Katzkin Leather Heated/Cooled seats

Ventilated seats are a total game changer. Nothing like cooling off "the boys" on a hot day!

 

Has anyone had these for a bit and been able to compare comfort and heating/cooling function vs Platinum seats? The only reason I'm really thinking to bump up to a Platinum is bc of the seat comfort and the ventilation.

I like the SR5 with TRD Sport package and would actually save some $$$ too if I went that route and added these, but haven't found a way to see how they feel in person.

 

Are they vented or cooled? Do they use the AC or is it just a fan that blows air?

 

Seats look very nice and comfy. Where do you get them installed, or do you do the work yourself?

 

Do you have a link on how you did this and a parts list? Looks great!

 

This is interesting, I have the perforated Katskins. I want to see the tech for cooling, I assume you are not using the truck's system, how is it ducted? You Tube here I come.



EDIT- NEVER MIND, WOW.

 

Your skull shifter is sick! Matches the leather seats nicely.

 

On the Platinum they are just a fan that blows air. On my '11 I couldn't ever tell they were working in Florida with black leather so I don't miss them on my '16 SR5.

They are not like other vehicles i.e. Ford, etc. whereby those are actually A/C seats.

 

Has anyone had a chance to do a side by side comparison of the Katzkinz "air conditioned" ventilation system with a true factory installed ventilation/AC system? The only other ventilated seats I have experienced were in a 2008 range rover, and they were PHENOMENAL. Instantaneous cold air on a 105 degree day after it had been sitting in the sun for 2 hours. This was in 2017, so the truck was almost a decade old at the time with over 100k miles.

As far as Katzkinz, literally EVERY piece of information I have seen about Katzkinz DegreeZ online states that they offer a "state-of-the-art heating and cooling system that provides 3-levels of heat and 3-levels of air conditioned comfort, you’ll find these innovative options offered exclusively from Katzkin."

However, it does NOT feel like its air conditioned at all AND I can only feel it on the seat bottoms, not the seat backs, and it takes anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes to feel a difference. Doesn't seem normal to me, but I don't have anything to compare it to directly. For the amount of money, it SHOULD outperform various OEM ventilation systems, and it sure does not feel close. Maybe the installation techs forgot to unwrap the ventilation pads? Or they didn't run it into the AC?

Before I bought the upgrade I confirmed with both the dealership I purchased the vehicle from, new, and the installation technicians that perform the upgrade for Katzkinz, that it was a true air conditioned seat. There was no talk of recirculated ambient air from the cabin, which would have stopped me from spending an extra grand. I live in the SF bay area, it gets hot, but its not the desert.

Am I tripping? Or is this unacceptable?

TIA!

 

Definitely should be A/C for the $.

 

It's 100% NOT a/c. Think about it, you'd either have to run plumbing for your a/c to the vents for this or you'd need a separate a/c system to work this. This might be an expensive kit, but it would be extremely expensive if it was run from your a/c plumbing. Your a/c would also have to be running to even get anything from the system

 

Watch the you tube install video. Its the same tech as the 12 volt plug in coolers. It also has exhaust port blowing into the cab.

 

The Katzkin degreez system is really the actual system used on F-150's. It's main component is called a TED (thermo electric device). It raises or lowers the cabin air by around 15 degrees and then a fan blows it through the holes of the seat cover. You do have to have the special reticulating foam added to your seat covers. Perforation alone will not allow it to function properly.

 

This man knows what he’s talking about. They didn’t want to listen to me about reticulating foam.

 

That's reticulous

 

Which shop in Houston did you use?

 

How are these holding up after a few years? I'm thinking of getting them installed.

 

Mine are holding up well. The only problems I’m having is the suede k sweet I did on the sides are wearing down. It’s only on the driver side, but slightly annoying.

 

Curious if anyone has a better placement for the switches. I’ve seen people put the heated seat circle switches by the cup holder and looks good. Just feel like these switch types don’t look stock and I love me an oem look.

 

Put mine here

 

Your seats look amazing. This is the mod I keep telling myself I need to work toward. I hit a dead end looking for an installer however I need to revive that search. Enjoy the heating and cooling!

 

Not feeling those switches lol. I wonder if they could be swapped with something cleaner.

 

Put them in yourself. Practice on one seat then do the rest. I didn't even have hog ring pliers and did mine relatively quickly.

 

you were able to install the cooling elements yourself?

 

No I don't have those. I just did the seats. I'd put all of that in myself though. For what installers charge these days, yeah I DIY everything I can.

 

I bought a set of katzkins have have been installing them myself. I've installed the backseats so far. Before I install the front seats, I am considering getting katzkin's heat/cooled seat kit.
Do you need to have perforated leather for the cooling to work? My seats are not perforated.
I really only want the cooling part. Is there any other kits besides katzkins?

 

Yes

 

Did you ever get your answer? Which shop in Houston? I am interested as well

 

@Mattp81 Where in Houston did you get yours done? Im in Houston and looking to do the same