Driving Position 6.1 DSG RHD

[ozcalibeach228]

Well, I’ve had my 6.1for 3 weeks now. It’s sits mainly in the garage after months of planning and excitement. For me, sorry to say, I find it extremely uncomfortable to drive, it kills my back and it becomes a misery. The seat seems offset from the steering wheel, no left foot rest and when I pull my left foot back it hits the seat adjuster. Going to have to make the decision to either sell or try to fix. I think a fix will be difficult but would be good to hear any views. I’m sorry this is not a thread about how wonderful my cali is

 

[bullibuskombi]

Well, I’ve had my 6.1for 3 weeks now. It’s sits mainly in the garage after months of planning and excitement. For me, sorry to say, I find it extremely uncomfortable to drive, it kills my back and it becomes a misery. The seat seems offset from the steering wheel, no left foot rest and when I pull my left foot back it hits the seat adjuster. Going to have to make the decision to either sell or try to fix. I think a fix will be difficult but would be good to hear any views. I’m sorry this is not a thread about how wonderful my cali is

I found it a little uncomfortable without a footrest, so I made my own.
Much better now.

 

[Van Diesel VW]

I thought the lack of a foot rest was going to be an issue for me, but not missed it. Being using my Cali as a daily drive for 6 months now and find the drive very comfortable on both long and short journeys.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Well, I’ve had my 6.1for 3 weeks now. It’s sits mainly in the garage after months of planning and excitement. For me, sorry to say, I find it extremely uncomfortable to drive, it kills my back and it becomes a misery. The seat seems offset from the steering wheel, no left foot rest and when I pull my left foot back it hits the seat adjuster. Going to have to make the decision to either sell or try to fix. I think a fix will be difficult but would be good to hear any views. I’m sorry this is not a thread about how wonderful my cali is

I am sorry to hear this, very disappointing for you. I am just wondering how tall you are? Not sure what I (and others) can offer, mind you, just puzzled why I can’t recognise your complaints as for me the California is a joy to drive (despite coming over from a VW Phaeton, which was incredible to drive: a magic carpet).

I have found it comfortable to bring the seat more forward - so as to tuck myself a little under the wheel - than I did in previous cars, but if your left foot is hitting the seat adjuster I imagine you have already done that.

I did miss seat height adjustment initially (I am a 6 month from new owner, with a mix of long and short driving) but am now used to the seats (which improved for me with a leather re-trim, as it is easier to adjust posture) but your discomfort sounds more radical hence my height question.

My wife once reacted like you to a new car I bought her ( VW Golf Plus) but after a month or two (with seat adjustment trials) the complaints stopped and she grew to love the car which we kept for many years.

 

[Californication69]

I had the exact same problem.
My backside was lower than my knees whilst driving.
I bought this from Amazon to sit on.
bonmedico Memory Foam Seat... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XKD4K4Y/?tag=eliteelect-21

And also have a 1” by 12x12” soft blue (memory?) foam from my local re-upholsterers for my lower back.
I can now sit in the chair with no cramping of legs, no lumbar prolapse pushing on my spinal cord, and enjoy the high up driving position.

I sold my White and Bronze FWD Ocean as the driving position was so awful, and the suspension made me feel sick.

I missed the amount of space and usefulness of the Ocean, so bought a black 4Motion and the suspension is a lot stiffer, and then bought different foam / padding to adjust the seat for how I want to sit.
I agree, the seat is awful for some people.
But good foam / memory foam can really help and fix the problem. Good luck !

 

[Justinitus1972]

Well, I’ve had my 6.1for 3 weeks now. It’s sits mainly in the garage after months of planning and excitement. For me, sorry to say, I find it extremely uncomfortable to drive, it kills my back and it becomes a misery. The seat seems offset from the steering wheel, no left foot rest and when I pull my left foot back it hits the seat adjuster. Going to have to make the decision to either sell or try to fix. I think a fix will be difficult but would be good to hear any views. I’m sorry this is not a thread about how wonderful my cali is

Sorry to hear this, as a bad back sufferer I actually find the seats very comfortable, but we are all different shapes and sizes. VW Transporter seats must surely be the most widely reupholstered seats of any vehicle - have you thought about visiting a reupholstery or van conversion specialist? Not just seat cover changes, I mean new seat seat bolsters, winged backs etc. Something like Camperking in the UK do On some of their seats.

 

[Justinitus1972]

Something like the drivers seat in this photo. This is a standard Transporter seat underneath, just reupholstered by CamperKing.

 

[Californication69]

Well, I’ve had my 6.1for 3 weeks now. It’s sits mainly in the garage after months of planning and excitement. For me, sorry to say, I find it extremely uncomfortable to drive, it kills my back and it becomes a misery. The seat seems offset from the steering wheel, no left foot rest and when I pull my left foot back it hits the seat adjuster. Going to have to make the decision to either sell or try to fix. I think a fix will be difficult but would be good to hear any views. I’m sorry this is not a thread about how wonderful my cali is

Try this. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference it makes…

 

[Kenisted]

Well, I’ve had my 6.1for 3 weeks now. It’s sits mainly in the garage after months of planning and excitement. For me, sorry to say, I find it extremely uncomfortable to drive, it kills my back and it becomes a misery. The seat seems offset from the steering wheel, no left foot rest and when I pull my left foot back it hits the seat adjuster. Going to have to make the decision to either sell or try to fix. I think a fix will be difficult but would be good to hear any views. I’m sorry this is not a thread about how wonderful my cali is

First mod was make my own foot rest
I agree about being uncomfortable being offset but I’ve just completed 1800 miles doing the Nc500 with no problem and now quite enjoy it

 

[CaliforniaPhil]

Any photos of these home made foot rests?

Phil

 

[ozcalibeach228]

Any photos of these home made foot rests?

Phil

Yes I agree, this could help a lot

 

[The Tall Luthier]

The lumbar support on these seats can often come detached. That maybe the cause of your lower back pain. Check it works as intended.

If you make your own for rest be very sure that it is secured to the floor, the last thing you need is it sliding underneath the brake pedal.

I’m 6’4” , I find it to be very comfortable.

 

[WelshGas]

Any photos of these home made foot rests?

Phil

Yes I agree, this could help a lot

One such footrest.

T6.1 DSG Footrest - solution

The lack of a footrest in the T6.1 is an issue for me as it causes an issue in my left knee to be exacerbated and proven on my 3500 mile trip to/around/back from Europe. I've seen lots of comments on how you adapted after 20 mins or a day etc so this thread isn't for you. I scoured ebay and...

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