Middle seat removal

[O Dog Find all posts View Profile Close O Dog]

G'day all. Just like to know if anyone has removed the middle row of seats? We are doing a trip later in the year, and we are thinking about pulling them out, both for space and weight savings.. Wouldn't mind pulling the rear ones out as well... Any thoughts,experience or advise with either would be great.. Thanks all.. Cheers O Dog

[JimmyC Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close JimmyC]

I took the rear seats out to fit drawers and best thing I've ever done. The rear 2 seats weigh about 30kg so well worth it for the weight. There are plenty of threads on here about removing the rear seats, follow the bouncing ball really.
Here is a handy video to get you started on removal of 3rd row: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIvZ_xxvgaE
I've never taken out the 2nd row but plan to for an upcoming trip. From what i can gather from reading threads on here they just bolt out and lift out. If the rear seats are anything to go by then the middle seats may save you 50kg in weight (just a guess)

[peter_mcc Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close peter_mcc]

The instructions for the Toyota Tow bar wiring include how to remove the rear seats. If you want to take out the seat belt as well you'll need to remove the lower side plastic covers in the rear area.

The middle ones just unbolt - it's really easy. Just watch out for some wiring which is under the outside edges - it's not connected to anything on our GXL but the empty connector is fixed to the seat you are removing.

[O Dog Find all posts View Profile Close O Dog]

thanks guys, will check it all out.. (Still getting used to the site) have never used the third row seats, but would like to pull them all out for this trip.. Need the room and to save that much weight will be brilliant... Thanks again.. Cheers

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

Yep, removed mine and had a false floor made up to sit in place of them, best thing I have done for 2 person touring! Just need to undo the wiring as has been mentioned and the seats are held in with 14mm headed bolts under the plastic trims. It is easiest to remove the smaller left seat first. Make sure you have someone to help watch the door trims when removing, lots of hard steel bracket sticking out the underside waiting to distroy your trims.

[Brisey Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Brisey]

I've got a 120, 3rd row seat removal is a snap.
My wife and I did the Simpson last September and we removed the second row seats as well.
I'd say 50kg as mentioned by JimmyC would be close to the mark. Simple to remove, unclip the trim and remove 4 bolts. The hardest part is trying to lift them out the door opening.
I then knocked up some shelves to complement the rear drawers. Secured them using the 4 seat bolt holes.
Made it so much easier to store and find gear and felt a lot safer knowing things wouldn't fly around the cab should an accident occur.
Need to be careful though as I'm led to believe that what I did to my 120 is illegal in Queensland unless the car is registered as a commercial vehicle!

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

Having draws in a 7 seater where the rear seats are removed is technically illegal in Queensland, I think you would have to really piss of the boys in blue to get in trouble for that.

[pomss Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pomss]

Hi, has anyone successfully removed the single seat in the second (2nd/middle) row on a 2018 GXL. I’ve undone the bolts at the front and rear and it all look good until I see that the centre seat’s belt socket is attached to the single seat’s track. Still want the other two seats in the second row to be functional. Would be happy to leave the tracks in just not sure how to remove tracks from the seat. Any hints much appreciated.