Mk8 Camper - Driver Swivel

[columbo77]

Good Evening

I am hoping someone can help save my sanity.

I have a 2018 Mk8 Transit, converted into a Camper. Before I got it, I got them to change the doubt front for a single and put swivels on them both. The driver's seat cannot swivel, however, as the handbrake gets in the way. I was told that you cannot use the handbrake lowering kit but have to get risers. I bought these but before I got them fitted, I was told that even with them, I would have to have the handbrake off, which I was not keen on. So I didn't get them fitted yet.

I had heard you could get a handbrake that engages, then drops, or get one that folds down once engaged. Then I can have the handbrake on while the seat is swivelled. (it would need to be angled because of the units in the van.)

I am really hoping someone on here has had this done or knows somewhere that has.

Thanks

G

[keentobeen]

hey G. I have installed a Swivel in a mk8. the hand brake just needs to 'fall' down and attach to the floor/seat frame. it was not easy but if your still having issues I can send photos if needed

[dumper]

On my mk 6 and mk8 I lowered the handbrake but still have to have the handbrake off and that is with the plastic seat surround cut down I’d also seen comments on a hand brake with a pivot on it but was never been able to find one .
I usually if on level ground let the brake off with it in gear and have no problem if on levelling ramps I stand outside the van and hold the foot brake on and let her indoors let the handbrake off and turn the seat .
I didn’t use a aftermarket kit all I did was re,drill two holes lower in the seatbox and make a spacer for the top holes as it came in the middle of a large hole in the seatbox.I did remove the batteries to drill the holes to make sure I didn’t hit them if the drill went to far.
At the same time I also did the 12 volt power ignition on feed instead of buying the Ford lead that plugs into a socket left hand front side of the seatbox I removed the wire off this and fitted a crimp on blue female connector to run a feed to the Sterling b2b charger.
I did try lifting the seat and swivel but ended up with my knees touching the steering wheel.

[columbo77]

hey G. I have installed a Swivel in a mk8. the hand brake just needs to 'fall' down and attach to the floor/seat frame. it was not easy but if your still having issues I can send photos if needed

Do you mean it folds down after activating?

Yes please to the photos. Who did the work for you.

Cheers

G

[columbo77]

On my mk 6 and mk8 I lowered the handbrake but still have to have the handbrake off and that is with the plastic seat surround cut down I’d also seen comments on a hand brake with a pivot on it but was never been able to find one .
I usually if on level ground let the brake off with it in gear and have no problem if on levelling ramps I stand outside the van and hold the foot brake on and let her indoors let the handbrake off and turn the seat .
I didn’t use a aftermarket kit all I did was re,drill two holes lower in the seatbox and make a spacer for the top holes as it came in the middle of a large hole in the seatbox.I did remove the batteries to drill the holes to make sure I didn’t hit them if the drill went to far.
At the same time I also did the 12 volt power ignition on feed instead of buying the Ford lead that plugs into a socket left hand front side of the seatbox I removed the wire off this and fitted a crimp on blue female connector to run a feed to the Sterling b2b charger.
I did try lifting the seat and swivel but ended up with my knees touching the steering wheel.

Yes this is what I don't want to do. I know it would probably be fine but I just don't trust having the handbrake off. Also I would have to have it off as the seat would need to be angled due to units being in the way.

G

[dumper]

I have to have my seat at an angle due to kitchen unit I have to pull the handbrake on and turn the seat until it touches the hand brake.my kitchen unit is not tight to the back of the seat it’s a foot away from where the bulkhead would have been so I do have enough clearance to be comfortable’
I am in the process of transferring my camper conversation into a automatic transit and I am not planning on lowering the handbrake as I can put it in park to turn the seat but I am going to jack up the rear axle and adjust the handbrake cable to reduce the upward movement of the lever

[dumper]

I have to have my seat at an angle due to kitchen unit I have to pull the handbrake on and turn the seat until it touches the hand brake.my kitchen unit is not tight to the back of the seat it’s a foot away from where the bulkhead would have been so I do have enough clearance to be comfortable’
I am in the process of transferring my camper conversation into a automatic transit and I am not planning on lowering the handbrake as I can put it in park to turn the seat but I am going to jack up the rear axle and adjust the handbrake cable to reduce the upward movement of the lever

Have not tried it without drop plate but now I’ve changed my mind and will fit a drop plate before I fit the swivel just in case it doesn’t work without.

[dumper]

Im just putting the camper conversion into a newer van and short of time so I’ve gone the opposite way to save time if you drill the seatbox make sure you don’t hit the battery the last two vans I removed them but I will try with them in.

[columbo77]

This is all beyond me, I am just trying to find someone that can do the work. lol

[mjsroofing]

I've seen conversions where they move
The handbrake to the other side of the seat,
So next to the door.