[LAment]

I'm a 5/6", 120 lb. woman. I thought I was pretty strong until I tried to put those back seats up against the sides. Whew!

Is there a trick I should know about or should I just hit the gym more?

Thanks! Great group BTW.

 

[Aykew]

Well, remember the seats on the Element are like Class 2 Levers, with the fulcrum being the point attached to the wall. Therefore, the easiest place to flip the seat up would be as far away from the fulcrum as possible, so make sure you're always lifting on the outside edge of the seat. Other than that, I'm afraid you're on your own! Better hit those weights!

 

[Jammantooth]

lament, make a man put ur seats up. let him work and u do the leisure. :wink:

 

[spldr]

> make a man put ur seats up

But, But... we have been trained since birth to make them put the seats DOWN! ;-)

I have the same problem, I am 5 ft 1" and a whopping 100 lbs. It is not too difficult tho. I sure don't like taking them in and out tho. I have them out now, it's summer, lots of camping. Think I will leave it that way until the winter months.

 

[1kewlelement]

I noticed that it made it easier for me to hook the seats to the handles when I have the backrest of the rear seats reclined all the way down.

John

 

[HokiE]

5'3" here. Never had any trouble with the seats but you shoul dhave seen me taking the sunroof off for the first time today...and putting it back in!

 

[cbradsh1]

[quote:b8bf4ae81a="HokiE"]5'3" here. Never had any trouble with the seats but you shoul dhave seen me taking the sunroof off for the first time today...and putting it back in![/quote:b8bf4ae81a]


I would say after the first time I removed the sunroof, I decided it will probably be the last! Can you say BIG PAIN IN THE ASS!

:evil:

 

[Bart Thomas]

[quote:a0fd2e2dc5="Aykew"]Well, remember the seats on the Element are like Class 2 Levers, with the fulcrum being the point attached to the wall. Therefore, the easiest place to flip the seat up would be as far away from the fulcrum as possible, so make sure you're always lifting on the outside edge of the seat.! [/quote:a0fd2e2dc5]

This is a little misleading.. If you are looking at the hinge, yes, it's the outside edge you lift, but to most of us, its the edge closest to the centerline of the car.

It does help to have the back down all the way, and the hook out of its pocket. I'm a BIG guy (but older) and it is no cinch for me. It's kinda like gymnastics - timing not strength.

 

[Oznecsad]

It seems to me that if they had made those darn straps about 1/4" longer, the whole process would be a snap. I can get them to the full upright position, then have to make an extra push with my shoulder while I fiddle with the hook with my other arm...
I haven't even bothered trying to take a seat out, namely because I've had no reason, so I can't chime in on how that process is.

 

[jimr140]

I found pushing the seat backs lower than the seat helps a lot! Flat isn't good enough. It doesn't help lifting them, but it helps clipping them up.

Jim R

 

[E-Rich]

It's not brain surgery and it doesn't take Gov Schwartznegger either.
a. Remove the head rest.
b. Flatten the seat.
c. Sit in the opposite rear seat.*
d. Pull the strap and lift the edge, folding down the 'leg' as you lift.
e. Fasten the caribiner to the handle.
f. Store the headrest in your 'bungie nest'.

(*for the other seat you will have to sit on the floor)

As pointed out earlier, I think guys have an advantage, since lifting seats is more natural to us. lol