Has anybody retrofitted the GM seat heaters into a Custom?

Railroad_Jim · January 6, 2022

My 2020 Custom Trail Boss didn't have the option for heated seats, and I'd like to add them.

I'm aware of generic kits like the Watercarbon: https://www.amazon.com/WATERCARBON-Cushion-Vehicle-Comfort-Protector/dp/B08PVBS3RF

and the Dorman: https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-628-040-Universal-Seat-Heater/dp/B002U6IL9O

But what I'd like to do is add the real GM heating element pads and a standalone controller.

Looking at the driver seat components here: https://www.gmpartsonline.net/v-2020-chevrolet-silverado-1500--custom-trail-boss--5-3l-v8-flex/body--driver-seat-components

It appears that the driver's side heating elements would be part number 84837434 : https://www.gmpartsonline.net/oem-parts/gm-f-heater-84837434

and part number 84837433 : https://www.gmpartsonline.net/oem-parts/gm-f-heater-84837433

Has anyone used those factory heating pads and hooked them up to an aftermarket controller?

I like the controller and adjustable knobs that come with this kit: https://www.amazon.com/WATERCARBON-Waterproof-Switch-Premium-heating/dp/B07CPXSLQ4

Thanks!

Flatblack83 · January 8, 2022

Its probably not what you want, I did clazzio leather covers with that last set of heaters and switches you posted.( clazzio sells a kit like it) They work that good sometimes you need to turn them down...lol. I put the switches on the side of the seat. You can't tell they shouldn't be there..lol

If you want factory then just look for a set of front heated power seats and put em in. I just seen a post here about someone adding them.

Edited January 8, 2022 by Flatblack83

Mac-427 · January 8, 2022

I had Katzkin heated leather seats installed in my 2020 Custom before I picked it up from the dealer. They work as well as any factory heated seats I've owned in previous vehicles.

Railroad_Jim · January 8, 2022

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Yeah, I saw the posts about adding the aftermarket covers with heat, but I just want to add heat to my existing seats.

Hey @Mac-427 how did they add the controls for your Katzkin heated seats? Any pictures?

I already bought a new center seat with top/bottom storage to replace the stupid non-functional factory "custom" trim level center seat. Based on the truck shipping I paid for the center seat, I'd hate to see what it would cost to ship the entire seats!

The heated elements seem cheap enough (if I can wire up my own harness) so I'll probably order them and see what I can do. Maybe put my EE degree to use for a change.

Mac-427 · January 9, 2022

23 hours ago, Railroad_Jim said:

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Yeah, I saw the posts about adding the aftermarket covers with heat, but I just want to add heat to my existing seats.

Hey @Mac-427 how did they add the controls for your Katzkin heated seats? Any pictures?

I already bought a new center seat with top/bottom storage to replace the stupid non-functional factory "custom" trim level center seat. Based on the truck shipping I paid for the center seat, I'd hate to see what it would cost to ship the entire seats!

The heated elements seem cheap enough (if I can wire up my own harness) so I'll probably order them and see what I can do. Maybe put my EE degree to use for a change.

Here you go below.

Railroad_Jim · January 9, 2022

7 hours ago, Mac-427 said:

Thanks for the picture! Good to see what they did.

I have the GM trailer brake controller in the left area, so that arrangement won't quite work for me, but I'll figure something out.

ChevyInfotainmentSucks · February 7, 2024

On 1/9/2022 at 3:19 PM, Railroad_Jim said:

Thanks for the picture! Good to see what they did.

I have the GM trailer brake controller in the left area, so that arrangement won't quite work for me, but I'll figure something out.

2 years later I’m looking into the same thing. What did you end up doing? Pretty sure I have the same truck as you based on your comments

Railroad_Jim · February 8, 2024

20 hours ago, ChevyInfotainmentSucks said:

2 years later I’m looking into the same thing. What did you end up doing? Pretty sure I have the same truck as you based on your comments

Well, I'm apparently a bit of a slacker, as I've done nothing towards this project yet.... I looked at some aftermarket kits, and again looked at the factory heating elements and associated cables. Paralysis by analysis as they say. I'm enjoying the remote start and having the truck warm for me when I get in, so that heated seats aren't as much of an issue, but I would like to have them.