Removal of Third Row Seats ( L462 Discovery 5 )

[markoh]

Greetings all,

After 20+ years of driving a Discovery 2, I've bitten the bullet and purchased a 2019 D5 SD6 SE 7-seater. As with my D2, I'd like to remove the third row seats to reclaim additional space for camping gear, spare battery and radios etc. To this end, I've searched high and low for reports of other people's experience in doing this but can find very few posts on the topic. Has anyone (other than Lee Jackson) done this? Can you offer any clues as to where to start, challenges, gothcas and the like? I tried to PM Lee but his mailbox is full.

I've seen a small number of dual battery videos on YouTube but these appear to result in the battery sticking out into the load space which, for me, is not attractive. Perhaps the space behind the near-side loadspace wall panel might accommodate two smaller batteries rather than one large battery... I'll check this out when I figure out how to remove the panel. I don't have 4-zone A/C so there should be some good space there.

As much as I love the extra grunt and comfort of the new-to-me vehicle, it looks to be very un-accommodating when it comes to personalising it with essential real-use equipment!

Thanks,

Mark

[paulcurry]

Hi Mark

I've just purchased a D5 with only 5 seats. I need to put a third row in. If you've managed to remove yours and want to get rid of them let me know.

Cheers
Paul

[greg-g]

I had a 7 seater D5 and thought they would be easy to remove.
I didn't do it in the end as I purchased a much better spec 5 seater.
The underfloor bracing is slightly different, but that wouldn't be a major issue?
I think the real problem would be seatbelts which would require reprogramming the computer and getting it certified.

[markoh]

Hi Paul,

I have yet to remove the seats but, when I do, I'll be hanging on to them for re-installation if/when I sell the vehicle in the future.

Best of luck getting a set for your D5.

Mark

Hi Mark

I've just purchased a D5 with only 5 seats. I need to put a third row in. If you've managed to remove yours and want to get rid of them let me know.

Cheers
Paul

[terryob]

ive been looking for a 5 seater. the dealers are telling me no such model exists in australia. can anyone who happens to have one please confrm what month/year it is. thanks a lot

[Narangga]

ive been looking for a 5 seater. the dealers are telling me no such model exists in australia. can anyone who happens to have one please confrm what month/year it is. thanks a lot

Pretty sure the S model of 2017 & 2018 was available with 5 seats as standard. None on Carsales at the moment though.

[Numb Thumbs]

My 20MY is a 5 seater. All new deliveries are 7 seaters.
Cheers
Numb Thumbs.

[terryob]

thanks guys, i have now confirmed such a model exists, albeit rare in Australia, and possibly only limited to base models, maybe no HSE's.

if anyone hears of any being wrecked out, i'd be keen to buy floor covers etc and the pillar covers around the seat belt exit point

[Tombie]

Hi Mark

I've just purchased a D5 with only 5 seats. I need to put a third row in. If you've managed to remove yours and want to get rid of them let me know.

Cheers
Paul

You'll have very little chance of getting it approved.

From memory floor bracing is increased / different, and there is no rear SRS in the 5 seater.

Highly unlikey to get the vehicle compliant.

[Strop]

HavenÂ’t removed mine yet but intend to as a temporary measure while touring. Legality wise not sure on how it goes state to state.

For those reading just remember that the 5 seater and 7 seater have different rear axle limits.

There is very little space behind the recessed rear cargo side. Purchasing a side panel from a wreck that had the aircon unit gives you reasonable space to add a battery and other gear. The Facebook group has some images of what people have done.