Fill the gap between the 2nd row seating?

[JohnnyG]

When we travel, we fold down the seats and load up the back of the Expedition with our gear. However, having second-row captain's chairs isn’t ideal for maximizing storage space.

Has anyone found a good solution for this?

Thanks in advance,
JG

 

[SunnySunshine]

Our Expedition has bench seats so I don't know if this will actually work, but maybe a couple totes from Costco and fill it up with stuff. No clue if it will shift during driving though.

https://www.costco.com/iris-44-quart-weatherpro-seal-storage-bin-4-pack.product.4000226160.html

 

[ranger22]

I solved this problem by converting my second row into a bench layout.

 

[Christina S]

A divided storage tote would work and a bonus if it's has a zippered top. I have one to hold groceries but it's in the cargo area on top of a plastic liner similar to Weathertech and it doesn't shift. Then there's this, more like a hard plastic storage "center console": https://www.amazon.com/Moblorg-Console-Minivans-Holders-Storage/dp/B09KKV7BQ1 the width leaves a little bit of a gap on either side of it.

 

[Joenomad]

I went from bench seat to buckets. I built a platform out of plywood and covered it with carpet for the dogs. Now I have space underneath it to put bags and storage.

 

[DieselMonk]

I can’t resist to offer: Remove the 2 seats in the middle row, then there is no hole in the middle to deal with and you gain a lot more space! lol

 

[Sabalo]

We build a box out of 1/4 plywood. Fills the space, provide some nice extra storage and easily removable when carrying 6 people.

 

[130tucker]

I can’t resist to offer: Remove the 2 seats in the middle row, then there is no hole in the middle to deal with and you gain a lot more space! lol

OR, it's one big hole

p e r s p e c t i v e

 

[Aggie76]

We build a box out of 1/4 plywood. Fills the space, provide some nice extra storage and easily removable when carrying 6 people.

I did something similar with my F150 so my yellow lab had a larger area to roam and brought him up higher to see out the windows. More of a platform after lifting the seats up that rests on the under seat storage area and used three 2x6s resting upright screwed to 3/4" plywood forward of the under seat area. Gives me perfect storage and easily removed for passengers.

 

[lbi expedition]

with

I removed the head rests in the third row, removed the second row seats, built two rectangular enclosures using 1/2” plywood, no bases and a framed opening from door side to allow for easy access to the area beneath enclosures. Added a ledger on the inside edges between the enclosures and then added two panels to fill the gap. Each had a hand grab cut out and then routed with 1/2” bit for easy access. Enclosures had spacers on front end to keep the tops level with rear seat platfoem formed when third row was lowered. Cut some ound air holes in front and side panels of passenger unit so we could put a 500 watt battery there. Worked great for a 10,000 mile fall trip. Lots of storage and cleared inside of most of stored gear so we could use a 3” insulated air matress with a double speeping bag and heated blanket.

 

[GT350driver]

How about a cooler. They come in so many different sizes and are pretty sturdy compared to plastic totes .....and along with filling the gap, you can keep your road trip goodies cold

 

[Pinetop]

I removed the head rests in the third row, removed the second row seats, built two rectangular enclosures using 1/2” plywood, no bases and a framed opening from door side to allow for easy access to the area beneath enclosures. Added a ledger on the inside edges between the enclosures and then added two panels to fill the gap. Each had a hand grab cut out and then routed with 1/2” bit for easy access. Enclosures had spacers on front end to keep the tops level with rear seat platfoem formed when third row was lowered. Cut some ound air holes in front and side panels of passenger unit so we could put a 500 watt battery there. Worked great for a 10,000 mile fall trip. Lots of storage and cleared inside of most of stored gear so we could use a 3” insulated air matress with a double speeping bag and heated blanket.

Do you have any pics?

 

[Mr Big]

A piece of plywood or Lexan works great. It can be big enough to go over the 2 buckets and cover the hole.

 

[Grizguy]

I have a max with a center seat. I fold them all down covered entire back with black outdoor carpet.

 

[Dac_]

Check out CanvasBack. It’s a fabric liner that Velcro's to the back of the seats. They also make a very sturdy piece that attaches to the captains chairs when folded flat to make it more of a bench straight across. If you get the whole kit and caboodle it’s not exactly cheap, but we love it, and I believe you could just order the second row/captains chairs if you want.

 

[jarydm83]

I solved this problem by converting my second row into a bench layout.

How did you do it? I’m about to tackle this job myself and all the old posts on it are missing info or broken.

 

[JKBarnett]

I can’t resist to offer: Remove the 2 seats in the middle row, then there is no hole in the middle to deal with and you gain a lot more space! lol

Sounds like a great solution from a fellow GSD owner

 

[JohnnyG]

Sounds like a great solution from a fellow GSD owner

Doesn't everyone own a GSD?