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  #1  
Old 04-20-2015, 07:13 AM
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Saville Saville is offline
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: KBVY Massachusetts
Posts: 1,092
Default 5' 10" 200lbs too big for an RV-4?

In the past I've read postings in VAF discussing how a fairly large person can comfortably fit into an RV-4.

But I've had someone recently tell me that as a 5' 10" 200 lbs guy I would find an RV-4 front seat excruciatingly uncomfy. Note this is not about 6'5" guys and front seats moved back but stock -4. The word was that RV-4's were built for 5' 8", skinny guys.

Surprises me a little. I'm sure there are a few opinions out there
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Last edited by Saville : 04-21-2015 at 07:49 AM.
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  #2  
Old 04-20-2015, 08:21 AM
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JohnInReno JohnInReno is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Prescott Valley/Chandler AZ
Posts: 351
Default Seat cushion

I am 5'10" with a 30" inseam. I use a booster cushion and still have a couple of inches above my head.
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  #3  
Old 04-20-2015, 08:23 AM
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Russ McCutcheon Russ McCutcheon is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Vancouver, WA USA
Posts: 908
Default 6" 250LB

My RV-4 does have the seat moved back by the builder, I have also flown stock RV-4s and there fine to, it's all in the seat, if you find one you like but you don't fit take the seat out and make your own seat, every RV-4 seat is custom.
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  #4  
Old 04-20-2015, 08:36 AM
dan carley dan carley is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 604
Default seating

i don't think you'll have a problem. where in mass are you located. best thing to do is try one on. i have a few friends in mass they would let you try sitting in the 4

danny
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  #5  
Old 04-20-2015, 09:10 AM
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Saville Saville is offline
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: KBVY Massachusetts
Posts: 1,092
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dan carley View Post
i don't think you'll have a problem. where in mass are you located. best thing to do is try one on. i have a few friends in mass they would let you try sitting in the 4

danny
I live on the North Shore. If you could point me to a -4 North of 90 and more towards the east that would be great.

I think I need to do this.

Thanks
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  #6  
Old 04-20-2015, 09:25 AM
SMRacer SMRacer is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Leesburg, VA
Posts: 550
Default Time determines all

You'll be very comfortable...for the first hour

Jim (6'0", 195 pounds, 1 hour a$$)
RV-4
N444JT

Last edited by SMRacer : 04-20-2015 at 09:28 AM.
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  #7  
Old 04-20-2015, 09:51 AM
riobison riobison is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Oliver BC & Red Deer Alberta Canada
Posts: 350
Thumbs up

I'm 5ft 11", 215 and 34" inseam. Putting on the RV4 is what it's all about. Once you get it on, it's not that bad.

Due to a broken pelvis and herniated disks in my lumbar I had my seat made for me at Oregon Aero. Without their work I would not be flying.

My seat is back as far as it will go without major mods. The pedals as far forward as possible. For my feet I have some ultra thin slippers that I wear to extend my legs another 1/2 inch. All of this it works for me.

I came to the RV line after owning a Cessna Cardinal 177A for over 20 years as well as a few Citabrias. At times I do miss the room to open up a map or the seat on the right to set my clip board on but I have gotten use to it. These are so cheap to operate it is to the point of being ridiculous.

Try one on, if you like it then adjust the seat to make it work for you.

Tim
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  #8  
Old 04-20-2015, 10:03 AM
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Infidel Infidel is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: WV22
Posts: 849
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SMRacer View Post
You'll be very comfortable...for the first hour

Jim (6'0", 195 pounds, 1 hour a$$)
RV-4
N444JT
I'm about to embark on my first X-country tomorrow morning in the -4 and will soon discover my rumps limitation.
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  #9  
Old 04-20-2015, 01:07 PM
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n82rb n82rb is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: fort myers fl
Posts: 945
Default

I'm 6-1 240 and my 4 is built stock seat wise, with the exception that the rudder cable links were shortened a bit to bring the petals a little farther back because my height is in my torso. I fit just fine in it. I have flown it from texas to florida and have no problem sitting in it for cross country flights. about the 5-8 skinny guys i doubt it, van is taller than 5-8.


bob burns
RV-4 N82RB
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  #10  
Old 04-20-2015, 04:16 PM
sblack sblack is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Montreal
Posts: 1,456
Default

The butt time limit is simply a function of the seat design. With a good seat that spreads the load out you can be fine for hrs. With a crude bench seat that puts your entire weight on 2 points, one at the bottom of each cheek, you are going to suffer. Read the bengelis article in one of his books.
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