Swivel for a single passenger seat. What make to buy.

[McFlude]

I would like to buy a swivel for my passenger seat and was considering a Rib base. I remember that a swivel in one of my old campers creaked a lot and I understand that some current makes also creak. Has anyone got any advice on what swivel will not creak and keep my wife silent whilst travelling? (sorry, couldn't resist the dad joke)

 

[jimc91]

I would like to buy a swivel for my passenger seat and was considering a Rib base. I remember that a swivel in one of my old campers creaked a lot and I understand that some current makes also creak. Has anyone got any advice on what swivel will not creak and keep my wife silent whilst travelling? (sorry, couldn't resist the dad joke)

I bought a Rusty Lee one after reading reviews on here, doesn't creak at all and is very well made. Plenty of info on here to help you decide

 

[rod_vw]

My preference has always been to use Sportscraft which don't creak or rattle. There are two versions, one made specially to enable taller leisure battery fitment. on recent conversions I've modified the drivers seat base to lower the hand brake as the bracket that they supply is not nice but does do the job, just about.
I've used Jennings-Seats as supplier.

 

[Scruffy]

I can say with confidence NOT Sportscraft. I fitted one firstly to the passenger seat, with the intention of fitting the drivers' side also, but was put off by the rattling, sqeaking, movement, of the Sportscraft base. In fact, they will both be for sale very soon, and I watch with interest what other brands are recommended. I've heard good reports of the Kiravans swivels.

 

[rod_vw]

I can say with confidence NOT Sportscraft. I fitted one firstly to the passenger seat, with the intention of fitting the drivers' side also, but was put off by the rattling, sqeaking, movement, of the Sportscraft base. In fact, they will both be for sale very soon, and I watch with interest what other brands are recommended. I've heard good reports of the Kiravans swivels.

That's very strange as I've fitted six and used them in vehicles for my own vehicles in the past eight years with no problems at all. It's a pity I'm not planning another conversion soon or I would be up to buy your cast-offs!

 

[VanDamMan]

+1 for sportscraft never had a problem

 

[sippe]

+1 Sportscraft, very well made (proper pieces of steel, look way tougher than some others I've seen around). I have one normal one and one for the battery, both fine!
Here's a picture:

https://magnummotorhomes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/3348002-VW-T5T6-Swivel-Plate-2.jpg

No connections with the seller whatsoever, just thought it was a good picture. (got mine in Germany). The one on the picture has the nut on the top. If you need to put a battery underneath that's the type you need. The standard version has the nut (or at least part of it) underneath and is some mm (almost nothing) lower, which doesn't leave enough room for a battery. Price is I believe more or less the same

 

[Martin Gibson]

I have Sportscrafts with the nut on top on both seats,no problems whatsoever with mine either

 

[Paynewright]

Just fitted a sportscraft to the passenger seat and it constantly rattles without a passenger in it!

Lever at the front, large nut facing down as per the instructions!

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

Just fitted a sportscraft to the passenger seat and it constantly rattles without a passenger in it!

Lever at the front, large nut facing down as per the instructions!

Mines did the same. A sticky foam pad under the leaver sorted it.

 

[Paynewright]

Tried wedging my fairly thick glasses case under the lever and no change.

On the drive home from work I unclipped the seat and swivelled it a couple of inches, so unlocked, and silence. The strong spring clip out of its locating hole gives enough tension to stop the rattle.

I think I’m going to have to speak with the supplier.

 

[Paynewright]

Update:-

Been in touch with Jennings who have been prompt and supportive in their replies. In their opinion should not rattle if fitted correctly - please send a video.

Thought I’d spanner check it and have a look over. While two bolts nipped up a little the rattle stayed.

I also noticed one of the front studs on the original base looked like it was touching the weld nut on the swivel. The other side has good clearance. Sure enough if I jammed an old AA card between the stud and weld nut the rattle stopped.

I’m going to file off the top of the stud and create some clearance and see if it stops without needing the assistance of the AA!

 

[JumpShip]

Had our sportscraft swivels on about 10 years now and please to report no rattles .

 

[Ayjay]

My only experience is with Kiravans which is rock solid and we’ve had in for 6 years with no issues. I appreciate that some people have complained about difficulty swivelling theirs but, personally, I’ve never had any problems with mine since the first couple of swivels and I got used to it (and I don’t think van is built any differently to the thousands of other out there!). At 6’1”, I sometimes think it’s a bit high but there’s a fix for that available if needed.

 

[Paynewright]

So trimmed the plastic cover - block of wood on a flat surface to mark the cut line and a fine cut (wood) tenon saw made neat / easy work of the plastic.

The top clips are lost with the bit cut off, however, there are some side clips I hadn’t noticed which do enough to hold it in place. I might add some heavy duty self adhesive velcro too.

 

[BiTurbo]

I can supply you a Sportscraft seat swivel.