When we placed our order for a PC back in 2007, the 2007 sales brochure and our rig's documentation said the 2 front captain seats and the barrel chair are leather, not ultra leather, pleather, or called by any other name, just leather. The barrel chair has since been replaced with a 3rd captain seat that we bought directly from the seat supplier
Paul's Seating. But I strongly doubt that any of our three captain seats have any leather material in them for they don't feel or smell like leather at all, not even on the seating surfaces as is a common practice. One thing I can say is that none of our three captain seats are flaking yet, maybe because our rig is stored indoors so much. Or maybe the quality of the vinyl is better.
Regarding the break-down in the vinyl, it seems that China has done it again, selling fabric to RV seat manufactures that has become substandard, a chronic problem with many things the orient manufactures, most notably China. That is how the industry like reputable toy companies for example, have occasional recalls because of lead in the paint on their toys. One thing certain, you will not see a recall on your seats.
One thing has me scratching my head over the PC seats. Why are the fake-leather vinyl seats an up-charge from the cloth? If I knew back then our three seats would be vinyl, I would likely have gone with cloth seats and save the extra $721 paid.
But our experience with our original cloth dinette cushions was terrible. The vinyl surfaces are so much better. And I also have to say that our captain seats are nice looking and very comfortable. We do like what we have....as long as it doesn't start flaking.
ADDING:
Maybe the problem is something entirely different. There are three different smooth leathers used in furniture upholstery.
- Full Grain Leather is best and extremely expensive. It is naturally smooth and 100% pure
- Top Grain Leather is middle of the road. It is still 100% leather, but it starts out imperfect. They process it some add a grain on it to cover up the imperfections.
- Bonded Leather is shreds or fibers of leather mixed into non-leather fabric. This type is very common and affordable. It is here where you see leather furniture advertised with 15%, 20%, 22% leather. Just maybe this leather is used in PC seating for it is common for flaking to occur with this type of so-called leather material.
I learned all about furniture leathers a few years ago when ordering a pair of Amish recliners with full grain leather.
