One of the most popular questions we receive at Explore VanX regarding van builds is what camper van seating options are available for camper van conversions.
This answer can vary greatly depending on your vanlife lifestyle. Factors include how many people you are traveling with, if you have children, your hobbies, what size camper van you are traveling in, or if you’re adding seating to specialty vehicles like a school bus, ambulance, or box truck.
Well, you’re in luck, because we have quite a bit of experience with this subject! From swivel seats to safe DOT-certified seats for new additions to the family, this guide will explore various options available in the market and how to determine what option is right for you.
Table of Contents
Swivel Seats for Enhanced Living Space
Swivel seats are an excellent way to maximize the living space in your campervan. Unlike traditional fixed seats, swivel seats can rotate, allowing for a more dynamic use of space within the campervan. This feature provides versatility by seamlessly transitioning the driver and passenger seats to face the living area, creating a communal and more spacious atmosphere inside your tiny home.
Scopema is a popular and well-renowned brand among van dwellers. It has a lower profile, and users say it’s easy to install and has a smoother operation than other brands. Sportscraft is another popular brand and is available on many campervan aftermarket accessory websites.
When installing your swivel seats, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and don’t forget to disconnect your battery before the installation. If your campervan is equipped with airbags, you will need to disconnect the wiring to them from underneath your seat, and if they are connected to power, they could deploy unexpectedly.
Second-Row Bench or Bucket Seats
Sometimes, the standard seating in a campervan may not suit your specific needs. If you plan to travel with more than one passenger, you’ll need to consider second-row seating options with seat belts for your campervan that are safe for passengers in transit.
The most popular types of second-row seating options are bench seats or bucket seats secured to the floor of your camper van.
Bench seats are long, continuous seats that accommodate multiple passengers, while bucket seats are individual, often contoured for added comfort. Both options offer unique advantages, from improved aesthetics to enhanced support during travel.
Bench seats, when strategically positioned, can serve as additional sleeping space, complementing existing bed arrangements. Bucket seats often come with adjustable features, providing superior lumbar support and comfort during long journeys. Both options can create a more enjoyable, ergonomic driving and living experience inside the campervan.
Sourcing second-row seating
Several popular products cater specifically to campervan owners looking to upgrade their seating to bench or bucket alternatives.
Scheel-Mann, known for its ergonomic designs, provides comfortable bucket seats that prioritize long-haul comfort.
Sportscraft also offers adaptable bench seats that can be configured to suit different campervan layouts. Many after-market campervan accessory distributors carry this brand.
Freedman Seating Solutions has various seating for campervans and RVs including bench seat, bucket seat, foldaway seat, and even folding table options.
Safe Seating for the Little Ones
For families with young children or those expecting a new addition, safety is a top priority. All camper van seating for passengers while driving must be DOT-certified and equipped with seat belts. This is especially important if you have small children or infants riding in child car seats secured in your campervan seat.
A professional installer will know what safety requirements you need to adhere to and give suggestions on seating style, type, and placement. We highly recommend utilizing a professional when installing additional seating to a campervan or other specialty vehicles to ensure the safety of your passengers.
Once your new seating is installed, if you will be using a car seat, ensure it is secured correctly to the new seating. You can use a website like the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to find a booster seat and car seat fitting station near you.
Seats that Convert to Beds
Optimizing space in a campervan is essential, and convertible seats that transform into beds serve this purpose perfectly. These multifunctional seats provide a dual purpose, with the primary benefit being the efficient use of space, allowing campervan owners to optimize their living quarters without sacrificing comfort.
Companies like Alpine Van Works, Wilderness Vans, and OK Van Custom Interiors sell bench-to-bed position seats that meet DOT regulations so your passengers can travel safely and sleep soundly in your campervan.
If you are simply looking for a convertible space that is not used during transit, there are many ways to achieve this. Various mechanisms enable seats to convert into beds, and the choice often depends on personal preferences and available space.
Some campervans feature non-DOT certified bench seats that can be easily pulled out into a flat surface, creating a makeshift bed. Others incorporate modular designs where individual seats can be rearranged or combined to form a larger sleeping area. Additionally, some campervans are equipped with pop-up or fold-down beds integrated into the ceiling or walls, providing a seamless transition from seating to sleeping without the need for manual adjustments.
DIY Camper Van Seating
For those who enjoy hands-on projects, there are numerous DIY options for customizing campervan seating and bedding. This might include building custom bench seats with storage compartments underneath, engineered pieces that expand seating into a bed position, or completely custom seating and a small bed system that fits one person only for those who travel solo.
DIY projects allow campervan owners to tailor their interiors to meet specific needs, providing a sense of accomplishment and a truly personalized space.
Websites, forums, and tutorial videos dedicated to campervan conversions can offer step-by-step guidance for DIY enthusiasts.
Camper Van Seating and Bedding Kits
If you’re somewhere between the DIY enthusiast and pre-fab-manufactured seat-lover, you can utilize one of many kits made for camper van conversions. Whether you want a small bench seat to use as your couch, a dinette that converts to a small bed, or just a simple stool that doubles as a seat and storage space, there’s a camper van kit for you!
Simpler Ways is a website that has many sustainable camper van conversion kits from various companies that can help you build your bed, seat, or dinette without having to come up with the complete design yourself.
Conclusion
Choosing the right seating and bedding options for your campervan is a critical step in creating a comfortable and functional travel space. Whether you opt for swivel seats, add a new bench or bucket seats, ensure safety for the little ones, or invest in convertible seats, there are various options available to suit your preferences.
Research thoroughly, consider your specific needs, and invest in quality products to make your campervan journey a truly enjoyable experience. Then get out there and Find Your Outside™!
