Buying a used SMB and modifying the layout

ubergeek · 04-07-2011, 05:06 PM

I found a used SMB that I like but will need to check a couple of things before I purchase it.
This particular SMB I am looking at is based on GMC/Chevy EB (2008).

The only problem I have is, it has only 2 captain seats and 2 Dinettes (EB24 type), and I have 2 my kids I need to travel with in addion to my wife. I am not a big fan of having my kids sitting on the side facing bench. We may still use the bench to carry people when we have to.

So my question is, where can I install two additional seats w/ full 3 way seatbelts?
I can clearly see I can have one installed behind the passenger seat.
I am willing to move/remove one of dinnttes.

Any good suggestion for rearranging the layout?
Of course if possible, I want to minimize the change to reduce the cost.

Ford_6L_E350 · 04-07-2011, 06:57 PM

To me it would make sense to remove a dinette and move the closet/refrig to that space and have two captains chairs in front and two right behind them.

Mike

ubergeek · 04-07-2011, 07:57 PM

Thanks Mike for your input here.
That is one of the ideas we have. Other idea includues to shorten the length of the dinette to accommodate one more seat. There will be 2 seats in a row behind the passenger seat.

I wonder if there is a seat that can be installed between driver/passenger also that comes w/ 3 point belt.

Ford_6L_E350 · 04-08-2011, 12:31 PM

Something between the driver and passenger would interfere with access to/from the seats to the living quarters. When camping we rarely go outside to get in the front seats.

And, I would think the two rear passengers would like to be side by side so they can talk and look out the same windows. I'd hate to be back by myself.

Mike

jage · 04-10-2011, 02:55 PM

I'd agree with two seats immediately behind the driver/passenger seats. I'd lose the passenger side dinette couch and reverse the fridge over there. Not sure about the 3 pt. seatbelts, probably have to have aftermarket seats with those built in, since you're right next to the door.

Unless there is something else you have to have about this van, it doesn't seem quite right for you based on what you want.

Leeam · 04-27-2011, 12:31 PM

I would put a seat behind both the driver and the passenger too. Can you shorten one of the dinettes so you can slide the closet and fridge down or would you have to remove one of the dinettes completely? I guess you could find someone who can do custom interior work that may be able to do it. Have you ever looked at car repair reviews on angieslist.com?