[star gazer]

I debated between factory or after market seat for a while. I really need to be able to carry long sheet goods and did not want to deal with floor rails, or removing and dealing with the loose seat. So the flip up seat was my choice.

This is the Freedman GO-ES Foldaway.
http://freedmanseating.com/seats_and_accessories/flip_fold_seats/go-es_foldaway/

I ordered it with an upgraded vinyl in light gray, and an arm rest. Comes standard with 3 point seat belts which was important to me. Took about 3+ weeks to receive it. Cost was a bit high with shipping. total around $1200.

Install was really easy, once I got over the fear of a few holes in the floor, in the correct locations. After doing the Maxxair vent this was easy.

I carry a storage cabinet right behind the front seats so needed to have the seat back about 36" from those seats. Luck would have it that right in front of the sidewall pillar is a flat spot in the floor, no ribs, and the mounting plate fits in perfectly. It straddles a floor beam as well so this adds to the strength.

I made 2 pcs 1/4" steel plates to fit on each side of the beam and overlap its turned edges so the plate captures the beam and floor together if this makes sense.
Plates are 13.5" x 13.5" and 6.75" x 13.5" to fit up in each section. Plates where painted and some undercoat applied after install. Had to loosen the AC hose brackets to get the larger one to fit in.

Bolts where a combination of stainless 3/8" and 1/2". The larger ones used on the back of the seat mount where it is thicker and needs the most strength, and it bolts thru the smaller steel plate.

Here are some pics as I installed it.

Dean

 

[Ding Batt]

Nice looking seat.....and you did a super-good job of installing it.

 

[AndrewM]

Hi Star Gazer,

I'm considering the same seat. Did you order directly from Freedman or did you purchase from another vendor (eg. suburbanseats.com)?

Can you tell me the specific color name? Is it the Sierra Leathermate Light Gray #208 or something completely different?

http://freedmanseating.com/upholstery/level_4/sierra_leathermate/

Thanks!

 

[star gazer]

I ordered directly from them

Color was; Predictions Silver surf. Level 3.

It looks almost white in the pics but it is light grey, just a bit lighter than the factory leather seats. Their website make them look a bit tan but mine is indeed grey.

Dean

 

[EddieZ]

That's pretty cool. At one time, I though I might look for a single "jump seat" like that, to use in place of the OEM front passenger seat. That became a moot point after I figured out how to elevate the front seat, for kayak transport.

Curious, with the cantilevered design, does the manufacturer list a weight limit, particularly for the seat furthest out, from the mount?

 

[star gazer]

They pretty much told me that it will hold any two people that can fit on it. I think the weak link would be mounting it. By using the steel plates it is plenty good for what it is intended for.

 

[mlempire5]

Thanks for the info, I've been looking for an option to get 3 people in the cab, I was trying to get a double passenger seat I saw online from a transit in the UK. This is a better option. Thanks !!

 

[first2wins]

Very nice

 

[firehawk]

How are these holding up? Anyone else have one?

 

[hollyinoregon]

I too would like to know how any owners of Freedman seats like them after spending some time on them. Does the GO ES have any lumbar support? Is the seat back and seat cushion comfortable on a long drive? We are considering either the GO ES, the GO, or the BV Foldaway for a 2nd row in our cargo van conversion.

 

[star gazer]

They are holding up fine, but really don't use them much. And I doubt they are very comfortable on long trips.

Dean

 

[dustboy]

I'm surprised it doesn't ride like a diving board with that small mounting plate. But, I'm also surprised that I can remember the day of the week sometimes. Nice install!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Vanda]

Thank you so much for posting this! I think this is my best option for installing a 3rd seat that I only need to use occasionally. I will reference this post in the future buy may need to pick your brain regarding installation if that's okay.

 

[cprsn]

I realize this is an old thread, but posting a link here anyways for anyone that comes here looking for foldaway seat install ideas. We had ours installed by a professional coach shop. Pics here. I'm in no way implying that the DIY approach of the OP is inferior (the OP's appraoch actually looks more solid), just sharing our experience.