Escape Gear Seat Cover solution for 2nd Gen Tacoma

[ScottJ]

Looks like the seat mounted side airbags were optional for the DC from 2005 - 2008 and standard starting in 2009. I've got a 2008 and while i have the A piller curtain airbags, I don't rememeber any in the seats. I'll have to check when I get home.

Some crash test info including info on airbags.

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=989

 

[Rigged]

I just checked the Escape Gear website and I found this:


"Hilux Double Cab (11/2008 to present); 2 "Sport" Fronts with airbags, Solid Rear Bench"

I assume that it is the same as the Tacoma Double Cab correct? Also the Jeep Unlimited came with front seat airbags as well and it said that "flaps" are built in to accommodate them.

 

[Dave Bennett]

We are currently at the Overland Rally in Ellensburg WA, and having a great time. One of the nice things about the Rallies is the broad variety of vehicles all in one spot. TacoDoc is here, helping out as he always does. I asked him if he would indulge me in a little experimentation.

Glad to help out Paul!

I was HIGHLY impressed with the fit and quality of these seat covers, they went on like they were made for the TRD seats. The material is very heavy duty and well sewn. When my current OEM seat covers are done I'll be getting a set of these.

Edit: My early 2005 production Tacoma doesn't have side airbags so I can't speak to that.

 

[Ramjet]

Fj

Those look like it will fit an FJ Cruiser as well.

 

[4xdog]

Guys, before I press "click" on ordering a set of grey JK seat covers for my 2001 Tacoma DC, I thought I'd check to see if you tried the back seat as well. Any idea?

Thanks,

Don

 

[lx450landcruiser]

I would also be curious about the back seat?

 

[Equipt]

I just checked the Escape Gear website and I found this:


"Hilux Double Cab (11/2008 to present); 2 "Sport" Fronts with airbags, Solid Rear Bench"

I assume that it is the same as the Tacoma Double Cab correct? Also the Jeep Unlimited came with front seat airbags as well and it said that "flaps" are built in to accommodate them.

The Toyota Hilux that South Africa has is their world truck, and our Tacoma is for the US market. At least that is what I have been told. The trucks are unique from the frame up. A few part cross, but not much. I will check with Escape Gear and see what they think.

Thanks,
_________________________________
4xdog
Guys, before I press "click" on ordering a set of grey JK seat covers for my 2001 Tacoma DC, I thought I'd check to see if you tried the back seat as well. Any idea?

Thanks,

Don


lx450landcruiser

I would also be curious about the back seat?


I am sorry to say that the back seat is too much different to fit. Doesn't look very good on it. I'll take some photos of the Taco back seat next time I am near one, and we'll forward them t EG as well.

Thanks,
______________________________________________

Ramjet

Fj
Those look like it will fit an FJ Cruiser as well.


Thanks for asking. I took a look at the FJ seats while at the Ellensburg Overland Rally and they are a bit different. The bolstering is unique and the head rest configuration is completely different. Much more to the back of the seat than the JK/Taco set up. We will keep looking for a compatible cover.

Thanks,

 

[Frostymug]

Paul,

Any updates regarding airbag compatibility for the 2005 + Tacomas?

Cliff

 

[Equipt]

Hi Cliff,

I responded to your email as well. I thought I would note the answer here too. I don't believe the JK seat covers are designed for the seat mounted air bags. I haven't heard back from Escape Gear yet, so my assumption is no.

As noted above, there are covers for the Hilux. I just wrote Escape Gear to hear their response to these questions. Hopefully I will hear from them soon.

Thanks,

 

[Equipt]

I heard back from Bryan at Escape Gear. Here is what he said.

"Hi Paul, I doubt that the airbag would push through the seams, or it may but at a slower speed which could have terrible results. On our Toyota Hilux, Fortuner and 200series Cruiser seat covers we use a special red cotton, strong enough to keep the cover together but weak enough to allow the airbag to deploy at full speed without delays. This can be seen on our website where a short video demontrate what happens. This method has been approved by Toyota SA."

Here's the link to their website airbag safety page.

http://escapegear.co.za/sideairbag.php

So I guess the answer to the JK seat cover air bag compliance is no. They would not be the answer for the Tacomas with seat mounted air bags.

We will bring in a set of the Hilux seat covers in our next order and see how they work for fitment, and will let you know.

Thanks,

 

[jpelington]

I heard back from Bryan at Escape Gear. Here is what he said.

"Hi Paul, I doubt that the airbag would push through the seams, or it may but at a slower speed which could have terrible results. On our Toyota Hilux, Fortuner and 200series Cruiser seat covers we use a special red cotton, strong enough to keep the cover together but weak enough to allow the airbag to deploy at full speed without delays. This can be seen on our website where a short video demontrate what happens. This method has been approved by Toyota SA."

Here's the link to their website airbag safety page.

http://escapegear.co.za/sideairbag.php

So I guess the answer to the JK seat cover air bag compliance is no. They would not be the answer for the Tacomas with seat mounted air bags.

We will bring in a set of the Hilux seat covers in our next order and see how they work for fitment, and will let you know.

Thanks,

good luck to the next order of hilux set of seat covers, hopefully it will be fine since JK Seat cover air bag already out on the list.

regards,

james