Bench vs. Captains Seats

[Tom Tulloch]

Help!

I'd like to go from bench to captains in my 2017 Limited and have read lots of posts but I can't find the definite answer. If I just remove the center bench seat, would it be the same as with the captains seats, except for the inboard armrests?

Some older posts make me think that there is a difference in the comfort (padding/shape)of the captains seats vs. the existing bench seats.

Are the captains seats really any different in terms of shape or padding compared to the existing passenger and driver side bench seats? Since I didn't want to add a center console, I did read that the Weathertech floor liner will cover up the holes left when the center seat is taken out.

I have a guy on standby with a pair of captains seats and before I commit I wanted to check my options. I think I can give up the armrests if the seats are basically identical.
Thanks for the help!

 

[Adieu]

Same

Plug and silicone or at least gorilla tape them holes before tossing floor liner over it.

 

[sixsix]

Just unbolt the middle seat, put the screws back in and cover the whole space with Husky second and third row matts and you're done. That's what I did. If your passengers don't need an armrest with the bench, then they don't need one with the captains chairs either. My kids don't seem to care.

 

[MidwestBoater]

This is exactly what I did. This gives you more space for luggage too. Works great.

 

[LRNAD90]

My daughter really likes the rear 'captain's chairs'. And I admit that my wife has a point that it makes passenger egress to the third row much easier. But I'm not so sure overall.

Am I the only one that has concerns about securing cargo with the large hole between the seats? What happens if you have to stop fast, or worse, have an accident. Would be just my luck that would happen while on a family road trip with everything plus the kitchen sink in the back..

 

[JExpedition07]

I’d just dislike not having the ability to seat 8, looks like it turned out well though

 

[MuddySpokes]

What happens if you have to stop fast, or worse, have an accident.

Ford did not design a good method to secure the cargo. So the lack of a middle 2nd row seat is not likely to make a big difference difference if the event is severe enough as stuff will fly over the gap from the seat backs to the roof.

Packing might help some of this by placing items longer / taller than the gap across the gap so that they act as a brace for the rearward stuff.

 

[LRNAD90]

Ford did not design a good method to secure the cargo. So the lack of a middle 2nd row seat is not likely to make a big difference difference if the event is severe enough as stuff will fly over the gap from the seat backs to the roof.

Packing might help some of this by placing items longer / taller than the gap across the gap so that they act as a brace for the rearward stuff.

I guess we will have to agree to disagree on this one, I think the middle seat being in place is a HUGE improvement on cargo security vs no seat at all, or packing longer items across the gap..

And it seems to me that a full row rear seat is about the industry standard for cargo security in SUVs. I can't really think of an SUV manufacturer that has a better solution from the factory. I'm sure there are probably aftermarket cargo barriers that would provide much better security/protection, but I don't think you will see that very commonly...

 

[Tom Tulloch]

Thank you all for your replies. I think I'm going to just skip buying the specific captains seats and just take out the middle row for now. This way I can always replace the center seat if I don't like the setup of want to carry that extra passenger. If I purchased the captains, then I would either end up storing 3 bench seats somewhere, or selling them and then being stuck with the captains!
Decisions, Decisions!

 

[34Ford]

I had a hard time finding my '17 platinum with a bench seat. I like having a place for my umbrella and windshield visor and anything else I throw back there and it not end up in the floor.

 

[chuck s]

When I was shopping for my '17 toward the end of the model year I had difficulty finding one with the 2d row bench. Not sure if Ford was using up all the Gen3 captain's seats before the Gen4 (2018) but the bench was hard to find. If I routinely used the 3d seat the aisle might be useful but I use the 3d seat so rarely that it remains down and covered with a plastic cargo tray. Having this powered is pretty useless for me but that feature offers more convenience for those who switch from 2 to 3 seats frequently.

I went with the '17 rather than an '18 because it was nearly identical to my '07 -- no learning curve. Heck, it's the same color. I didn't get the long wheelbase as it wouldn't fit in my garage -- then I moved and the standard truck won't fit either.

-- Chuck

 

[coolzzy]

That was the first mod I did to my 17 XLT. Unbolted the center piece and stored it in the garage. I have 3 kids and Captains makes it infinitely easier to access the third row. Also, when we travel, a cooler fits nicely in the center aisle so my kids can pass me cold drinks and sandwiches while we drive. I put the bolts back into the floor, then cut up one of the 2nd row floor mats to slip underneath the existing carpet and around the bolts. There is actually a bunch of exposed steel floor pan when the center piece is removed. I then ordered complete carpeted floor mats for the expedition with 2nd row captains chairs and third row floor cover as well. I think I paid 200 or less on ebay for them and they are custom made and fit perfectly around and under the rear seats. When I sell I'll bolt the center back in or just toss it in the rear for the new owner.

 

[star-art]

I try to post this warning in every one of these 2nd row center seat threads, but it's getting difficult to keep up. LOL There's an EXTRA HOLE under the middle 2nd row seat that isn't plugged by a bolt. When the seat is removed, this creates an opening straight through to the outside world (even if it doesn't look that way, TRUST ME on this!). You need to get a rubber plug for a truck that has Captain's chairs and plug that hole. Otherwise fumes, insects, and mice can get into your truck.

 

[chicagodawg]

I try to post this warning in every one of these 2nd row center seat threads, but it's getting difficult to keep up. LOL There's an EXTRA HOLE under the middle 2nd row seat that isn't plugged by a bolt. When the seat is removed, this creates an opening straight through to the outside world (even if it doesn't look that way, TRUST ME on this!). You need to get a rubber plug for a truck that has Captain's chairs and plug that hole. Otherwise fumes, insects, and mice can get into your truck.

Looking at Post #3 on this thread, do you know exactly where this hole is located? I am looking at removing my middle seat, but don't want to expose anyone to fumes/etc. Is it something you can easily see?

 

[star-art]

Look at the opening in the carpet at the front left of the middle seat:

 

[chicagodawg]

Thank you very much. What exactly did you use? Is that a grommet? Thank you for the help.

 

[star-art]

I put the middle seat back in. Not sure if you can get the grommet from Ford. Just be sure to seal that hole!

 

[os1kne]

As has already been said, the captains make 3rd row access much better! Whether the "cost" of losing 1 person of seating makes sense depends upon each person's needs.
Good luck!

 

[Langer]

Look at the opening in the carpet at the front left of the middle seat:

View attachment 42169 View attachment 42170

Can this hole been seen from under the vehicle?

 

[star-art]

It's been a long time, so I don't clearly recall. IIRC, at night I was able to see the ground from inside the truck by shining a flashlight through the hole from the top, but only at an angle. There's a structural member just below the hole so at first glance it doesn't look like it goes all the way through to the outside. But, trust me -- it does!