I have a 2015 Chevy Express 2500 passenger van. I didn't realize that Sportsmobile would not convert a passenger van due to the airbags and air conditioning vents along the ceiling. I'm now trying to make the best of the situation.
I found this used with only 2k miles on it. I tow stuff with a wife and 2 kids. The van is great in so many ways: 6 liter engine, G80 lock diff, regular body (12 passenger) which I wanted for the smaller profile since I live in the city.
The plan to just put a poptop on it and sleep upstairs is scuttled. Now I'm trying to figure out the best plan to seat 4 on trips and sleep 2 when just my son and I head out to camp, hike, climb, and mountain bike.
One idea was captains chairs behind the driver and front passenger. But I'm not seeing many good pics of how the seatbelt situation works. Nor am I exactly sure where and how they would mount. GM installed 4 steel rails along the top of the floor for the current benches to mount. Plus, the current front bench is so close to the driver and passenger seat. I'm thinking they would go in a little further back. But then, does that leave enough room for a bed in the back?
Next idea was a sofa bed in the back like my VW Westy. But the comments I'm seeing on here about discountvantruck and shop4seats are not inspiring confidence. My kids are teenagers, so I kind of liked the idea of their mouths being far in the back away from my ears. But, I injured my back years ago so I have maybe a little higher priority on a comfortable bed.
For those of you who have built before; would you choose one over the other? I guess I kind of lean toward the chairs so I can concentrate on a comfy bed in back. I keep my 12volt fridge between the front seats and mainly do my cooking outside with a butane stove. So I'm not looking to do a lot of cabinets.
For those of you who have installed captains chairs, do you have some that you recommend?
Thanks in advance....
I found this used with only 2k miles on it. I tow stuff with a wife and 2 kids. The van is great in so many ways: 6 liter engine, G80 lock diff, regular body (12 passenger) which I wanted for the smaller profile since I live in the city.
The plan to just put a poptop on it and sleep upstairs is scuttled. Now I'm trying to figure out the best plan to seat 4 on trips and sleep 2 when just my son and I head out to camp, hike, climb, and mountain bike.
One idea was captains chairs behind the driver and front passenger. But I'm not seeing many good pics of how the seatbelt situation works. Nor am I exactly sure where and how they would mount. GM installed 4 steel rails along the top of the floor for the current benches to mount. Plus, the current front bench is so close to the driver and passenger seat. I'm thinking they would go in a little further back. But then, does that leave enough room for a bed in the back?
Next idea was a sofa bed in the back like my VW Westy. But the comments I'm seeing on here about discountvantruck and shop4seats are not inspiring confidence. My kids are teenagers, so I kind of liked the idea of their mouths being far in the back away from my ears. But, I injured my back years ago so I have maybe a little higher priority on a comfortable bed.
For those of you who have built before; would you choose one over the other? I guess I kind of lean toward the chairs so I can concentrate on a comfy bed in back. I keep my 12volt fridge between the front seats and mainly do my cooking outside with a butane stove. So I'm not looking to do a lot of cabinets.
For those of you who have installed captains chairs, do you have some that you recommend?
Thanks in advance....
