If you’re planning a DIY camper van conversion and need a safe, space-saving seating option, the Freedman flip and fold seat is worth serious consideration. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the three-point foldaway bench seat from Freedman Seating, how to install it, design considerations, safety tips, and where to buy one—plus a few alternative seating options to explore.
What Is the Freedman Flip and Fold Van Seat?
The Freedman flip and fold bench seat is a rear passenger seat designed for van conversions that need both safety and flexibility. Unlike fixed bench seats, this one folds upright when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. When deployed, it offers two seats equipped with three-point seat belts—making it suitable for safe passenger transport.
Key Features:
- Folds flat against the wall to save space
- Integrated three-point harnesses
- Optional fold-down table on seat back
- Available in various finishes, including cloth and leather-look vinyl
- Can be paired with a mounting plate for installation (sold separately)
Why I Chose This Seat for My Van Build
I picked up this Freedman flip and fold seat at an expo for nearly half the regular price. It wasn’t my original plan, but the quality and savings made it a no-brainer.
That said, choosing this seat required modifying my layout. Since it folds forward toward the driver’s seat, I had to relocate my kitchen galley closer to the sliding door. This turned out to be a benefit—allowing for easier access to the sink and additional countertop space thanks to the integrated table on the back of the seat.
Where to Buy the Freedman Flip and Fold Seat
The seat is currently out of stock directly from Freedman until the end of the year. However, there are several reliable sources you can check:
Suburban Seating and Safety: They sometimes have remaining inventory, including the Go-ES double seat with table.
Titan Vans DIY Kits: Offers foldaway bench seats and mounting plates. Note: They may not hold inventory on-hand.
Wilderness Vans (Broad Arrow line): Provides fixed seats that fold flat into a bed—great for multipurpose builds.
Pro Tip:
Check the lead times before you order. Some suppliers list 10+ week processing times, so plan ahead if you’re trying to complete your build this summer.
Layout Considerations Before Installing
Installing a van bench seat isn’t as simple as dropping it in place. Here’s what to factor in:
- Clearance: Make sure the folded-down seat doesn’t interfere with your kitchen galley, bed, or walkway.
- Driver Seat Access: In my Transit, I had to slide the driver seat forward to fold the bench up.
- Window Alignment: When folded, the seat stuck out only 12 inches, allowing for good use of remaining space.
- Table Integration: The built-in fold-down table adds extra workspace—perfect for prepping food or gear.
Safety First: Installation Tips for Flip and Fold Seats
1. Use Grade 8 Hardware
Only use Grade 8 automotive-grade bolts for this installation. Anything less is a safety risk.
2. Secure Mounting Plate
The Freedman seat mounts to a steel plate with 10 bolt locations. I used six bolts for a test fit, and the seat was already rock solid.
3. Metal-on-Metal Installation
Don’t install the seat on top of foam or plywood flooring. Cut out a section of your foam and plywood floor so the seat base makes direct contact with the van’s metal floor.
4. Account for Crossmembers
Underneath your van, structural crossmembers may restrict where you can bolt the seat plate. Carefully plan your drill points to avoid hitting fuel tanks or supports.
Under-Van Installation View
To get a safe and solid mount, I slid under the van and located each bolt point in relation to the van’s crossmembers. Some bolts straddle crossmembers; others nestle just beside them. This ensures the plate sits flat and securely.
I also used oversized fender washers under the floor to spread the load and prevent metal fatigue over time.
Freedman Seat Dimensions and Fitment
- Folded Depth: ~12 inches from the van wall
- Width: ~36 inches (double seat)
- Usable Space Regained When Folded: ~2 feet of walkway
- Compatible with: Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, and Mercedes Sprinter (check individual fitment)
Alternatives to Freedman Seating
If the flip and fold style doesn’t suit your build or timeline, here are some worthy alternatives:
1. Wilderness Vans – Broad Arrow
- Converts into a bed
- Fixed mount
- Great for multi-purpose layouts
2. Titan DIY Kits – Fixed Bench Seating
- Budget-friendly options
- Includes Fenton Adapter Plate (expensive but only plate of its kind)
Download the Free DIY Van Build Cheat Sheet
Don’t forget to grab our DIY Van Build Cheat Sheet—a curated Google Doc with over 240 items I’ve personally used in my van builds. It includes:
- Hardware
- Electrical tools
- Solar parts
- Plumbing fittings
- Links to all items on Amazon
👉 Download the Free Cheat Sheet Here
Need Help With Your Van Build?
If you want expert help on your van conversion, reach out through Odyssey Custom Vans. Whether you’re weekend camping or going full-time, we’d love to hear your vision and help bring it to life. Fill out the contact form and let’s talk.
Final Thoughts
Installing a Freedman flip and fold seat in your van is a big decision—but with careful planning and the right mounting approach, it can be one of the most versatile and space-saving additions to your camper van. Whether you’re traveling solo or bringing family along, this seat offers safety, utility, and serious flexibility.
Got questions about van seating installs? Drop them in the comments or follow our next livestream for tips on installing CRL vented windows.
