Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 07, 2025 ...

Considering Knoedler Power Chief chairs; safety issue?

May 12, 2021, 01:20:54 pm

I'm writing to ask if any Forum members have experience with or opinions on the safety issue about over-the-shoulder seat belts with a Knoedler Power Chief chair.

We were moments from placing an order for Knoedler Power Chief chairs for both the driver and copilot of our U320 until we realized that this seat has only a lap belt. There are no available attachment points in our coach for the over the shoulder harness. Our mechanic says the steel in the walls are not thick enough to meet DOT standards. The OEM Villa seats have integrated seat belts. I know I can get FOT to order Villa chairs (with about a year backlog), but my heart is set on the air cushioned Knoedler chair.

I've identified these options: assume the risk and live with lap belts only, punt on the project, or install a 4-point belt system which attaches to the bar at the bottom rear of the chair. I think the disadvantage of the 4-point belt is that there is no retracting wheel so I'd have to release chest buckles to adjust the radio, for example.

I know many forum members have installed Knoedler seats. I'm wondering how you addressed the safety issue. Are there any options I've missed? Or if you went with lap belts, do you think I'm overthinking the safety issue? Could you live with the 4-point belts? Thank you for your comments.

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Re: Considering Knoedler Power Chief chairs; safety issue?

Reply #1 – May 12, 2021, 02:20:24 pm

Got the Knoedler air chief drivers seat. We're fine with the lap belts. More comfortable than shoulder belts and thousands of truckers trust them for safety. Huge improvement compared to OEM Villa seats.

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Reply #2 – May 12, 2021, 04:16:10 pm

I second Mike.  My past 1997 coach only had lap belt and never a problem.  So did not think twice when I saw my Knoedler seat only had lap belt.

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Reply #3 – May 12, 2021, 04:24:48 pm

I would prefer a shoulder belt, but like the seat so much I am just hoping I never need any restraint system.
So I went with the Knoedler and never thought about the belt  system.
Your mileage may vary....

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Reply #4 – May 12, 2021, 04:33:46 pm

what adapter kit did you get to mount them
Chris

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Re: Considering Knoedler Power Chief chairs; safety issue?

Reply #5 – May 12, 2021, 05:48:41 pm

I've only used lap belts in all my coaches.

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Re: Considering Knoedler Power Chief chairs; safety issue?

Reply #6 – May 12, 2021, 08:50:27 pm

Haven't heard anyone else mention this so thought I would tell you of my experience with the Knoedler.  Installed in 2003 U320.  Adjusted the air for a good ride height and was all set.  The first bridge I crossed, that had those expansion joints or seams that tend to make your vehicle buck a little, I didn't know if my head was going to fly off or I was going to be halved by the seat belt.  The seat traveled from stop to stop.  If I added more air to lessen this affect, the seat was to tall.  This happened to me twice before I looked for a solution.  The only one I could come up with was no air to prevent the bouncing.  I can't remember if the seat had a lock to prevent the air action or not.  But once I prevented the bouncing, the seat was very comfortable.  The Foretravel rides so nice I didn't see a need for the air assistance (only knew this after I bought and installed it).  If I was to order another, I wouldn't need the air bladder.  So that's my story.  Good luck!

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Re: Considering Knoedler Power Chief chairs; safety issue?

Reply #7 – May 12, 2021, 11:31:45 pm

The seat belts on air seats travel with the seat the same holding pressure whether up or down. Also they have a shock absorber that wears out. I usually only got 2 years our of the shocks on my crane but traveled many more miles than our coaches. When the shock wore out lots of bouncing.

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Re: Considering Knoedler Power Chief chairs; safety issue?

Reply #8 – May 12, 2021, 11:36:41 pm

I have driven air ride seats in trucks before and they are great but in my coach I wouldn't want one because if it that
rough that I need one I should slow down and not beat the coach to death.

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Re: Considering Knoedler Power Chief chairs; safety issue?

Reply #9 – May 12, 2021, 11:42:17 pm

I agree with old guy, I have a brand new Knoedler in my shop I bought for the one of the cranes and have no intention of putting it in my coach. It was best for heavily sprung vehicles which rattled your teeth.

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Re: Considering Knoedler Power Chief chairs; safety issue?

Reply #10 – May 13, 2021, 07:20:39 am

We have an Isringhausen pilot Chair in our Liberty. The U320 we just purchased does not have an air ride and I am fine with that.

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Re: Considering Knoedler Power Chief chairs; safety issue?

Reply #11 – May 13, 2021, 08:27:13 am

Our air ride seats are by National. They have lumbar back message built in. I really like them.

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