Wanted 5th Seat for Used Cali Ocean?

wessexcamper · Mar 8, 2017

Hi everyone, we are a family of five, we are looking to buy a used T5 Ocean over the next month or so - probably one from 2013 to 2015. Basically, as a family of five we will need the 5th seat - at least for some outings. We have spoken to several dealers and are getting conflicting info on the 5th seat option. Can anyone help?

Some dealers have said that if you can see three rails on the floor inside the living space, and the 5th seat is not available for sale with the vehicle, it is a simple matter to order one from the manufacturer - or even buy one privately. Others are saying that the main dealers are not allowed to sell a fifth seat unless the car was fitted with one as a factory fit option. They are also saying that just because there are 3 rails does not mean a fifth seat will fit....

Right now we are looking at photos of prospective cars to buy. If we see the third rail, we are thinking that we will be able to buy and fit a fifth seat even if the car does not come with one. Are we misinformed / confused???

Many thanks

Hotel California · Mar 8, 2017

Hi , a 5th seat would fit any three rail California .
And a 5th seat is very often for sale 2nd hand , so why bother buying new and pay way to much money for a seat thats gonne be used very litlle, only thing is find matching fabric/color .
Looking for a 2nd hand Cali with three rails does narrow down the search list.

wessexcamper · Mar 8, 2017

hotel california said:
Hi , a 5th seat would fit any three rail California .
And a 5th seat is very often for sale 2nd hand , so why bother buying new and pay way to much money for a seat thats gonne be used very litlle, only thing is find matching fabric/color .
Looking for a 2nd hand Cali with three rails does narrow down the search list.

ok thank you, thats very helpful.

WelshGas · Mar 8, 2017

wessexcamper said:
Hi everyone, we are a family of five, we are looking to buy a used T5 Ocean over the next month or so - probably one from 2013 to 2015. Basically, as a family of five we will need the 5th seat - at least for some outings. We have spoken to several dealers and are getting conflicting info on the 5th seat option. Can anyone help?

Some dealers have said that if you can see three rails on the floor inside the living space, and the 5th seat is not available for sale with the vehicle, it is a simple matter to order one from the manufacturer - or even buy one privately. Others are saying that the main dealers are not allowed to sell a fifth seat unless the car was fitted with one as a factory fit option. They are also saying that just because there are 3 rails does not mean a fifth seat will fit....

Right now we are looking at photos of prospective cars to buy. If we see the third rail, we are thinking that we will be able to buy and fit a fifth seat even if the car does not come with one. Are we misinformed / confused???

Many thanks

Firstly if you're looking for a 2013/15 vehicle then it will be the SE model as the Ocean is the equivalent T6 model.

The Vehicle has to have 3 rails, so that will rule out a 4Motion, because of the vehicle weight.

If the vehicle was not sold with the 5th Seat then the V5c Registration Document might show 4 Seats. However it is a simple procedure to have this changed to 5 seats. Instructions on how to do this are available on the DVLA website.

It is also possible to Retrofit a 3rd Rail if your ideal vehicle doesn't have a 3rd floor rail.

Oxford T5 are well recommended in this respect.
http://www.oxfordt5.co.uk/index.html

I would suggest giving them a call for costings as this might open up the market for you.

wessexcamper · Mar 9, 2017

WelshGas said:
Firstly if you're looking for a 2013/15 vehicle then it will be the SE model as the Ocean is the equivalent T6 model.

The Vehicle has to have 3 rails, so that will rule out a 4Motion, because of the vehicle weight.

If the vehicle was not sold with the 5th Seat then the V5c Registration Document might show 4 Seats. However it is a simple procedure to have this changed to 5 seats. Instructions on how to do this are available on the DVLA website.

It is also possible to Retrofit a 3rd Rail if your ideal vehicle doesn't have a 3rd floor rail.

Oxford T5 are well recommended in this respect.
http://www.oxfordt5.co.uk/index.html

I would suggest giving them a call for costings as this might open up the market for you.[/QUOTE
Many thanks, this is really helpful. Will take a look at your suggestion.