Transporter from a Caravelle - Seating

[Simon VW]

Hi All,

I'm currently running a 99 Caravelle and using it for work and leisure - all good and the seating set up I have is the rear bench seat in the back only with the 2nd row (2 seater bench seat + 1 single seat) removed. This leaves space in the middle of the van for a couple of storage tubs under a home made bench and still space to carry stuff as well as have the rear bench seat available for passengers. I also am able to have a drawer behind the rear seat for tools.

I am looking to go up a few years in model and van and have been looking at 2011/2012 Transporters probably a diesel. Does anyone know I can have a similar seat set up with these? If possible I would like to have a 2 seater bench seat in the 3rd row that folds down leaving space down the side for ladders/surfboards. Still have the middle space open with the option of a single seat being put in if required.?

I've done a few google searches for seat configurations but nothing really matches. The photos I've seen of the 3rd row seats don't seem to have a lot if any of space behind them - is the Caravelle longer or just fitted out differently?


Any advice welcomed and any tradie fit out suggestions for drawers are welcomed too.

Thanks

Simon

[Sunny43.5]

There are companies who fit extra seating seat belts etc and they could do what you want with aftermarket ones . Auto Extras near the RBH at Herston Brisbane are pretty good I got my side glass for my T5 from them all 4 side glasses for less than the price of one single glass from VW Home - Auto Extras They should be able to do any layout to suit your need as they specialise in fitting out mini buses vans etc.

[Simon VW]

Thanks again Sunny!!

At this stage I suppose I just need to know how much space there is behind the 3rd row of seats in a transporter compared to a caravelle. It seems there may be a bit of a difference as with the Caravelle I have a drawer approx 600mm deep underneath the back shelf.

[Sunny43.5]

Ok as much as I know a Caravelle will have its seats in the factory positions , aftermarket seats can be placed slightly different to suit your needs but remember safety comes first you cant just bung seats just anywhere there are regulations . Also there are two length vans SWB and LWB not sure if the Caravelle is was available in LWB Are you buying a Transporter with seats fitted or a Multi van or a Runner as they were fitted with seats as well from Factory .

[Simon VW]

Thanks - yes I'd much prefer to have seats in their original intended positions. Especially with the costs involved to just have them moved a few feet. Hopefully I can buy something with the appropriate seating set up. My Caravelle is a SWB, I'd like to buy a Transporter with seats already in them, hopefully with the 3rd row fitted. After searching more images though there doesn't seem to be much space behind the 3rd row compared to the Caravelle. I may have to rethink the layout.

[Husky310]

I run a multivan with a the 3 seater bench removed and both captains chairs down one side. Then when family visits I put it back to standard. This leaves enough room for push bikes or a dirt bike.