Securing 2nd row seats

[Dan Lee]

I had to load some cargo into the rear and put the 2nd and 3rd row seats up.

I used the strap to secure the 2nd row seats up by attaching it to the pillar hand grip. That worked fine for keeping the seat up. But the seat kept bumping / pushing into the front seat, even for mild stops.

I can live with it but it was annoying. I finally used some ratcheting straps connected to the child seat restraint bar and the seat locking bar in the floor to apply counter tension.

It worked but it was good that I had the space to do so (the cargo was long but not wide).

Am missing something? Is this how it's supposed to work? Or is there a different method for securing the 2nd row such that it neither falls back to the floor nor push/bump against the front seat? (and still allow for full use of the cargo area)

 

[Malleus]

Unfortunately, this is the system that has been in place since the 80 series. The straps fixed to the seat bottom have a tensioning buckle and velcro to secure the seat in the stowed, upright position. The buckle and velcro are supposed to prevent the tendendcy of the strap to loosen, once it's locked in place. The problem is that if the front seat isn't forward of the second row seat when it is locked in the upright position, it tends to oscillate on the lower hinge.

The best method of stowing the second row seat upright is to move the front seat forward enough so that the second row seat doesn't contact it when pushed forward and locked in place. Then move the front seat back to suit the passenger. If the front seat is positioned in the most rearward location, it will contact the second row seat. Mine rub each other constantly when their stowed. I just turn up the volume and ignore it.

It sounds like your seat straps loosened after you stowed the seats. After you place the hook under the grab bar, you have to lean into the seat bottom while pulling on the strap. Then lay the end you pulled on down on the fixed end of the strap and secure it in place with the velcro. If your velcro isn't doing the job, you can loop the free end around the fixed end and pull it through, making a knot. This works as well as the velcro, but it's harder to unwind.

 

[marketShark]

@Dan Lee @Malleus Can either of you provide pics please.

I am 6'2" and drive with my front seat as far back as it goes. If I were to move the driver seat forward to accommodate the 2nd row tumbling all the way forward, I just dont fit.

In carrying over sized items a week ago, i.e. a TV to and from a repair shop, I asked a helper (the gf) to sit in the pass 2nd row solo seat and SIMULTANEOUSLY hold the driver side 2nd row up (from falling back on the TV) and supporting the TV (so it doesn't fall over).

There has to be a better way....

 

[Malleus]

I think you've missed the point I was trying to make. In order to properly stow the second row seat(s), you first have to move the front seats out of the way. If you don't, you will not get the second row seats stowed fully forward and they will oscillate. After the seats have been locked in the upright position, the front seats can be moved to a position which suits the front seat passenger(s).

I also have the driver's seat in the rearmost position. If the second row seat is stowed properly, it will not move beyond the stretch in the strap system. The strap itself won't stretch, but it's stretched across a padded seat and if you don't get all the flex out of the cushion, it'll move a little. As I said, it will make noise as it rubs against the front seat, but that's unavoidable because they were designed the way they are. I'm not defending the design, just describing it.

I've never had to hold a Land Cruiser second row seat to keep it from falling over, and I've owned every model. The buckle and velcro system works. Take a look at the owner's manual. I'll post a few photos later today, if there's still any interest.

 

[Dan Lee]

I think I get your point. I'll try that out later.

But if I think I'll still be annoyed with how it is, I'll continue to use an extra strap. I just bought some extra ratcheting straps. I'm planning to use the built-in strap per the manual. And then if needed, I'll use an extra strap between the child restraint loop (which is now facing the front seat when the 2nd row is folded up) and either the 2nd or 3rd row hand grip to apply tension on the seat rearward. Then the seat shouldn't move forward or backward. Don't need much tension, just enough to keep it in place.

Nits for truck but I still wish the seats were easily removable and there was a built in cargo cover. And more tie down loops.

 

[Malleus]

I think I get your point. I'll try that out later.

But if I think I'll still be annoyed with how it is, I'll continue to use an extra strap. I just bought some extra ratcheting straps. I'm planning to use the built-in strap per the manual. And then if needed, I'll use an extra strap between the child restraint loop (which is now facing the front seat when the 2nd row is folded up) and either the 2nd or 3rd row hand grip to apply tension on the seat rearward. Then the seat shouldn't move forward or backward. Don't need much tension, just enough to keep it in place.

Nits for truck but I still wish the seats were easily removable and there was a built in cargo cover. And more tie down loops.

Both would be nice.

 

[FinallyGotOne!]

This is my one and only disappointment with the 200 series. I swear I remember my 100 staying in place without the straps. I seem to remember a small hydraulic strut that kept the seat up.

 

[KLF]

I agree, these 2nd row seats suck to tumble forward. Those silly straps are a joke. They're a pita to put back in their little cubbies.

I had to make a large dump run on Saturday, I used a ratchet strap hooked to the 1st row tracks, over the 2nd row tumbled forward. Worked well but geez what a dumb design.

 

[JeffH]

I put a towel between the front seat back and folded 2nd row on my 100 series to keep them quiet.

 

[LBridges]

This is my one and only disappointment with the 200 series. I swear I remember my 100 staying in place without the straps. I seem to remember a small hydraulic strut that kept the seat up.

Not there on my 2000 LX (but I wish it was).