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  #1  
Old 06-02-2014, 12:34 PM
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Saville Saville is offline
 
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Location: KBVY Massachusetts
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Default Backseat comfort on 2-3 hour cross countries

Hi all,

I'm looking at used RV-4's and RV-8's.

According to the Van's web site the -8 has about 6" more space for and aft for the cockpits.

Regarding the -4:

I'm wondering how comfortable the back seat is for a pax over a 2-3 hour XC for someone who is 5'4" and 120lbs. So we're talking smaller than the sea level standard FAA adult.

And experience with this wold be helpful

thanks!
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  #2  
Old 06-02-2014, 12:47 PM
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scard scard is offline
 
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I've been in the back of a -4 for about an hour at a time. That is about enough for me, but I'm prone to claustrophobia, so I would say it completely depends on the personality.
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  #3  
Old 06-02-2014, 01:17 PM
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My girlfriend is 5-4 and 110. We have flown 2:15 legs and she has not complained at all. She sits on a pillow so she can see over the canopy skirt. Occasionally she nods off back there.
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  #4  
Old 06-02-2014, 01:34 PM
David Bell David Bell is offline
 
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Default Back Seat Comfort

My wife, 130lbs, 5'5" has repeatedly flown backseat in my 4 for 6 years. We typically make stops every 2-2 1/2 hrs for restroom/stretch legs. She has no problem with it. In fact, she loves the 4 for fast travel and enjoys tracking on IPad mini w/foreflight assisting as backup, reading, playing games while listening to music.
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Old 06-02-2014, 02:13 PM
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rbibb rbibb is offline
 
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One of the best mods you can make to enhance rear seat comfort in a four are putting in foot wells. That and building a "wedge" base under the foot cushion to elevate the front to more nearly align with the thighs.

Frankly I think the back could be more comfortable than the front....
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  #6  
Old 06-02-2014, 07:33 PM
fixnflyguy fixnflyguy is offline
 
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Default PIREP from my BIB

I put footwells in mine, and my BIB is just short of 6' tall. Never complains of any discomfort at all and we fly a lot. I tried to make it fit me during the build, and Im 6'1". I rounded all the sharp edges at the roll bar weldment (knees are close if your tall) and put armrest/sidewall covers over the flap arms,so they are hidden. Added a console with a fresh air vent in the rear stick well that keeps the air moving.
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Old 06-02-2014, 07:39 PM
Sid Lambert Sid Lambert is offline
 
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Saville,

Your wife is small enough that the -4 will be fine. My wife is 5'7" and kinda likes it back there. Never a complaint of space. Maybe temperature or turbulence but that's another story.
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  #8  
Old 06-03-2014, 06:57 AM
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Saville Saville is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rbibb View Post
One of the best mods you can make to enhance rear seat comfort in a four are putting in foot wells. That and building a "wedge" base under the foot cushion to elevate the front to more nearly align with the thighs.

Frankly I think the back could be more comfortable than the front....
I take it that footwells are installable on a finished build? Anything have to be removed?
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Old 06-03-2014, 06:59 AM
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Saville Saville is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sid Lambert View Post
Saville,

Your wife is small enough that the -4 will be fine. My wife is 5'7" and kinda likes it back there. Never a complaint of space. Maybe temperature or turbulence but that's another story.
Hi Sid. She's 5'4", 120. Sounds like it would work.

I hear you on the turbulence though..she is not claustrophobic but she is susceptible to car/air sickness if she tries to read.

Thanks!
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  #10  
Old 06-03-2014, 07:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Saville View Post
I take it that footwells are installable on a finished build? Anything have to be removed?
You can add them to a finished build no problem. The only potential issue is if you have an autopilot servo installed. The traditional location for mounting the roll servo will likely cause a problem. But there is enough room to make one fit (I know because I just added one) but like most things on the -4 it is tight.

There are dimensions and plans floating around in the fairly early issues of the RVator that show how Paul McDaniel (I think that was who) did that in his -4. He won Grand Champion back when more basic airplanes without $100K of avionics seemed to win so he did something right.

I can't emphasize enough what a difference this makes - its all about the geometry of the feet,ankle, legs for the backseater. Well worth the effort.

As a bonus in doing the upgrade you only modify the forward floorboard (where the pilot's seat is) so you only have one pice to paint when done. And it is totally removable. So it not all that bad a deal.
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