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#Vanlife: How do I add seats to a full size cargo van?

how to add custom seating to sprinter van or camper van
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If you’re like me, the thought of a cargo van is very appealing – just not to live in full time. Instead, I’m looking for something that can haul tons of gear, a number of friends and family, and when needed, still offer a place to sleep. I’d prefer all that to be inside the vehicle, while providing a place to change and to relax, all while making it as easy as possible to put in big miles on the highway. This has all led me to research the full size cargo vans that are available in the U.S., but one issue has stood out – seating.

Full Size Cargo Van additional seats rear bench upfit van life ford ram sprinter chevy nissan nv

Aftermarket seating options for adventure vans

Most cargo vans will look like the image above because, well, cargo. Two seats up front, and nothing in the back is the most common way you’ll find these vans. Especially if you’re looking at the used market. But just because there isn’t anything back there now, doesn’t mean there can’t be in the future.

The concept of adding additional seating to any vehicle is not a new one. People have been adding seats to customize vehicles for decades, but if you start doing some research online you’ll realize there is some grey area here in terms of safety and legality.

is it legal to add rear seats to a cargo van
The Hub Bike Shop & Pisgah Tavern’s Sprinter has a mix of belted seat for passengers in motion, and a futon couch for lounging at the trailhead.

is it legal to add rear seats to a cargo van

Is it legal to add seats to your van?

Specifically, I had read in a few places that if you add seats to a van, they won’t be covered by your insurance if you get into an accident. Obviously, that’s no good, but is it true? The best answer I could find came from my own insurance agent who said, “As long as they are normal car seats with seat belts, and installed correctly, you are fine. As long as the vehicle is eligible, you are covered.” However, I wouldn’t take this at face value – I’d strongly recommend consulting with your own insurance agent before upfitting any van.

When it comes to upfitting, or adding additional seating, you technically have three options:

  • Installing it yourself.
  • Going through an aftermarket up fitter.
  • Having the dealer go through an upfitter before delivery if you’re buying new

Installing it yourself probably puts you back in that grey area since insurance companies could technically claim that it wasn’t installed by a “professional” and deny your claim in the event of an accident. Again, this is something you should consult with your own insurance agent on for clarity.

The second two are good options depending on the situation. Obviously, if you already own the van, the aftermarket upfitter will be the answer. For new, you have to decide if you want to pay dealer markup so you can bundle it all into one monthly payment, or pay out of pocket for the aftermarket up fitter to install them after you buy the vehicle.

The after-purchase aftermarket option will likely give you the most options as many car dealerships work with a very limited number of upfitters. Choose your own and the sky is the limit when it comes to seat choice. Want full leather recliners with heated and massaging seats? Done. Me? I’ll probably opt for vinyl to keep out the sweat and mud while keeping costs grounded.

Ford Transit Options

Full Size Cargo Van additional seats rear bench upfit van life ford ram sprinter chevy nissan nv

I was specifically curious about the seating options of the Ford Transit due to its optional dual sliding doors and glass on the front half of the van (this is also an option on the Ram Promaster). In this configuration, it is only available from the factory with the two seats up front, but one of my local Ford dealers said that they could solve the issue. They ended up quoting me $899 (installation included) for the addition of a three person bench seat in the rear (with three seat belts) that was also child-seat compliant.

Theoretically, this should be an option on just about any cargo van, but double check before diving in.

Mercedes Sprinter Options

which seating arrangement is best for a van life sprinter conversion
The Industry Nine crew’s east coast van is the high roof Sprinter Crew Van, which adds a second row seat and side windows, with nothing but space behind them.

One of the best factory options is the Mercedes Benz Sprinter Crew Van. It is essentially the same configuration as the Transit above (minus the driver-side sliding door) with seating for five, but straight from the factory. Of course, you pay for that convenience with the base Crew Van starting out $3,500 more expensive than the base Cargo Van. However, if you’re looking for a 4×4 high roof van with room for friends, this might be the way to go. The premium for the Crew Van option plus the 4×4 option still comes out to be about $2-3k less than a new Ford Transit with additional seating and a Quigley 4×4 conversion (Quigley no longer converts used or pre-owned Transits, only new vans).

Ram Promaster Options

Full Size Cargo Van additional seats rear bench upfit van life ford ram sprinter chevy nissan nv

The Ram Promaster isn’t just the smallest of this style van, it also has the fewest factory seating options. We can’t imagine it will be a popular option for comfortable seating on long road trips, but Ram does offer a three-seater version of the Promaster, but all three seats are in the front. More likely, the popular option for the Ram would be the swiveling driver and passenger seats to make lounging inside -and getting into the back- more comfortable.

Full Size Cargo Van additional seats rear bench upfit van life ford ram sprinter chevy nissan nv

A representative for Ram confirmed that they do not offer any rear seating from the factory since their vans are reserved for cargo, but that there are many companies who provide upfitting services for customers. We also confirmed that for 2019, the full window vans will be available to dealers (currently only available to fleets).

Passenger Vans offer the most seats

Full Size Cargo Van additional seats rear bench upfit van life ford ram sprinter chevy nissan nv Full Size Cargo Van additional seats rear bench upfit van life ford ram sprinter chevy nissan nv

The other possible option is going with one of the 8, 10, 12, or 15 passenger vans and removing the seats you don’t need. This option provides factory seating and allows you to pick and choose which exact seats you’d want to leave in the van (and you may even be able to sell the extra seats), but it does have some draw backs. First, there is definitely some work involved in removing the seats. You’ll probably need a special bit if you don’t already have a bunch of automotive tools, and you’ll also be left with an interior that isn’t as conducive to storing cargo in the back (lots of windows, seatbelts, seat mounts, etc.).

You’re also limited to what models you can choose since in the case of the Transit Passenger Wagon High Roof, the vans start out at the 250 level since they’re designed to haul the weight of a lot of people and luggage.

However, these are popular for people movers meaning there’s a higher chance of finding one used. In fact, the best deal on a full size, high roof cargo van I’ve seen was a 2016 Transit passenger wagon with 30k miles for $16k, and I’m kind of kicking myself for not scooping it up.

Full Size Cargo Van additional seats rear bench upfit van life ford ram sprinter chevy nissan nv

This is an option for used and new Sprinters as well, but if you were buying new it would make more sense to just get the crew version.

Full Size Cargo Van additional seats rear bench upfit van life ford ram sprinter chevy nissan nv

The Nissan NV is available in a passenger wagon as well, but sadly it is not available in a high roof. The same goes for the Chevy Express cargo van – you can find 12 and 15 passenger versions and remove most of the seats, but they are not available with a high roof model.

The seat of the question

Outside Van and other outfitters can add stock or custom aftermarket bench and captains seats. (Photo and top image courtesy Outside Van)

Ultimately, it’s clear that cargo vans are either designed to haul few people and a ton of cargo, or a ton of people with minimal cargo. It’s that in-between that still could use improvement. Technically, there’s a way to get what you want with almost any van, but it will depend on how much you want to spend and how much work you’re willing to put into it. We really only covered the “factory” type options here. Aftermarket conversions can do just about anything you want, and likely offer more comfortable seats. Truth be told, the factory bench seats are not very comfortable for long trips, and few if any will recline. If you’re building a family hauler for major road tripping, custom, reclining captain’s chairs in the second row would be our recommendation, with a bench or folding couch behind that.

The last thing to consider is if you’ll ever really need to remove those seats to move stuff instead of people. Do you prioritize comfort, or convenience? The Holy Grail is an adventure van that doubles as a family/friend hauler, that can also still be used as a true cargo hauler in a pinch.

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31 Comments
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spotswood
spotswood
6 years ago

Not sure which is more obnoxious: Redneck in a coal-rolling, lifted diesel pickup, or a Trustafarian in a $100,000 sprinter van.

Kernel Flickitov
Kernel Flickitov
6 years ago
Reply to  spotswood

(deleted)

joshort
6 years ago
Reply to  spotswood

How about a guy who makes unfounded assumptions about people based on their vehicles and chooses a pervy screen name?

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

I’m sure this has already been addressed elsewhere in the intrawebs, but I couldn’t easily find an answer, so this is my turn to rant:
Because of the Chicken Tax, most vans are imported as passenger vans, then converted into cargo versions. Why can’t you just get one before the conversion? And for slightly less?

Jennings
Jennings
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

They were shipping in Ford Transit Connects with back seats from Turkey and removing them when they arrived. Mercedes ships in their Sprinter vans was knock-downs with the chassis separate from the body. They recently opened a new plant in Charleston for final completion of Sprinter. Most others are built in the US to avoid the chicken tax as it’s 35%. It’s why we have so few brands of trucks sold here.

terp
terp
6 years ago

Carrumor, am I right?

Kar
Kar
6 years ago
Reply to  terp

ha, ha, ha, ha, was just going to comment the same!

Eric Daume
6 years ago

I design seats for an OEM. I wouldn’t put myself or my family in any seat that’s not factory designed to bolt to an existing structure in the floor, with matching seat belts. There’s a whole lot of load going through that seat in a crash.

Ettore
Ettore
6 years ago
Reply to  Eric Daume

As a former double cab conversion designer, I can tell you that even though we were not an OEM, we were a European OEM supplier with our own designed, TS16949 developed and crash tested product. The structure of the car failed long before our solution did.

But yes, don’t botch this job, for the sake of your passengers.

Ricky Bobby
Ricky Bobby
6 years ago

My brother called a company that converts factory vans into conversion vans and asked if they had any factory Ford benches ad seatbelts. They were glad to unload some of their hundreds of excess seats and seatbelts at a fraction of the cost of a dealer, I think he paid $200 for the bench, seatbelt and floor mounts.

Fabian
Fabian
5 years ago
Reply to  Ricky Bobby

Can I get the info on where he called? I’d like to do the same.

Katie
1 year ago
Reply to  Fabian

Me too!!

Brian
Brian
6 years ago

I bought a Transit Connect and installed stock seats (very easy install) I found off the wagon model. I had intended to add a second row but never did. If anyone’s interested in that 2nd set, shoot me a message. @fattywatts

Fabian
Fabian
5 years ago
Reply to  Brian

Brian I’m interested.

Tom
Tom
6 years ago

FWIW, the rear seats in Sprinter passenger vans do not require any tools to remove, and once removed, the mounts left behind are recessed into the floor, leavings things flat and smooth.

Really looking forward to seeing what the upcoming new Sprinter has to offer.

CEW
CEW
6 years ago

There are three versions of the Sprinter. The cargo version just has a driver and passenger seat, the crew adds a bench seat behind the driver and passenger and the third option, the passenger van, has many rows of seats. I believe the cargo and the crew versions have the mounting bolts for the additional rows. You just have to cut the slots out of the plywood floor in the correct spots to expose the factory area to bolt down the seats, mount the recessed factory seat brackets, and then you can drop in a bench seat. As someone mentioned here already, the bend seats basically clip in and out so they are easy to put in and remove once the brackets are mounted.

financebrilliance
5 years ago

I want a high roof, extended cab van with a tow strap and a cargo hold.

I also want a small backseat (like the kind in an extended cab truck) that can safely hook an child seat incase our family expands. I have a need to seat up to 5 but I want the back row to be removable or fold into the bottom flat.

Sadly this doesn’t exist I have looked everywhere for years. Sometime around 2005 they stopped manufacturing passenger cargo vans.

Why can’t they manufacture that?

I won’t be buying a new vehicle until they have what I want. My cousin has a suburban just like I described and they don’t make them like that any more, they either seat 2 people or 8+ and I don’t need mega seating for frequent use.

Try manufacturing to young families on the go who need space and you will sell more than you do now. No one wants these cramped, compact crappy cars.

Go big or go home.

Katherine L. Knutson
Katherine L. Knutson
3 years ago

This is exactly what I’m looking for too. Anyone find it?

Katie
1 year ago

I’m looking for this too!

Brian Clevinger
Brian Clevinger
5 years ago

Hello all, I recently bought a converted van. They put in a lot of work and made it a very nice passenger van. My question is, am I able to move the seats around to optimize space. I want to rotate 2 of the 3 bench seat and put them against the wall. I can’t find anything anywhere letting me know if this is legal. Please let me know if anyone has any input. Thank you.

Pooky
Pooky
4 years ago

I’m looking for a high top, 170wb, with 3 people/ car seat viable second row seating. They also need to fold down, but not necessarily into the floor.(I can build over and around it when it’s folded down) I was going to purchase a cargo van and simply add the seating after I insulate the walls and floors for maximum temperature control. But from what I’m reading here, that may not be insurable/safe. That really limits me to a crew version of the transit van. Doses that come in the high top, 170wb?

Marc Smith
Marc Smith
4 years ago
Reply to  Pooky

yes it does but pricier. The Sprinter CARGO contrary t what is mentionned in the old comments, did not originally arrive with seats and then removed because of a chiken tax. The cargo version actually lacks the seat NIS brackets and floor metal moldings, this is why you ned crew. It looks like the Transit offers that and frankly, in NA, the transt is truly the way to go. Less cool but so much better on reliability.

ATBScott
ATBScott
4 years ago

I was shopping for vans last year. After really going through my needs, I decided to buy a Transit 12-Passenger Wagon. With the rear row out (no tools), I can make it fit 8 people and bikes INSIDE. I usually use it with only one row (5-person van) and have a ton of room. The mid-row seats just require a screwdriver or hook tool to pop the release. I also use it for mobile repair. I have room to work on bikes inside if needed. Also, passenger vans are not targeted for theft as much as cargo vans are, since they usually are just full of seats… A bit of extra tint on the rear windows and it’s really hard to see inside. Still enough visibility for driving and it has mirrors and back-up cam… I’ll curtain it out for camping if I need to do urban stealth. Just another option for any of you shopping who need to carry 5 or more people.

V
V
4 years ago
Reply to  ATBScott

How’s the ride in the back for the passenger on long rides . Is it as rough as the Sprinter.

Lyn wright
Lyn wright
3 years ago

I bought a used Mercedes sprinter van and I want to remove row of bench seats and put a different set of bench seats in. Can someone use the three seat bench seat with a different track or mounting bracket as I am not removing my mounting brackets.

Danny
Danny
2 years ago
Reply to  Lyn wright

Hello do you still have the seating?.

Anthony
Anthony
2 years ago

They actually do make a high roof NV. We make roof racks and other parts for those vans.

William Dorn
William Dorn
2 years ago

Can you add seats in the back if there aren’t any windows?

Azam
6 months ago

Back side is really comfortable

Alex L
1 month ago

Rear Passenger Seats can be found at https://www.cvcandmore.com/, They have seats for All Full Size Cargo Vans, Swivel seats, and Seats to Replace Orginal Factory Seats for both Ford Transits and MB Sprinter Vans.

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