Kombi Beach Bench Seat Position

[MultiplexMan]

On site at the moment and was wondering if it is possible to mount the Beach bench seat in the tracks closer to the door.

I've had my bench seat out in my garage whilst I've been using the van to move furniture. I'm not looking forward to reinstalling it as I almost gave myself a hernia last time round

Fitting the bench closer to the sliding door may just give enough space to fit some cabinets on the driver's side wall.

Any Beach owners tried this?

Oh I know I would have to lose the small multi function panel/insert that lives close to the sliding door.

Cheers, MM

PS I am considering selling the stock Beach interior as I need a bit more versatility if I am to use the van in the field. (In fact, I've got the interior for sale in the Classifieds section) I don't really need the double bed or the extra people carrying capacity. I'm not after a full camper otherwise a used Kea camper would be the way to go...

[4wheels]

I'm pretty sure the seat is the same as used in my Trakkadu camper, but in this application it is on the left hand side. Looks like a small amount of trimming was required to the plastic trim on the lower left. Only thing is the Trakkadu only has 2 floor tracks, but I think the Beach has 3, so with luck, it is just a case of moving the seat from the RH/middle 2 tracks to the middle/LH tracks.

Brian

[MultiplexMan]

Hi Brian,

The Beach has four tracks in the floor. I think the seat engages tracks 1 & 3. Track 1 being behind the driver.

Hopefully I'll be able to slot the seat into Tracks 2 & 4. I wish I had given it a go when I was removing the seat.

Cheers, MM

[BrianJ]

I own a 2006 kombi beach and have pondered this question myself. I have only gone so far as to speculate on various internal layouts and measure the space between floor tracks and other things. From what measurements tell me it should be completely possible, although the rear bed base board would need to be flipped over I think to allow the upper part of the bench seat to lower into place as it does now.

One of the current design restrictions is that if you try to put any cupboards or refrigerators etc on the drivers side wall then the bench seat drawer hits it and will not open. This would be overcome by moving the bed over.

We have a 32L engel fridge mounted on top of the wooden drawer near the door, and when you are living outside under an awning, the fridge and food drawer are very easy to access. This would be made more difficult by moving the bed over as you would have to go completely inside every time you want anything.

Also, this wooden drawer would not fit on the drivers side, so it would have to be discarded and all new cabinets made. So we have come to the conclusion that there would be gains and losses, and not worth all the trouble.

Brian

[Bullifamilie]

Sure your right multiplex man, you should be able to use tracks 1 and 3 or 2 and 4. I Put the Beach seat in the back of my transporter to camper conversion, from memory there's only four track positions that cover all the seating options. My seat sits next to the door with storage units on the opposite side. There is a bit of trim next to the draw (RHS) as you face the seat that I removed but I can't remember if I removed that due to it fouling or due to the fact I use the fixings to create a support for my table top.

[MultiplexMan]

BrianJ - I have admired your van in previous posts. I was favouring the path of least resistance but have decided to customise the van to fit my needs. I will try to use what was supplied with the van but intend to sell any surplus materials.

Bullifamilie- Thanks for that. Any photos of your install?


I am trying to decide between two layouts. The classic cupboards along the driver's side: with the Beach seat relocated as per your install; or a bench seat that is fitted along the van (as opposed to across the van).

I am favouring the seat "along the van" as it gives uninterrupted access to the cabinets and all storage - no having to exit the vehicle to access gear stowed behind the Beach seat. Damn useful in a sandstorm like I just sat through yesterday...

ADR approved "along the van" bench seats (2 person) are available. I would not be losing passenger capacity and I rarely carry passengers.

I'll give remounting the Beach seat a go when I get home next week.

Cheers, MM

[BrianJ]

I understand where you are coming from with this problem.

What I have done to solve the problem of having to get stuff out of the back, is to arrange things so I have access to everything I want from inside, and only store infrequently needed or backup stock for the long term in the back. That way I could go a day or two without needing to restock from the back.

For example, I have access to water and food in the front, and carry two of those single burner stoves, one accessable from inside and a backup one in the back. Everything is thought out in this way.

It took me quite a few extended trips into the country in various weather to finally come to this arrangement.

Here is a link to my last trip showing many kombi photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/brian...eat=directlink

Brian

[Bullifamilie]

Multiplex man, yes I do have photo's of the install, I just don't have access to them untill the new year.

I'd be reluctant to loose the beach seat, it's one of the best seats I've seen. I have the option of moving the seat back to create space in the middle of the van, move it forward to create a more comfortable ride for rear passengers. I can remove the rear tray to carry bikes, washing machines, etc and I can fold the seat flat quickly to create a bed or a flat loading platform for surfboards or carrying sheet wood/steel etc. I'm also resaonable proficient at removing/inserting the seat single handed to create an almost empty van, although thats a last resort (actually now I've modified the cupboard I can't remove it easily - sorry).

I've created three boxes on sliders under the rear tray, these carry the items I don't need to get to often whilst the things I need regually are stored in the seat draw or the cupboards along the drivers side.

Remember there are ADR restrictions for side facing seats with reguards to carrying children and i'm not keen on being in an accident in a sdie facing seat with a lap belt. I do however have two kids and I realise your requirements are very different, just consider the resale limitations.

[MultiplexMan]

Well, last day of my R&R and I finally get a chance to reinstall by seat/bed into the Beach.

Tips (with seat out in my case)
- call a friend
- remove the safety strap on the left side of the seat. This prevents the seat base from tilting all the way forward. Single Philips head screw.
- whilst tilting the seat base forward, undo two of the infamous Allen head plastic trim screws. These lock the plastic trim on the front of the seat in position. Both mine would not undo, nor could I get under them to lever them up. A tap with a flat blade cut the heads off - problem solved.
- Slide the plastic trim piece from the RIGHT side toward the LEFT side. Or if you are ham fisted, just tear the bastard off

This plastic trim piece fouls the passenger side B pillar trim. This prevents the seat engaging the "entry holes" in the floor slots closest to the sliding door.

Remember to pull the seat release lever up and insert the screwdriver through the right hand side of the seat base to lock the seat in the "sliding" position. This is best done with the seat tlited back so the four lugs (on bottom of seat) are free to extend. It is a PITA if you try this with the weight of the seat pressing down on the lugs.

With the trim piece removed, the seat can now drop into the holes and be slid back into position.

Photos to follow...

Oh and it does not help to do this in a foul mood after discovering storm water has soaked your garage...again.

[BrianJ]

I will be interested to see the photos.

Yes, not a task to be undertaken unless in a very happy mood.

Brian