If you’re planning a DIY camper van conversion and need a safe, space-saving seating option, the Freedman flip and fold seat deserves your attention. It’s designed for flexibility and safety, giving you the freedom to fold it upright when you need more room and unfold it when you’re ready to travel. The integrated three-point seatbelts make it a secure choice for families or anyone who wants to carry passengers without compromising on space.
According to Cognitive Market Research, the global van conversion market was valued at USD 8,145.2 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2024 to 2031. With more people turning vans into mobile homes, workstations, and travel rigs, it’s no surprise that modular and space-efficient designs like the Freedman van seating system are in high demand.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the Freedman flip and fold seat, its key features, how to install it, layout and safety tips, and even a few alternative seating options to consider for your build.
Let’s get into it..
What Makes Freedman Van Seating Ideal for Camper Conversions?
I wasn’t planning to use a Freedman seat in my van at first. But I saw one at an expo, and once I sat in it and saw the price (almost half off), it was an easy yes. The build quality felt solid, the fold-and-stow design was exactly what I needed, and it just made sense for my layout.
This foldaway bench seat van setup hits the sweet spot between safety and smart use of space. A lot of bench seats stay in your way even when you’re not using them. This one folds up against the wall, giving you back a good chunk of your floor when you’re parked or hanging out inside the van.
Here’s what sealed the deal for me:
- Folds flat against the van wall when not in use
- Comes with integrated three-point seat belts
- Has an optional fold-down table on the back (super handy)
- Available in different materials, like cloth or leather-look vinyl
- Can be installed using a steel mounting plate (sold separately)
One thing to know: it folds forward toward the front seats. I had to shift my kitchen galley closer to the sliding door, but that ended up being a win. It gave me easier access to the sink and opened up more counter space thanks to that fold-down table on the seat back.
Layout Considerations Before Installing Your Foldaway Van Bench Seat
This isn’t just about finding the right product but how it fits into the flow of your build. The Freedman foldaway bench seat has a smart design, but it still needs the right placement to work the way it should.
Here’s what I looked at before locking in my install:
1) Clearance Matters
Make sure the seat can fold down fully without hitting your galley, bed platform, or anything else in its path. In my setup, I had to slide the driver’s seat forward slightly so the bench could fold up properly.
2) Walkway Space
When the seat is folded up, it only sticks out about 12 inches from the wall. That gave me nearly 2 feet of extra walkway, which was a game changer for moving around inside the van.
3) Window Alignment
I also double-checked how the seat lined up with the side windows. You want your passengers to have a view, but you also want the folded seat to sit cleanly without blocking key components.
4) Table Access
If you’re using the version with the built-in fold-down table, think about how you’ll use it when parked. Mine opens toward the kitchen area, which actually gave me more usable counter space when prepping food.
The fold away bench seat might seem simple, but getting the layout right makes a big difference. A little planning up front will save you from major frustration later.
Safety Tips for Installing Flip and Fold Van Seats
Installing a van seat isn’t something you want to wing. These aren’t lightweight accessories…they’re full-on passenger seats with three-point seatbelts, which means they need to be mounted securely to your van’s structure. If the seat isn’t installed properly, it’s not just unsafe… It’s useless.
If you’re installing a folding van seat with seatbelt, proper planning and anchoring are non-negotiable. Here’s what worked for me:
1. Only Use Grade 8 Hardware
Start with quality hardware. I went with Grade 8 bolts, which are rated for automotive use. Don’t bother with anything weaker. This is one of those areas where you don’t cut corners.
2. Install with a Mounting Plate
The Freedman seat connects to a steel mounting plate with 10 bolt locations. For my test fit, I only used six bolts and the seat already felt rock solid. The plate helps distribute the force evenly and keeps everything locked down.
3. Skip the Foam and Plywood
This is a big one. You can’t install the seat over your finished floor. Foam and plywood compress during impact, which means they can’t provide the solid foundation this seat needs. I cut out a section of the floor so the base could make direct contact with the van’s metal. That’s the safest way to do it.
4. Plan Around the Crossmembers
Underneath the van, there are structural supports and crossmembers you’ll need to work around. Before drilling anything, I slid under the van and marked where those supports were. Some bolts ended up between crossmembers, while others sat just to the side. Mapping it out helped avoid fuel lines and any other critical components.
5. Reinforce with Fender Washers
To help spread out the load, I used oversized fender washers under the floor. These prevent the bolts from pulling through the metal and reduce the chances of fatigue over time.
The end result? The seat felt like it was part of the van. Even before final tightening, it was solid. That’s what you want when you’re installing flip and fold van seats for real-world travel.
Freedman Seat Dimensions and Fitment for Popular Vans
When you’re building out a camper van, every inch of floor space counts. That’s why it helps to know exactly how the folding bench seat van option fits before you commit to installing it. The Freedman flip and fold seat isn’t bulky, but it’s still a good idea to plan around its dimensions so it works with your layout.
Here’s what I measured on mine:
- Width: Just under 36 inches (double seat)
- Depth when folded up: About 12 inches from the wall
- Walkway regained when folded: Roughly 2 feet
- Seatback height: Similar to most stock van seats
For my build, getting that extra 2 feet of open walkway made a big difference. It allowed me to move around more easily and access storage bins without constantly bumping into things. When the seat is up, it really opens up the space. When it’s down, it gives you two fully belted passenger spots that feel just like factory seating.
Will This Seat Fit Your Van?
The Freedman seat works well with the three most common vans used in conversions:
- Ford Transit
- Ram ProMaster
- Mercedes Sprinter
You’ll still want to take a look underneath your van before you drill anything. Each of these models has different underbody crossmembers and fuel tank locations, so where you can bolt the mounting plate might shift a few inches depending on your van.
For example, in my Transit, I had to place some bolts between frame supports and others just to the side of them. It wasn’t complicated, but it did take some time to figure out the best layout. Once it was in, the seat sat flush and didn’t interfere with any other part of the build.
If you’re working with folding van seats, a bit of measuring and under-van planning goes a long way toward a clean install.
Top Alternatives to Freedman Flip and Fold Seats
If the Freedman seat isn’t available or doesn’t fit your layout goals, here are three alternatives I’d seriously consider. These aren’t affiliate links or sponsored picks. They are just solid options that came up during my own research and installs.
1. Wilderness Vans – Broad Arrow
If you’re looking for van seats that fold into a bed, this is one of the best setups out there. It’s a fixed bench that folds completely flat and doubles as a sleeper. It doesn’t tuck out of the way like a flip-and-fold, but it gives you more function in the same footprint. It’s built with a heavy steel frame and comes in different widths.
Best for: multipurpose layouts where your seat also needs to be your bed.
Keep in mind: It’s a fixed seat, so you don’t gain extra walkway space when it’s not in use.
2. Titan Vans – DIY Foldaway Kit
Titan’s bench is one of the closest alternatives to Freedman’s. It folds up flat against the wall, has a clean look, and comes with a Fenton Adapter Plate, which is one of the only options specifically designed for safe installation in Sprinters, Transits, and ProMasters.
Best for: builders who want a legit foldaway seat with a proper mounting system.
Heads-up: They don’t always keep them in stock. When I checked, the lead time was over 8 weeks.
3. Suburban Seating – GO-ES Passenger Seat
Suburban’s GO-ES is a commercial-grade seat often used in shuttle vans, but it works well for conversions too. It includes integrated 3-point seatbelts and an optional fold-down table on the seatback. It feels very similar to the Freedman seat in use and design.
Best for: fast installs and builders who want a rugged seat ready to ship.
Install tip: The mounting plate is sold separately, so you’ll need to plan around that.
All three of these seats have their strengths. If you need flexibility and safety, a foldaway seat like Freedman or Titan makes the most sense. If your focus is on dual-use furniture, the Broad Arrow’s ability to convert into a bed is hard to beat. Suburban’s GO-ES is a great fallback if you’re short on time or dealing with supplier delays.
Download the Free DIY Van Build Cheat Sheet
If you want a shortcut to all the tools, parts, and gear I’ve actually used in my builds, check out the DIY Van Build Cheat Sheet.
It’s a free Google Doc with over 240+ curated items, including:
- Mounting hardware and seat install tools
- Solar gear and battery wiring kits
- Plumbing fittings and water system parts
- Lighting, windows, and insulation
- Links to each item (mostly Amazon or direct supplier)
Final Thoughts
The Freedman flip and fold seat has been a game-changer in my build. It gave me legit passenger seating when I needed it, and a wide-open floor when I don’t.
The key is planning ahead. Measure your space, check your underbody before drilling, and give some thought to how the seat fits into the way you actually use your van whether that’s weekend camping or full-time life on the road.
And if you’re still deciding between folding van seats, van seats that fold into a bed, or something in between, just remember: the best seat is the one that works with your layout, your timeline, and your goals. Don’t chase features you won’t actually use. Choose something that fits your life.
