Description
Fitting a swivel to your VW Transporter drivers seat?
As is often the way in the world of campervans, it's not quite as straight forward as you might think. The main issue you'll find is that the handbrake (even when released) sits higher than your the metal seat base in your van. If you fit a swivel on top of the seat base it will crash into your handbrake when you attempt to rotate your seat. This is a problem!
Realistically you have 3 options to get around the issue...
Option 1: Use a Scopema RIB swivel
These drivers side swivels include a pair of 20mm spacer bars which raise your swivel and seat up higher. The extra height is sufficient to just clear the handbrake.
... However... you are now stuck with a seat that is, in total, 45mm higher than originally designed by Volkswagen. You will also find that your handbrake's plastic trim may also need to be removed in order to gain a couple of extra millimetres clearance.
Option 2: Fit a handbrake lowering kit
Usually these are supplied by the swivel manufacturer (e.g. Sportscraft). By removing your handbrake and refitting it at a lower height, you'll have space to rotate your seat without it hitting your brake lever.
... However... the handbrake mods tend to look rubbish as your plastic handbrake trim no longer fits, and you tend to end up with your handbrake resting at a weird angle.
Option 3: KIRAVANS SOLUTION
So Kiravans have created, what we believe is, the perfect handbrake lowering kit:
- It includes new vacuum-formed plastic trim cover for your handbrake bracket
- 4mm steel bracket to avoid any flexing
- All the nuts, bolts and cable protection you'll need to fit it in 10 minutes
- It's compatible with every single swivel on the market & with our Double Seat Swivel
If you want to use a RIB drivers swivel with our lowering kit the great news is that you can now remove the spacer bars and drop your seat down by 20mm!
Our handbrake lowering kit is compatible with the VW Transporter T5, T6 & T6.1. Check out our fitting video to see just how easy this is to install.
Compatibility
Designed for use with the standard rubber floor mat. If your van has an extra layer of carpet (such as the Caravelle) then the plastic trim will not fit properly.
Kiravans is the leading online retailer of campervan conversion products. We have been designing, making and sourcing top quality kit for over 16 years.
Kiravans started life in the UK, but for the last few years we've been shipping our well-loved products to our retail and trade customers across Europe.
We have now opened a warehouse in the Netherlands, so all orders placed on this website are shipped from within the EU. This means faster deliveries and no import duties, tariffs to pay - just a hassle free shopping experience!
Want to know more about Kiravans? Read the full story here
Kiravans provide a comprehensive 'No Quibble Returns' policy. You can return any purchase up to 90 days after purchase, for an exchange or full refund.
We only ask that you follow any manufacturers' recommended maintenance advice and use-by dates. Read our full policy here >
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