DIY van conversion, confused about seats
Discussion
I'm thinking of embarking on a van conversion.
I'm confused by rock n roll beds.
Theres non tested, crash tested and M1 pull tested beds.
I was advised in a conversion, I don't need any testing....tests are for new vehicles, Mot will inspect ...... but if I was to put my child there I might want a tested seat.
So I need a tested seat.
Q1: Do I have to pay someone to fit it and get their certificate or can I fit myself?
Ideally I'd like the rear rock n roll bed to be on a rails so it can be moved forwards and removed if I want.
Q2: Can I just mount the M1 tested bed to an M1 tested rail kit like this? https://unwinsafety.com/shop/camper-van/camper-van...
I'm confused by rock n roll beds.
Theres non tested, crash tested and M1 pull tested beds.
I was advised in a conversion, I don't need any testing....tests are for new vehicles, Mot will inspect ...... but if I was to put my child there I might want a tested seat.
So I need a tested seat.
Q1: Do I have to pay someone to fit it and get their certificate or can I fit myself?
Ideally I'd like the rear rock n roll bed to be on a rails so it can be moved forwards and removed if I want.
Q2: Can I just mount the M1 tested bed to an M1 tested rail kit like this? https://unwinsafety.com/shop/camper-van/camper-van...
Op what kind of van?
My recommendation would be to use OEM seats, pick a van with 3 seats in the front, or get a van that has additional seats in the rear.
If you use the mazda bongo as an example it has OEM seats that fold down to form part of the bed.
My recommendation would be to use OEM seats, pick a van with 3 seats in the front, or get a van that has additional seats in the rear.
If you use the mazda bongo as an example it has OEM seats that fold down to form part of the bed.
Edited by Foliage on Wednesday 26th September 10:01
Looks like a T5 is the default option, theres so much out there for them.
Thanks both. I've done some more reading. Seems you can do whatever the hell you want after new registration. If you want passengers, you need a seatbelt. The MOT tester will glance over seatbelt mountings and seat mountings and if they think its OK, then that seems to be enough. However I guess people wanted to see some testing thats why so many are now tested. Although I've sat in many classic cars with poor mountings and sometimes no seatbelts.......I think I'll do the best I can.
The RIB bed looks great - but its not on rails.
I want to slide the rear seat forwards so kids aren't so far back, and so the space is more practical when not being used as a campervan, and also to be able to remove the seat when using it as a builders van.
Ubervan have a system they have had tested to mount the RIB bed on the VW Caravelle rail system - makes it very expensive, and I want to fit myself (I can drill holes and tighten bolts).
VW Californias use the same rail system as a Caravelle, these are bolted through the floor (apparently holes are marked on the underside) and use simple reinforcing plates you can buy as VW parts. The California has fewer rails than the caravelle, but with their seats they have been proper crash tested like a car.
So I'm now thinking the best option is:
Fit original VW crash tested Caravelle rails to van floor (£400-600). Try and buy the caravelle floor too to save making one round the rails.
To this I can either fit
a) An original california seat (£2500 used, ouch)
b) Cut down a Caravelle triple rear seat to a 2 seater (£1000), these fold to a bed and have the marginal advantage of ISOFIX.
c) See if uber bus will sell me a tested, rail adapted RIB seat.
I can also drop in an individual caravelle seat (£400) behind or in front of the double on full caravelle rails for an extra seat if I need (taking it to 6 seats).
Thanks both. I've done some more reading. Seems you can do whatever the hell you want after new registration. If you want passengers, you need a seatbelt. The MOT tester will glance over seatbelt mountings and seat mountings and if they think its OK, then that seems to be enough. However I guess people wanted to see some testing thats why so many are now tested. Although I've sat in many classic cars with poor mountings and sometimes no seatbelts.......I think I'll do the best I can.
The RIB bed looks great - but its not on rails.
I want to slide the rear seat forwards so kids aren't so far back, and so the space is more practical when not being used as a campervan, and also to be able to remove the seat when using it as a builders van.
Ubervan have a system they have had tested to mount the RIB bed on the VW Caravelle rail system - makes it very expensive, and I want to fit myself (I can drill holes and tighten bolts).
VW Californias use the same rail system as a Caravelle, these are bolted through the floor (apparently holes are marked on the underside) and use simple reinforcing plates you can buy as VW parts. The California has fewer rails than the caravelle, but with their seats they have been proper crash tested like a car.
So I'm now thinking the best option is:
Fit original VW crash tested Caravelle rails to van floor (£400-600). Try and buy the caravelle floor too to save making one round the rails.
To this I can either fit
a) An original california seat (£2500 used, ouch)
b) Cut down a Caravelle triple rear seat to a 2 seater (£1000), these fold to a bed and have the marginal advantage of ISOFIX.
c) See if uber bus will sell me a tested, rail adapted RIB seat.
I can also drop in an individual caravelle seat (£400) behind or in front of the double on full caravelle rails for an extra seat if I need (taking it to 6 seats).
Edited by was8v on Thursday 27th September 15:09
Edited by was8v on Thursday 27th September 15:10
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