Ford F-550 SCBA SEATS

[Firemannibroc]

Our department is currently working on specs on a new light duty rescue We have decided on a 2007 Ford F-550 single cab due to the tight turns we need to make. SCBA mounted seats in the cab. who makes the best and most comfortable? We have the thought to put them in the cab to utilize the space better. any suggestions of experiances, pros/cons, thoughts, or whatever will be appreciated.

[FireRescue43]

We actually deleted the SCBA seats in our 2004 F-550 mini rescue. Through our sales person we visited a company that had just taken delivery of an four door F-550 with rear SCBA seats. We had our guys gear up and pack up and then exit the vehicle. Even the small guys had problems exiting in full gear and scba. The problems they had where due to the lack of head room, and that the rear doors don't open wide enough for easy exit when you've got an SCBA on your back. Plus only two SCBA seats would fit in the rear.

The company who had purchased the truck said their members had the same problems and most crew members waited till they got on scene, removed the SCBA from the seat and doned it outside the cab.

We opted to put four SCBA in a compartment and went with the standard rear bench. This way we could carry three members instead of two.

Hope this helps.

[skipatrol8]

I would think it would be easier to exit with a single/2 door cab, as you have a bigger door. I don't think I've ever seen a driver's seat SCBA seat on any commercial though.

[welcomefire]

Ford F-550 SCBA Seats

We spec'd a light rescue with the f550 chassis. Builder had a twin cab there we actually packed also and sat in back, definately not enough room to don an SCBA. We used the front of the rescue body to put in two benches with 4 scba holders. Rear box is cut out for view and talking with driver and officer. It works pretty well, a lot more room than the first option discussed. Hope this helps.

[FireRescue43]

We had the builder check with Ford on a front SCBA seat, the responce we got back from Ford was, yes you could do it, but if we changed the seat it would void the warranty. This was because the replacement seat was not designed to work with the airbags and the factory seat belts. I'd ask your builder the same question, things may have changed in three years.

[toddmcbr]

Refer to page 26 in the January 2007 edition of Fire Apparatus. HO Bostrom has recently come out with a new seat.

[lutan1]

I've never used them, but as others have mentioned, I've heard some really bad feedback about the hassles of getting in and out of the cabin with these on...

[mcaldwell]

I think you need one of those Dodge SuperMegaCrazy cabs for this one.

I couldn't imagine it would be very easy to do in our F350 crew cab.

[npfd801]

We've got two F-550s with rear SCBA seats, if you're anywhere near IL, I'll meet you at the station and you can decide for yourself. Bring some gear and play with our setup. They are not the least bit comfortable, there's no leg room, putting the pack on is a bear, and getting out with it on is just as bad.

I wouldn't do it again if I had my way...

[Weruj1]

Refer to page 26 in the January 2007 edition of Fire Apparatus. HO Bostrom has recently come out with a new seat.

KA-POW ..................todd beats me to the punch !

[dday05]

Look in the Fire Rescue magazine a few months ago.Some dept I think had a truck like what you're talking about. I'll see if I can find the issue and let you know.

[5FVFC3]

We have a flamefighter officer seat in our F550 standard two door cab. I was able to put the pack on (Scott 2.2 30 min cyl.) and get out without any problems and I am 6'3" 270 lbs. May not be the most comfortable ride but what is important here is that you are ready to go upon arrival.

[dragonfyre]

We have decided on a 2007 Ford F-550 single cab due to the tight turns we need to make.

Never heard of an F-550 having a tight turning radius.