Rear sliding bench cost/fitment

[Smileysmile]

I've a 2023 panel van looking to install a bench seat in the rear that slides on rails.

I'm looking for a registered professional company.

I'm not sure if it needs to fold into a bed. I'm open to seeing what's out there.

I have no idea what prices are. Thanks

 

[roadtripper]

What are you planning to do with it and do you want the full width 3 seat type or the camper width 2 seat type?

If you want to move it on the rails when parked then most can do that, the restrictions come if you want to use them for travel. The OE California/Caravelle can be used anywhere they will lock (every inch or so) but the aftermarket ones tend to either have a single travel position or a restricted number of positions. The more flexible the system the more work it is to install the rails in general (OE ones are bonded to the van for instance)

Also you will need to tell your insurance company about the increase in seats and modification and strictly you should update the V5. Be aware if you already have seats then if you get near the 8/9 seat region it can get problematic to insure as you start to fall into minibus territory.

 

[Smileysmile]

What are you planning to do with it and do you want the full width 3 seat type or the camper width 2 seat type?

If you want to move it on the rails when parked then most can do that, the restrictions come if you want to use them for travel. The OE California/Caravelle can be used anywhere they will lock (every inch or so) but the aftermarket ones tend to either have a single travel position or a restricted number of positions. The more flexible the system the more work it is to install the rails in general (OE ones are bonded to the van for instance)

Also you will need to tell your insurance company about the increase in seats and modification and strictly you should update the V5. Be aware if you already have seats then if you get near the 8/9 seat region it can get problematic to insure as you start to fall into minibus territory.

Good question. I don't intend to turn it into a camper. It will some day pull a caravan.

I want one that slides because it becomes more versatile by moving it close to front seats for rear passengers.

The front seats swivel round so a table in the middle can be good then rear seats can be pushed back a bit. Fully forward you have all that space for carrying luggage etc.

So do I want 3 seats or 2?

In the future I'd like a leisure battery/solar panel/fridge.

Maybe 2 seater is best?
Just incase.

Any recommendations for a 2 seater that slides and locks in multiple positions?

It's better to go this route just incase there's a slim chance of adding kitchen etc although probably unlikely.

 

[Wolfster]

Check Fabworx out pal

 

[roadtripper]

The ones I looked at when (briefly) considering going the conversion route were the Reimo rock and roll models as they are multiple travel position, had isofox and had a good level of safety certification. They're not cheap though.

I think pretty much all your options are going to be ones that somewhat turn into a bed as that's the market. It's useful even if it's just putting it flat to carry big stuff back from IKEA or similar.

T5 Rock and Roll Bed, T6 Rock and Roll Bed (movable)

T5 Rock and Roll Bed, T6 Rock and Roll Bed, VW T5 Rock and Roll Bed on Rails Convert your VW T5 or T6 into a campervan with the T5 rock and…

www.reimo.com

 

[meza]

Try looking at...

Fabworx RS
Smartbeds Evolution 2
Rocknrollbed.co.uk
Bodans Rib Altair
Yoyo Glidemotion
Uberflux Rails
MS Craft Rails
Cambee Flex

I went with Fabworx for mine. Had it installed a few weeks ago, now working on fitting the flooring.

 

[Pedro20001]

Titan beds too

 

[meza]

Titan beds too

Nice, not come across them before.

 

[Pedro20001]

Nice, not come across them before.

Worth a try, we popped down to see them last week and we're very impressed

 

[Rfkdemon]

I have a Cali bed/ seat that I installed into my LWB T6. I did it myself but the parts new are not cheap, maybe 4-5k.

Mat

 

[DeeGee68]

I have a 2022 T6.1 SWB 4Motion T32 with 2 captain' chairs and I am thinking of doing the same thing as Smiliesmile. I want to be able to carry 3 extra passengers (my 3 children) but the panel van will mainly be just me on my own. My children have just contacted me after 15 years due to an acrimonious divorce. They are 23, 21 and 16 years of age. I would like to have the ability to turn the rear seat into a bed. At the moment it is bare in the rear with only sound deadening as I am slowly converting mine due to funds. I want to be able to slide the rears seats forward, allowing me to use the rear in I too need to carry big and bulky things.
I was looking at getting VW to fit it but I saw Ecowagon' system of sleeping on the side of the seat you do not sit on. Not sure of the name. I also want peace of mind and would also like a crash tested seat. After all, I will have the most important people in my life travelling in the vehicle with me. I would be grateful for any help, advice or suggestions with my proposal and maybe there are other things to consider too.

Thank you in advance for reading this post and any advice given. That is why I joined this group, to get ideas and speak to like minded people.

ATVB!

David

 

[meza]

Hi David, I’d say start by looking through what three seater sliding beds are on offer from the companies mentioned in this thread.

Sleeping on the back of the seats - sounds like you want a RIB type bed fold, not a rock and roll. In rock and roll you sleep on the top of the seats & backs.

 

[DeeGee68]

Thanks! I just need to find who would be best to fit it. The cost is the last thing on my mind as I want to have safety first and foremost.

 

[meza]

In that case Remio rails bonded to the floor with a Reimo bed is probably the best and most expensive solution you could choose!

Are the kids tall? Often you’re loosing a bit of head height on the seats with these - rails can raise the floor height and the bed frames can be taller. Might need to bare that in mind if going for a poptop with a raising bed - also loosing some head height.

I chose Fabworx in Chesterfield who supplied and installed their own RS rails bed.