Factory Swivels Or Not? That Is The Question!

[woodi]

New member having just placed a deposit on a new Highline Kombi T32 204 DSG 4-Motion. Have pretty much ordered all the options with exception of swivel seats and cant decide whether to add them or not.. I understand the loss of height adjustment but would welcome other forum member views? Do people find these useful in a Kombi as there is really not that much space between rear seats? I don't like aftermarket accessories so would I regret not ordering them?

Also, it would appear that the extra dust seals, which everyone seems to say is a must have, cant be ordered on a Kombi anymore. To do so, would require a change in the vehicle from a Kombi to a window van! My dealer is adamant that he cant get around this issue on the VW configurator?

 

[Wills]

Swivels - I was converting my PV to a camper so ordered the factory option as it's fully TUV approved and made cost effective sense. Also in theory, fitting aftermarket is deemed a mod and should be declared to insurance
Double seals weren't possible on the configurator when I ordered mine but the dealer added them anyway. Try calling another dealer and ask..

 

[mopardave]

I've got factory swivels. Had aftermarket ones on my T5.....those were a bit creaky in corners and not as well engineered but they were easy to swivel. On the factory ones, the drivers side swivel is a bit of a pain.....it takes a bit of care cos there's not much space for it to swivel in. Loss of height adjustment just isn't an issue to me. All in all, I'd go factory swivels.

 

[xpfloyd]

I’ve got Kiravans swivels on both captains seats. Still get height adjustment and no issues whatsoever. Love them. If you are using the van at all for camping then get swivels (factory or otherwise)

 

[woodi]

Swivels - I was converting my PV to a camper so ordered the factory option as it's fully TUV approved and made cost effective sense. Also in theory, fitting aftermarket is deemed a mod and should be declared to insurance
Double seals weren't possible on the configurator when I ordered mine but the dealer added them anyway. Try calling another dealer and ask..

Dealer said dust seals were available to order on a Kombi until recently. Said it’s not possible now but will check with another dealer. Bit annoying as makes no sense to remove this option!

 

[woodi]

I've got factory swivels. Had aftermarket ones on my T5.....those were a bit creaky in corners and not as well engineered but they were easy to swivel. On the factory ones, the drivers side swivel is a bit of a pain.....it takes a bit of care cos there's not much space for it to swivel in. Loss of height adjustment just isn't an issue to me. All in all, I'd go factory swivels.

Do you know where the factory swivels leave the height of the seat? Would it be at the lower end of the height adjustable seat or at the higher end? I am trying to gauge the position relative to the normal height adjustable seat if that makes sense.

 

[rod_vw]

I've had factory swivels on a T5 and as you say you lose the height adjustment. As with all swivels you have to park with the hand brake off if you want the seat rotated.

Personally I prefer Sportcraft swivels over factory one as with careful use you can maintain the height adjustment etc. and they don't squeak or rattle. I believe they are TUV approved but don't quote me on that. There is now a version of the Sportcraft swivel that permits leisure battery installation below with ease.

As for notifying your insurance about such things I have always informed them of a full conversion to normal motor caravan expected fitments and have assumed that covers everything that has been done. I've never had an insurance company query anything except in one case where they required an independent inspection of the gas installation. As you see below I have done five self-builds.

 

[mopardave]

Do you know where the factory swivels leave the height of the seat? Would it be at the lower end of the height adjustable seat or at the higher end? I am trying to gauge the position relative to the normal height adjustable seat if that makes sense.

No mate....I'm afraid I can't answer that one. If it helps, I'm 5'10" and I find the driving position perfect....though that probably doesn't help you....sorry.

 

[Steve H]

Do you know where the factory swivels leave the height of the seat? Would it be at the lower end of the height adjustable seat or at the higher end? I am trying to gauge the position relative to the normal height adjustable seat if that makes sense.

No problems with height. I'm 6'2" and a 32" inside leg and they're bang on. I ordered the swivels as an option to avoid the 'mods' thing later..

 

[woodi]

OK van now on order with swivels but dealer just advised of long delays for factory fit removable tow bars which I had specifically ordered. He has suggested to get around problem and avoid any unnecessary delay, he will simply order van with tow bar prep only and then fit the rest of the tow bar when the van arrives at the dealer? Does this sound sensible?? He assures me I wont see any difference and it will avoid extending delivery lead time. They will be using factory parts and the tow bar prep means all the wiring is already installed? Thoughts anyone??

 

[Deaky]

Absolutely fine

 

[Salty Spuds]

I’ve got factory swivels, I’m 6’ & the missus is 5’6”. Not a problem for either of us. The handbrake is factory lowered to accommodate the swivels, so a neater job all round.

 

[rod_vw]

I’ve got factory swivels, I’m 6’ & the missus is 5’6”. Not a problem for either of us. The handbrake is factory lowered to accommodate the swivels, so a neater job all round.

Haven't factory swivels always cleared the hand brake due to the different skirts on the seat and no height adjustment?

And of course the hand brake still needs to be released when the seat is swivelled?

i.e. the seat base and hand brake are the same on both fixed and swivel seat versions.

 

[Steve H]

OK van now on order with swivels but dealer just advised of long delays for factory fit removable tow bars which I had specifically ordered. He has suggested to get around problem and avoid any unnecessary delay, he will simply order van with tow bar prep only and then fit the rest of the tow bar when the van arrives at the dealer? Does this sound sensible?? He assures me I wont see any difference and it will avoid extending delivery lead time. They will be using factory parts and the tow bar prep means all the wiring is already installed? Thoughts anyone??

Great work around..! I'd have done the same.

Your dealer sounds quite switched on.

 

[Salty Spuds]

Haven't factory swivels always cleared the hand brake due to the different skirts on the seat and no height adjustment?

Yes, but afaik if you have aftermarket swivels, the handbrake has to be modified & lowered. I’m will to stand corrected though

 

[Salty Spuds]

OK van now on order with swivels but dealer just advised of long delays for factory fit removable tow bars which I had specifically ordered. He has suggested to get around problem and avoid any unnecessary delay, he will simply order van with tow bar prep only and then fit the rest of the tow bar when the van arrives at the dealer? Does this sound sensible?? He assures me I wont see any difference and it will avoid extending delivery lead time. They will be using factory parts and the tow bar prep means all the wiring is already installed? Thoughts anyone??

I have 2 Transporters, both with factory towbars, 1 removable the other fixed. The removable 1 hasn’t been removed in 4 years. Both make handy bump stops when reversing & discourage numpties from parking too close. Go for a fixed.

 

[True Romance]

I don't like aftermarket accessories

Think your on the wrong forum then chap

 

[woodi]

Think your on the wrong forum then chap

Haha, thats a fair point!

 

[woodi]

Yes, but afaik if you have aftermarket swivels, the handbrake has to be modified & lowered. I’m will to stand corrected though

I had a demo of some factory swivels and even they need to have the handbrake in the off position to swivel the drivers seat!

 

[xpfloyd]

Yes, but afaik if you have aftermarket swivels, the handbrake has to be modified & lowered. I’m will to stand corrected though

I have kiravans swivels. You don’t have to lower the handbrake as the swivel on the drivers side has a steel section that raises the swivel about 30mm. All you have to do is put in gear and release handbrake and it swivels from there (after a few pumps of height to avoid the plastics catching).

Having said all that I have just lowered my handbrake this week as I didn’t like the extra 30mm height on my seat even when the seat was in its lowest position. Now my driving position is better and all I need to do is release the hand brake to swivel