Can you put seats in the back of a Transit van?
Transit vans are known for their versatility, making them a popular choice for both commercial and personal use. One common question among Transit van owners is whether it’s possible to install seats in the back of the van. The answer is yes, but there are several factors to consider before making this modification. In this article, we’ll explore the steps, legal requirements, and practical considerations involved in adding seats to the back of a Transit van.
Understanding the Basics
Adding seats to the back of a Transit van can transform it from a cargo vehicle into a people carrier. However, this modification isn’t as simple as bolting down a few seats. It requires careful planning, adherence to safety standards, and sometimes professional assistance. Here’s what you need to know:
- Van Model: Not all Transit vans are designed to accommodate additional seating. Check your van’s specifications to ensure it can handle the modification.
- Purpose: Determine whether the seats will be used for occasional passengers or regular transport, as this will influence the type of seats and installation method.
- Legal Requirements: Adding seats may require compliance with local vehicle modification laws and safety regulations.
Steps to Install Seats in the Back of a Transit Van
Here’s a general guide to help you through the process of installing seats in your Transit van:
- Step 1: Plan the Layout
Decide how many seats you want to add and where they will be positioned. Ensure there’s enough space for passengers to sit comfortably and safely.
- Step 2: Choose the Right Seats
Purchase seats that are compatible with your van model. Many manufacturers offer seats specifically designed for Transit vans, complete with mounting kits.
- Step 3: Install Seat Mounts
Securely install seat mounts to the van’s floor. This step is critical for safety and may require drilling into the van’s frame. It’s recommended to consult a professional for this part of the process.
- Step 4: Install the Seats
Attach the seats to the mounts according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure all bolts and fasteners are tightened properly.
- Step 5: Add Seat Belts
Install seat belts for each seat to comply with safety regulations. This step is non-negotiable for passenger safety.
- Step 6: Inspect and Test
Once the seats are installed, inspect the setup to ensure everything is secure. Test the seats and seat belts to confirm they are functioning correctly.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Before adding seats to your Transit van, it’s essential to understand the legal and safety implications:
- Compliance with Local Laws: Check your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent authority for regulations regarding vehicle modifications.
- Insurance Implications: Inform your insurance provider about the modification to ensure your policy remains valid.
- Professional Installation: For safety and compliance, consider having the seats installed by a certified professional.
Conclusion
Adding seats to the back of a Transit van is a feasible modification that can enhance the vehicle’s functionality. However, it requires careful planning, adherence to safety standards, and possibly professional assistance. By following the steps outlined above and ensuring compliance with legal requirements, you can successfully transform your Transit van into a versatile people carrier. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to consult a professional auto service like Kevin’s Autos for expert advice and assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do transit vans have rear seats?
The design of the 2023 Ford Transit Crew van comes with a seating capacity of five passengers across two rows of seating with spacious cargo area in the rear.
Can you put a child seat in a transit van?
Yes, you can have a child seat in a Transit van which must be securely fastened using the adult seat belt.
Is it legal to put seats in a cargo van?
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.
Can I put seats in the back of my van?
Can I carry goods and passengers in the rear? Although there is nothing specific in the regulations to prevent you doing this, we would strongly advise against carrying heavy goods and passengers in the rear of a van unless the load is secured to the bodywork to ensure it does not move about.
How much does it cost to put seats in the back of a van?
1+1+1 seating arrangement £3495+vat. 2+1 seating arrangement (new style folding single seat) £2995+vat. 2+1 seating arrangement (older style seat where single seat backseat doesnt fold flat) £1995+vat. Triple bench seating arrangement £2095+vat.
Can you add seats to a commercial van?
It requires occupant impact protection; most cargo vans will need additional padding and countermeasures in the area where the extra seats are added. A dynamic head form test is also required.
Can you add seats to a Transit van?
Additional Seats for Medium, Large & Extra Large Vans
We mainly use the Ford Custom seats for all medium to extra large vans because of the high quality, versatility, and available configurations. These seats are all M1 rated and we supply a certificate, after the installation for you to show your insurance company.
Is it illegal to put seats in the back of a truck?
For example, California strictly prohibits passengers from taking a ride in the bed of a pickup truck unless the truck is equipped with federally approved restraints. Meanwhile, states like Florida allow it provided the passengers are over a certain age or if the vehicle is being driven at a low speed.
Can you install seats in the back of a van?
Van Seats are usually quite universal. Certainly if you intend to fit the van seat to the rear of a “Panel” van the installation is relatively straight forward, Place it where you like and bolt it down using one of the approved van seat fitting kits.
Can you sit in the back of a Transit van?
There isn't a specific regulation stopping you from doing so. However, it's highly advisable not to carry both passengers and goods in the back of your van.
