HELP - 11 seat Volkswagen required

[dubstyle]

I've got a friend that is a school teacher and they are looking for a new mode of transport. Since VW are reknowned for reliability and safety she decided to come to me and ask my advice since I am the only Volkswagen expert (Ahem!!) she knows.

So far my thoughts are: -
1) LWB transporter with windows and aftermarket seats fitted. You could have factory bench seat in the front and would then only need 2, 3, 3 set up in the back. Would also need to put in some flooring etc to make it a little more comfortable and to block out the road noise.

2) Caravelle (9 seater) with 2 extra seats fitted. Again not sure how this would work. Extra seats would have to fold forward to enable access to the rear to rows of seats.

3) LWB Crewvan. driver plus 1 passenger in front, 3 seat factory bench in back. Would then need 2x after market 3 seat benches in the back.

Has anyone put extra seats in their vehicle? Do you have any contacts for getting them?

Any help or advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Also any reccomendation on roof height would be great

Thanks

[Zaskar]

I was looking at getting seats from Caddy Van in Laverton. There are a few people that do such specifics or try Van Seats: Removeable, Foldable and Fixed Van Seating
you might be able to find seats sold separately on ebay/ gumtree and have them fitted.
VW wreckers might be able to help with old seats from Multivans if that works.
I have a crewvan, plenty of space in the back for 2 more rows if you but 2 seats in the side door access.

[Silver Caravelle]

Hi Dubstyle,

Whatever the end result, the vehicle will need to be reregistered with the extra seating capacity. Before the mods are done, check with VICROADS on the feasibility.

Cheers,

Scott

[Sunny43.5]

As in a previous life I used to do a lot of van mods etc their are many things that need to be addresed when installing extra seats , first seats should be approved by the Australian Design rules . Aftermarket seat manufacureres would have done the appropriate testing before they can sell them . Fitting is crucial as the mounts have to also comply with ADR,s seat belts must be brand new and again any non factory mounting points have to be approved by an engineer . Child restraints anchor points will probably be needed for at least 3 positions . And if I am not mistaken suitable access to and from the van and even possibly an approved emergency exit . We used to do conversions to Toyota Coasters and HiAce vans and other makes and the engineers would have to do all sorts of calculations in relation to weights and passenger numbers so the approval was correct to a "T" and they used to charge like a wounded bull for the certificate . Last thing depending on how many rows of seats there has to be suitable access to and from rear rows of seats no climbing over them !! And also the rear door / tailgate should be able to be opened from inside in an emergency , now the rules have probably changed over the last 12 years since I left that industry so the current rules would need to be very closely checked . Howard

[Seano]

Go the next size up...Crafter is your best option for room to fit 11 seats.

However, the other (much cheaper) alternative is the Ford Transit Bus Ford Australia - Ford Transit Bus which already comes with seating for 11 passengers...no need for engineering.

[question?]

When we bought out 9 seater Caravelle I asked the dealer about securing another 3 seater (11 in total) - they said they could get the "Parts" in. Yep parts would have be ordered for each piece that makes up the entire bench. As they said, the cost would be huge.

[dubstyle]

Thanks for all your answers. It looks like the school are going to go with a Toyota hiace bus. VGA just don't have an appropriate vehicle.

[MultiplexMan]

VW Transporter T5 Van Rear Seats (8 Extra Seats) | eBay

Just put a bench in the front and you would have 11...

[Sunny43.5]

Please just remember one very important thing when you change the seating numbers the vehicle classification also changes , a commercial van has maybe some factory seats that VW would have had certified by FORS so does each model up to Carravelle etc . I cannot remember the exact details . You need to check with a certified engineer for the different codes and requirements .

[dubstyle]

VW Transporter T5 Van Rear Seats (8 Extra Seats) | eBay

Just put a bench in the front and you would have 11...

Do you think it would be cheeky to ask who did the convertion for them?

[dubstyle]

Please just remember one very important thing when you change the seating numbers the vehicle classification also changes , a commercial van has maybe some factory seats that VW would have had certified by FORS so does each model up to Carravelle etc . I cannot remember the exact details . You need to check with a certified engineer for the different codes and requirements .

Yeah this is going to a state school so they what ever they buy will be brand new from a dealer and all the paperwork will have to be spot on with all the correct certification cause the school will check.