Installing van swivel seats can be a game-changer. Swivel seats provide added flexibility and convenience, allowing you to easily turn your seats to face different directions, whether it's for driving, dining, or just lounging. With swivel seats, you're always facing in the right direction. They turn your cab into useful seating, potentially saving you space in your conversion. Though the installation process may seem daunting at first, it’s actually very straightforward.
Shane, the founder of The Van Conversion, is a campervan professional dedicated to helping people transform ordinary vans into homes on wheels. He authored Roaming Home and teaches The Van Conversion Course, guiding many people through their van builds. Shane also writes The Van Conversion Newsletter, where he shares practical tips and insights. After completing two van builds and living on the road full-time since 2020, he is passionate about sharing his expertise with others.
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Most Popular Brands of Van Swivel Seat
Scopema offer a range of van swivel seats for different van models and have a reputation for quality craftsmanship. They aren't a budget option, but we don't recommend budget options for something as important as the front seats of your van.
Scopema's swivels are solidly-made in every regard, meaning you'll never get any rattle or wiggle in your seat over time. The swivel and lock mechanisms are bomb-proof, giving a smooth, solid motion that's easy to manipulate. Scopema offer swivels for all popular vans, including Transits, Sprinters, Crafters, ProMasters, and the Citroen/Renault/Peaugeot/Opel families.
How to Install a Van Swivel Seat
Step 1: Remove the existing seat
Start by removing the existing seat from the van. This involves removing the bolts or screws that hold the seat to the vehicle's floor. You'll need either a socket wrench or a screwdriver to do this. If your van has power seats, you'll need to disconnect the wiring harness before removing them.
Step 2: Clean the area
Once the seat is removed, clean the area where the new swivel seat will be installed. Remove any debris or dirt that may have accumulated.
Step 3: Install the van swivel seat base
Install the van swivel seat base onto the vehicle's floor using the bolts provided. Make sure the base is secured tightly and flush with the floor. Don't be scared of tightening the bolts as far as they'll go.
Step 4: Install the seat onto the swivel base
Place the van swivel seat onto the van swivel seat base and secure it using the bolts provided. Make sure the seat is centred and level.
Step 5: Test the swivel function
Test the swivel function of the seat to ensure it rotates smoothly and without any obstructions.
Step 6: Reconnect the wiring
If your van has power seats, reconnect the wiring harness to the new seat.
Conclusion
This brief guide serves to highligh the usefulness of swivel seats and provide general instructions for installation. Scopema's excellent swivels come with all the instructions and hardware you'll need to transform your van's cab seats into flexible, useful seating.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Van Conversion Newsletter for everything you need to get started with your own van conversion. We'll send you a free wiring diagram when you join.
If you're looking for some guidance with your van conversion, you might be interested in our book, Roaming Home, or in our online course, The Van Conversion Mastery Course. You'll learn directly from our founder Shane how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed.
Finally, our Van Conversion Ultimate Guide lays out the whole van conversion process in easy-to-follow sections with tools, materials, and step-by-step instructions. It's the perfect companion for your van build.
Until next time.