How to Fix Peeling RV Seat Upholstery: Repair Options & Costs

Quick Take

The flaking upholstery on your 2013 Georgetown 335's front seats is indeed a widespread defect with these models, particularly affecting the synthetic leather used by Forest River during that era. Unfortunately, Forest River doesn't typically stand behind this issue for units this age, especially on used purchases. Your best options are quality seat covers (around $150-300 for a good set) or professional reupholstering ($800-1,200 per seat). The flaking will continue and worsen over time, so covering them now is your most cost-effective solution to protect what's left of the material underneath.

Common Causes

The seat upholstery on your 2013 Georgetown is suffering from what's commonly called "pleather peeling" - a defect in the polyurethane coating applied over the fabric backing. Forest River used a particular grade of synthetic leather during the 2011-2015 production years that had poor adhesion between the top coating and the base material. Heat cycling from sitting in storage lots and direct sunlight accelerated the breakdown of the chemical bonds.

This wasn't just a Forest River problem - many RV manufacturers used similar materials during this period that proved defective. The issue typically starts on the seat bolsters and high-wear areas, then spreads across the entire seat surface. UV exposure through the windshield and side windows compounds the problem, making the material brittle and causing it to flake off in small pieces that stick to clothing.

Temperature extremes common in RV storage (from below freezing to over 120°F inside) cause the material to expand and contract repeatedly, further weakening the already compromised coating. Once it starts flaking, there's no way to stop the process - it will continue until all the coating is gone.

Preparation

Before deciding between seat covers or reupholstering, assess the extent of the damage on both driver and passenger seats. Check not just the obvious flaking areas, but also the seat backs, armrests, and side bolsters. Look for areas where the coating is still intact but showing stress marks or beginning to crack - these will fail soon.

If you're leaning toward seat covers, measure your seats carefully including the headrest height, armrest width, and overall seat dimensions. Georgetown 335 models typically have captain's chairs with integrated armrests, so you'll need covers specifically designed for this style. Take photos of your seats from multiple angles to help match covers online.

Clean the seats thoroughly with a vacuum to remove all loose flaking material, then wipe down with a damp cloth. Don't use any leather conditioners or treatments - they won't help and may make covers slip. If any large pieces of material are hanging loose, carefully trim them with scissors to prevent snagging.

Research seat cover options now while the underlying foam and structure are still good. Quality covers from brands like Covercraft or Wet Okole run $150-300 but will protect the seats and look professional. Cheaper universal covers ($50-100) may not fit well and could shift during travel.

Repair Steps

For the seat cover option (most practical for your situation), start by completely vacuuming both seats to remove all loose flaking material. Use a brush attachment to get into crevices around the armrests and seat adjustment mechanisms. Any loose material left behind will create lumps under the covers.

Install the covers following manufacturer instructions, starting with the seat bottom and working your way up. Most quality covers for captain's chairs have elastic straps that hook under the seat base and around the armrests. Ensure the cover material isn't bunched up anywhere - smooth installation prevents premature wear and maintains appearance.

Pay special attention to the headrest covers, as these take the most abuse and are most visible while driving. Many covers include separate headrest pieces that slip over the existing headrest or replace it entirely. If your Georgetown has adjustable lumbar support, make sure the covers accommodate the controls.

For a more permanent solution, professional reupholstering involves removing the seats (four bolts each), stripping the old material, and replacing it with marine-grade vinyl or genuine leather. This costs $800-1,200 per seat but gives you a like-new appearance. The process takes 3-5 days per seat at an upholstery shop experienced with RV furniture.

When to Get Help

Consider professional help if the seat frames are damaged or the foam is deteriorating along with the upholstery. Georgetown 335 seats from 2013 may also have issues with the adjustment mechanisms sticking or failing - problems that require removal and rebuilding. An RV upholstery specialist can address both the cosmetic and mechanical issues simultaneously.

If you're not comfortable with removing seats for reupholstering, most shops will handle the removal and reinstallation for an additional $100-200. They'll also ensure proper reconnection of any seat heating elements or electrical adjustments your Georgetown may have.

Get professional advice if you notice the seat frames cracking or if the adjustment mechanisms are failing. These safety-related issues need proper repair before covering them up. A qualified RV technician can inspect the seat mounting points and adjustment mechanisms while addressing the upholstery problem.

For DIY seat cover installation, only seek help if you encounter problems with the fit or if covers interfere with seat adjustments. Most quality covers are designed to work with standard captain's chair mechanisms, but Georgetown's specific seat design might require minor modifications to ensure proper operation of all controls.