When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi folks,
I tried searching the forum, but couldn't bot find the answer.
I am considering buying savana or express for long distance travel with family. Possibly a overlanding. I would like to have 4 caprains seats. I was looking at Explorer's Savanas and that is exactly what I would like.
I understand they do not sell them separately, so did anyone install captains seats in their van? Maybe from another vehicle? My best buddy does upholstery, so resurfacing is nor an issue at all, i want to have 4 seats (2 with integrated seatbelts)
any pointers are greatly appreciated.
I'd go for something like this in the back. https://www.ebay.com/itm/176476687774 Recliners Toyota Sienna Seats 2021-2024 Truck Van RV Seats Brown Black Leather
My standard wheelbase van was upfitted as a commuter van with 9 captains chairs (plus factory driver/passenger seats, for a total of 11) before I bought it, using seats from cvcandmore.com. The seats are quite comfortable, the back seats are more comfortable than the driver/passenger seats TBH. These seats don't mount to the GM seat rails, they mount to a plate that is bolted through the floor.
I really wanted reclining seats with headrests for comfort and safety, but wasnt too keen on Explorers because of the cost and frankly somewhat dubious interior durability. I had always heard that commuter/vanpool vans like this did exist, but I had to click through the photos on probably hundreds of listings over the course of more than a year and was on the verge of giving up, until one finally came up for sale at a Jeep dealer in my area this summer.
Most days I leave out all 3 4th row seats and one of the 2nd row seats which leaves 7 total seats and a big cargo area in back.
My standard wheelbase van was upfitted as a commuter van with 9 captains chairs (plus factory driver/passenger seats, for a total of 11) before I bought it, using seats from cvcandmore.com. The seats are quite comfortable, the back seats are more comfortable than the driver/passenger seats TBH. These seats don't mount to the GM seat rails, they mount to a plate that is bolted through the floor.
I really wanted reclining seats with headrests for comfort and safety, but wasnt too keen on Explorers because of the cost and frankly somewhat dubious interior durability. I had always heard that commuter/vanpool vans like this did exist, but I had to click through the photos on probably hundreds of listings over the course of more than a year and was on the verge of giving up, until one finally came up for sale at a Jeep dealer in my area this summer.
Most days I leave out all 3 4th row seats and one of the 2nd row seats which leaves 7 total seats and a big cargo area in back.
This is cool! do you have a picture of how it is mounted? I am considering getting a cargo version, as their are much cheaper and more available. Adding couple windows and and second row buckets. But I read that cargos do not come with seat mounts. And passenger versions have mounts for bench only.
There are some plates permanently bolted through the floor, that have nuts permanently welded to them that the seats bolt to. The seats themselves are bolted to the plates, not through the floor. Each seat has 4 or 5 bolts holding it down - the seats with their own seatbelts have 5; the seats that use the van's built in seatbelts have 4.
There are three sets of holes on each seat with a total range of about 4-5 inches so the seats can be moved back and forth to add a bit more cargo and/or leg room as needed. Other than that the seats are fixed in place. I just leave the bolts and washers in the floor when I remove the seats (so I don't lose 'em.)
I mostly leave 2 seats in the 2nd row, 3 seats in the 3rd row, and leave out the 4th row, unless I'm carrying a bunch of people. The seats are not very heavy. I haven't weighed them, but perhaps 40 lbs? very easy to handle - it's a one person job. There's no quick release latch, but an electric ratchet makes quick work of the bolts, and I'm kind of glad they saved the weight and complexity by leaving out the mechanism. 4 bolts 5 bolts The bottom of the seat One seat removed
There are some plates permanently bolted through the floor, that have nuts permanently welded to them that the seats bolt to. The seats themselves are bolted to the plates, not through the floor. Each seat has 4 or 5 bolts holding it down - the seats with their own seatbelts have 5; the seats that use the van's built in seatbelts have 4.
There are three sets of holes on each seat with a total range of about 4-5 inches so the seats can be moved back and forth to add a bit more cargo and/or leg room as needed. Other than that the seats are fixed in place. I just leave the bolts and washers in the floor when I remove the seats (so I don't .......
wow, this is super helpful! I did not expect such detailed explanation. I think this deserves a sticky. I wonder how they bolted the plates to the van. Did they go to the frames?
Fancier seats
