt to make sure it is securely fastened. If the buckle unlatches, repeat this step. If the problem continues, replace the three-point seat belt.

Snug the seat belt to your waist.

To unbuckle the three-point seat belt, press the release button on the buckle. See Fig. 5.23 .

NOTE: Make sure the three-point seat belt is completely retracted when it is not in use.

Sleeper Compartment Bunk Restraints

General Information

On vehicles equipped with a sleeper compartment, bunk restraints should be used whenever the sleeper compartment is occupied and the vehicle is moving. Restraints are designed to lessen the chance of injury or the amount of injury resulting from accidents or sudden stops. For this reason, Daimler Truck North America LLC urges the use of bunk restraints when the sleeper compartment is occupied in a moving vehicle.

Do not use the sleeper compartment while the vehicle is in motion unless a bunk restraint is installed and used. Not using the bunk restraint increases the chance of injury, or the degree of injury, from accidents or sudden stops to all occupants of the vehicle.

Belt Adjustment (See Fig. )

A. Pull on the loose end to shorten the belt.

1. Buckle
2. Belt Release Button
3. Link

Fig. 5.24, Belt Adjustment

Make sure the belt is attached to the bunk support and sleeper wall.

To lengthen the belt, tip the link end downward and pull the link until it connects with the buckle.

After the belt is connected, shorten it by pulling on the loose end until the belt is snug, but comfortable. Be sure the belts are not twisted.

Bunk Restraint Operation (See Fig. )

1. Mattress
2. Sleeper Wall
3. Buckle
4. Link
5. Belt Anchor

Fig. 5.25, Bunk Restraint in 40-Inch Sleeper Shown

Starting at the foot of the bunk, pull up the link end of the belt far enough to engage the buckle.

Fasten the belt by pushing the link end into the buckle until they latch. Make sure that the belt is not twisted. Check the engagement by trying to pull the link out of the buckle. If they come apart, repeat this step. If the problem continues, replace the belt. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other two belts located in the middle and upper portion of the bunk to lock the restraint in place.

NOTE: On 60-inch raised roof cabs, the upper bunk restraint, if present, pulls up in front of the bunk and fastens at the ceiling.

To release the bunk restraint, push the release button on the buckle at the head of the bunk and pull the link from the buckle.

Repeat this step for the other two buckles to completely release the bunk restraint.

NOTE: When the sleeper compartment is not occupied, the bunk restraint can be stored under the mattress.

Bunk Mattress

To prevent damage to the bunk mattress and to ensure even wear, it is recommended that the mattress be turned over on a monthly basis.