Has anyone (locally) taken out the backs of their rear seats for a longer road trip? How hard is it? I've read the threads about the rear seat delete. Not sure if I want to do all that, but if removal of the backs is relatively easy, I'm thinking I might want to do that for more cargo room.

 

From what I have seen of rear seat deletes there is not much more room created. The seat back is only 6 inches thick so you are getting an extra 6 inches over a few square feet, not much really.

 

But for dog crates, etc. it might really help if it's not too difficult...

 

Just waiting for comments

 

 

My neighbor and I have made 1/2 inch plywood boards to make the back area flat which makes it easier to load and carry stuff. Also, we can lift the board and store soft stuff in the curved parts under the board where the rear seat cushion sits.

Removing the rear seats is not difficult to do at all. There is a center piece that can be removed so one can fashion a board like we did. It takes three torx 30 (I think that is the size) to remove that piece. On the R53 there is one bolt you have to remove first to be able to take out the rear seat backs. Once you have that bolt out the seat backs lift out of the center piece and then one rotates them forward until a pin lines up so you can pull each back free from the sides. On the R56, that bolt doesn't exist, but instead you have to press a spring clip with a screwdriver to lift the center of the seabacks, and then one rotates it forward just as one does with the R53.

Paul

 

You need dogs with shorter legs. What's smaller than a Corgie?

Could be time to upgrade to a Clubby for your Corgie's.

 

Thanks Paul. That is enough info to give it a try!

 

No way. If I don't have enough room, I'll take the Outback. My dogs are undeserving of a new vehicle. I'm just debating a road trip with them and stuff. Not sure if the MINI would work. Just exploring options. I also have the roof rack I could clamp something on. We'll see!

 

While clamping your Corgie's on the woof rack would look cool. I'd advise against doing it. The ASPCA would have a fit.

 

We stayed at a Red Woof in Cleveland last weekend!