[987R]

I really need to transport kids on a regular basis, so I'm either going with a wagon (removing 2nd row seats, leaving 3rd row) or a van and adding seats.

The van option seems complicated, but I really don't want windows all around.

Any idea if the 3rd row seats slide fore and aft? I'd like them further back than the pictures show.

Safety is important, so adding seats to a van must be very secure - as secure as the factory wagon seats.

Ideas?

 

[USMC Vet]

I really need to transport kids on a regular basis, so I'm either going with a wagon (removing 2nd row seats, leaving 3rd row) or a van and adding seats.

The van option seems complicated, but I really don't want windows all around.

Any idea if the 3rd row seats slide fore and aft? I'd like them further back than the pictures show.

Safety is important, so adding seats to a van must be very secure - as secure as the factory wagon seats.

Ideas?

987R,

You can always cover the window, they don't open anyway unless you get the useless option. You can take the 2nd row out, none of the rows slide back and forth. Check with Sportsmobile about doing a conversion (see if they do one for cargo) I've heard they stand behind their installs.

IMO, wagon, take out 2nd row have a reputable conversion company replace 3rd row with reclining captains chairs or a sofa/bed.

Semper Fi

 

[mogulman]

If safety is important the wagon has side airbags while the van doesn't.

 

[dustboy]

You might think that adding seats is just a matter of bolting the tracks into existing holes, but the vans don't have any mounting points for seats. I added a seat to my cargo, but I don't expect it to be as safe as a factory mounted seat would be. It's just bolted to the floor sheetmetal with some high-grade bolts and fender washers. Did my best to make everything extra strong, but there's no substitute for proper engineering and crash testing.

If money was no object, I would have started with a wagon, but those extra seats, windows, airbags and rear A/C etc adds a lot to the price. Plus you lose a fair amount of headroom to the elevated floor.

 

[wgc]

Think that's the big issue of putting in seats in the back, liability. Some of the after market people that I've talked to refuse to put in seats due to that problem. Those that have or will have had them certified/tested. If you put them in and are involved in a accident I feel the insurance company will tell you to go have fun, because they will not pay. My 2 cents of installing seats in the rear. Have no idea what the insurance company is going to do with not having side bags, but I would bet it's not in your favor.