In a camper van, where every centimetre counts, swivel seats are one of the smartest upgrades for making the most of the space: they let you turn the cab seats (driver and passenger) around, turning them into part of the living area. So two seats that only served for driving now add to your living space. Is it worth it? Almost always, yes. Let's take a look.
What they offer
- More living space without taking up more room: turning the seats towards the table gives you two comfortable seats "for free", making use of space you already had.
- Make the most of quality seats: the cab seats are usually the most comfortable in the vehicle.
- Flexibility: you turn them round to create living space when parked, and turn them back to drive.
- Better layout: in compact campers, they make the difference between a cramped living area and a comfortable one.
What you should know
- Not every vehicle takes them equally well; it depends on the base (the handbrake lever, for example, sometimes gets in the way and there are specific solutions).
- Specific bases: an approved swivel base is fitted for your particular van model.
- Only swivelled when parked: for driving, the seats must face the direction of travel, for safety.
- Fitting and approval: this is a conversion; have it done by a professional and check the approval (see approving conversions).
Who is it worth it for?
For almost any camper, especially compact ones (see campers under 6 metres), where gaining two extra seats in the living area makes a big difference to livability. If they come fitted as standard, great; if not, it's usually a highly rated upgrade given what it offers relative to its cost. It's one of the keys to making the most of limited space (see making the most of your space).
In summary
Swivel seats turn the cab seats into part of the living area, gaining livability without taking up more room, especially useful in compact campers. The step to take today: if your camper doesn't have them and the living area feels too small, consider fitting an approved swivel base for your model (best done by a professional); it's one of the upgrades that makes the most of the space. Combine it with making the most of your space.