Captains Chairs in a van, what you need to know

We get this request all the time and spend a great deal of time explaining why this is not as easy as "bolting in a few seats".

IT IS NOT SO SIMPLE AS YOU THINK TO DO THIS, DON'T MAKE A MISTAKE OF BUYING A CARGO VAN AND THINK YOU CAN JUST MOUNT A FEW SEATS-IF YOU CARE ABOUT SAFETY OF YOUR PASSENGERS

SAFETY

First issue for us is safety. This means using a DOT approved FMVSS 213 standards. For the seat this is common, for the mounting system not so much. You have to crash test a seating system in a van to pass these requirements. Very FEW mounting systems have this. Floor systems by Travois, Smart Floor, or individual system using mounting plates like from JMG are the most common.

MOUNTING

You have options mentioned above, Floor systems are glued/bolted down, and mounting plates are generally bolted down and integrated into the frame of the van. Bolted down plates might have limited positions available due to frame braces locations that require braces to be in very specific locations to wrap out the frame of the van. Systems like Smart Floor or Travois give you unlimited mounting position and flexibility. You cannot just "add" L track to a floor for safe seating.

Smart Floor with movable seats on tracks

Smart Floor with many multiple tracks

JMG floor mounting systems

Mouting plate example, the "U" brackets provide very good and safe mounting for the plate

JMG mounting plate with seats, special brackets are used under the van that wrap around the frame of the van

COSTS

Smart Floor and Travois systems require authorized trained installers and in "finished floor with trim/covering" can be from $8000-1000k just for floor with seats starting from about $2500 on up to $5000 each. A floor for JMG is a time consuming job and can easily be $5000+, plus the mounting plates easily getting to similar costs if not more. A flooring system with seats easily can be $15k plus. This usually has to be done beginning of van build. Can be added in some circumstances, but not always depending on wall thickness or other work in van.

ALTERNATIVES with vans with factory "OEM" mounting brackets

JMG Seating systems has seats that can mount in factory mounting brackets, however you cannot get a "walk through" solution in between seats with this system due to the fact there are only 3 leg posts to attach to. To have a walk through you need 4 leg posts, 2 for each seat.

JMG Seats in factory OEM mounting tracks (cannot be moved front/back)

SEATING SIDEWAYS

Many comment on just adding a few lap belts on a bench seat sitting sideways. As you can imagine if you get in a crash and are sitting sideways you are very likely to be severely injured not to mention you are not in a 3 point seat belt position.