Pulled out 3rd Row Seats on Limited - Flooring Ideas Anyone?

[rc_80]

Hi All, new to the forum!

I purchased my 2011 limited about 2 weeks ago (traded in my 08 Prius). I basically need to haul a bunch of film equipment and a 5' Magliner cart and wanted to get a flat cargo surface but the dealer only had the limited with the 3rd row option. The sliding cargo tray option looked impressive but they did not have it in the model i wanted. Another issue I have is that the back seats don't fold down flush like the models without the 3rd row.

So today, I decided to remove the 3rd row seats. Removing them took about an hour. I worked my way from the back to the front - removed the covers and unbolted the seats. They came off pretty easily. The two 3rd row seats are pretty heavy. I am glad to not be hauling that much excess weight around anymore. I think I also gained about 7" of vertical cargo space in the back.

I was wondering if anyone had some ideas on how they might approach the flooring for the cargo area. Would you simply have it carpeted, place a stiffer surface and then carpet it, or build a lower cargo shelf and then build a stiffer surface on top of that for the heavier and larger items. The last option seems more practical to me as I can roll my cart all the way in and have the cargo area somewhat level to the back seats when they are folded down.

I have attached some images from the 4runner. Lastly, anyone interested in some 3rd row seats?

The Prius was wonderful but I really love the power and the feel of the the 4runner. I always felt like I was overloading my prius with gear. The next few projects I have in mind are: 17" TRD wheels, removing chrome, and a new roof rack. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,
RC

 

[wvanstone]

Is it possible just to take one seat out and still leave the covering material in place for that one seat? I would like to remove one sear and replace it with a security box or shelf.

 

[gwcpa]

That's interesting how much higher the second row seating is than the rear floor. How does the floor go flat on the non-3rd row models? I guess the backrests fold at a high fulcrum point, and they don't recline?

Can you just use a non-3rd row cargo liner and some black carpet to cover the other exposed metal?

 

[rc_80]

The covers run all the way across the back of 4runner and it is the same height as the 3rd row seat. I suppose, if you built a box to accommodate the cover, you could make it work.

I don't think you can cut it easily - there is the carpet/board material on the top and then underneath that there is a metal sheet that bolts onto the seat frame and the vehicle. There is also that big plastic piece that runs along the back too.

 

[andy24]

I am interested in the seats. How much?

 

[terra4r]

I would build up the floor to the level of the rear lift gate, and carpet it. Under floor storage would be nice (hinged floor section), at least a place to throw some items you always have in the car.

 

[Jtraskell]

That's interesting how much higher the second row seating is than the rear floor. How does the floor go flat on the non-3rd row models? I guess the backrests fold at a high fulcrum point, and they don't recline?

Can you just use a non-3rd row cargo liner and some black carpet to cover the other exposed metal?

This is an interesting photo. (The one above with the 3rd seats removed). I have an SR5 with no 3rd row seats but I do have the sliding tray. I was amazed at the above photo of how much room is now exposed without the trim in the cargo area floor. The SR5 Floor, with sliding tray, is even with the backs of the second row seats when folded down. The reason I think is our floor is raised pretty high off the steel as compared to what I am seeing in the above photo. Do you see those two cubby holes on either side above the wheel wells in the photo above. (The one on the right has something white in it). My SR5 does NOT have those storage holes. However, do you see the ridge about 12 inches or so below the holes? I also have that ridge. (Well, at least I think it is the same ridge). The top of the none moving floor of the cargo area is at the same height of that ridge. Then, the top of the sliding tray is another 3 or 4 inches above that. When the rear seats fold flat, the top of the sliding tray is even with the now folded seats. So it looks like I have another 3 or 4 inches of empty space from the top of my carpeted cargo floor (not counting the sliding tray) to the actual steel of the cargo deck. And yes, my rear seats recline. To fold, the rear seat bottom's fold forward fist, resting against the rear of the front seats, then the back's fold down flat.

 

[gwcpa]

Ahh, ok, now I see. The 2nd row just has the back fold, and not the bottom forward first. That's where the additional height comes from to make the 2nd/3rd even.

I don't have the 3rd row or tray, and my cargo carpet/mat is right on the steel floor.

 

[Jtraskell]

Ahh, ok, now I see. The 2nd row just has the back fold, and not the bottom forward first. That's where the additional height comes from to make the 2nd/3rd even.

I don't have the 3rd row or tray, and my cargo carpet/mat is right on the steel floor.

You got it. And you are right. That ridge I talked about above, is much different then on mine I guess. I remember Harper7 took out both the tray and floor in his cargo area just to see what's there, I found those photos here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/60105-removed-rear-sliding-tray-5th-gen-limited.html

As you can see, only an extra inch or so from the top of that ridge to the top of the steel floor. So, we have what we have! Be safe.

 

[Renegad44]

I had the dealer remove one of the 3rd row seats, than told him that's ok, find me a slide out cargo tray. :naughty:

 

[CraigRoberts]

The dealer only had a used 5th gen LE with 3rd row when I bought as well...

I'd like to pull out these and make some extra room for cargo. Did you ever figure out what to cover the space with?

 

[1engineer]

I know you are anxious to do something with your third row seats but dredging up old threads expecting a response from posters is not the way. Start a new thread with what you want and see if anyone who is still here answers. It might take a day or two. One of those threads you found was two+ years old!

 

[BigredTEX]

I have never seen a T4R with 3rd row seats in person, but this photo points out some significant differences between a 3rd row equipped vehicle and a sliding tray equipped vehicle. I have the sliding tray and mine looks nothing like this.

First is the 2nd row seats. Do the seat bottoms not fold up and then the backs fold down on a 3rd row vehicle? I assume the thought process at Toyota was if you have 3rd row seats you don't need the 2nd row to fold flat.

Second is the shape of the sides of the rear compartment. Again, I assume it is due to the needs of the 3rd row seat occupants.

Last, to Jtraskell's point about the ridge and the height of the sliding tray in his SR5, the sliding tray is not that tall. It sits much lower - I would guess 4" above the lip of the rear hatch, about where the bottom seat cushions are on the 2nd row seats in the photo.

 

[Mindflex]

Hi All, new to the forum!

I purchased my 2011 limited about 2 weeks ago (traded in my 08 Prius). I basically need to haul a bunch of film equipment and a 5' Magliner cart and wanted to get a flat cargo surface but the dealer only had the limited with the 3rd row option. The sliding cargo tray option looked impressive but they did not have it in the model i wanted. Another issue I have is that the back seats don't fold down flush like the models without the 3rd row.

So today, I decided to remove the 3rd row seats. Removing them took about an hour. I worked my way from the back to the front - removed the covers and unbolted the seats. They came off pretty easily. The two 3rd row seats are pretty heavy. I am glad to not be hauling that much excess weight around anymore. I think I also gained about 7" of vertical cargo space in the back.

I was wondering if anyone had some ideas on how they might approach the flooring for the cargo area. Would you simply have it carpeted, place a stiffer surface and then carpet it, or build a lower cargo shelf and then build a stiffer surface on top of that for the heavier and larger items. The last option seems more practical to me as I can roll my cart all the way in and have the cargo area somewhat level to the back seats when they are folded down.

I have attached some images from the 4runner. Lastly, anyone interested in some 3rd row seats?

The Prius was wonderful but I really love the power and the feel of the the 4runner. I always felt like I was overloading my prius with gear. The next few projects I have in mind are: 17" TRD wheels, removing chrome, and a new roof rack. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,
RC

Know this is waaaay late but do you remember any more details about removing the 3rd row?

Do the seats cone out separately?

How do you get the plastic shrowd off to access the bolts?

Could one person do this or does it take 2?

 

[DannyLlama]

Is it possible just to take one seat out and still leave the covering material in place for that one seat? I would like to remove one sear and replace it with a security box or shelf.

[MENTION=71463]wvanstone[/MENTION] Have you attempted to remove just one? I want to keep just one myself.

 

[dhommes]

Finished Storage Area

Hello all. This is my own follow up to this thread which was started a long time ago. It is however the most popular “remove third row seats” conversation that I’ve found, so following RC_80's original post, I’m adding my own efforts to finishing the job.

Removed the rear seat cover (bolts are under the tie-downs) removed rear trim and the side (back of wheel well) cover plates. Removed rear frame support. Then the seats and seatbelt assemblies were removed leaving it looking like the RC_80’s photos. The seats weigh in at 50 lbs each for a total weight reduction of 100 lbs. I spent about $60 on the aluminum to frame the storage area. The carper was $21 total. A few bucks for the half sheet of 3/8 plywood and a box of pop rivets. That’s about it in cost.

After framing, reinstalled the rear trim and frame support as well as side covers. Cut the new plywood and wrapped with auto carpet. OEM cover panel went back in with the bonus of retaining the tie-downs! Covered it all up with a WeatherTech mat.

I calculate I’ve gained 5.25 cubic feet of additional storage. Its not too tall, but is perfect for a couple duffle bags with jumper cables, tow ropes, a few tools, etc that I want to keep in the truck, but don’t need to have taking up the visible storage part of the trunk. The carpet over the exposed trunk wasn’t really necessary, but I wanted to protect the now exposed harness elements and figured it would be good for keeping things quiet. I’m really happy with how this turned out.

 

[keph13]

That looks awesome - nice job!

 

[jasonv]

looks great. thanks.

 

[LIMITEDTURDPRO]

this thread is the main reason i joined this forum, thanks everyone!

 

[sntryplt]

Heading down this same path--except I'm going to leave the left seat in to provide a base for my fridge. Will build a small storage unit on the right. Pictures to follow. Seats are out, and am waiting on sound suppression to arrive so I can put something on the bare metal. Right now mine looks like everyone else's with the third row out.