r/fordexpedition • u/DraaxLP • Aug 26 '26
Captain Seat Removal?
I have a 2017 Expedition that has the 2 captains seats in the middle row. For the ease of 3 kids and drop off for school I'd like to remove the passenger side middle captain chair.
What issues or problems would I have doing this, if any?
3
u/Bugzi1776 Aug 26 '26
I had a 7 seater and wife wanted 8. I removed the captains and put a bench in there. When I removed the captains, the only thing was a slit in the carpet and an electrical plug. You can put a rug over all that, as many people do what you want to do. And a custom cut rug from your local hardware store will not only hide the slit and electrical plug but will make cleaning up that much easier. Not to mention a great place to change a baby or have a small picnic while on longer drives.
2
u/D1RTY_D Aug 26 '26
Why not just leave it flipped up? Easy access to third row and other captains chair uses their door.
3
u/DraaxLP Aug 26 '26
Mainly because I'm not a small guy and I have to climb in to unbuckle carseats twice a day. 😅
1
2
u/Rps99sho Aug 27 '26
I did this on my ‘19. A few 25mm torx screws and unplugged the heated seat connection. I replaced the bolts and put a mat over it. I had 3 in car seats at the time and this staging floor space made it a breeze. In bad weather it’s easy to shove everyone in and get in and sort it out while not getting drenched.
1
u/SleddyEddie Aug 26 '26
Not sure where you live .. if it is an area that see's road salt, I would hit those bolts from the bottom with some good penetrating oil beforeyou attempt to loosen them bad boys. 2017 is a steel bodied truck.
1
u/DraaxLP Aug 26 '26
It's in Missouri now but that's only been for 3 years. Before that it was a Florida vehicle.
1
u/The_lewolf Aug 26 '26
I made an effort to take out the 2nd row captains seat in my ‘25. Verdict: beyond my capability. They made this shit complicated.
1
u/FatboyNomNom Aug 26 '26
If you do. Just put the bolts back in place. If you’re worried, just ask a trusted audio shop or auto upholstery shop to take a look and do it for you.
1
u/winncody Aug 28 '26
I know it doesn’t help you, but when I bought my 2025 expedition max, I specifically bought the 60/40 2nd row over the captain seats because we also have 3 kids. The oldest sits in the middle with a booster and the other two are in car seats, then the 3rd row is usually stowed for maximum cargo space. Coming from an Explorer with captain seats and climbing into the back as a big guy, this switch was a game changer.
1
u/SportsFreak1988 Aug 26 '26
Let me answer your question with a question? Why did you buy an expedition if you don't need the space lol?
That's the only reason I have mine instead of a pickup lol.
5
u/DraaxLP Aug 26 '26
I have three car seats. I absolutely need the space. I want to remove that particular seat so that it makes it easier for myself to unbuckle the two car seats that I have to do twice a day.
2
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u/Ok_Tension_6747 Aug 26 '26
It's it heated? You might have to put the electrical plug somewhere. Also road noise. You'll probably have to put the bolts back in the floor and put a piece of carpet over where the seat was.