Astro/Safari Seating Question

[JakeC]

I've recently embedded the idea of a "family vacation" within my mother, brother, girlfriend, and her child. When I was a kid, we never really went on any family vacations and I thought it might be an insightful journey for all of us to experience together. We'll end up saving up over time towards the "vacation fund" and I hope to have an annual vacation in the works with destinations pulled out of a hat.

Currently I have a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and although it is a relatively good starting point for an overlanding/road trip vehicle, the back seat isn't very spacious when it comes to using a car seat for the child and two people squeezing in next to it so I've been looking into an Astro or a Safari. Number one reason for this is the cost. I've dealt somewhat with a Safari before, my brother bought a 1987 Safari Cargo version from a family friend with a broken alternator pulley for about $400. My brother and I repaired that along with the radiator, and drove it until it was totaled from a very small dent on the rear. (Had many problems before being totaled)

I'm looking into an AWD version, though I do plan on keeping it relatively stock from the get go. One thing I'm curious about is seating in the higher end models. I've not been able to find a concrete answer on the internet on what seats are interchangeable in different positions. Such as, is it possible to put the third row bench seat in the middle row's place? I'm curious about this for the main reason that my mother is older now than she once was, and I was curious if it was possible to take two of the fold out bench/bed seats and have them both folded down to create a rather large bed? Is there even enough room? Ultimately we'd need three rows of seats for comfort with a child, but if possible, i'd like to keep everyone sleeping within the vehicle, on top of in a RTT, or within a tear drop that we could pull behind.

If the seat situation would not work, is there any direct bolt in conversions available? Or any other ideas of solutions? Any insight is welcome!

Thanks a lot,

JakeC

 

[Stroverlander]

Hi Jake,

In my 2004 Astro LT AWD, it came with 8 passenger seating (bucket style). You can swap the 2nd and 3rd row seats around, there are minor differences but nothing that won't allow you to do that. The bracket spacing is the same, however there is a slightly different offset to allow a bit of space to access the 3rd row from the sliding side door. One thing to look for, obviously is an Astro/Safari that has provisions (seat brackets in floor) for both 2nd and 3rd row seating, my '97 Safari AWD only came with the 2nd row and no provisions in floor for adding 3rd row.

The 3 passenger bucket style in my LT van do not fold fully flat forward but the more common 3 passenger bench style do fold flat (don't remember if they recline flat, another member might be able to answer that) so you would be able to place some sort of mattress pad on top of those folded down for sleeping arrangements. You'd need a futon style or air mattress to be able to stow when using the seats and some sort of support between the seats. There are a few threads on here showing sleeping arrangements like that.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/81717-Looking-for-a-expedition-vehicle-w-space-for-matress

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/74230-Maiden-voyage-for-an-AWD-Astro

For reference, bucket style seating from my LT:

2nd row w/seatbelt bracket on headrest, center back folds down w/cupholders on backside, no adjustment slider

3rd row, center back folds down w/cupholders on backside, w/adjustment slider

More common cloth bench style suitable for folding flat

 

[digitaldelay]

These seats fold forward only. You can slide them together to close the gap as much as the headrests will allow. A small extension platform in the cargo area will complete the bed so you can put a mattress on top. With 4 adults +1 child, I think you would end up using the front buckets reclined too. I am looking at doing this for 2 adults +2 children.

Jason

 

[JakeC]

Thanks for the quick replies, I think the first link was exactly what I was looking for. I think that would suit our needs perfectly.