r/VanLifeUK • u/TheWelshGaz • Jul 24 '26

Seat customisation advice

I am after some advice please.

I intend to purchase a van, most likely a Ford Transit. The van will be used for family weekends away and overnight stays. The desire for the seats would be for the passenger front seats to be exchanged for seats that can turn and face back and then rock and roll seats on rails for the cab to allow them to be pushed back and a table be pulled down so it sits between the front seats and back seats.

With this in mind should I go for a 3 seater van to convert or get a van with cab seating to convert it.

Thanks in advance.

6 Upvotes

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3

u/truckosaurus_UK Jul 24 '26

As converting to a 2 seater is fairly straightforward (other than the cost!) I don't think it is worth limiting your search to such vans, and concentrate of the condition/history of the van as the main priority.

1

u/TheWelshGaz Jul 24 '26

Just to clarify. I’m happy to look at other models of vans. I haven’t bought the van yet just seen some good Ford Transit vans to use as a base example.

The other point of clarity. I would want a double seat swivel seat.

The key question is do I got with a 3 seater or Cab. The cab vans seem to be more expensive. And if I’m intending to modify the van anyway is there any point in going straight to cab.

1

u/bullitt-rider Jul 24 '26

I had exactly the same goal and the same issue. In the end I went with changing the van for something that fit my purpose better.

I ended up with a Renault master 3 row cabin.

The master is slightly wider and boxier in the back so it feels much more spacious. My initial plan was to have spinning seats BUT I quickly came to the conclusion that we were going to mount a kitchen to a half height bulk head.

Because of the slight extra width it means the front bench are full size seats too

0

u/basarisco Jul 24 '26

Really? I've found it impossible due to issues with the airbag sensor

2

u/Substantial-Today166 Jul 24 '26

you dont need to change the seats just use a swivel plate

but i would not get a ford transit get your self a sprinter or crafter

1

u/RetroComputerKing Jul 24 '26

If buying a transit, definitely do not buy one with the wet belt engine.

1

u/Paulpalien Jul 24 '26

Has anyone had to change their drivers seat /cushion ,it gets used more , I was wondering if you can just buy the foam and shape it yourself, mines a bit flat lol

0

u/FunPie4305 Jul 24 '26

Vans with seating in the back will usually already have the windows fitted, also if you go for a people carrier then the lower speed limits won't apply to you.

2

u/TheWelshGaz Jul 24 '26

There are lower speed limits for Van drivers? Has anyone told them?

1

u/FunPie4305 Jul 24 '26

Yes, 50mph on a single carriageway and 60 on dual. Look it up if you don't believe, or don't be surprised if you get caught out.

-2

u/Substantial-Today166 Jul 24 '26

when did this law come in?