We have larger dogs (Golden Retrievers) so I sought out the bench so the whole floor would be flat but I can see a smaller dog fitting between the two captain chairs.
2nd row captain chairs versus 2nd row split bench with dogs?
- Thread starter Fasttimes
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We have larger dogs (Golden Retrievers) so I sought out the bench so the whole floor would be flat but I can see a smaller dog fitting between the two captain chairs.
Wrong today. Capt chairs are the way to go. Folding, sliding, or climbing over a row, to get to the back, is just plain wrong no matter suv or van. Most folks, that use the third row, arent so hard up for that last seat that they need the bench
I reckon I'll just be wrong and dumb according to Calidad. I typically have 5 people, 4, or just me in my expy. The 5th person gets the 3rd row bench to themselves. With a 2nd row split bench, they wouldn't have the same legroom in the 3rd row, or the personal space in the second if they were in the middle. When I haul 4 medium and large dogs (smallest at 50, largest around 110), I throw 4 blankets on top of the 3rd row laid down, leave the captains chairs up and each seat gets a couple blankets and in the floor to protect everything from them, and they all find their spots and lay down. After a couple 10 hour trips in a minivan 10 years ago with captains chairs, followed by a couple somewhat shorter road trips in a 4 door truck with 5 peeps, I decided I'd never buy a bench 2nd row for my own when I decided to buy new. My (bought used from my aunt) suburban before I got this thing had a 2nd row bench, and it confirmed yet again it wasn't for me and my usage.
Deadman
Full Access Members
Thinking of the Bench, thats a great point, tall adults wouldn't have $hit for leg room in the 3rd row. Every time I sit in the 3rd row, I put my feet up in between the captain chairs and relax. Still Glad I don't have a park bench.
Calidad
Full Access Members
I guess Percilla switched from a panel van to a SUV for hauling dogs. LOL Yeah your a special case, most people haul people and 2.5 dogs.
sjwhiteley
Full Access Members
Chiming in, here, my dogs like the bench. One big advantage in the Ford vs the Chevy is there is a lot more floor space on the 2nd and 3rd row, so dogs can lie on the floor. However, I never tried the dogs with captains chairs, and the ability to walk to the 3rd row.
I will agree that captains chairs do have a more ‘upscale’ appeal. It depends on what you are after, and I don’t think one is better than the other.
honestly, though, minivans have a lot more practicality, but for some reason, putting captains chairs in a minivan isn’t ‘upscale”, cool, or executive.
I will agree that captains chairs do have a more ‘upscale’ appeal. It depends on what you are after, and I don’t think one is better than the other.
honestly, though, minivans have a lot more practicality, but for some reason, putting captains chairs in a minivan isn’t ‘upscale”, cool, or executive.
carymccarr
Full Access Members
Bench seats are obviously more utilitarian but the captains chairs in the navigator make sitting in the back like flying in a private jet. So much nicer. We travel all the time with the kids and the dog. Dog goes all the way in the back. Third row down. Letting her sit on the seats would give me a panic attack lol.
Doug Shumway
Member
I’d you can’t find what you want...order it! That’s what I did and got exactly what I wanted. As far as price...I paid what I was getting pitched but no haggle room. I got a fair deal with everything I wanted. It took around 2 months. I was ok with that because I was in no hurry.
I have a 3rd gen SSV without the third row, but has bench seats in the middle. I love it specifically because it is great for hauling my 220 lbs English mastiff everywhere and keeps him in the back instead of up front where he wants to “help” with driving.
Robert Stucky
Member
We have a 2020 Expy Max; pull a 29' travel trailer, with 3 Saint Bernards. Buster, the guy on the right is now the biggest of the 3 at just a hair under 200 lbs. The bucket seats do not fold down they tilt forward for 3rd row access. We originally wanted a bench seat, couldn't find one. We noticed that the seat tilted forward gave better access for the dogs to jump in - so we went for it. Turned out to work quite well for us. They get where they want to. The middle dog wants to be in the back by the AC vent, The left dog loves to sit in one of the buckets. She'll move between the back seat and flat. Buster likes to be between the buckets or in the back. It works for us.
5280tunage
Full Access Members
I mean between those three, you've basically tapped out the payload... Add the trailer tongue weight on there, oh billy!
With the average family having a bit less than 2 kids, captains service the majority of the market. It was a hell of a time trying to find a platinum bench.
For large people requiring to go in third row, the center 3rd row seat is extremely narrow. It’s not comfortable at all to sit on as an adult. It’s the worst seat in the car...
Second center seat is more comfortable than middle third. Id have an adult sit in one side in the 3rd row and push the 2nd row chair in front forward. You can also slide the 2nd row center seat forward where’s there should be enough leg space (I think as much as second row sides).
I’ve had both bench and captains on multiple cars. Each has its pros/cons depending on family makeup, usage of vehicle, age of family, etc...
the comments of the bench looking “poor”, LOL. It feels good not to have a poor soul in the third row on road trips sitting next to floor to ceiling cargo.
Start the flames!
For large people requiring to go in third row, the center 3rd row seat is extremely narrow. It’s not comfortable at all to sit on as an adult. It’s the worst seat in the car...
Second center seat is more comfortable than middle third. Id have an adult sit in one side in the 3rd row and push the 2nd row chair in front forward. You can also slide the 2nd row center seat forward where’s there should be enough leg space (I think as much as second row sides).
I’ve had both bench and captains on multiple cars. Each has its pros/cons depending on family makeup, usage of vehicle, age of family, etc...
the comments of the bench looking “poor”, LOL. It feels good not to have a poor soul in the third row on road trips sitting next to floor to ceiling cargo.
Start the flames!
mwl001
Full Access Members
Absolutely. Each seat individually slides fore/aft.
wakeboarder
Full Access Members
Yes. All three seats slide forward and back individually. The center seat will slide forward within a couple of inches of the center console. All three fold individually. Only the outer two tip and slide.
Saltwater Soul
Well-Known Member
I wondered about all the points discussed so far as I had a second row bench in the previous SUV. We got the captains chairs and love it. I have two teens that really enjoy their space. The friends that come along like the easy access to the back. The two dogs do just great and have easy access to the back but move closer to the front as seats become available.
I will say that adults usually love the second row captains a lot. If the wife and I go out with another couple and I drive the Expedition, I usually get a comment about how comfortable and luxurious the vehicle is. Interestingly enough, we don't get that same reaction when we drive the Mercedes sedan. Perhaps it is an expectations thing.
I will say that adults usually love the second row captains a lot. If the wife and I go out with another couple and I drive the Expedition, I usually get a comment about how comfortable and luxurious the vehicle is. Interestingly enough, we don't get that same reaction when we drive the Mercedes sedan. Perhaps it is an expectations thing.
Jphill5688
Active Member
Our 100 pound golden prefers the bench seat in 2018 expedition. He avoids our 2016 explore with middle bucket seats. Won’t even get in that car. You’re a Rottweiler will be met way more comfortable with bench seats.
Definitely an expectation thing from my experience. Surprised a lot of people with the expedition, people who are used to the german brands.
When people get in the Mercedes, they're like "it better be luxurious, you rich ****. frankly there's more plastic inside from what I expected". :-D
I don't get any luxurious feedback from the BMW i just sold and the current Mercedes sedan I have. They actually comment how they're surprised how rough it drives (C63S)
