Rear seating options: 6 seat dayvan / camper

[Phil1878]

So I've finally taken the plunge and hopefully should be picking up my van on the weekend (T28 panel with tailgate).

I need 3 seats in the back as soon as possible but but undecided what would work best for my needs. Any advice or past experiences would be appreciated.

I'll start with what I'll be using the van for. It'll be my daily drive so 6 belted seats. As a day van have enough room to spin the front seats and pop up a table. And as a camper be able to fold the seats down and have some sort of bed system. I guess my options are a 3 seater bench in the 3rd row, a RIB or caravelle seat on rails. 1st time doing anything like this so don't know what would work best. Again, replies appreciated

 

[whodat]

Go for 2+1 in the second row. That way you can take out the +1 when needed as it is a good way to access the space in the back without having to walk all the way to the back of the wagon and swing open that tailgate.
Or I would do but the dog likes to spread out on the extra space afforded by the +1 - so just wishful thinking on my part about the access.

 

[Phil1878]

Go for 2+1 in the second row. That way you can take out the +1 when needed as it is a good way to access the space in the back without having to walk all the way to the back of the wagon and swing open that tailgate.
Or I would do but the dog likes to spread out on the extra space afforded by the +1 - so just wishful thinking on my part about the access.

I would but I don't think there would be room to spin the front bench and have day van use.

 

[whodat]

Next time I'll answer sober and probably after reading the whole post.

 

[Phil1878]

Cheers to that haha

 

[JoshB_]

I’ve gone for a sliding bed system from Fabworx (paid deposit, not installed yet). I just thought ultimately it creates the most flexibility in how we could ever use the van, but at a reasonable price. I looked at Unwin rails to put a R&R bed on, but the more I dug the more I found they would be completely unsuitable (you’d need a minimum of 4 connectors).
I wanted a Riemo but they’re ridiculous money and just something I can’t/dont want to afford.

You can get the bed systems that utilise a folded down Kombi bench, but I must admit I haven’t seen one that fits for a 2nd row bench. Not to say you couldn’t make something, it would kinda have to work in reverse. You’re other option to fit the 2nd row seat and have a pop top fitted and use that as your primary bed. It folds away easy enough so then you’ve got your head height as well.

Just to add, I was in the same boat as it needs rear seats asap, but I decided against any sort of Kombi setup because it’s not flexible enough for my future plans and it ain’t cheap as a temporary measure…

 

[Phil1878]

Ill have a google at that, cheers. When you say 2nd row do you mean the back of the van. I thought that was 3rd row. If so vangear do one. Bit pricey like but am sure i could call in a few favours and get something similar made VW Transporter "3rd Row" seat/bed conversion

 

[JoshB_]

Yeah, 3rd row sorry (2nd row of rear seats…)

FYI, I paid less than that for a sliding system from FabWorx.

 

[Phil1878]

Sorry that link was for the full set up. The fold out bed alone is about 750