Driver door armrest solutions? General comfort for tall leggy types?

[ihatetrucks]

I'm not exceedingly tall, above average but mostly legs. The short little driver door armrest is basically useless. With my seat in a position that doesn't have my knees around the steering column/jammed in the dash, my arm just slips off the back. The driving position is awkward with the steering wheel so far away and nowhere to rest my elbows for having my arms so outstretched. The center console is just barely acceptable, but I can much more easily come up with a homemade solution for that.

Anyone else find a way to provide some armrest usability on the driver side door?

I can't find anything about this comfort issue, I can't be the only person. Maybe my torso to leg ratio makes me a fringe user in terms of ergonomic design? Any suggestions for this or in general? Tacomas have an option for an aftermarket steering wheel spacer.

I bought a ranger cause it is 90% the vehicle I want, I thought maybe I just needed to fiddle with the seat adjustments to get it right since I saw a lot of positive feedback on tall driver comfort for it over other options. I think my old Mazda sedan had way more room and was much more comfortable. I'm currently not looking forward to any long drives and even considering bringing it back to carmax and getting a regular cab F-150 instead.

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[Joeiconic]

How tall are you?

 

[AutobotXJ]

I’m 6’1 mostly legs and very comfortable but I don’t rely on the armrest on the door or the center console (too low for my seating position). I pull my steering wheel all the way out and up, and my seat jacked up tall. Most people don’t like my seating position when they are in the drivers seat. If anything, my left arm rests on top of the door or my lap.

 

[ROBERTECOX]

this is what I use but I'm only 5 '7
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W0QISM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[Dr. Zaius]

The steering wheel shouldn't have to be far away as it telescopes.

It has a pretty good range of adjustment.

 

[jblc]

You're not the only one and I struggle with similar issues. The window still is also far too high for comfortable long-range driving position. My 97 ranger window sill was perfect for that...

 

[Fitzmotor]

I had to make a pad, it works well enough, I had it sewn by a upholstery shop, I left two long straps to tuck in behind the arm rest and zip tied them so it would stay.

 

[ihatetrucks]

Robertecox and fitzmotor: solutions! Joyous. Maybe I can have a friend 3d print the rest of the missing armrest and use high strength velcro and straps to affix it. fitzmotor, it looks like you have a screw and an even shorter door. I've got about 6" behind the back of the armrest in my scab.

I'm a hair over 6 foot, but I have a inseam of about 35-36 inches. Major legs. To the point I look weird with pants tucked in. The torso:legs ratio is just... wrong.

With the seat jacked up, it is al little better for my arms, but...

I've got the seat pretty low, as with the seat jacked up, even with it all the way back, my thighs don't touch the seat. Since it lowers in the back and not the front, the angle is more comfy and takes pressure off my butt.

I've got the steering wheel fully extended and it's about 1.5' from my sternum.

I may have a pick your poison situation: sore ass or uncomfortable arms.

 

[ihatetrucks]

You're not the only one and I struggle with similar issues. The window still is also far too high for comfortable long-range driving position. My 97 ranger window sill was perfect for that...

I figured out how to quote, cool.

Yea, I don't think the window is good resting spot for me either.

Have you found it livable at least? I've got 3 more weeks to change my mind still. I'm finding myself very torn. This is a right size truck with right capabilities for me. I wouldn't mind the 8 foot bed and bench seat in a lighlty used single cab F-150. Probably more comfy for the 3rd passenger (and woe to the hypothetical 4th trying to fit behind me in the ranger, might as well ride in the bed). I would mind driving that behemoth, its a monster of a truck these days.

 

[jblc]

Have you found it livable at least? I've got 3 more weeks to change my mind still. I'm finding myself very torn. This is a right size truck with right capabilities for me. I wouldn't mind the 8 foot bed and bench seat in a lighlty used single cab F-150.

Yeah, definitely found it livable. The window is workable but not the best, but I did get more used to it; when I first got it, I didn't think it'd be workable, but it's okay enough that I don't get frustrated about it anymore (though it's not ideal).
Also despite the slightly more cramped than ideal seating, I find it totally workable. the seats (to me) are comfortable even during long drives, despite the armrest issues and slight knee space issues.
I bet the pads posted above would help.

Also, if inserting the key+keyfob, it is close to hitting my knees (i'm in an XLT. and prefer physical things like keys for security vs push to start, and real gauges anyway ), but I found that if I insert the keyfob a specific up/down orientation then in press the "close" button, the keyfob swings downwards about 45 deg, which opens up enough space for my knees to be okay.
I also have a backup chip key (no keyfob) that is lower profile, that I can use on long trips, since it takes up less space than a keyfob that sticks out.

Agreed about the bed. A longer bed is the one thing i really wish this truck had. I very much miss the 7.5 ft bed from my '97 longbed ranger.

 

[doznkoz]

I have to agree with you on the issue of no use of the driver door armrest. What were they thinking when they designed this?
My '02 is far more comfortable to drive even with its worn out seat bottom. At 253,000 miles on the OD.

 

[P-38Ranger]

Amazing description of different body types! I'm male, long torso, shorter legs, still 6'2. Here is my solution. Not pretty, functional! Amazon, Neoprene, self adhesive. I added some glue around the edges.

 

[JohnnyO]

I'm 6'1" and mostly legs also. I rest my arm on top of the door panel next to the window.
I did recently have to buy some new dress shirts because the fabric was wearing through on the left elbow.
I put the seat as far back as it will go and as low as it will go, then give the back of the seat bottom a shot or two upward.

 

[got3fords]

I've got the steering wheel fully extended and it's about 1.5' from my sternum.

I am also about the same body as you 6'1", 178lbs. 35'ish inseam. I am pretty comfortable in the Ranger, but at times my left arm feels a little awkward. Now I am going to have to pay more attention, and if there is a simple way to make it better I might try it. I have rarely been able to rest my arm on the window sill even with window down in any of my recent vehichles. I have quite a wing span also so maybe that's an issue. Meaning when my arms are outspread and horizontal to the ground, finger tip to finger tip is slightly more than I am tall.

 

[2020FX4]

6'2'' Here and have the same issues.... I have not found a permanent solution that I like yet, But you guys have some great ideas.

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