removing third row

[Carrizos]

I have a 2004 XC90 and am finding the internal storage space rather limiting, I would have preferred to be able to remove just one of the third row seats but it seems the two are one unit.

I found a thread on here about removing them with one post suggesting the SRS would be inactivated if they are removed and a response suggesting that it wouldn't be affected. Has anyone a definitive answer on this?

Would I need to have the vehicle spec changed to 5 seat to avoid MOT / insurance claim problems?

[chb]

Hi, really puzzled by your question. You do know that the two seats in the very rear fold COMPLETELY flat, ie flush with the level of the rest of the boot space!

Theres a release handle on each seat near the front edge (looks like an ejector handle!)...pull that, push the seat where your bum goes all the way back, the upright part of the seat then flops forward...voila big boot.

[chb]

oh... and you can also fold one seat or both independantly.

[Carrizos]

yupI have them folded flat but am used to a much bigger vehicle we carry a lot of outdoor sports equipment and camping stuff. I loaded up my SeaEagle inflatable kayak, 3 lifejackets, three rucksacks, paddles, pumps, three wet suits, towels and a few other bits and bobs and the load was getting pretty full. We usually take a couple of large sea kayaks on the roof then there is tent, stove, sleeping stuff, spare clothes, food, pots pans, climbing ropes etc etc. I guess I might end up with a trailer but taking the back row out would be helpful.

[chb]

You need a van not an xc90!

;-)

[Golfather]

Get a roof box mate, failing that I guess you have the wrong vehicle.

[renesis]

when moving house we managed to get more in the volvo by folding all the seats down than we did my peugeot partner small van.
sounds like you need a transit lol

[Nemesis]

Originally Posted by Carrizos

yupI have them folded flat but am used to a much bigger vehicle we carry a lot of outdoor sports equipment and camping stuff. I loaded up my SeaEagle inflatable kayak, 3 lifejackets, three rucksacks, paddles, pumps, three wet suits, towels and a few other bits and bobs and the load was getting pretty full. We usually take a couple of large sea kayaks on the roof then there is tent, stove, sleeping stuff, spare clothes, food, pots pans, climbing ropes etc etc. I guess I might end up with a trailer but taking the back row out would be helpful.

are you Ray Mears ?

[chb]

Nah, Ray Mears would kill a tiger, skin it, use its bones to make a frame and its skin to cover the bones and voila...stripey corracle.
No need for him to take half of Millets with him.

I think this fellah is Bear Grills....all the kits is for his film crew.

[Carrizos]

Very funny, I have an active outdoor type family. The XC90 is a good compromise, it seems to be a very well built safe car that will offer a lot of protection in an accident. I have a lot of motorway driving to do over the next year or so and the extra economy / speed / comfort over a larger 4X4 is much appreciated already. I only need a little more space inside for weekend trips and I do not need the extra seats, I am happy to tow a trailer for longer expeditions. Before I bought the vehicle I was told they were fairly easy to remove, it did seem larger when empty but when I started loading it up the space soon diminished.

I have a roof box but can not fit it on this XC90 alongside two kayaks, they are kind of large and old, so also heavy - I use them as roof boxes, when packed with kit they are close to the max roof weight between them, one is here: http://aviewfromvaldovino.blogspot.c...max-results=20 .

Bear Gryls indeed :-)