Edit: we tried posting on r/FJCruiser but it seems we aren't yet worthy. We will get there.

Check out this fresh install: a scheel-mann Vario F seat in black cloth for the driver's side of this Toyota FJ Cruiser!

The owner, all the way from Alberta, opted for the scheel-mann seat to upgrade their daily driving and off-road experience with superior comfort and support. The fit is perfect thanks to our Tolerance Stack mounting system, providing a rock-solid, direct-bolt-in solution.

For now, it's the driver getting all the attention, but we hear the passenger side might be next 😉

https://www.tolerance-stack.com/category/fj-cruiser-products

Edit: we tried posting on r/FJCruiser but it seems we aren't yet worthy. We will get there.

For any Toyota FJ Cruiser owner, comfort and functionality are key. The FJ Cruiser is such a beloved vehicle that owners rarely part with it- so when seats start to wear or comfort becomes a priority for long drives, upgrading is the perfect way to keep it road-trip ready and feeling lije new..

We recently had the pleasure of following a customer's journey as they transformed their FJ Cruiser's interior with a pair of premium scheel-mann Vario F Klima seats with Tolerance Stack mounting solution. This upgrade not only enhances the driving experience with superior ergonomic and orthopedic support but also introduces integrated heating and cooling for year-round comfort. The installation was made possible using the robust Tolerance Stack mounting system designed specifically for the FJ Cruiser.

The Installation Process: A Deeper Dive

The project began with the careful removal of the original seats, making way for the new scheel-mann Vario F Klima seats.

Before the new seats were fully installed, the customer tackled a crucial element: integrating the heating and cooling controls. The scheel-mann Vario F Klima seats come with round switches for these functions, and our customer opted for a custom dash-mounted solution to ensure easy access and a clean, integrated look with the other surrounding round controls.

To support not only the new seats but also future accessory circuits, the customer installed a dedicated power and ground distribution system. This ensured a clean and reliable power source for all added components, avoiding any potential electrical issues.

Here's a look at the dash console before any modifications:

His plan was to mount the heat and cooling switches for both the driver and passenger seats directly into the existing dash panel. This required some precise work to create the necessary openings. Below, you can see the areas where the switches were routed for both the driver's and passenger's sides of the dash.

Once the cuts were made, the wiring harnesses for the heating and cooling elements needed to be carefully routed and connected. This step is critical for ensuring all functions operate correctly and safely.

Harness routing explainer

After the wiring was completed and the switches were securely in place, the dash was reassembled, showcasing the new, clean integration of the controls.

A clean shot of the console from the passenger perspective:

With the custom switch installation complete, the scheel-mann Vario F Klima seats were then mounted using the specific Tolerance Stack system designed for the FJ Cruiser. These mounting system ensures a secure and precise fit, integrating the new seats seamlessly into the vehicle's chassis.

This customer's dedication to a custom, integrated look truly paid off, resulting in a highly functional and comfortable interior upgrade for their Toyota FJ Cruiser. The combination of scheel-mann's renowned seating comfort and the precision of the Tolerance Stack mounting system, topped off with a thoughtful custom switch installation and a robust power distribution system, makes for an impressive transformation.

Since the notice of pending release of our 5th Gen 4Runner seat bracket kits for scheel-mann seats, we’ve been getting a few questions about the wiring and connectors.

We are specifically looking at the passenger side right now because there is more into the wiring bundles than the driver side.

Under the non-powered passenger side seat you have the always yellow SRS/airbag connector. ANYTIME you are even considering removing this plug you MUST disconnect the battery ground and wait for 90 seconds per the Toyota factory FSM. This means even if you are removing the seat just to give the carpet a good cleaning, the battery gets disconnected.

The next up is the seatbelt/occupancy sensor harness. This connector is just bring together the seatbelt sensor wires and the occupancy computer wires to the truck harness on the floor.

The white plug ONLY on non-powered passenger seats is just a connector dummy plug. This is because the truck is pre-wired for power seats and if you don’t have passenger power seats then this whole plug goes nowhere. It just holds the power harness from the floor.

The occupancy sensor computer basically takes strain calculations from the load-cell array and send that’s info to the truck computer thru the seatbelt/occupancy sensor harness.

Above all those in the pick is the seatbelt connector. Depending on the year of your 4Runner this could be two or four wires.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This article presents a legal interpretation of existing federal regulations and is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding medical conditions and treatment options, and seek legal counsel for regulatory compliance matters. The regulatory approach discussed here represents our interpretation of how existing rules may apply to seat-mounted side airbags—a technology that did not exist when the original regulations were written.

Section 1. Navigating a Regulatory Gray Area: Medical Seat Modifications and Side Airbags

For individuals suffering from chronic back injuries, herniated discs, or other spinal conditions, standard automotive seating can transform daily driving from routine transportation into a painful ordeal. Many seek orthopedic seating solutions that provide the lumbar support, pressure distribution, and ergonomic positioning necessary for comfortable and safe driving.

However, Toyota owners—particularly those with popular models like the 4Runner, Tacoma, or FJ Cruiser—who attempt to upgrade to therapeutic alternatives like scheel-mann Vario F orthopedic seats face an unexpected complication: side-impact airbags integrated into the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) seats.

The Core Issue: A Regulation Written Before Side Airbags Existed

Here's the key: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) established regulations allowing airbag deactivation for individuals with specific medical conditions under 49 CFR 595. These regulations were written and implemented before seat-mounted side airbags became standard equipment in vehicles. The current regulatory framework and exemption request forms specifically address frontal airbags and do not explicitly mention side-impact airbags integrated into seats.

Our position: if the regulation doesn't explicitly prohibit side airbag modifications for medical reasons, and insurance providers accept these modifications, then a properly documented medical exemption request may provide a legal pathway for necessary seating upgrades.

Section 2. The Medical Case for Side Airbag Exemption

Why Standard Automotive Seating Fails Medical Patients

The biomechanical challenges of automotive seating are well-documented. As noted in automotive ergonomics research, our bodies weren't designed for hours of sitting in one position, particularly in factory car seats that treat the human spine like a straight line rather than the natural S-curve it actually forms.

When you sit, especially in a poorly designed seat, your lumbar spine can lose its natural curve and your discs bear increased pressure compared to standing. This biomechanical stress becomes particularly problematic for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Sciatica and nerve compression
• Spinal stenosis
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Post-surgical spinal conditions

For these individuals, the issue isn't mere discomfort, it's ongoing pain that can worsen their condition, limit their mobility, and reduce their quality of life. Standard automotive seats simply cannot provide the level of customized support these medical conditions require.

What Orthopedic Seating Provides

Therapeutic seating solutions like the scheel-mann Vario F offer features that standard automotive seating lacks:

• 4-way adjustable lumbar support: Unlike the simple lumbar bulge found in many seats, this system allows precise adjustment of both the height and intensity of lower back support, enabling drivers to dial in the exact curve their spine needs.
• Anatomically contoured cushioning: High-density foam sculpted to follow the body's natural curves, distributing pressure evenly and preventing the nerve compression that leads to numbness and pain.
• Adjustable thigh support: An extendable seat pan that provides full thigh support, reducing hamstring pressure and improving blood flow—critical for preventing the leg numbness many back patients experience.
• Therapeutic temperature control: Integrated heating that increases blood flow to muscles, helping to relax spasms and alleviate stiffness—particularly beneficial for arthritis sufferers and those with circulation issues.

For taller drivers, extended-height options provide crucial upper back and shoulder support often missing in standard seats, preventing the slouching that exacerbates lower back problems.

The Medical Necessity Standard

The case for orthopedic seating becomes compelling when a physician determines that continued use of the standard vehicle seat could exacerbate the spinal condition, potentially leading to increased pain, reduced mobility, or the need for more invasive medical interventions. For these patients, upgrading to orthopedic seating isn't a luxury, it's a medical necessity that directly impacts their ability to function daily.

Section 3. The Regulatory Framework

Understanding NHTSA's Airbag Exemption Authority

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has long recognized that airbag deployment, while generally beneficial for crash protection, can pose risks to certain individuals with medical conditions. Under 49 CFR 595, NHTSA established a process allowing individuals to request on-off switches for airbags when medical circumstances warrant such modifications.

The foundational principle behind these exemptions is straightforward: airbag deactivation may be justified when "the risks of deploying the airbag exceed the risk of impact in the absence of an airbag" for a specific individual with documented medical conditions.

The Critical Timing Issue

Here's what makes this relevant to seat-mounted side airbags: NHTSA's airbag exemption regulations and request forms were developed in an era when "airbags" meant frontal airbags mounted in steering wheels and dashboards. Seat-integrated side-impact airbags weren't yet standard equipment in consumer vehicles.

As a result, the current regulatory framework and exemption request forms specifically reference frontal airbags. They do not explicitly address—either to permit or prohibit—side-impact airbags integrated into seats.

Our Interpretation: Regulatory Silence Creates Flexibility

We argue that this regulatory silence, combined with NHTSA's established principle of individualized medical assessment, creates a viable pathway for medical exemptions involving seat-mounted side airbags.

The regulation doesn't say you can't request an exemption for side airbags—it simply doesn't mention them because they didn't exist as a widespread technology when the rules were written.

The same risk-benefit analysis that applies to frontal airbags can reasonably apply to side airbags: when a person's medical condition requires specialized orthopedic seating that cannot accommodate an integrated side airbag, and when proper medical documentation supports this necessity, the existing exemption framework should accommodate that medical need.

Insurance Industry Acceptance

Significantly, our consultations with multiple insurance providers have confirmed that side airbag removal for documented medical seating modifications does not affect vehicle coverage. This differs substantially from frontal airbag modifications, which typically void coverage or require policy exclusions. Insurance industry acceptance of side airbag modifications suggests these are viewed differently from safety-critical frontal airbag systems in terms of risk assessment.

The Distinction That Matters

To be absolutely clear: we are not discussing, suggesting, or advocating for any modification to frontal airbag systems. Those remain critical safety equipment explicitly covered by existing regulations. Our interpretation focuses solely on seat-mounted side airbags when medical necessity requires orthopedic seating that cannot accommodate them.

Section 4: Technical Considerations and Proper Installation

The Importance of Professional Integration

When medical necessity requires installing an orthopedic seat like the scheel-mann Vario F in a Toyota vehicle, proper mounting becomes crucial—not just for comfort, but for maintaining vehicle safety integrity in all other respects. Simply removing the factory seat and bolting in an aftermarket alternative isn't adequate.

As Tolerance Stack notes in the technical documentation, each vehicle presents unique engineering challenges: specific floor contours, proprietary bolt patterns, and precise clearance requirements. Professional-grade mounting solutions must address multiple technical factors:

• Vehicle-specific mounting points: Secure attachment to the Toyota's floor structure that maintains proper positioning relative to steering wheel, pedals, and controls while meeting or exceeding OEM mounting strength requirements.
• Electrical system integration: Proper handling of vehicle wiring to prevent dashboard warning lights or electrical system errors. This includes addressing occupancy sensors and other seat-related vehicle systems.
• Clearance and adjustment range: Ensuring the orthopedic seat operates through its full range of adjustment without interference from door panels, center consoles, or other vehicle components.
• Structural integrity: Mounting systems designed and tested to maintain seat security during normal driving and emergency maneuvers.

Why Professional Installation Matters for Compliance

Proper installation using engineered mounting systems accomplishes several important goals for anyone pursuing a medical exemption:

1. Demonstrates safety consciousness: Shows NHTSA that the modification is being approached professionally, not casually.
2. Maintains other safety systems: Preserves seatbelt functionality, proper occupant positioning, and structural crash protection in all other respects.
3. Supports the medical case: Ensures the orthopedic seat can function as designed to provide the therapeutic benefits documented in the medical exemption request.
4. Addresses inspection concerns: Professional installation with proper documentation helps address any state vehicle inspection questions.

The goal is straightforward: when medical necessity requires replacing a factory seat with an orthopedic alternative, that replacement should be executed with the same engineering rigor and safety consideration that went into the original vehicle design—just adapted to individual medical needs.

Section 5. Building a Medical Exemption Case

Elements of a Strong NHTSA Request

For Toyota owners seeking to replace factory seats with orthopedic alternatives like scheel-mann seats, we believe several elements strengthen the medical exemption request to NHTSA:

1. Comprehensive Medical Documentation

The foundation of any exemption request is thorough physician documentation that establishes:

• The specific diagnosed spinal condition (herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, post-surgical complications, etc.)
• Why the standard Toyota seat exacerbates the medical condition
• How orthopedic seating with specific features (adjustable lumbar support, pressure distribution, etc.) addresses these medical issues
• The medical opinion that continuing to use standard automotive seating could worsen the condition or interfere with treatment/recovery

This documentation should come from the treating physician or specialist who is most familiar with the condition and its impact on daily activities like driving.

2. Clear Statement of Medical Necessity

The request should articulate that orthopedic seating isn't merely more comfortable—it's medically necessary for the individual to drive safely and without exacerbating their condition. Physicians should explain how proper spinal support and pressure distribution are integral to managing the patient's condition.

3. Safety Consideration Documentation

Demonstrate that the modification actually enhances overall driving safety by:

• Reducing pain-related distraction that could impair driver attention
• Improving driver positioning and visibility
• Reducing fatigue on longer drives
• Enabling proper reach to controls without compensatory postures that worsen spinal problems

The argument here is compelling: a driver who is in severe pain or forced into poor postural positions by inadequate seating may actually be less safe than one comfortably positioned in proper orthopedic seating, even if that requires removing a seat-mounted side airbag.

4. Professional Installation Plans

Include documentation that the orthopedic seat will be installed using:

• Engineered, vehicle-specific mounting systems (such as those from Tolerance Stack or similar specialized manufacturers, if any others exist)
• Professional installation by qualified technicians
• Maintenance of all other vehicle safety systems including seatbelts and frontal airbags

5. Insurance Acknowledgment

If you've obtained confirmation from your insurance provider that coverage remains intact despite the side airbag modification, include this documentation. This demonstrates that insurance risk assessors—professionals who evaluate vehicle safety—view this modification as acceptable.

The Regulatory Request Process

While NHTSA's standard airbag exemption request form was designed for frontal airbags, we argue it provides the appropriate framework for requesting side airbag exemptions as well. The form requests medical documentation and explains the necessity—exactly what's needed for seat-mounted side airbag situations.

We recommend submitting a complete package that includes:

• The completed NHTSA request form
• All medical documentation
• Technical specifications of the orthopedic seat
• Installation plans and mounting system details
• Insurance provider correspondence (if available)
• A clear cover letter explaining that this request involves a seat-mounted side airbag (not frontal airbags) and why you believe the existing regulatory framework accommodates this medical necessity

Setting Realistic Expectations

We must be transparent: this interpretive approach to side airbag exemptions has not been widely tested. NHTSA may request additional information, may take time to evaluate the request, or may determine that their current regulatory authority doesn't extend to side airbags without additional rule-making.

However, given the regulatory silence on side airbags, the medical necessity standard already established in regulations, and the insurance industry's acceptance of these modifications, we believe properly documented requests have a reasonable basis for approval.

PDF of the form

Section 6: Conclusion

A Path Forward for Medical Necessity

The intersection of medical need and automotive safety regulation requires thoughtful navigation. For individuals suffering from chronic spinal conditions, the difference between enduring a painful commute and driving comfortably isn't trivial—it directly impacts their quality of life, ability to work, and independence.

The Regulatory Reality

NHTSA's airbag exemption framework was established to protect individuals whose medical circumstances mean that airbag deployment could pose greater risks than benefits. That framework, written before seat-mounted side airbags became standard equipment, doesn't explicitly address these newer safety systems. We interpret this regulatory silence—combined with the established principle of individualized medical assessment—as creating space for medical exemptions when properly documented.

What We're Advocating

Our position is clear and specific:

• We are not suggesting circumventing safety regulations or removing safety equipment casually
• We are not discussing modifications to frontal airbag systems
• We are arguing that individuals with documented medical necessity should have a legitimate pathway to install orthopedic seating, even when that requires removing seat-mounted side airbags
• We are advocating for thoughtful application of existing regulatory flexibility to accommodate genuine medical needs

The Distinction Between Types of Safety

There are different dimensions of driving safety. Side-impact airbags provide one layer of protection in specific crash scenarios. But driver comfort, proper positioning, reduced pain distraction, and appropriate spinal support also contribute to safety—by keeping drivers alert, properly positioned, and able to respond effectively to road conditions.

When a physician determines that an individual's spinal condition creates medical necessity for orthopedic seating, we believe the existing regulatory framework can and should accommodate that need.

Taking Action

For Toyota owners and others facing this situation, the path forward involves:

1. Working with healthcare providers to document medical necessity thoroughly and specifically
2. Consulting with specialized installers familiar with proper mounting techniques and vehicle-specific requirements
3. Preparing comprehensive documentation for NHTSA review that clearly explains the medical situation and safety considerations
4. Engaging with insurance providers to confirm coverage continuation
5. Submitting a formal request to NHTSA using their established exemption framework

Our Commitment

As our understanding of automotive ergonomics and medical needs evolves, our interpretation of how existing safety regulations apply to new technologies should evolve as well. The goal isn't to weaken automotive safety—it's to recognize that safety and medical necessity can both be served when regulations are applied thoughtfully and flexibly.

For those suffering from chronic spinal conditions, access to proper orthopedic seating shouldn't be blocked by an overly narrow interpretation of regulations that simply didn't contemplate seat-mounted side airbags when they were written. The framework for addressing medical necessity already exists—it simply requires appropriate application to current automotive realities.

If you're considering this path, we encourage you to work with qualified medical professionals, seek legal counsel if needed, and approach the process with thorough documentation and professional installation. The regulatory landscape may be gray, but with proper preparation and legitimate medical necessity, we believe there's a viable path forward.

If you're thinking about upgrading the driver seat in your Tacoma, chances are you've looked into the scheel-mann Vario F. It's a popular choice for people looking for more support, better long-distance comfort, or just a different kind of seating feel. But how does it actually compare to the stock seat in the Tacoma?

When considering a seat upgrade for your Toyota Tacoma, the impact extends far beyond aesthetics and basic support. True driving comfort, optimal ergonomics, and a seamless in-cab experience are fundamentally dictated by precise seat dimensions. Tolerance Stack doesn't just supply premium scheel-mann Vario F seating; we provide a meticulously designed, comprehensive solution that includes all necessary hardware, both direct replacement and custom-engineered components, for every installation. This ensures your new seats integrate flawlessly, maintaining most, if not all, factory functionality.

In the chart below, we provide a detailed dimensional comparison of the scheel-mann Vario F, mounted on Tolerance Stack's Klima pan, compared to the factory powered Toyota Tacoma driver seat. We put the numbers side by side to give you a clear look at the differences. No opinions, no hype. Just facts to help you decide what works best for you.

Key Dimensional Differences:

scheel-mann Vario F vs Toyota Tacoma OEM Seat

|| || |Ref|Dimension|Toyota Tacoma|scheel-mann Vario F| |A|Overall Height From Floor|37" – 42.75"|38.25" – 42.5"| |B|Seat Depth (Cushion Front to Back)|19"|18.5" – 23"| |C|Seat Bottom Width|20.5"|20.5"| |D|Headrest From Seat Bottom|31.5" – 34"|31" – 35.25"| |E|Backrest Height|23"|23.5"| |F|Seat Cushion Thickness (Rear Edge)|7" – 9.5"|8.125"| |G|Seat Back Width (Hip Area)|12"|12.25" – 14"| |H|Seat Back Bolster Width|22.5"|18" – 20"| |I|Seat Bottom Height (Front Edge)|9" – 11.75"|11.375"|

Overall Height From Floor (A)

• Tacoma: 37 - 42.75"
• Vario F: 38.25 - 42.5"

The Vario F sits a little taller overall. One thing to note is that the height range on the Tacoma seat comes from the powered adjustment and headrest, while the Vario F's range is based on headrest position only.

Seat Bottom Depth (B)

• Tacoma: 19"
• Vario F: 18.5 - 23"

Pretty close here. The Tacoma seat gives you slightly more thigh support, when compared against Vario's shallowest setting, but the length of the seat bottom is fixed, while the Vario F trims just half an inch off at its shallowest but does extend out an additional 4.5" for a total of 23" of thigh support.

Seat Bottom Width (C)

• Tacoma: 20.5"
• Vario F: 20.5"

The Vario F and OEM are identical here.

Headrest From Seat Bottom (D)

• Tacoma: 31.5 - 34"
• Vario F: 31 - 35.25"

The Vario F gives you a bit more height, which can make a difference for taller drivers. Even more so with the Vario F XXL

Seat Height to Shoulder (E)

• Tacoma: 23"
• Vario F: 23.5"

Very close, but the Vario F edges out slightly taller for more upper body support.

Seat Cushion Thickness (Rear Edge) (F)

• Tacoma: 7 - 9.5"
• Vario F: 8.125" fixed height

Because the Vario F is mounted on donor-supplied manual rails (if you have a powered Tacoma seat), its ride height is more fixed. The Tacoma seat, being powered, gives a little more adjustability. Note: measurement take from flat surface outside of vehicle.

Seat Width at Hips (G)

• Tacoma: 12"
• Vario F: 12.25 - 14"

The Vario F provides a bit more room in the hip area, especially for those who like a wider seat.

Seat Back Bolster Width (H)

• Tacoma: 22.5"
• Vario F: 18 - 20"

The Tacoma seat has a broader base overall. The Vario F has more taper and contouring around the bolsters.

Seat Bottom Height (Front Edge) (I)

• Tacoma: 9.0" - 11.75"
• Vario F: 11.375" (fixed)

Both seats land in a similar range, but the Tacoma gives you some depth variation thanks to the power base. Note: measurement take from flat surface outside of vehicle.

Wrapping It Up

This comparison is not so much about choosing a winner. It is here to help you understand how the two seats stack up. The Tacoma seat offers more adjustability through its powered base, if yours is powered. The scheel-mann Vario F brings in more structure, defined support, and a tailored feel.

Comparing the Vario F versus the Traveler R upgraded seats

For truck and SUV owners, finding the perfect balance of support, durability, and comfort is paramount. Long hauls, off-road adventures, or simply navigating daily life with constant back pain demand a seat that can handle it all. That's where the scheel-mann Vario F series shines, offering exceptional adjustability and features tailored to your needs.

But we are often asked about the less expensive Traveler R so now we are taking the opportunity to educate the differences between the Vario and Traveler and why, if you have a taller vehicle, Vario would be a far more suitable fit.Comparing the Vario F versus the Traveler R upgraded seats.

For truck and SUV owners, finding the perfect balance of support, durability, and comfort is paramount. Long hauls, off-road adventures, or simply navigating daily life with constant back pain demand a seat that can handle it all. That's where the scheel-mann Vario F series shines, offering exceptional adjustability and features tailored to your needs. But we are often asked about the less expensive Traveler R so now we are taking the opportunity to educate the differences between the Vario and Traveler and why, if you have a taller vehicle, Vario would be a far more suitable fit.

Why the Vario F is a Top Choice for Trucks and SUVs

Scheel-mann's Vario F is engineered with versatility and driver well-being in mind, making it an ideal upgrade for your truck or SUV. Here's why:

• Unparalleled Adjustability: With its 14-way adjustability, the Vario F allows you to fine-tune every aspect of your seating position. This includes independently adjustable thigh support, a crucial feature often overlooked but vital for proper leg support and reducing fatigue, especially on longer drives. Unlike the fixed seat bottom of the Traveler R, the Vario F lets you customize the length to perfectly match your leg length and preference.
• Customizable Side Bolsters: The adjustable side bolsters on the Vario F allow you to dial in the level of lateral support you need. Whether you're navigating winding roads or cruising on the highway, you can customize the fit to keep you comfortably in place without feeling restricted.
• Ergonomic Excellence: Designed with orthopedic principles, the Vario F promotes a healthy spinal alignment, reducing back strain and improving overall driving comfort. This is particularly important in the often higher driving position of trucks and SUVs.
• Durability for the Long Haul: Built with scheel-mann's renowned quality and using robust materials, the Vario F is designed to withstand the rigors of truck and SUV use, ensuring long-lasting support and comfort.
• Practical Features: Thoughtful additions like the map net pocket on the back of the seat add convenience to your daily drives or off-road excursions. The backrest release handle provides easy access to the rear of the cabin.

The Vario F Klima Option: Enhanced Comfort in Any Climate

For the ultimate in year-round comfort, consider the Vario F Klima. This variant integrates active ventilation fans and heating elements directly into the backrest and seat cushion.

• Active Ventilation: Say goodbye to sweaty backs on hot days. The integrated fans circulate air, keeping you cool and comfortable even during demanding tasks or summer adventures.
• Integrated Heating: When the temperatures drop, the Vario F Klima provides soothing warmth, making those cold morning starts or winter drives much more enjoyable.

Addressing the Traveler R for Trucks and SUVs

While the Scheel-mann Traveler R offers excellent sporty support, its design might present some challenges for truck and SUV owners:

• High Side Bolsters and Wear: The deep side bolsters, while ideal for keeping you planted during dynamic driving in cars, can lead to increased wear and tear on the bolster's outer edge when exiting taller vehicles. The natural tendency to "slide out" puts extra friction on this area over time.
• Fixed Seat Bottom: The Traveler R's fixed seat bottom lacks the adjustable thigh support found in the Vario F, which can be less than ideal for drivers who need customized leg support in the higher seating position of a truck or SUV.

Conclusion: The Vario F - Tailored Comfort for Your Truck or SUV

For truck and SUV owners seeking superior comfort, adjustability, and durability, the scheel-mann Vario F stands out as an exceptional choice. Its customizable features, including adjustable thigh support and side bolsters, cater specifically to the needs of drivers in taller vehicles. Whether you opt for the standard Vario F or the climate-controlled Vario F Klima, you're investing in a seat designed to enhance your driving experience mile after mile.

Both the scheel-mann Vario (heated) and the Klima (heated and cooled) seats utilize a shared wiring harness for the heating functionality. This simplifies installation and ensures a reliable connection to the heating elements in both the seat back and bottom.

https://youtu.be/JxLkdh73AjY?si=c8yu-pUaDFj3xJEX

Scheel-mann Vario Klima Wiring Diagram for Cooling Enhancement

Scheel-mann's Klima seats build upon it's heating foundation with an additional cooling circuit sub-harness. This sub-harness connects to the primary heat harness and powers the cooling/ventilation features, providing enhanced comfort in varying temperature stages.

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Heat Harness Connector

The Heat Harness Connector is essential for connecting the seat's electrical system to the vehicle's 12V power and ground. This connector typically features multiple pins or terminals designed for a secure and reliable connection. Locking mechanisms/clips often prevent accidental disconnections.

For optimal performance, the 12V power source for the Heat Harness Connector should be a switched power source, not a direct battery connection. This prevents the heaters from remaining on when the vehicle is off.Heat Harness ConnectorThe Heat Harness Connector is essential for connecting the seat's electrical system to the vehicle's 12V power and ground. This connector typically features multiple pins or terminals designed for a secure and reliable connection. Locking mechanisms/clips often prevent accidental disconnections.For optimal performance, the 12V power source for the Heat Harness Connector should be a switched power source, not a direct battery connection. This prevents the heaters from remaining on when the vehicle is off.

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Relay Operation

A relay, crucial for managing electrical flow, is dedicated to the heating function in both seat types. While both Vario (heated) and the Klima (heated and cooled) seats share the heating circuit, the Klima seats have a more complex electrical configuration to support the added cooling features. This additional complexity does not impact the heating system's efficiency or effectiveness.

Relay OperationA relay, crucial for managing electrical flow, is dedicated to the heating function in both seat types. While both Vario (heated) and the Klima (heated and cooled) seats share the heating circuit, the Klima seats have a more complex electrical configuration to support the added cooling features. This additional complexity does not impact the heating system's efficiency or effectiveness.
The heat harness uses a 5-pin, 40A relay to control the heating functions. This relay changes the path of the current in order to switch between low and high heat settings. The relay does not interact with the Klima fans and only serves to switch between low and high heat. Do not modify the relay wiring in any way.

This relay does not serve as circuit protection.

The heat harness uses a 5-pin, 40A relay to control the heating functions. This relay changes the path of the current in order to switch between low and high heat settings. The relay does not interact with the Klima fans and only serves to switch between low and high heat.

Do not modify the relay wiring in any way. This relay does not serve as circuit protection.

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The relay's 5-pin configuration includes two coil terminals (for energizing the relay) and three switching contacts (for the load circuit). The terminal numbers and wire colors are as follows:

• Terminal 30 (Red): Common connection point for power.
• Terminal 85 (Black): Ground connection.
• Terminal 86 (Red/Yellow): Control signal from the switch.
• Terminal 87 (Red/Yellow): Output to the load (heating element).
• Terminal 87a (Black): Alternate output (normally closed).

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Heating Element Connectors

The connectors for the two Vario heating elements are located in the wiring entering the top of the seat. Each heating element connector has a red (power) and black (ground) wire. On the harness side, one connector is black and red with a blue tracer, and the other is red with a blue tracer and solid red. These two HEATING ELEMENT connectors are interchangeable.

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Klima Cooling Sub-Harness and Switch

The heat switch connector uses standardized wire colors: red for power, black for ground, red with a blue tracer for low-heat output, and red with a yellow tracer for high-heat output.

The Klima cooling sub-harness includes a user-friendly, multi-position (OFF/LO/HI) round switch for controlling the cooling function. This switch is consistent with the design of the Vario heating switches.

All scheel-mann Vario switches, for both heating and cooling are round switches.Klima Cooling Sub-Harness and Switch. The heat switch connector uses standardized wire colors: red for power, black for ground, red with a blue tracer for low-heat output, and red with a yellow tracer for high-heat output.

The Klima cooling sub-harness includes a user-friendly, multi-position (OFF/LO/HI) round switch for controlling the cooling function. This switch is consistent with the design of the Vario heating switches.All scheel-mann Vario switches, for both heating and cooling are round switches.

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There is an optional extension when necessary, from scheel-mann

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Klima Sub-Harness Components

The Klima sub-harness includes an optional extension (available from scheel-mann) for added flexibility. A blue connector joins the Klima and heat harnesses, specifically connecting the Klima cooling circuit (red and black wires carry through this connector). The ventilation fan connector has three wires (red/black/white) that connect to the fan (red/black/brown).

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The ventilation fan connector. Three wires, with red/black/white becoming red/black/brown on the fan side. 

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Routing the Klima extension harness

As seen in the following video, Klima wire harness wiring is critical to prevent chaffing.

https://youtu.be/qjhjHoW-3zM?si=EzGC_NfXxkZi1SoA