Twin passenger V Single passenger captain seat.

[Alexryc]

Hi, me again…

Basically, I have purchased a camper already fitted out. I love it.

My passengers continuously complain the two seater swivel is uncomfortable. Today, I rode in the passenger seat. At 6”1 I literally couldn’t really move. And I want to be able to get into the back without getting out and back in.

Is this only achievable via two individual captain seats? And (I know this is subjective) but is that setup of two individual captain seats deemed the gold standard setup?

I need to speak to someone who can help me please.

 

[Deaky]

You can get a hinge that allows a small recline

Double-Seat Hinge - feedback?

Has anyone seen , used or purchased modified passenger seat hinges , I have seen ads in the magazines and have looked at them on the net but was interested if anyone had any feedback or recommendation. Are they any good?

www.t6forum.com

 

[david173]

This is a really common problem which crops up on here all the time!! If you have a swivel it is also likely adding height to the seat which can make it uncomfortable unless you have a lowered seat base, this is the same for the single seats.

The bench will swap out for a single, it unbolts from the floor (6 bolts) and the single bolts in using only the 4 nearest the passenger door. Straight swap would take less than 10 mins with all the bits.

You will need a new single seat and a seat box frame.

Correct, two captains seats will let you go into the back from the font no problems I do this all the time to strap kids in car seats etc and if its raining!!

Unless you need the extra seat with the bench then usually the twin captain seats is what most people want for all the reasons you have said, passenger comfort and going into the rear.

The downside is that the single seats are expensive usually around the £1,000 mark and more if you want an OEM swivel. Other people have fitted various seats from other vehicles to get round this huge cost.

one here for sale: (not affliated in any way)

Sold - Passenger Captains Chair in Simora Trim. £875

Hi All, Merry Christmas!! I am selling my passenger seat captains chair in simora trim, removed from my 2018 T6. Looking for £875 and collection from BN24 (near Eastbourne). Lee

www.t6forum.com

 

[Bav]

If you don't need the extra seat, I'd say twin captain seats is optimum. A single seat is significantly more more expensive than a double mind, which indicates that others would agree with me.

 

[david173]

there are plenty on ebay too but can be a lot more expensive than here

 

[Alexryc]

This is a really common problem which crops up on here all the time!! If you have a swivel it is also likely adding height to the seat which can make it uncomfortable unless you have a lowered seat base, this is the same for the single seats.

The bench will swap out for a single, it unbolts from the floor (6 bolts) and the single bolts in using only the 4 nearest the passenger door. Straight swap would take less than 10 mins with all the bits.

You will need a new single seat and a seat box frame.

Correct, two captains seats will let you go into the back from the font no problems I do this all the time to strap kids in car seats etc and if its raining!!

Unless you need the extra seat with the bench then usually the twin captain seats is what most people want for all the reasons you have said, passenger comfort and going into the rear.

The downside is that the single seats are expensive usually around the £1,000 mark and more if you want an OEM swivel. Other people have fitted various seats from other vehicles to get round this huge cost.

one here for sale: (not affliated in any way)

Sold - Passenger Captains Chair in Simora Trim. £875

Hi All, Merry Christmas!! I am selling my passenger seat captains chair in simora trim, removed from my 2018 T6. Looking for £875 and collection from BN24 (near Eastbourne). Lee

www.t6forum.com

Legend! Thank you.

Am I right in thinking… I would buy that, and then get it upholstered?

If you don't need the extra seat, I'd say twin captain seats is optimum. A single seat is significantly more more expensive than a double mind, which indicates that others would agree with me.

Thanks Bav. You’re always generous with your time!

 

[david173]

What is the trim on your driver seat?
if your a t6.1 im guessing you have bricks?
You might be able to get a matching set from a upholstery /trimmer for peanuts and they remove loads when then to re trims, do a search on here there is a thread somewhere telling you how you could swap them over.

failing that you could treat yourself to a full re trim

transporter bricks cover for sale | eBay

Find great deals on eBay for transporter bricks cover. Shop with confidence.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Alexryc]

What is the trim on your driver seat?
if your a t6.1 im guessing you have bricks?
You might be able to get a matching set from a upholstery /trimmer for peanuts and they remove loads when then to re trims, do a search on here there is a thread somewhere telling you how you could swap them over.

failing that you could treat yourself to a full re trim

I’ll send a photo shortly! I have a custom trim throughout - do you think someone will be able to match it?

I noticed this online…

VW T5/T6 Captain Seat Passenger Side | Swivel Seats

VW T5/T6 Captain Seat Passenger Side with headrest and armrests. Available with an optional 30mm lowered box to allow a swivel to be fitted.

www.jennings-seats.co.uk

Is that not a good option?

 

[Cuffy]

I've got a swivel captain seat on the passenger side and fixed driver side.
Due to the layout of the van it would have been pointless having the driver's seat with the swivel option.

 

[Alexryc]

I've got a swivel captain seat on the passenger side and fixed driver side.
Due to the layout of the van it would have been pointless having the driver's seat with the swivel option.

Is that because of the unit behind?

 

[roadtripper]

One thing to check if you are moving from twin to single on the passenger side is the electrics in the seat - heaters and airbags - depending on what was fitted to the base van.

T6.1 Changing the double-seat to a single

hi guys We are changing our front bench seat for a single our van is a 2017 kombi. The seat is in great condition, what would be a fair price to sell it for? Any help appreciated Cheers

www.t6forum.com

You'll also need to check that your converter hasn't tucked anything in the area of the seat base you will loose.

 

[Benbecul97]

I have a double passenger seat (great storage underneath) and a driver seat. Both swivel.
The inside of a T6 can feel small, so for me its all about maximising the space when you're parked up and the 2+1 does that.
With my van I I try to get every item to double-job, and be as flexible / have as many purposes as possible.

For me its no biggy to have to get out of the van to get back into the back of the van. How often do you go between the two space anyway?
But its all about preferences and what are your absolute must haves.

 

[Cuffy]

You got it.
In all fairness, whenever we go away in the van it's always with the awning set up so the inside of the van never really gets used apart from dumping stuff. I think we might have actually swivelled the passenger seat 3 times at most.
Horses for courses n all that, is it a necessity? If you're going to use it then go for it, also ask the question, can you do with it? Save a few £'s for other bits of useless kit

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

I've got a swivel captain seat on the passenger side and fixed driver side.
Due to the layout of the van it would have been pointless having the driver's seat with the swivel option.

I’ve found that’s not really the case.
I presume you have the kitchen behind the drivers seat? The same as me.
I fitted a drivers swivel plate and it has opened the whole cab up and the whole van seems much more roomy.
It doesn’t turn all the way around because of the kitchen but there’s still loads of room. I’m 6ft and sitting in it my legs don’t get in the way of the passengers.
It’s much better for having 3 or more people away in the van.
4 people can sit comfortably with plenty room.
The captains chairs are miles comfier than the bench.

 

[Alexryc]

This is a really common problem which crops up on here all the time!! If you have a swivel it is also likely adding height to the seat which can make it uncomfortable unless you have a lowered seat base, this is the same for the single seats.

The bench will swap out for a single, it unbolts from the floor (6 bolts) and the single bolts in using only the 4 nearest the passenger door. Straight swap would take less than 10 mins with all the bits.

You will need a new single seat and a seat box frame.

Correct, two captains seats will let you go into the back from the font no problems I do this all the time to strap kids in car seats etc and if its raining!!

Unless you need the extra seat with the bench then usually the twin captain seats is what most people want for all the reasons you have said, passenger comfort and going into the rear.

The downside is that the single seats are expensive usually around the £1,000 mark and more if you want an OEM swivel. Other people have fitted various seats from other vehicles to get round this huge cost.

one here for sale: (not affliated in any way)

Sold - Passenger Captains Chair in Simora Trim. £875

Hi All, Merry Christmas!! I am selling my passenger seat captains chair in simora trim, removed from my 2018 T6. Looking for £875 and collection from BN24 (near Eastbourne). Lee

www.t6forum.com

Sorry may I also ask;

Will it fit in a T6.1?

 

[david173]

Sorry may I also ask;

Will it fit in a T6.1?

mounting points on T6 and T6.1 are the same.

FYI I have T6.1 seats in my T6

 

[Alexryc]

I’ve found that’s not really the case.
I presume you have the kitchen behind the drivers seat? The same as me.
I fitted a drivers swivel plate and it has opened the whole cab up and the whole van seems much more roomy.
It doesn’t turn all the way around because of the kitchen but there’s still loads of room. I’m 6ft and sitting in it my legs don’t get in the way of the passengers.
It’s much better for having 3 or more people away in the van.
4 people can sit comfortably with plenty room.
The captains chairs are miles comfier than the bench.
View attachment 226094

This is awesome. You have done a mint job with the setup. I love the colour etc. Is that a plug socket behind? What electrics are you running?

Do you have a contact who upholstered yours?

 

[david173]

@Vanderlust hope you recover soon!

@Alexryc Last thing from me to add is that if your thinking of adding swivels have a think and a search on here if you want to go down the OEM swivel vs the aftermarket swivel. (plenty of threads on this so wont repeat it) There really is no right or wrong answer between the two, apart from OEM will be harder to get hold of and more £££, but also consider the cost of 2 aftermarket swivels will be in the £300-400 region ish. Just a thought before getting any seats etc as you cant retrofit the OEM swivel as its integrated to the seat.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

 

[Alexryc]

@Vanderlust hope you recover soon!

@Alexryc Last thing from me to add is that if your thinking of adding swivels have a think and a search on here if you want to go down the OEM swivel vs the aftermarket swivel. (plenty of threads on this so wont repeat it) There really is no right or wrong answer between the two, apart from OEM will be harder to get hold of and more £££, but also consider the cost of 2 aftermarket swivels will be in the £300-400 region ish. Just a thought before getting any seats etc as you cant retrofit the OEM swivel as its integrated to the seat.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

Thanks very much. Incredibly helpful.

When you say retrofit; do you mean I would have to pay Volkswagen to fit? Or a company? (for the OEM ones)

 

[david173]

Thanks very much. Incredibly helpful.

When you say retrofit; do you mean I would have to pay Volkswagen to fit? Or a company? (for the OEM ones)

aftermarket swivels bolt on under the seat runners and the top of the seat base.
the OEM swivel is built into the seat itself so cant be retrofitted as a retrofit is pretty much swapping the whole seat if that makes sense.