Adding under-seat storage trays to XC90 - EASY!

[SwissXC90]

So one thing that always disappointed me on the XC90 was the lack of storage space, and the large amount of cavities in the car that the Volvo designers never bothered to utilize.

I have been toying with the idea of using the space under the 2nd row seats for some sort of storage for maps, DVDs, remote controls and the like.

The seat has a flat metal base that is obviously made to hold things, as it has various mounting holes in it. But Volvo never made anything to put under the seat.

So I investigated various solutions: plastic trays, maybe a drawer - and this week I found the PERFECT tray for the space.

And from a well known Swedish supplier: IKEA!!

Here's the instructions:

• Go to IKEA, and buy a BESTÅ tray (article number 403.075.50). This is made of tough grey felt - perfect, non-scratching, rattle free material. Here's a pic:
  
• Cut it through the middle to make two pieces of the same size. I used craft scissors. I cut at these red lines:
  
• The lower lip faces towards the front of the car. Trim the excess from the lower lip so the curve still exists, this will be a useful grip to slide the tray forward for a bit easier access to the tray contents.
• Cut out two grooves in the rear corners - these allow the BESTÅ to fit snugly under the seat base - it is the perfect width for the left and right edges to fit up against outside walls of the seat base.
• Your BESTÅ should now look like this:
  
• The rear edge forms the rear wall to stop the contents of the tray sliding out the back
• Slide the tray under the seat. You can angle it in over the seat slider release handle.
• It fits so snugly that no fixing is required - I had considered using Velcro to fix it to the base, but it is so firmly in place that I decided to leave it as is.
• The seat still operates perfectly - sides forwards and backwards without anything interfering with the mechanism.
• Load it up with maps, flouro vests, RSE remote controls, DVDs, all that stuff you need in your car but don't want lying around on the floor or rattling in the door pockets.

Have a beer and congratulate yourself on a job very well done!

[Tannaton]

Swedish accessories for Swedish cars.... nice one!

[Moose Test]

Nice idea. Thanks for sharing.

[aslan]

What a pity

Not available in Ikea Malaysia. Excellent find though

[Father Ted]

Damn!
You've given me a reason to visit Ikea.
If I go without Mrs Ted my life will be hell.
If I go with Mrs Ted, well: My life will be hell!!!

Will this fit in all Mk1 XC90's? Mine is an early one.

[SwissXC90]

Originally Posted by Father Ted

Will this fit in all Mk1 XC90's? Mine is an early one.

Don't see why not, they all have the same rear seats do they not?

EXCEPT for the Executive with heater rear seats - that may have a heat seater control module mounted on the base of the set.

[bokabil]

Originally Posted by SwissXC90

Don't see why not, they all have the same rear seats do they not?

EXCEPT for the Executive with heater rear seats - that may have a heat seater control module mounted on the base of the set.

Hi Swiss, do you mind sharing a pic of the install? I have heated rear seats so need to check, thanks.

I actually like them Ikea meatballs, so this is a good excuse to go. Just make sure the Mrs learn I went after-the-fact else I'll end up filling up the boot with useless junk.

[Harley Dave]

Originally Posted by SwissXC90

Don't see why not, they all have the same rear seats do they not?

EXCEPT for the Executive with heater rear seats - that may have a heat seater control module mounted on the base of the set.

Thanks Swiss - I now need to check my seats before I make the trip (by myself) to IKEA in Murcia.

I can do it when I fit the 13 pin towbar cable later this week.

Cheers

Dave

[Harley Dave]

Well, Towbar cable arrived from UK today so I checked the seats...

I have an air duct "thing" under each seat.

I'll have a proper - "down on my knees" look tomorrow - but it looks like a no go for this 2011 Exec

Darn it.

Cheers

Dave

[SwissXC90]

Originally Posted by Harley Dave

I have an air duct "thing" under each seat.

I'll have a proper - "down on my knees" look tomorrow - but it looks like a no go for this 2011 Exec

The air duct is BELOW the metal frame

The new tray goes on top of the metal frame, and thus clears the air duct easily