[firehawk]

Looking at the seat layout of the Passenger Wagon version, I see that it can contain a single bucket seat in the third row end. Does anyone know if I can buy and install the additional bucket seat in the cargo version in the same location?

I need a seat for an additional 3rd passenger but buying the extra bench seat will not work because I need to leave the center of the van open for long cargo. So I need to add an additional 3rd bucket seat. Adding a 4th would be even better.

I hear there may be new seating options for 2016 but that hasn't been confirmed.

Thank you in advance for any help with this. I am excited about joining the Transit community.

 

[CrewVanMan]

firehawk

Check on eBay as there are some single seats for sale listed right now. You might check on the forum listing for Transit parts wanted/for sale.

 

[firehawk]

Thank you CrewVanMan,
I'm not as concerned about finding the actual parts as I am if they can be installed safely (and without great trouble) in the cargo van. Seems they should be able to be since they are installed the same location in the wagon

 

[USMC Vet]

Thank you CrewVanMan,
I'm not as concerned about finding the actual parts as I am if they can be installed safely (and without great trouble) in the cargo van. Seems they should be able to be since they are installed the same location in the wagon

firehawk,

The problem with installing in a cargo, is that there are no factory installed mounting brackets. You can find and install the brackets , but I haven't read anything about them being approved seating (DOT or Ford) when you do. Your sort of on your own safety wise, there.

If safety is the issue, you might consider getting the wagon and removing the seats, except for the ones you want to keep. That's why in the thread "Parts Needed / Available" you can come across owners selling theirs.

You can get wagons without the seats with various options, but again , when they eliminate the seats, they eliminate the approved factory mounting brackets, also. They only install the brackets for the seats you are purchasing.

Semper Fi

 

[CrewVanMan]

When you order the Wagon, you get the side air bags. On the cargo van, those are not there. At least be sure you have the approved seat with proper mounting and a secure seat belt mount.

 

[foxharp]

does anyone know whether, even with the right brackets, the passenger benches or solo seat can be installed in a cargo van? in the sprinter, the threaded holes in the van frame to which the brackets are attached are missing in the cargo vans -- so even if you cut through the floor to install the brackets, there's nothing to bolt them to. the passenger and cargo van frames are built differently. (the crew van frame is like the passenger frame, and has the required mount points.)

like the OP, i'm interested in adding (in my case) a two person bench to a cargo van. if it were feasible to add the OEM seats i might try that. but it might be easier to figure out how to securely mount airline-grade L-track, and then securely mount an OEM bench (possibly not from a transit) to that L-track. (picture a lot of hand-waving going on here.)

 

[danketchpel]

does anyone know whether, even with the right brackets, the passenger benches or solo seat can be installed in a cargo van? in the sprinter, the threaded holes in the van frame to which the brackets are attached are missing in the cargo vans -- so even if you cut through the floor to install the brackets, there's nothing to bolt them to. the passenger and cargo van frames are built differently. (the crew van frame is like the passenger frame, and has the required mount points.)

like the OP, i'm interested in adding (in my case) a two person bench to a cargo van. if it were feasible to add the OEM seats i might try that. but it might be easier to figure out how to securely mount airline-grade L-track, and then securely mount an OEM bench (possibly not from a transit) to that L-track. (picture a lot of hand-waving going on here.)

I'm in the same situation as I want to have removable extra seats in a Cargo van.

I was considering ordering a Wagon instead but there are 2 primary reasons not to,

1. You can't get anywhere near the towing capacity if you spec a Wagon. I tried an online build last night and 4,500 lbs is the max towing for a Wagon regardless of engine etc.

2. I stood in a Mid Roof wagon and the floor height is that much taller that my head hits the ceiling, no good.

Consequently I'm definitely going to go the Cargo route and figure out how to mount some sort of removable seats back there. I only plan to need the seats less than 10% of the time based on my current SUV usage, but I'd like to be able to seat a total of 6 extra people, 8 total including myself. This is the current seating capacity of my Expedition which I've used on a few occasions.

My initial concept is 2 extra rows of 3 across bench or single seats. Possibly all individual seats that can be mounted up as needed.

Part of my thinking on individual seats is they would be much easier to muscle around plus added flexibility of configuration. I don't know if there's a way to do something like E-track or L-track mounting system, I think so.

I'm thinking something like these jump seats that come with a seat belt for around $250 ea.

 

[Budsky]

Keep in mind the OEM seats come with a lap and shoulder belt. They are completely attached to the seat, nothing goes to the body anywhere. I'm not sure on the 4 passenger seat since I don't have one.

I have a set of 3/2/1 seats .

The rail spacing isn't consistent- on the 2 person the rails are 16.5" apart. On the single it is 8.5". On the 3 person the left and center are 16.5" but the far right one is 17" from the middle one.

So effectively you can't switch all 3 seats around any way you wish. One other caveat the single seat is not a quick remove with releases- it bolts in. That makes its rails different, even ignoring the spacing...

I will be selling my unused seats- just as soon as I figure out what I'm gonna do- I was going to put a 3 person in. But that darn seat weighs 150 lbs! A little heavier than I want to struggle with- so I may just put in the 2 person, it weighs 100 lbs, still heavy but manageble...maybe!


As for the mounting points under the floor- they look somewhat thin and weak, I was surprised. I am planning to make my own underfloor reinforcement, with captive nuts, and feel they will actually be stouter than Ford's.

 

[Zymurgy]

When I was thinking of doing this with my Sprinter, I looked into a local conversion company that was pulling them out of a wagon. I could buy everything I needed from him. Might check if there are anyone doing conversions in your area. Mine was an outfit near Columbus, Ohio.

 

[danketchpel]

...... I was going to put a 3 person in. But that darn seat weighs 150 lbs! A little heavier than I want to struggle with- so I may just put in the 2 person, it weighs 100 lbs, still heavy but manageable...maybe!


As for the mounting points under the floor- they look somewhat thin and weak, I was surprised. I am planning to make my own underfloor reinforcement, with captive nuts, and feel they will actually be stouter than Ford's.

Your comments on the weight of the 3 person bench seat is exactly my concern. I'm not keen on that at all.

I'm thinking the same also for just fabbing up my own mounting rails. I really want to do some sort of standard spacing so the seats can be mix n matched as needed. I really want to look at E-track style mounting so the mounting rails could be used for other purposes also.

I can fab anything I need and if I have to drop the fuel tank or ??? to do some safe drilling then so be it. It's not that big a deal.

If anybody else finds some nice aftermarket jump/solo seats with belts for a good price please post up!

 

[Budsky]

I am using the Ford OEM rails...they just bolt through the floor. I will use a captive nut arrangement (similar to what Ford does) so I can pop the rails out if I need a perfectly flat floor for some reason..just unclip seats, zip out bolts holding rails down, remove rails, zip bolts back in to seal holes.

 

[foxharp]

I am using the Ford OEM rails...they just bolt through the floor. I will use a captive nut arrangement (similar to what Ford does) so I can pop the rails out if I need a perfectly flat floor for some reason..just unclip seats, zip out bolts holding rails down, remove rails, zip bolts back in to seal holes.

oh, that's interesting -- i've only ever seen vans like the sprinter, or my old chevy sportvan, where the seat mounts are inset into the floor. you're saying that on the transit the mounts sit on top of the floor? how does ford reinforce the floor in those areas?

paul

 

[Budsky]

Yes they are on top of the sheet metal floor. On the wagon they put a false floor raised a little with cutouts to keep the rails somewhat flush.
There are tabs with the captive nuts welded on that are spot welded to the frame members.

edit- that is weird the pic is upside down- so turn your computer over

 

[foxharp]

thanks for picture. so they're getting the strength from the frame, not just the floor. that makes sense.

 

[danketchpel]

Yes they are on top of the sheet metal floor. On the wagon they put a false floor raised a little with cutouts to keep the rails somewhat flush.
There are tabs with the captive nuts welded on that are spot welded to the frame members.

edit- that is weird the pic is upside down- so turn your computer over

This is exactly what I'm thinking about.

Can you do a more extensive write-up of what you've done?

 

[Budsky]

I'll document it well but I haven't done it yet...we've had an extremely rainy season this fall so a lot of my Transit work has been delayed.
I am also installing an Espar- I only want to drop the fuel tank once to do it and the seats at the same time...but I have to count on a week of no rain in case I run into problems.
The pics of the brackets underneath were taken under the wagon of the member I bought the seats from.

 

[3Van]

Has any one priced these? They are made to be installed in the cargo vans.

http://www.abilitrax.com/crew-van-seating-solutions

 

[USMC Vet]

Has any one priced these? They are made to be installed in the cargo vans.

http://www.abilitrax.com/crew-van-seating-solutions

3Van,

These were previously discussed, from what was reported, they were expensive, $9-10K for a 9 passenger set up. Here is one of the multiple links found by typing in "Abilitrax" in the SEARCH box. Check post #3 on this link.

Semper Fi

http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...transit-smartfloor-resolve-seating-issue.html

 

[lepelch]

I will be switching out my standard two front bucket seats for aftermarket seats for my van. These will be available soon if you would like to purchase them. They are pewter fabric.

 

[star gazer]

I saw a link to these on someones build out. Looks like a good option although I have not checked out the cost yet.

http://freedmanseating.com/seats_and_accessories/flip_fold_seats/go-es_foldaway/