How Do I Make Driver's Side Sitting More Comfortable in a Camry?

tik tok on 05/11/2019 - 12:17
Last edited 06/11/2019 - 10:41

For someone slightly over 6'2 it is getting very uncomfortable to drive a camry. The issue is when sitting in the drivers seat, my right leg slumps away into the little gap below the cup holder/window adjusting buttons panel. This is uncomfortable as well as puts pressure on various parts of the right leg. A picture : https://imgur.com/a/kGZjUMr

This also is damaging my (dress) shoes as the shoe always ends up sitting at an angle while the feet are trying to be straight to either accelerate or brake - hence putting pressure on the heal and the shoe overall. A picture may describe better : https://imgur.com/a/mCh7BW8

There's only about 3 inches of space between the head and the ceiling of the car - so can't raise the level of the seat. The seat is slid back as much as it can go. I have tried with various positions of the seat - if I bring it closer to the stage where the knee can rest on the panel, it puts pressure on my torso/lower abs. Buying another car is not an option.

I am looking for suggestions that can help give comfort to my right leg

For supporting the right leg, I have thought of wrapping a resistance band on the right leg so it doesn't slump off - but this seemed like a slightly ridiculous idea. As the resistance band will be anchored on to my left leg and will lead to more discomfort apart from the hassle of doing it every time I am getting in and out of the car. Can't plop the right knee with a towel either - the rolled towel is going to be too wide and where do I place the towel ?

Any suggestions please ?

Edit 6/11 : I'd like to report that sliding my seat forward has not brought the knee to a higher level. I'd imagine if the knee has to 'come up' so it can rest on the panel, given that my seat is at the lowest position, even raising the seat wont raise the knee. Imagine sitting on a chair and if you slide the chair back and forth or up/down it doesn't affect the position of the knee.

Automotive Car Toyota

Comments

  • abb on 05/11/2019 - 12:35
    +1

    Can you move the seat closer? If there's room for your knees to go a bit higher it might help you to hold your leg in the proper orientation, with the heel closer to flat on the floor.

    • tik tok on 05/11/2019 - 12:59

      Thanks for replying. I have updated the question with the edit. Basically, I have tried a few positions of the seat and if I bring it closer to the stage where the knee can rest on the panel, it puts pressure on my torso/lower abs.

      • abb on 05/11/2019 - 15:29
        +2

        I may not be understanding you properly, but the issue seems to be that your leg is twisting outwards?

        This might sound silly, but have you tried, umm, not twisting you leg outwards? i.e. put your knee in front of your hip, your toes above your heel… i.e. using your leg muscles

        Also, 3 inches is plenty of head room, you could try raising the seat to see if that helps.

  • Skramit on 05/11/2019 - 12:53
    +5

    I would suggest your seat is too far back.

    • tik tok on 05/11/2019 - 13:00

      Yeah, if I slide the seat forward its uncomfortable on the groin/lower abs area. Any other suggestions ?

      • Skramit on 05/11/2019 - 13:20
        +8

        Whattt?

        I think you need a cup of concrete tbh

        But seriously driving with the seat all the way back in a Camry sounds like you need a lesson on optimal driving position.

        • tik tok on 05/11/2019 - 13:27
          -2

          Donno what I'd do with a cup of concrete. But, where can I find the lesson you are talking about ?

          • Skramit on 05/11/2019 - 14:24
            +2

            @tik tok: Plenty of tutorials online on YouTube. Sounds like you’re driving with straight legs if your seat is all the way back?

            • Vote for Pedro on 06/11/2019 - 19:43

              @Skramit: Agree. I’d love to see a picture with full driving position detail

      • [Deactivated] on 07/11/2019 - 12:34

        seat forward and tilt seat back to lessen pressure on abs, maybe lower tilt on seat pan as well if its pushing your knees up to your chest excessively?

    • brad1-8tsi on 06/11/2019 - 09:31

      I would suggest your seat is too far back

      I thought too close.

      Without seeing the whole arrangement it is hard to say.

      I've set people up in cars before - you have to look at the whole picture.

  • kahn on 05/11/2019 - 12:58
    +3

    With a username like dig bick, I was eager to click on the pictures. Just a warning to ozbargainers - you will be disappointed.

    • tik tok on 05/11/2019 - 13:01

      Sorry. Such pics are now reserved.

    • onetwothreefour on 05/11/2019 - 13:07
      +6

      So you're saying they are photos of a ciny tock?

  • brendanm on 05/11/2019 - 13:03
    +4

    If you've tried the seat in different positions, you only have a few options left. Try it without shoes on, change cars, or have your legs surgically altered. I'm 6'2" and can't say I've run into this problem.

    • ShortyX on 05/11/2019 - 15:47

      Agreed… I'm taller than OP and drove a 2007 Camry comfortably for years. I can't quite remember but I'm sure my right foot was at an angle as well.

  • knobbs on 05/11/2019 - 13:11

    Sounds like you are terribly inflexible if you can't move the seat forward from 'all the way back'. I am 6'4 and never had this issue in any car and have never put the seat all the way back. You just need to move the seat forward enough to get your knee out and next to the door handle and you can rest on that.

    • waterbottled on 05/11/2019 - 15:35
      +1

      but then that'll hurt OP's precious groin/lower abs area

  • [Deactivated] on 05/11/2019 - 13:16

    If your legs are too long…

  • elgrande on 05/11/2019 - 13:17
    +26

    Remove the drivers seat and sit in the rear passenger seat.

    If this does not work, fold down the rear seat, open the boot and sit inside the boot with your legs sicking through the opening - this works for me.

    • SBOB on 05/11/2019 - 13:54
      +13

      Remove the drivers seat and sit in the rear passenger seat.

      also known as the 'Hightower' solution

    • Lastchancetosee on 06/11/2019 - 07:46
      +3

      Friend of mine who is over 6'6" had a Morris Minor in the 70s, and he took out the driver's seat, so he could sit on the back seat. Used to steer with his knees while playing the mandoline.

  • crentist on 05/11/2019 - 13:29
    +6

    There's only about 3 inches of space between the head and the ceiling of the car - so can't raise the level of the seat

    Sounds like you could raise it about 3 inches

  • profar on 05/11/2019 - 13:31
    +9

    Buy another car .

  • bdl on 05/11/2019 - 14:30
    +3

    Is there steering column adjustment on your car? Maybe it's too low and affecting the way your leg is positioned? (ie. splaying legs like a Plie)

    • tik tok on 05/11/2019 - 14:32
      -1

      Yeah, there is. All the way in and almost all the way to the top.

  • JimmyF on 05/11/2019 - 15:51
    +3

    I have the same interior camry, and I'm 6'1, and don't have any of the issues you are saying. I also don't have my seat all the way back.

    Have you played with the lumber support to address the lower back issue?

    But seriously its a camry, its normally classed as comfortable and lots of space, so in this case, it would appear this is a 'you' issue.

    • John Kimble on 05/11/2019 - 16:45

      1 inch makes all the difference!?

      But perhaps he has stupidly long legs?

      • JimmyF on 05/11/2019 - 16:56

        2.5cm isn't really going to make a huge difference when comparing to my size already, it might come down to the leg to body ratio, but looking at the pictures, they don't seem to be be overly long legs, and the OP says they can't jack the seat any higher as they are near the roof already. So long legs = shorter body = can be jacked higher on the seat :)

        It would appear 'foot' placement is the issue, as I don't put my foot/legs like the OP does when resting while using cruise control.

        • John Kimble on 05/11/2019 - 17:25

          Was supposed to be a joke about penis length.

  • blitz on 05/11/2019 - 15:58
    +2

    Can you post a side-on photo of you sitting in the car? I bet it's the configuration of the seat.

  • John Kimble on 05/11/2019 - 16:45
    +4

    From a shortass, this comes across as a #humblebrag and also a #firstworldproblem

    • Euphemistic on 06/11/2019 - 09:11
      +1

      You know what else is a problem for tall people? Those trolleys that you drag along behind you like the old nana shopping trolleys, or anything built the same. Handle is too short and you either need to stoop down or have the thing try and stand back up and get out of control or hit you in the back of the foot all he time.

      • tik tok on 06/11/2019 - 10:43
        +2

        You know what else is a problem for tall people ? Ironing boards. Kitchen sinks. Washing machines. Girls. … and many more.

        • John Kimble on 06/11/2019 - 11:37

          Least you can get girls :p

          • tik tok on 06/11/2019 - 11:49
            +1

            @John Kimble: Almost never in my life have I ever found a girl who I could hug and find my face in the soft embrace of a bosom. It hurts man ! So, there you go, you win. :-)

            • John Kimble on 06/11/2019 - 11:51
              +2

              @tik tok: 🤣 So I win because you can't motorboat standing up?!

      • ozgeek on 06/11/2019 - 15:03
        +1

        I have this exact issue with wheelie bins. If they are heavy I'd have to push it down and that means bending down and walking around like a hunched-back old man. Especially at work lol.

  • Strahany on 05/11/2019 - 16:56
    +9

    If your hip is forced out into external rotation as you come into hip flexion, then this is an anatomical issue more than a vehicular issue.

    Could be something as simple as tight musculature, or more rigid anatomical factors like femeroacetabular impingement (FAI) or something that can't really be altered like a retroverted acetabulum.

  • andresampras on 05/11/2019 - 17:16
    +1

    my dad is your height, and drives a camry.

    My suggestion:
    Try pulling your seat forward and reclining the backrest a bit more, to take the weight off your torso. Also try lowering your seat (and the steering wheel in concert). Your right knee can rest against the door armrest, not bend under it.

    If sliding your seat forward makes your waistline hurt, this suggests to me there is extra pressure on your waistline with your legs in a more bent 'higher' position. I'd suggest trying on pants with a looser waist, or a thinner trouser belt. Also before sitting down, lift up the back of your pants. Doing these things can make a huge difference to waist comfort in the car, especially if you have a bit of a gut situation.

    • tik tok on 06/11/2019 - 10:44

      Thanks mate. I updated my question with an edit. Sliding the seat forwards hasn't 'brought up' my knee :-(

      • andresampras on 06/11/2019 - 14:07
        +1

        Call me crazy but my knee absolutely does raise when my seat is moved forward. Maybe you're not moving forward enough

        • one man clan on 06/11/2019 - 16:41
          +1

          Nah this bloke's legs exist partially in another dimension so don't obey the laws of physics

  • Nice one baby on 05/11/2019 - 22:33
    +1

    Put your right foot up on the dash and use your left foot to drive. It helps if you lean over the centre console rest on your left elbow and steer with your right hand.

    • brendanm on 05/11/2019 - 23:11

      Could also put the right foot out the window if it's nice outside. If it's raining you get a wet foot.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2019 - 00:18

    As someone who's only 6ft tall on a good day and has never driven a Camry, I can't really help with positioning.
    However curious to know if it's a new car or a new problem that you've just discovered?

    The only time I've had groin/lower back pain while driving was when I was still playing soccer. Do you play soccer or footy? Or you going too hard on leg day?

  • ShannonN on 06/11/2019 - 00:35
    +1

    Cant say I've driven many Camry's but as I'm 5"3 I dont have op's problem however OP does your model Camry have tilt adjust steering wheel/column On my Falcon I can both tilt the column up or down or extend the wheel position closer to me or closer to the dash, altering the postilions available immensely perhaps if you adjust the wheel column you'll get a better driving position/posture

    • tik tok on 06/11/2019 - 10:45
      -1

      Thanks for replying. It does. Altering the steering wheels position isn't going to help rest my knee on the door panel.

  • dennisc on 06/11/2019 - 07:25
    +1

    Try something like this: https://permobilus.com/product/roho-quadtro-select-low-profi…. I use one when driving and it makes a huge difference. I also take it on aircraft when I travel and experience no discomfort at all.

  • HeWhoKnows on 06/11/2019 - 07:41
    +3

    You have 3 options
    1. Adjust the seat
    2. Get another car
    3. Get someone else to drive

    • SlavOz on 06/11/2019 - 08:25

      Get another car. Camry's aren't made for comfort and you'll realize just how useful luxury cars can be when you sit in one.

      • tik tok on 06/11/2019 - 10:46

        Not just luxury cars - I bet even a cheap ass SUV can be more comfortable than a ducking camry.

  • zetapulse on 06/11/2019 - 13:01
    +4

    See if the following steps make a difference:
    * Anchor your left foot on the footrest (it should stay here all the time while driving as well)
    * Adjust your seat so that when you nearly fully extend your left leg, your hip hits the back of the seat
    * Now adjust the back so that you can hold the steering wheel with your shoulders relaxed against the back

    If you can't hold the wheel without tilting forward, then you'll have to bring your seat forward until the back is slightly tilted back, in which case you're probably out of luck.

  • happirt on 06/11/2019 - 14:38

    PT for you

  • Blitz001 on 06/11/2019 - 15:10
    +1

    Get longer legs or shorter car.

  • lltravel on 06/11/2019 - 15:34

    why did you even buy the car if you knew this was going to be an issue?

    You cant fix it .

  • striker5950 on 06/11/2019 - 15:41
    +1

    we need some pictures and a diagram to assess the probability of your knees making contact with said cup holder A, multiplied by the rate of movement per km B, multiplied by the speed of light C.

    AxBxC = X

    • andresampras on 06/11/2019 - 16:56

      What is 'X'? And what is 'x'?
      Can we simplify the equation to:
      ABCx^2 = X

  • OneJay on 06/11/2019 - 16:56

    Remove the inner door panel and you’ll have an extra 3-4 inches of space for your right knee.

  • field1985 on 06/11/2019 - 18:45
    +3

    I'm 6'3" and have no issues in a Corolla. You need to:
    - Adjust the seat tilt (up) to raise your knees
    - Move the seat closer to the steering wheel
    - Raise the steering wheel

    You have too much space, which is allowing you to slouch/spread your legs.

    Get in a proper driving position "over" the wheel, not laid back/stetched out.

    Or buy a different car with seats that can raise/lower in height.

  • jason101 on 06/11/2019 - 19:02
    -2

    This is why SUV's are so popular, the driving position is more comfortable for long legged people, or fat people like me. More drop between the seat and the floor is what you need. I searched for "ass cushion" on amazon to try and help you ie to boost seat height relative to the floor of the car - but the search results are not suitable for publication here. I don't recommend using those search terms on amazon if looking for an adult booster seat!

  • GrantG on 06/11/2019 - 20:45

    Knee cushions are common for center consoles, maybe look at modifying one to suit a camry door?

  • chumlee on 06/11/2019 - 21:49
    +3

    I thought camry's had enough room for driver and their walking frames

  • GregMonarch on 06/11/2019 - 21:50
    +1

    I am looking for suggestions that can help give comfort to my right leg

    1. Remove leg. (If doctor won't, that's because Australian doctors aren't 'woke' enough yet. So either wait a few years, or just go to the leftist clown world land: the USA - where people get body parts removed because they 'offend' you.)

    2. Convert car to disabled hand controls.

    Problem solved.

  • Tobias on 06/11/2019 - 22:26
    +1

    I'm 6'2 and drive a Camry. My seat isn't fully slid back.

    Your feet & seat are in the wrong position.

    With my left leg flat on foot rest and mostly straight, hips snug into seat back and right arm wrist easily resting on top of steering wheel, that's where my seat is slid to and seat back is positioned at.

    Your right heal shouldn't be under the brake but a bit further right, then pivot on heal to go between peddles. This will bring your right knee more straight up (not spread) and higher up the door and closer to ignition.

    Raise your left knee more straight up (not spread) so your foot is flat on foot rest.

    Don't recline seat, have a straight back and sit up straight with pelvis/hips pushed snug into back of seat.

    All the best with finding a comfortable driving position.

  • myusername on 06/11/2019 - 22:37
    +1

    sell it

  • Fobsessive on 06/11/2019 - 23:45
    +2

    Remove bones

  • jonagrah on 07/11/2019 - 07:49
    +1

    I'm 6'2" and drive an Aurion (yeah yeah, it's just a V6 Camry) and don't have this issue.

    I can't even hold the steering wheel comfortably with the seat right back.

  • mousie on 07/11/2019 - 07:50

    Catch the bus and stand.

  • freddofrog42 on 07/11/2019 - 11:22
    +1

    I'm 6'2" and can relate 100% with the OP. It all depends on how that height is proportioned and size of thighs etc. I've got a relatively short Torso, long legs and very long arms - I have to have long sleeve shirts made to order. I also have very bulky thighs (skiing/rowing/cycling)

    The only car I've ever driven where the seat is not straight back on the runners is a Porsche 944. My shoes always have marked heels as it's simply impossible for me to sit with them straight. I prefer to sit high and quite vertically, it's just lack of thigh/leg room that makes things harder in many cars.

    Some people are just hard to fit cars around.

  • hallo123 on 07/11/2019 - 12:29

    take in your hen, said the wise old man

  • LZCS on 07/11/2019 - 13:37

    Get a tesla

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